Central Dalmatia
Croatia’s most famous sailing region centered around Split. Home to glamours Hvar, pristine Vis and the iconic Zlatni Rat beach. Perfect blend of history, nightlife and natural beauty that attracts sailors from around the world.
Best for
All levels & Party Lovers
Season
April - October
Sailing Distance
8-22 NM between Islands
What to see & do
Split & Diocletian's Palace
UNESCO Site
Living Roman palace with restaurants, shops, and nightlife. Perfect base for island hopping.
Hvar Town
Historic Town
Lavender fields, Renaissance architecture, and vibrant nightlife. Croatia’s most glamorous destination.
Brač Island
Island
Famous Zlatni Rat beach, stone quarries, and charming fishing villages like Bol.
Vis Island
Island
Untouched nature, Blue Cave on Biševo, and authentic Dalmatian atmosphere.
Blue Cave
Natural Wonder
Magical blue illumination in underwater cave on Biševo island. Unforgettable boat tour experience.
Šolta Island
Islands
Peaceful escape with traditional villages, olive groves, and hidden coves.
Suggested 7-Day Itineraries
Classic Central Dalmatia
Split → Brač → Hvar → Vis → Šolta → Trogir → Split
The perfect introduction to Croatia’s most popular sailing region with all the highlights.
Highlights:
Diocletian's Palace
Zlatni Rat beach
Hvar nightlife
Blue Cave excursion
Day-by-day Itinerary
Day 1: Split
- Diocletian’s Palace tour
- Riva waterfront stroll
- Provisions
ACI Marina Split
Base port
Day 2: Bol, Brač Island
- Famous Zlatni Rat beach
- Vidova Gora hike
- Stone masonry villages
⚓ Bol harbor
15 NM (2 hours)
Day 3: Hvar Town
- Spanish fortress views
- Lavender fields
- Hvar nightlife
⚓ Hvar town harbor
12 NM (1.5 hours)
Day 4: Vis Island
- Blue Cave Biševo excursion
- Vis town authenticity
- Wine tasting
⚓ Vis town harbor
25 NM (3-4 hours)
Day 5: Šolta Island
- Peaceful island atmosphere
- Traditional olive groves
- Traditional konoba dinner
⚓ Maslinica bay
20 NM (2.5 hours)
Day 6: Trogir
- UNESCO old town
- St. Lawrence Cathedral
- Venetian architecture
⚓ Marina Dalmacija
8 NM (1 hour)
Day 7: Return to Split
- Final sail back
- Equipment check
- Farewell dinner
⚓ ACI Marina Split
5 NM (45 minutes)
Hidden Gems Explorer
Split → Šolta → Vis → Biševo → Komiža → Hvar (Palmižana) → Split
Discover the quieter side of Central Dalmatia with unique natural wonders and peaceful anchorages.
Highlights:
Secluded Šolta
Authentic Vis
Blue & Green Caves
Palmižana lagoon
Day-by-day Itinerary
Day 1: Split
- Late afternoon departure
- Sunset sail
- Route briefing
⚓ ACI Marina Split
Base port
Day 2: Šolta Island
- Peaceful Maslinica bay
- Traditional village life
- Swimming in secluded coves
⚓ Maslinica
10 NM (1.5 hours)
Day 3: Vis Island
- Authentic Dalmatian atmosphere
- Local wine cellars
- Untouched nature
⚓ Vis town
18 NM (2.5 hours)
Day 4: Biševo Island
- Blue Cave morning visit
- Green Cave exploration
- Remote island experience
⚓ Porat bay (anchoring)
8 NM (1 hour)
Day 5: Komiža, Vis
- Traditional fishing port
- Monastery on Vis hill
- Gourmet fish restaurants
⚓ Komiža harbor
5 NM (45 minutes)
Day 6: Palmižana, Hvar
- Pakleni Islands lagoon
- Botanical garden
- Exclusive beach club
⚓ ACI Marina Palmižana
22 NM (3 hours)
Day 7: Return to Split
- Final coastal sailing
- Island farewell
- Farewell sunset
⚓ ACI Marina Split
20 NM (2.5 hours)
Practical Information
Sailing conditions
- Winds: Maestral 10-20 knots, reliable
- Channels: Brač and Hvar channels can be choppy
- Best months: May-September
- Water temp: 20-26°C in season
Popular Marinas
- Split: ACI Marina, city center
- Hvar: Limited berths, book ahead
- Bol (Brač): Small but beautiful marina
- Vis: Town harbor, basic facilities
Family Adventures in Central Dalmatia
“Central Dalmatia offers something for everyone in our family. The kids (6, 12, and 15) love the famous Zlatni Rat beach on Brač – it’s like a natural water park with its changing shape and crystal-clear water. Our teenagers enjoy the atmosphere in Hvar town, while the little one is fascinated by the Roman ruins in Split.”
“Vis island is our secret gem – less crowded and more authentic. The Blue Cave excursion to Biševo is magical, especially in the morning light. Šolta is perfect for peaceful family dinners in traditional konobas with locally caught fish.”