Split is the largest city on the Adriatic coast. It is full of impressive sights to see, has brilliant restaurants to try and great marinas to start a Croatian sailboat charter. There are numerous coves and beaches for you to anchor and relax in. Split is right departure port for boat rental vacations to the nearby islands Vis, Hvar, Brac or Korcula. Split offers you great infrastructure for yachting as well as an unforgettable experience due to its own unique beauty. Sailing yacht charter Split is one of a kind, so let us tell you a bit about it.
Going on a boat rental from Split - How to get there?
Split is very easily reachable. Its international airport lies 24 km north-west from the city. It is the second largest in Croatia after Zagreb and handles millions of passengers every year. Throughout summer there are plenty of seasonal charter flights to mostly all larger European destinations, so going on a sailboat holiday in Split is really easy.
Watch this footage of the city of Split we found on Youtube
Should you prefer travelling by car, you can rely on a well-developed network of roads in Croatia and the Adriatic Highway will take you straight to Split.
Split is also well-linked by ferry with Italy and there are many ferry connections from Split to the summer resorts and ports of the Dalmatian coast line.
![Historical Palace of Split]( "Historical Palace of Split")
Which marinas in Split are best suited for bareboat charter yachts?
Split ACI Marina, south-west of the historic centre, has 364 berths for yachts up to 80 m. It is nicely protected by a long breakwater and offers a full range of services and repair facilities.
Marina Lav Split, with the adjoined luxury resort Le Meridien Lav, is situated 8 km south-east from the centre of town and has 74 moorings for boats up to 40 m. There are restaurants, bars, a spa and wellness centre, an in- and outdoor pool, a casino and nightclub, beaches, a kindergarten, a laundry service and many more facilities that visitors of the marina can use.
Marina Kastela, 7 km from the airport, can host 400 yachts up to 100 m and features all basic needs like water and electricity as well as some nautical services.
![Beautiful Arquitecture of Split City Centre]( "Beautiful Arquitecture of Split City Centre")
What has Split got to offer for après sailing?
On a charter vacation in Split you can combine sailing with exploring the city and getting to know the local culture. In the following, find a few suggestions as to what there is to do:
Sightseeing in Split is great. A must-see is the Diocletian´s Palace and Mausoleum dating to the 4th century. It is one of the best preserved roman palaces. Visit the Grgur Ninski Statue or the Cathedral and Bell Tower of St. Domnius - you can walk up the tower and see Split from above. The entire Old Town with its maze of streets is wonderfully picturesque. Stroll along the Riva, which is the water promenade. Check out the Archaeological Museum boasting many Roman ruins and artefacts.
For relaxation chill out at the city beach of Bacvice, for instance.
There is great shopping in the huzzle and buzzle of the vibrant Old Town - you encounter many elegant as well as very funky boutiques and galleries.
Go for a wine and cheese tasting, for instance in the Library Jazz Bar Marcus Marulus. Sample local produce from Croatia and Bosnia in 15th century atmosphere surrounded by about 1,000 books. The bar is located in front of the City Museum in Old Town.
Try the Dalmatian cuisine that contains lots of seafood but also very hearty dishes like roasted lamb.
For a taste of the nightlife try the Hemingway Bar in the centre or join a pub crawl if you want to meet other people.
Watch dolphins or sea turtles. Do water sports like diving, snorkeling, fishing, water ski, wakeboarding, kayaking and many more. Or hire a bike and cycle around the area. In Split you have plenty to do and explore, so go ahead and soak up the beauty of this amazing Dalmatian city.
![Harbor Promenade of Split]( "Harbor Promenade of Split")
Which ones are the best yacht charter escapes from Split?
When you do sailing or motor yacht hire in Split, there are numerous very attractive destinations you can visit within a day´s excursion. Here are a few examples:
The lovely city of Trogir is only about 8 nm away and you can just as easily sail to Ciovo, an island just off the coast from Trogir. Go to Drvenik, or Solta with the beach resort town Maslinica. Both islands are only about 10 nm from Split.
Head to Brac with the beautiful Zlatni Rat beach that features on so many postcards and enjoy gorgeous Lucica Bay with its amazing turquoise water. Visit the villages of Bol and Milna. Buy some local olive oil and sheep cheese or try the lamb that is the local speciality dish.
