Summer Sailing: Exploring the south of the Dalmatian coast

Cruising the Dalmatian coast: a once-in-a-lifetime experience

For years now Croatia has been the world's leading destination in terms of sailing. In 2022 it ranked as the number one sailing destination in the world. The Dalmatian coast has so many islands it is tailor-made for a once-in-a-lifetime sailing experience. During the summer months, the coastline becomes a must-see destination for anyone visiting Croatia. Still visiting all the islands on the coastline can be a daunting task, so for that reason we decided to create a perfect itinerary for you, starting from the south of the Dalmatian Coast. Together we will journey through 6 beautiful islands, all with a rich history and truly breathtaking sights. Each island has its special magic and all six islands are perfect destinations for anyone doing a yacht charter in Croatia.

6 islands that will take your breath away

Hvar:

Readers of Travel + Leisure in 2023 have voted Hvar in the top 20 most beautiful islands in the entire world and this is not the first time the island of Hvar has been in such top rankings. The island is constantly mentioned in the same breath as some of the most stunning locations in the world. Traveling to Hvar is an essential part of every Croatian visit. The location not only offers stunning natural scenery but also countless activities that are truly worth experiencing.

The island has a rich history which can be seen right away from the architecture and the nature. The moment you step on the island you will see ancient harbors with quaint fishing boats, chapels that date back hundreds of years, and a vibrant agricultural tradition. Still, the crown jewel of Hvar is the UNESCO World Heritage Site called Stari Grad or Old Town. This town dates back almost 2500 years into the past. Hvar also offers a myriad of activities for anyone visiting this fairytale-like location. From a very active nightlife scene to hiking and mountain biking, windsurfing, kayaking and even parasailing, Hvar is a treasure trove of fun and unique experiences. No yachting voyage in Croatia is complete without visiting this one-of-a-kind island.

Vis:

An unskippable destination for anyone sailing in the south of the Dalmatian coast is the island of Vis. Its original name was Issa and it means "a fortified place near water". Vis is an island with a rich military and trade history and is a perfect location for anyone wishing to explore the past of Croatia and its neighboring nations. Vis was a crucial location for trade as its location was on a crossroads of various sea trade routes. This meant that people from various other regions met on Vis and exchanged items, culture, and history.  

Later on, the island served as a military base, especially during World War 2. The island had over 30 military bases located on it and under it. There were countless tunnels, bunkers, and even a giant missile base all on Vis. Some of the tunnels were closed off to the public for over half a century. Now people who visit the island have the chance to explore all of the tunnels and bases on Vis without any restrictions.

Lastovo:

The next island on the list is Lastovo. It became a national Park in 2006 because of the vast natural beauty that has largely remained untouched. Lastovo is a smaller island that is located near another island on this list, Korčula. Lastovo only has 1300 people living there as it is very small and most of it is natural. What makes Lastovo so special is that there are 46 additional small islands all around the island itself. This collection of islands is called the Lastovo Archipelago. A location truly tailor-made for sailing as you can visit so many small and different islands very close by.

Every year Lastovo becomes more and more popular with travelers because it is one of the last remaining islands that is mostly just untouched by nature. It is perfect for a relaxing trip far away from the noises of other more active areas on the Dalmatian coast.

Korčula:

Continuing with our journey we reach the supposed birthplace of the legendary explorer Marco Polo, the island of Korčula. This unique island is located right between Split and Dubrovnik, straight in the center of South Dalmatia. The island itself is located only 1 kilometer from the mainland. Korčula is otherwise known as "little Dubrovnik" as the two share many similarities from their rich cultural heritage, very unique architecture, and countless activities for travelers.

What forms the rich history of Korčula is the many powers that ruled over the island over time. We are talking about the Greeks, Venetians, Austrians, and even the British Empire. They all at one point found themselves on Korčula creating their historic footprint on the island. The island is a treasure trove of activities, from the usual hiking and sailing to exploring the Korčula Old Town.

Brač:

Our next stop is the highest island of the Dalmatian Coast, the island of Brač. With its 780-meter-high peak, Brač stands out in the vast sea of islands in the Dalmatian archipelago. The view from the top is truly breathtaking. But amazing views are not the only thing this island has to offer, its history and vast number of activities can make any summer vacation a truly memorable one.

Croatia's most famous beach is located on Brač, this beach is called the Golden Horn and its particular shape can be seen from the air. This beach is truly a wonder of nature as it often changes its shape because of the wind and the waves. Another selling point of Brač is its sacred heritage; there are 116 churches on the island itself, each one with a different style and from a different period. There are so many interesting facts about the island that truly make it a must-see destination.

Mljet:

Last but not least, our journey takes us to the island of Mljet.  A dreamlike destination with a truly rich and varied history. A location that acts as a perfect escape from the hectic city life, offering every visitor a chance to experience the past, from ancient times to the modern.  Some of the most beautiful beaches in Croatia can be found on Mljet island, as well as old-fashioned villages and buildings that belong to various types of cultures.

The island's history starts with the Illyrian tribes that populated the island in the ancient past. Where they once created homesteads for their tribes you can now find National Park Mljet. The island was also settled by Romans, Greeks, Napoleon, and many other empires throughout history. This is why Mljet is such a perfect location to visit. From ancient ruins, and churches from various eras to serene and calming beaches, Mljet offers every traveler a haven where they can relax while also experiencing history.

All of these islands have something unique to offer, and exploring them with a yacht is truly the way to go. Charter bookings and plannings can often get complicated but Toural they are just a click away.  Just contact us and we will make sure you have an experience like no other.

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