Destination Guide: Croatia

One great destination for a family sailing vacation, especially for moderately experienced sailors, is the Dalmatian Coast in Croatia. Croatia offers numerous sailing routes, charming coastal towns, historical sites, and delicious cuisine. The area provides line-of-sight sailing, a multitude of anchorages, and a diverse array of experiences. The locals welcome visitors to learn about its history and culture in quaint towns that, while European, are still distinctly Croatian.

American Sailing Vacations offers sailing cruises and flotillas out of Split and Dubrovnik.

Destination: Dalmatian Coast, Croatia

How to Get There

Fly into Split Airport (SPU) or Dubrovnik Airport (DBV), which are well-connected to major European cities. From the airport, you can easily reach marinas in Split or Dubrovnik, which serve as starting points for sailing vacations.

Average Cost to Charter a Boat

Charter costs vary based on the type of boat, its age, size, and the season. On average, a week-long charter for a family of four in a mid-sized sailboat or catamaran can range from €2,000 to €6,000, depending on your preferences and the time of year.

Charter Companies

Several reputable charter companies operate in Croatia, including Sunsail and Moorings. These companies offer a range of sailboats and catamarans suitable for families. Local charter companies include Adriatic Sailing and Catamaran Charter Croatia.

Number of Boats Available

Numerous boats are available for charter, catering to various budgets and preferences. It’s advisable to book in advance, especially during the peak summer season. Croatia is a large charter destination, so the number and type of boats available are quite abundant. This also allows for better pricing because of a very competitive marketplace.

Best Season to Sail

The ideal time to sail the Dalmatian Coast is from May to September, when the weather is warm, and the sea is calm. July and August are the peak months, offering a lively atmosphere and more crowded anchorages and marinas. Businesses have longer hours and cater to many tourists during the summer months.

What to Eat

Along the Dalmatian Coast, numerous seaside restaurants and taverns (known as konobas) offer fresh seafood, local wines, and traditional Croatian dishes. Try local specialties like grilled fish, octopus salad, and peka (a slow-cooked meat and vegetable dish). The cuisine is influenced by Roman touches but the ocean dictates menus across this region. Local wines will impress you if you allow yourself to be curious about your palate. The Plavac Mali is a popular grape that is planted in the region and produces rich “black” wines of Croatian. Posip is the white wine variety that will be found on most menus.

Visit Croatia with American Sailing Vacations

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Croatia A Learn-To-Sail Vacation

From$2,100

Adriatic Sailing Academy

Availability : Apr 26 - May 3 & Jul 19 - 26

Dubrovnik to Split, Croatia A Guided Flotilla

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Whitecaps Sailing

Availability : September 2025

Central Dalmatian Islands, Croatia A Guided Flotilla

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Whitecaps Sailing

Availability : August / September 2025

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EXPLORE CROATIA ABOARD CATALEYA A LUXURY CRUISE

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American Sailing

Availability : July/September 2025

Diversions on Land

Diocletian's Palace (Split)

Explore the ancient Roman palace in the heart of Split, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and stroll through its narrow streets filled with shops, restaurants, and historical sites. It is a bit touristy but you’ll be glad you stopped in. Old Town Split is populated with numerous restaurants, shops and hotels and is the ideal spot from which to start your sailing vacation.

Dubrovnik Old Town

Explore the well-preserved medieval city walls, historic buildings, and charming alleys in Dubrovnik, often referred to as the “Pearl of the Adriatic.” The restaurants and nightlife in this part of Croatian are just as enticing as the culture.

Wine Tasting

Don’t sleep on Croatian wines. Their rich history of over 2500 years of winemaking produces some incredibly flavorful wines at budget prices. Wine tasting can be found on each of the islands, and these boutique vineyards know how to have a good time and show their excellent wines. You’ll fall in love with Plavac Mali and Posip wines.

Korcula

Have a drink atop a tower, eat dinner on a seaside cliff, or sail in and around the town’s picturesque shores. From the steeple, you can see steep hillsides and red-tiled roofs. Korcula is a must-do on a sailing vacation. Endless restaurant options, centuries-old architecture, and a lively atmosphere await.

Hvar Island

Visit the town of Hvar, known for its vibrant nightlife, beautiful beaches, and the historic Hvar Fortress offering panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea. The water is crystal clear and warm in the summer months and the narrow streets and lively atmosphere feel as European as the tiny villages in Italy.

Krka National Park

Take a day trip to Krka National Park, famous for its stunning waterfalls, walking trails, and the opportunity to swim in natural pools. This national park is a great add on before or after your sailing vacation.

Popular Anchorages

Pakleni Islands

A group of picturesque islands near Hvar, offering secluded anchorages and crystal-clear waters.

https://croatia.hr/en-gb/islands/the-paklinski-islands

Vis Island

Known for its beautiful bays, such as Stiniva Bay and Srebrna Bay, providing excellent shelter for anchoring.

https://www.visinfo.org/

Mljet Island

Home to Mljet National Park, where you can anchor in the tranquil Polače Bay and explore the park’s lush landscapes and saltwater lakes.

https://www.mljettravel.com/

Additional Details

Language

Croatian, although English is spoken widely

Currency

Euro, although some spots still accept the Croatian Kuna

Flotilla in Croatia

American Sailing offers several Flotilla options with our sailing schools. Find those sailing excursions here

Sailing Schools in Croatia

Adriatic Sailing Academy is an American Sailing Academy offering sailing instruction in Croatia.

Ferry Information

The ferry system in Croatia is quite extensive and can take you to multiple ports on the islands. Starting from Split, you can choose to pick up your bareboat in one of the outlying Islands and craft your itinerary outside the big towns of Split or Croatia.

Croatiaferries.com

An intimate, luxury cruise experience on a modern sailing yacht.

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