Anchor and swim in the breathtakingly beautiful Stivina Bay on Vis Island, ca. 27 nm from Split. Go to Ravnik, a mini island just south of Vis. Well worth visiting there is the so-called Green Cave, it is very large and you can enter by boat. Then there is the close-by neighbour island Bisevo with the amazing Blue Cave for which you need tickets to enter. Snorkel in the Blue Lagoon of Budikovac Island, also just south of Vis. The island is inhabited by only one person all through the year.
Cruise to lively Hvar Town with its Venetian palaces and charming streets and squares. Visit Hvar Fortress. Head over to the Paklinski archipelago off the south-west coast of Hvar. It lies opposite the entrance of Hvar harbour. The name is derived from the pine resin that used to be harvested there and employed to coat the boats. It is a 10 km long chain of islands with a very indented coastline, providing numerous coves for anchoring, snorkeling and fishing, for instance, beautiful Palmizana Bay.
Korcula, about 32 nm from Split, and its gorgeous old town with nice souvenir shops and galleries is calling.
Then there is the Lastovo Archipelago Nature Park, south of Korcula, with absolutely stunningly pure, untouched nature.
Last not least sublime Mljet National park, approx. 60 nm from Split, has equally unspoilt nature for you to admire.
Those are only a few suggestions. There is a lot more to discover and the destinations for sailboat charter Split are sheer endless and all undeniably beautiful.
How to charter a yacht in Split?
In order to do sailing or motor yacht charter in Split you will require a skipper´s licence or proof that you have sufficient sailing experience. The alternative is to hire a yacht with a skipper. Additionally, a radio licence is needed, which you could do there in a crash course in case you haven´t got any. All you need to do then is to decide whether you want to do bareboat or skippered yacht charter and if you prefer motor or sailing boat rental respectively catamaran hire.
There are some very professional companies for yacht rental in Split and you can use YachtFinder to get the best offers and find the perfect charter combination for your individual sailing holiday. Contact us for more detailed information on charter yachts and conditions.
One-Week Sailing Itinerary from Split, Croatia
Day 1: Split to Milna (Brač Island)
Begin your yacht charter adventure from the bustling port of Split on a Saturday evening. Set sail for Milna, a quaint village on the island of Brač, located about 12 nautical miles away. Enjoy the gentle sea breeze as you navigate through the beautiful Adriatic waters. Upon arrival, moor your yacht in the cozy Milna harbor and indulge in delicious Croatian cuisine at a local konoba.
Day 2: Milna to Hvar (Hvar Island)
Leave Milna behind and embark on a 16-nautical-mile journey to the trendy island of Hvar. En route, drop anchor at the picturesque Pakleni Islands, a collection of lush islets perfect for snorkeling and relaxing on secluded beaches. Arrive at Hvar town, famous for its vibrant nightlife and stunning Venetian architecture. Moor your yacht charter in the lively marina and explore the ancient streets of this enchanting town.
Day 3: Hvar to Vis (Vis Island)
Set sail from Hvar and head southwest to the serene island of Vis, approximately 23 nautical miles away. Along the way, stop at the breathtaking Stiniva Cove, a hidden gem with crystal-clear waters and towering cliffs. Upon arrival in Vis, moor your yacht in the picturesque Kut harbor and discover the island's rich history, including its time as a naval base for the Yugoslav army.
Day 4: Vis to Korčula (Korčula Island)
Depart from Vis and continue your yacht charter adventure to the medieval town of Korčula, located about 30 nautical miles away. En route, take a break at the peaceful Proizd Island, an idyllic spot for sunbathing and swimming in its turquoise waters. In Korčula, stroll through the maze-like streets, marvel at the stunning Gothic architecture, and savor local delicacies in charming eateries.
Day 5: Korčula to Mljet (Mljet Island)
Leave the enchanting Korčula behind and sail eastward to the lush island of Mljet, approximately 20 nautical miles away. Drop anchor at the pristine Odysseus Cave, a mesmerizing spot perfect for a refreshing swim. Continue to the island's National Park and moor your yacht charter in Pomena. Explore the verdant landscapes, tranquil lakes, and ancient monasteries nestled within this natural paradise.
