Sailing trip Croatia

Split is the second largest city in Croatia and the most important city on the Croatian coast, ideally located between mountains and beaches. Some of the most beautiful Croatian islands are located near Split, offering sunbathing, swimming, and natural beauty. In the spring, the Split sailing region traditionally hosts numerous regattas, while summer is perfect for a relaxing yacht charter. Split has also gained popularity among yachtsmen due to its extensive selection of charter boats both in Croatia and abroad. Its indented coastline, dotted with numerous islands, will captivate any sailor. Yachtsmen appreciate this region for its ideal Mediterranean climate—generally warm and dry—and, of course, the moderate mistral wind, creating favorable sailing conditions. The sea is clean and clear, deep enough for all types of vessels, and ideal for swimming and diving. Split's most popular tourist attractions include: - The famous Palace of the Roman Emperor Diocletian, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Diocletian is famous not only for founding Split in the 3rd century, but also for being the emperor who traded power for cabbage farming. The city began to grow around his palace. Today, it is surrounded by twenty-meter-high walls and towers and covers over three hectares. And, of course, Game of Thrones fans will surely want to stop by here, as episodes of the series have been filmed in Split on numerous occasions. - The Cathedral of St. Domnius, or the city's main church, is notable for its bell tower (the Bell Tower of St. Domnius). Not only is it the highest point in the city offering views, but it also once housed an imperial mausoleum, to which other buildings were added. - Marjan Park, located on the top of a local mountain, also offers views of Split. This point also offers a beautiful view of the islands of Brač, Vis and Hvar – popular locations among yachtsmen.

Another UNESCO World Heritage site is ancient Trogir, founded by the Greeks in the 3rd century BC. This museum-town sits on the coast of Kaštela Bay in the central Adriatic, located between Split and Šibenik. Often called "Little Venice" for its blend of authentic Romanesque, Baroque, and Renaissance architecture, historical monuments, and a maze of charming streets intersecting in the most unexpected places, Trogir has a population of just 13,000. Tourists love Trogir for its magnificent waterfront with stunning views of the bay and old town. It's a great place for an evening stroll, with plenty of restaurants and cafes. What's worth seeing in Trogir? - Kamerlengo Fortress (Northern Gate) – a 15th-century medieval fort located in the western part of the historic center, almost on the waterfront. The fortress was built to protect Kaštela Bay. - The Chipico Palace is a historic Gothic building, built in the 15th century for the aristocratic family of the same name on the foundations of several Romanesque houses. The building is notable for an interesting detail: a carved Venetian-style window by Alesi. The main entrance is adorned with a wooden statue of a rooster – a trophy from a Turkish ship, captured by a member of the Chipico family in the mid-15th century during a naval battle. - The Benedictine Monastery – the Monastery of St. Nicholas, founded in the 11th century right on the waterfront, to which a bell tower was added in the 16th century. The monastery's magnificent interior was completely remodeled in the Baroque style in the 18th century. Of the many works of art housed here, the most notable are works by Antonio Zanchi, Paolo Veneziano, and Nicola Grassi, as well as a 13th-century Madonna and Child. The Clock Tower is one of the symbols of Trogir, an ancient tower with a colorful clockwork mechanism. It was once part of the 15th-century Church of St. Sebastian. Nearby is the city loggia with beautiful columns and reliefs. The stone statue on the tower is called "Justice" and dates back to 1471.

