South Dalmatia
Croatia’s most dramatic and exclusive sailing region centered around Split. Dominated by the magnificent Dubrovnik and featuring remote islands like Lastovo and Mljet. This is where luxury meets wilderness in the crystal waters of the southern Adriatic.
Best for
Luxury & Remote Nature
Season
April - October
Sailing Distance
15-30 NM between ports
What to see & do
Dubrovnik Old City
UNESCO Site
Living Roman pa
Pearl of the Adriatic with medieval walls, marble streets, and Game of Thrones filming locations.
Korčula Island
Historic Island
Mini Dubrovnik with Marco Polo’s birthplace, wine traditions, and medieval charm.
Mljet National Park
National Park
Green island paradise with saltwater lakes, monastery, and pristine nature.
Lastovo Island
Nature Park
Remote island with dark sky reserve, unique architecture, and untouched nature.
Elaphiti Islands
Island Group
Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan – car-free islands perfect for day trips from Dubrovnik.
Pelješac Peninsula
Peninsula
Croatia’s second-largest peninsula famous for wines, oysters, and stunning landscapes.
Suggested 7-Day Itineraries
Dubrovnik & Treasures
Dubrovnik → Šipan → Korčula → Lastovo → Mljet → Lopud → Dubrovnik
Experience the most scenic region with historic cities and pristine national parks.
Highlights:
Dubrovnik walls
Korčula old town
Mljet lakes
Remote Lastovo
Day-by-day Itinerary
Day 1: Dubrovnik
- City walls walk
- Game of Thrones locations
- Cable car sunset
⚓ ACI Marina Dubrovnik
Base port
Day 2: Šipan Island
- Largest Elaphiti island
- Renaissance palaces
- Peaceful vineyards
⚓ Šipanska Luka
12 NM (1.5 hours)
Day 3: Korčula Town
- Mini Dubrovnik architecture
- Marco Polo house
- Moreška sword dance
⚓ Korčula town harbor
35 NM (4-5 hours)
Day 4: Lastovo Island
- Dark sky reserve
- Remote island culture
- Unique architecture
⚓ Ubli harbor
25 NM (3-4 hours)
Day 5: Mljet National Park
- Saltwater lakes
- St. Mary monastery
- National park hiking
⚓ Polače harbor
20 NM (2.5-3 hours)
Day 6: Lopud Island
- Car-free paradise
- Šunj beach
- Franciscan monastery
⚓ Lopud harbor
18 NM (2-3 hours)
Day 7: Return to Dubrovnik
- Final old town visit
- Souvenir shopping
- Farewell dinner
⚓ ACI Marina Dubrovnik
8 NM (1 hour)
Wine & Wilderness
Dubrovnik → Pelješac → Korčula → Mljet → Šipan → Koločep → Dubrovnik
Combine wine tasting on Pelješac with the wild beauty of southern islands.
Highlights:
Pelješac wines
Traditional villages
Monastery on Mljet
Car-free islands
Day-by-day Itinerary
Day 1: Dubrovnik
- Afternoon departure
- Provisioning
- Route planning
⚓ ACI Marina Dubrovnik
Base port
Day 2: Orebić, Pelješac
- Wine region exploration
- Dingač vineyards
- Traditional konoba
⚓ Orebić harbor
30 NM (4 hours)
Day 3: Korčula Island
- Medieval town tour
- Local wine tasting
- Island cuisine
⚓ Korčula town
8 NM (1 hour)
Day 4: Mljet National Park
- Great Lake swimming
- Monastery visit
- Nature hiking
⚓ Porat bay (anchoring)
25 NM (3-4 hours)
Day 5: Šipan Island
- Historic palaces
- Olive groves
- Traditional fishing
⚓ Šipanska Luka
15 NM (2 hours)
Day 6: Koločep Island
- Blue Cave visit
- Car-free environment
- Pine forest walks
⚓ Koločep harbor
5 NM (45 minutes)
Day 7: Return to Dubrovnik
- Final city exploration
- Island farewell
- Farewell sunset
⚓ ACI Marina Dubrovnik
8 NM (1 hour)
Practical Information
Sailing conditions
- Winds: Maestral lighter, Bura stronger
- Distances: Longer passages between islands
- Best months: May-September
- Experience: Recommended for intermediate+ sailors
Special Considerations
- Dubrovnik: ACI Marina, book well in advance
- Lastovo: Limited facilities, stock supplies
- Mljet: National park fees apply
- Customs: Near Montenegro border checks
South Dalmatia Experience
“South Dalmatia feels like sailing through a fairy tale. Dubrovnik’s walls rising from the sea are breathtaking, especially at sunset. The region is more challenging for sailing with longer distances between islands, but the rewards are incredible.”
“Mljet National Park with its saltwater lakes is magical – our kids love swimming in the warm, calm waters of the big lake. Lastovo is for the adventurous – incredibly remote and wild, with some of the clearest night skies in Europe. It’s perfect for experienced sailors seeking solitude.”