Day 6: Mljet to Polače (Mljet Island)
Set sail from Pomena and cruise along the scenic Mljet coastline to the tranquil village of Polače, located about 12 nautical miles away. En route, visit the stunning Saplunara beach, famous for its golden sands and crystal-clear waters. Moor your yacht in the sheltered Polače harbor and enjoy a peaceful evening under the stars in this serene corner of the island.
Day 7: Polače to Split
On the final day of your yacht charter adventure, set sail from Polače back to Split, a journey of approximately 45 nautical miles. Before returning to your starting point, take the time to explore the scenic Lastovo Archipelago, where you can enjoy a last swim or sunbathing session in the idyllic surroundings.
Arrive back in Split on Friday evening, ready to return your yacht charter to the base. As you disembark, bid farewell to your yacht and crew, taking with you unforgettable memories of your Croatian sailing adventure.
Summary Table
| Day | From | To | Distance (Nautical Miles) |
|---|
| 1 | Split | Milna (Brač Island) | 12 |
| 2 | Milna | Hvar (Hvar Island) | 16 |
| 3 | Hvar | Vis (Vis Island) | 23 |
| 4 | Vis | Korčula (Korčula Island) | 30 |
| 5 | Korčula | Mljet (Mljet Island) | 20 |
| 6 | Mljet | Polače (Mljet Island) | 12 |
| 7 | Polače | Split | 45 |
What are some of the top attractions for sailors in and around Split, Croatia?
Split, Croatia's second-largest city, is packed with historical landmarks and natural beauty. The Diocletian's Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is an absolute must-see. Additionally, the vibrant Riva Promenade, Marjan Park with its stunning views of the city and sea, and the bustling Green and Fish Market are other top attractions. Just off the coast, the islands of Brač, Hvar, and Vis are also perfect for a sailing day trip.
What are some recommended marinas or anchorages nearby?
ACI Marina Split, located in the southwestern part of the city harbor, is a great place for sailors to moor their yachts. It offers 355 berths and a wide range of services. Another good option is Marina Zenta, smaller but conveniently located near some of Split's best beaches.
What water activities can sailors enjoy?
From sailing and exploring the Dalmatian islands to snorkeling, diving, and fishing, there's plenty for water enthusiasts in Split. Windsurfing and kitesurfing are popular in the nearby beaches such as Žnjan. For scuba divers, the underwater world near the island of Vis, with its numerous wrecks, is a particular treat.
What are some local gastronomic specialties in Dalmatia?
Dalmatian cuisine, characterized by its simplicity and freshness, is a delight for food lovers. Don't miss out on "pašticada", a slow-cooked beef dish, or the fresh seafood prepared in various ways. Make sure to taste the local cheese from the island of Pag, olive oil from the Split hinterland, and local wines like Plavac Mali.
What special events or festivals can sailors experience in Split?
The second biggest city of Croatia hosts several events throughout the year. The most famous is probably the Split Summer Festival, an annual festival of opera, music, and dance. The Ultra Europe music festival, which attracts top international DJs, is another exciting event. Split Film Festival and the local folk feasts known as "fjaka" are also worth experiencing.
What are some interesting day trips from Split for charter guests?
The central Dalmatian islands of Brač, Hvar, and Vis are all excellent day trips from Split. Brač is famous for its white-pebble beach Zlatni Rat, while Hvar offers vibrant nightlife and beautiful lavender fields. Vis, the farthest inhabited island, is known for its beautiful beaches and the Blue Cave. Krka National Park is also easily reachable from Split.
When is the best time to sail around Split?
The sailing season in Dalmatia typically runs from April through October, with July and August being the peak months due to warm weather and calm seas. However, those months can also be quite crowded. If you prefer a quieter sailing experience, consider visiting in the shoulder months of May, June, September, or October.
What wildlife can sailing crews expect to see?
The sea around Split is home to diverse marine life, including dolphins and different types of fish. While snorkeling or diving, you might also see octopuses, starfish, and sea urchins. The islands near Split and the surrounding areas host a rich birdlife. And if you're lucky, you might even spot a Dalmatian pelican or a short-toed eagle.