Our next stop is the island of Vis, the most remote and perhaps most mysterious of Croatia's islands, located in the middle of the Adriatic Sea, almost halfway to Italy. For decades, Vis was closed to the outside world, yet it boasts a unique and rich history! The oldest Greek settlement on the Adriatic, dating back to the 4th century BC and known as Issa, was located on the site of today's Vis. This independent state, soon renamed Vis, fell under numerous rule over the centuries, including Roman, Venetian, Austrian, French, British, Italian, Yugoslav, and finally Croatian. This complex and ever-changing history is reflected in the island's architecture; from Roman baths to British forts and even abandoned Yugoslav submarine tunnels. As the most remote Dalmatian island and strategically located in the Adriatic Sea, Vis served as a military base for much of the 20th century, serving as a base for Allied forces during World War II against Italy and Germany. Only recently, in 1989, did the island open its harbors and beaches to tourists. In 1992, the Yugoslav Army abandoned Vis, and its military base status was lifted. Due to its secluded location before 1989, Vis has retained its unspoiled beauty. It is an island dotted with hidden coves and old towns, where locals still maintain centuries-old fishing and winemaking traditions. A paradise of picture-postcard towns nestled in coves teeming with hidden caves and beaches, surrounded by waters in every imaginable shade of blue, Vis is an idyllic haven perfect for leisurely exploration, enjoying the local cuisine, and the laid-back pace of Dalmatian life. What to do on Vis? It's hard to list everything, but if you have to choose from a few, be sure to do the following: - Climb Mount Hum. A climb to the island's highest peak will reward you with incredible views of the open sea! On the western side of the island, you'll find a hiking trail that will take you to the impressive summit of Mount Hum, overlooking the town of Komiža. Hum's highest point, at 587 meters above sea level, offers stunning views of the town below and Bisevo Island, home to the famous Blue Cave! - Visit the Blue Cave on Bisevo Island, which is now accessible not only to divers but also to regular tourists arriving by boat. However, you'll still have to duck to enter the cave. The blue light that illuminates the cave, as seen in the sci-fi film, is scientifically explained by the reflection of light on the water when the sun is at its highest point in the sky. Swimming is not allowed inside the cave, but it's worth admiring this impressive phenomenon. - Discover the filming locations of Mamma Mia, located right at the foot of Mount Hum. Much of the film was shot in picturesque Komiža, just 10 km from Vis. But the town of Vis and the local beach, Barjoska, also made a brief appearance in the movie. - Explore Tito's Cave and Bunker. At first glance, the island of Vis appears quiet and peaceful, but the tunnels and bunkers scattered throughout the island hide reminders of its fascinating military past! Discover Tito's Cave and the submarine base secretly carved into the side of a limestone hill (to avoid aerial detection), get lost in the secret world of tunnels beneath the island, and explore Tito's Bunker.

One of the most popular Croatian beaches is located opposite the island of Hvar, in the Pakleni archipelago: it's a favorite vacation spot for tourists looking to enjoy the crystal-clear waters of Palmižana. You can get here by small taxi boats from Hvar, but we'll take the opportunity to arrive by yacht. Our first stop on the Palmižana map will be the convenient local marina, which can accommodate 200 boats and is located in one of the safest natural harbors on the Adriatic. From the marina, you can reach small coves with several restaurants offering a rather chic Ibiza-style atmosphere, decorated in hippie style and blending harmoniously with the island's vegetation. While strolling around the island, you might suddenly discover an exotic botanical garden, populated by hundreds of rare plant species, olive trees, laurels, rosemary, mimosas, and cacti. According to island history, this garden was created over a hundred years ago by Professor Eugenio Meneghello, who purchased the arid land and fell in love with the island so much that he and his children managed to transform it into a destination that attracts the most select tourists. Through the efforts of three generations of the Meneghello family, who today can be called pioneers of ecotourism, Palmižana has been transformed into a paradise where we feel in harmony with the sea and nature. The family's vision was to create an ecotourism infrastructure on the island, including several villas, bungalows, and two stone-built restaurants. Palmižana is notable for its absence of traffic, extensive pedestrian paths and trails where children can run safely, parents can relax peacefully, and couples can discover hidden coves and crystal-clear sea. In July and August, life here becomes noisy and busy, but we can always find solitude in the numerous bays and coves, accessible by foot (the island can be circumnavigated in just 45 minutes) or simply by anchoring.

