Kastela – Solta – Jelsa – Hvar – Vis – Komiza – Pakleni Islands - Kastela

Before the departure visit Split - a renowned tourist destination with countless things to do and visit. The most common objective recommended by locals and is the Diocletian Palace, one of the best-preserved treasures of the ancient Roman Empire. Other historical highlights include the Cathedral and tower of St. Dominius, Procurativa and Republica Square, Jupiter’s Temple, Peristyle square, as well as the numerous waterfront cafés and restaurants on the Riva. Atret lunch, sail out to a secluded bay on Šolta for the night, enjoying a delicious dinner at one of the restaurants on the island. For example (unless the sirocco wind is blowing directly from the south) the bay of Tatinja which lies in the middle of the southern coast of Šolta. There are excellent conditions for snorkelling here. If the weather does not allow for this, there is safer docking 4.5 NM further to the west at the Maslinica marina, slightly more expensive, but lovely marina. Šolta is a quiet island unspoilt by tourism, with an abundance of picturesque bays and a pleasant Mediterranean atmosphere.

Approx 4hrs sailing*

On the way to Jelsa, stop by at the beautiful bay of Zlatni Rat on Brač. Relax on a beach or stay on the boat and jump into the turquoise waters. This is one of the iconic beaches in Croatia, and a very popular spot. Therefore, one of the best ways to see it is from the back of your private yacht. After an afternoon of swimming and relaxing, head to the port of Jelsa, taking dinner in town..

Approx 3hrs sailing*

.Sail to Hvar, the capital of Hvar island. You can either moor up at Hvar harbour pier, or head to the nearby Marina Palmižana (when stronger bora winds blow, be careful of the waves) which is just a short water taxi ride from the main town. Explore the beauty of the old town, climb up to the fortress for a stunning sunset view of the city and the surrounding islands. Finish the day in one of the restaurants or join the night-life in one of the glorious party spots. The port of Hvar is one of the most charming in the region and is definitely worth a visit. The town has a number of noteworthy historical sights and the many restaurants and cosy patisseries offer ample opportunity for refreshment. Take a deep breath while you’re there – the sun and the briny air with its notes of pine oil have famously medicinal effects. Also highly recommended are the local lavender oil, lavender honey, and various typical liqueurs.

After a night out in Hvar stop for a morning swim in one of the nearby Pakleni Islands to regain your balance. Your next destination is Vis, the emerald isle that is furthest from the mainland. There is a choice between mooring in Vis Town, in front of the old town hall, or (if the bora blows) a little further round the bay / pier in Kut which is quieter. The walk round from Kut to the main town is a lovely meander through delightful streets. Make sure you stop for a drink at Bistro Frutarija, midway between the two, the Hendricks Spritz definitely hits the spot as you laze on the terrace overlooking the bay! You could rent a VW beetle, scooter or bike and explore the beauty of the whole island. Alternatively, take a military tour to investigate the outposts left from WWII. Long, narrow tunnels, which once hid submarines and naval ships, now lie abandoned, home only to fish and seagulls. The curious and easily accessible tunnel is situated in Rogacac Bay, 2 NM west of the port of Vis, is also a good spot for anchoring. In the evening, take your pick from a handful of excellent restaurants, Pojoda, Lola and Rokis these all are fantastic.

Sail around the island towards Komiža and stop at the Green Cave. This cave is equally worth a visit, whether for diving, jumping from cliffs or simply anchor to experience it from the comfort of your boat. The rays of the sun penetrate the cracks in the roof, resulting in extraordinary emerald-green light effects on the wall. The best time to marvel at these effects is around noon. Visiting the cave is not advised when the sirocco winds are blowing. Komiža, a wonderful little town nestled in the middle of the Adriatic sea is situated at the base of Mount Hum (587m). There is a great view from the top, where you can visit a small church and watch the sunset. There is a short path leading from the nearby road to the top (a stop here is also part of the military tour if you choose to do that). If you don’t like walking, take a taxi up. In the evening, enjoy the regional food, ( lobster is a local specialty )

On the southern coast of Vis, you’ll find beautiful bays with ideal conditions for diving or snorkelling – including Ruda Bay and Travna Bay. The Bay of Stiniva is a long fjord which extends to a marvellous pebble beach, home to a small fishing hut during high season. We recommend a visit during the morning or early evening, when there are fewer tourists around. From Rukavac Bay, it is 9 NM to the island of Biševo in a westerly direction. On the eastern coast of Biševo lies Balun Bay, where you’ll find located MODRA ŠPILJA - the truly astonishing blue cave, into which daylight enters only through an underwater tunnel. As a result, the light is an exquisite blue. After emerging from the water, the light plays on the walls, creating a spectacle of intense and ever-changing shades of blue.  

To sail into the cave, it will cost about 50 to 70 Croatian kuna per person. The best time of the day to enjoy the lighting effects is between 10 and 11 am, but this is also when it is busiest. It is not possible to anchor in front of the cave; once you reach the entrance to the cave, you must wait for staff who do the tours of the cave.

If the sirocco wind is blowing, you will probably be all alone in the cave, even around noon when it is usually busy. The staff will not be attending the entrance and very few sailors will risk the trip during these conditions. You will have to be very careful when manoeuvring in front of the cave. Entrance is only possible during weaker sirocco winds, though even then there are risks attached to taking your boat into the cave. In strong sirocco winds, do not attempt to enter the cave.

Then sail to Pakleni Islands, where clear waters, hidden beaches, deserted lagoons and gorgeous chain of wooded isles stretch out immediately in front of the town Hvar. There are several bays great for anchoring as well as buoy fields, Vinogradišće, Soline, Taršće, and ACI marina Palmižana. Enjoy a delicious dinner at one of the restaurants on the island, take your pick from Meneghello, Zori or Laganini, all these are great options.

On the way back to the marina, stop at multiple lagoons, take a swim, finish your lunch and make the most of your last sailing day. Depending on your starting point, finish your week with a night in the old town of Split or Trogir. Buy local fruit and vegetables for your trip at the nearby Pazar Market. Make sure you also visit the unique 120-year-old fish market, Peškarija. The spirit of ancient fishing traditions lives on in Veli Varoš, one of the city’s oldest districts. Have a beer at the Matejuška harbour and soak up the magical atmosphere. Have an unforgettable evening near Diocletian’s Palace (UNESCO World Heritage Site) or lose yourself on the tiny streets of Trogir – town that thrills its visitors with so many cultural-historic monuments and narrow alleys, art collections and numerous masterpieces.