Dalmatia sailing area – experience island hopping with in2theblue
Dalmatia is one of Croatia’s most beautiful and diverse sailing areas. The region stretches along the Adriatic coast and offers a unique sailing experience with its numerous islands, untouched bays, and historic port towns. Whether it’s the impressive Kornati islands, vibrant Hvar, or the mysterious Blue Cave on Biševo – every sailor will find their perfect trip here.
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Sailing adventures in Croatia: islands, bays, and the sea
Croatia is world-famous for its unique sailing conditions. The diverse landscape with its more than 1,000 islands, sheltered bays, and historic coastal towns provides the perfect backdrop for every sailing adventure.
The two main regions – the Kvarner Gulf around Krk and the Dalmatia region – each have their own charm. While the Kvarner Gulf delights with its untouched nature and calm waters, Dalmatia captivates sailors with its vibrant life, cultural highlights, and varied sailing routes. From idyllic anchorages to lively port towns, Croatia offers a unique mix for every sailing trip.
Kornati – natural paradise with spectacular anchorages
The Kornati islands are one of Croatia’s most fascinating sailing regions, featuring untouched nature, crystal-clear water, and numerous anchorages. The archipelago comprises about 140 islands and is part of the Kornati National Park. An absolute highlight is Lojena Bay on the island of Levrnaka, the only sandy beach in the Kornati with turquoise water – ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Opat Bay on the island of Kornat is not only a popular anchorage but also home to the famous Konoba Opat, known for fresh fish and spectacular sunsets.
Equally impressive are the cliffs of Mana, a dramatic coastline with the ruins of an old film set offering breathtaking views of the open sea. The most important ports and marinas are Marina Piškera, a well-sheltered stop in the National Park, Marina Žut with supply facilities, and the ports of Sali and Murter, which serve as starting points for sailing trips.
Among the most beautiful anchorages, besides Lojena Bay, are Strunac Bay on Žut with its restaurants and Opat Bay on Kornat. When navigating, you should watch out for numerous shallows and reefs and use a precise nautical chart. Additionally, an entry fee is required for the National Park.
Vis – insider tip for dream bays
The island of Vis is a true paradise for sailors and is known for its secluded, dreamlike bays with crystal-clear water and spectacular landscapes. One of the most famous bays is Stiniva, which offers an almost mystical atmosphere with its narrow rocky entrance. Behind it, a small bay opens up with a beautiful pebble beach, which is among the most beautiful beaches in Croatia. Since the bay itself offers little space for anchoring, it is recommended to anchor a bit further out and take the dinghy to the shore.
Also on the south side of the island is the quiet Rukavac Bay, characterized by its turquoise water and picturesque surroundings – ideal for a relaxed swim stop or snorkeling.
Another highlight for sailors is Stončica Bay, located on the northeast coast of Vis. With its long sandy beach and a popular Konoba, it is a perfect place for a culinary break. The bay also offers a very good anchorage with a sandy bottom that provides protection from the wind. Also known for its sandy coast is Zaglav Bay, one of the few bays on Vis with a fine sandy beach, which is a popular destination especially for families or those seeking peace.
Hvar – the perfect mix of culture and nature
The island offers a perfect mix of vibrant nightlife, historic sights, and quiet anchorages. The main port of Hvar Town is known for its charming old town, Venetian architecture, and the fortress
Fortica, which offers a breathtaking view over the Pakleni Islands. These offshore islands, including Palmižana, offer well-sheltered anchorages and excellent restaurants.
If you are looking for peace and quiet, you should head for the Bay of Stari Grad, one of the oldest towns in Croatia, which is ideal for sailors with its relaxed atmosphere and good supply facilities. Also worth seeing is the Bay of Vrboska, often referred to as “Little Venice,” which impresses with its canals and charming stone houses.
For natural bays, the bays of Dubovica and Lučišća on the south coast are recommended – both offer crystal-clear water and a picturesque backdrop. The Bay of Mlini, on the Pakleni Islands, is another highlight with its shallow sandy beaches and quiet anchorages.
The best time for a sailing trip around Hvar is between May and September, when the winds are stable and temperatures are pleasantly warm. In addition to well-equipped marinas in Hvar Town, Stari Grad, and Vrboska, there are numerous safe anchorages along the coast. Hvar combines the best of culture, nature, and sailing adventures and is one of the most beautiful areas in the Adriatic.
Biševo – the Blue Cave and secluded anchorages
For sailors, Biševo is a true highlight, especially because of the famous Blue Cave (Modra špilja), which impresses with its fascinating, glowing blue water. Sailors can either head directly for the island or plan it as a stopover on their way between Vis and other nearby islands.
The island itself is largely uninhabited and offers several untouched bays that are ideal for anchoring.
To anchor near the Blue Cave on Biševo, there is a well-sheltered anchorage right near the cave, Porat Bay. This bay offers secure holding and is ideal for starting your visit to the Blue Cave. From there, you can go to the cave by small boat or tender, as anchoring directly in front of the cave is not possible.
Porat Bay is well-sheltered and offers a quiet anchoring zone with sandy and rocky ground. Here you will also find a buoy field. If you want to visit the cave, it is recommended to moor at one of the buoys and wait for one of the taxi boats to take you to the cave entrance and its tour boats. Only organized tours can enter the cave directly. It is also advisable to check the opening hours of the Blue Cave, as it is only accessible under certain light conditions.
But the rest of the island is also fascinatingly beautiful. The quiet atmosphere, clear water, and unique landscape make Biševo a perfect destination for a relaxed stop or an overnight stay on board.
Zirje – untouched nature and tranquility
Zirje is a quiet and lesser-known island in the Dalmatian archipelago, south of Šibenik, which attracts sailors with its untouched nature and secluded bays. The island offers numerous safe anchorages, including the picturesque bays of Stupin Čeline and Žaborić, which are ideal for a relaxing stop. Zirje is not very developed for tourism, making it a perfect destination for sailors seeking peace and seclusion.
The island has a long maritime history that can be felt in the small villages and local culture. In the traditional konobas, sailors can enjoy fresh fish and Dalmatian specialties. Due to its proximity to larger islands like Šolta and Krapanj, Zirje is excellent for a stopover on a sailing trip along the coast to enjoy the natural beauty and quiet atmosphere.
Drvenik – off the beaten sailing tracks
Drvenik is a small, remote island off the coast of Šibenik that offers sailors a quiet and idyllic environment. The island is largely uninhabited and is characterized by its untouched nature and rocky coastal landscape.
For sailors who want to sail away from mass tourism, Drvenik is a perfect destination. Particularly recommended are the bays of Veli Drvenik and Mali Drvenik, which offer well-sheltered anchorages, ideal for staying overnight or for a refreshing swim stop in the crystal-clear water. These secluded bays are surrounded by lush vegetation and offer a peaceful atmosphere.
The proximity to larger islands like Zirje and Prvić makes Drvenik an excellent stopover on a sailing trip along the Dalmatian coast.