We'll hike to the island of Hvar, located north of Hvar Town, where picturesque Stari Grad ("Old Town") is located—a quaint spot away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It's one of the oldest cities in Europe, founded around 3000 BC, and has survived many historical events while maintaining its sheltered position at the very end of a large bay. Stari Grad is believed to have been founded by Illyrians, who were driven into the mountains by Greek settlers from Paros in the 4th century. Since its first colonization, Stari Grad has remained virtually unchanged, making it Croatia's seventh UNESCO World Heritage Site. During the Renaissance, the city suffered from Ottoman invasion, but it was then that its iconic stone buildings and romantic cobbled streets were established. In 1813, Hvar became part of the Dalmatian Kingdom, which immediately boosted the island's potential and prestige. After a hotel was built in Stari Grad in the 20th century, the town became a popular resort and tourist destination. What's a must-do in Stari Grad? - Climb Glavica Hill (or "Little Head"), a 111-foot-high hill offering views of ancient Stari Grad and even neighboring towns. This hike, suitable for all levels, is best undertaken at sunset, when the mountain offers an incredibly colorful view of the city panorama and picturesque surroundings. One of the most famous landmarks on the hill is the striking white cross located near the edge. Visible for miles, the cross serves as a beacon for Glavica. The original cross was destroyed during World War II and, as a symbol of the times, was restored in 1990. The new cross was made from the remains of the altar of the old cross and has remained intact since. There's also a small Catholic chapel on the hill, where locals leave offerings and pray to their patron saint. - Wander the narrow Venetian streets. After all, one, if not the best, way to get to know a city is to essentially get lost in it, which is perfectly suited to Stari Grad. While the streets of larger cities like Split or Dubrovnik are usually packed like sardines, the alleys of Stari Grad are blissfully empty and conducive to peaceful strolls. It's entirely possible to wander these labyrinthine streets, where time stands still, in a single day. And there's something to discover around every turn: from ancient arches to quaint cafes and delicious eateries that are sure to pique your interest! - Visit Tvrdalj Palace, the most famous building in Stari Grad, the summer residence of the Renaissance nobleman and poet Petar Hektorović. Hektorović began construction of his summer residence in the mid-16th century, embodying his idea of ​​a microcosm—that all divine creatures, including fish, birds, plants, and humans, had a place to live in a self-sufficient, enclosed world. Hektorović dedicated his life to the construction of this villa. The palace's most notable feature is its courtyard, which contains a seawater pool surrounded by a vaulted terrace. The water within shimmers with a multitude of shades, ranging from the full spectrum of blue to green depending on the time of day—most of the palace's living spaces were designed to connect to the pool! In keeping with the microcosmic design, the landward side of the residence features a large walled garden filled with herbs and medicinal plants. During the Turkish Ottoman raids, Hektorović emphasized strengthening the walls, making the palace a refuge for all those fleeing the attack. - Eat lavender ice cream, which is abundant on the island. There's even a lavender festival. This unique local delicacy is a must-try. The old saying goes, "Rose is the scent of the heart, lavender is the scent of the soul"—and what better way to soothe your soul than with ice cream on a hot summer day? The combination of the creamy base and the floral aroma of lavender will delight your taste buds. The scent of lavender will follow you throughout the island, so acquiring it in all its forms, including dairy delicacies, is a must! There are so many kiosks and gelaterias in Stari Grad that trying them all to find your perfect option is a real challenge!

Milna is a beautiful, authentic Dalmatian village located on the northern side of the island of Brač, which will captivate you with its idyllic sunsets. The friendly locals of this quaint island village value their leisurely way of life, offering a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of neighboring islands. Numerous local coves are ideal for swimming and snorkeling, and the sounds of cicadas and the scent of pine forests create a uniquely relaxing atmosphere. Milna's beautiful promenade is perfect for enjoying the sunset with a glass of excellent local wine (and delicious local seafood). This charming seaside village, with a population of just under 1,000, was founded in the 16th century. With one of the safest and most protected harbors on the island, Milna is a favorite marina. But you can do more than just relax and enjoy leisurely sunsets here. If you're not used to spending time on boats in the marina, you'll find plenty to do in Milna: - Explore the entire island by car – a challenging, but worthwhile endeavor. One of the largest central Dalmatian islands, Brač is dotted with stone buildings (some still in use, while others have become fascinating roadside ruins), narrow cobbled streets, lush green fields, picturesque towns, and a wealth of local fruits and vegetables, including olive groves and vineyards. You'll appreciate the local views, beautiful roads, and the stunning spectacle of Mediterranean pine trees contrasting with the azure Adriatic Sea. - Visit Zlatni Rat – the third-best beach destination in Europe! Zlatni Rat is one of those stunningly beautiful natural phenomena that's worth seeing with your own eyes. This unique beach is located 4 km from the town of Bol. Its sandy shores extend 500 meters into the Adriatic Sea, forming a V-shaped beach. This beach is impressive in its uniqueness due to its constantly changing shape and structure, and the force of the water constantly alters its appearance. - Visit Blaca Monastery. This 16th-century monastery, carved out of limestone cliffs, is a stunning sight, well worth the effort required to reach it! Initially, monks found solitude and peace among the rocks, where they eventually built an impressive monastery within and around a cave. The monastery existed for many centuries and was still active 50 years ago. Today, it houses a museum housing many interesting artifacts, books, and astronomical instruments. Blaca Monastery is only accessible on foot. - Explore Dragon's Cave. 300 meters above the village of Murvitsa lies Zmaeva Spilia, known as the Dragon's Cave. Local hermit monks once found refuge here, and the cave walls are decorated with fascinating carvings, including dragon carvings believed to date back to the 15th century. This cave is accessible only on foot, and the return journey can take up to four hours.