Croatia has become one of the most popular bareboat charter destinations in the Mediterranean, and with good reason. The Dalmatian archipelago stretches for 400 miles; the islands are close together; the harbours are well-maintained; and the sailing conditions — reliable northwesterly Maestral in summer, warm water, and negligible tides — are comfortable for all levels of experience. This itinerary runs south from Split over seven days, returning by ferry or one-way charter. RYA Day Skipper or equivalent qualifications are required for bareboat charter in Croatia.
Day 1: Split — Arrival
Split is a city worth a day in its own right. Diocletian's Palace — a late Roman imperial complex built in the 4th century AD — now contains restaurants, apartments, and bars within its original walls. The fish market at the base of the palace (open early morning) is the best place to understand what you'll be eating all week. The ACI Marina Split is large and well-run; collect the boat in the afternoon after the handover briefing.
Day 2: Split to Hvar — Via Šolta or Direct
Hvar Island lies 45 miles south-west of Split — a comfortable day sail on the Maestral. The direct route takes you between Brač and the mainland; the longer route via Šolta Island (good lunch stop at Maslinica) adds 2 hours. Hvar Town on the west end of the island is the most sophisticated stop on the Croatian coast — Venetian architecture, a 13th-century loggia, and an active nightlife scene. Berth in the ACI Marina Hvar or anchor in Palmižana bay on Sveti Klement island across the water.
Palmižana is worth the anchor. It is quieter than Hvar Town, has a good restaurant in the garden of the Meneghello family (book ahead), and the snorkelling off the beach is excellent.
Day 3: Hvar Island — Stari Grad and the Plain
Stari Grad (Old Town) on the north coast of Hvar is the oldest town in Croatia — Greeks from Paros founded it in 384 BC. The Stari Grad Plain behind the town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, still farmed in the original Greek field system. Berth on the town quay or in the marina. Walk through the plain in the morning before the heat; visit the Tvrdalj — a Renaissance poet's fortified summer house — and eat at Eremitaž, a restaurant in the old olive mill on the edge of town.
Day 4: Hvar to Vis — The Outer Island
Vis is the furthest inhabited island from the Croatian mainland and, until 1989, a closed military base. The combination of Soviet-era tunnels, English Regency architecture (from the British occupation of 1811–1815), and exceptional food makes it unlike anywhere else on the coast. Komiža on the west is the fishing harbour; Vis Town on the east is more refined. Anchor in Rukavac bay on the south coast for lunch — a sheltered cove with a pebble beach and a single konoba serving grilled fish.
The Modra Špilja (Blue Cave) on nearby Biševo island is Croatia's most visited natural attraction — arrive early by dinghy or join the organised boat trips from Komiža. The light effect inside is genuine and extraordinary.
Day 5: Vis to Korčula
Korčula Town claims to be the birthplace of Marco Polo — evidence is disputed but the old town is undeniably beautiful: a walled medieval city on a small peninsula, with towers and churches designed for the Venetian climate. Berth stern-to on the town quay or at the ACI Marina Korčula. Walk the city walls in the evening and eat at LD Restaurant on the waterfront — one of the best in Croatia.
Day 6: Korčula to Mljet National Park
Mljet National Park covers the western third of Mljet island — two interconnected saltwater lakes surrounded by pine forest. Enter the national park via the channel at Polače and moor at the island in the middle of the larger lake, Mali Jezero. Swimming in the lakes — warm, calm, sheltered — is one of the highlights of a Croatia charter. Pay the park entrance fee at the harbour office.
Day 7: Mljet to Dubrovnik
The final passage south to Dubrovnik — 25 miles. Anchor off Lopud Island for lunch (good beach, easy approach) then continue south to the Dubrovnik ACI Marina at Komolac, 3 miles up the Rijeka Dubrovačka river from the city. Take the bus or water taxi into the old town. The city walls — walkable at dawn before the crowds — are the finest in the Adriatic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much does a week's bareboat charter cost in Croatia?
A: As of 2026, a 40–45ft sailing yacht from Split costs typically £2,500–£5,000 per week depending on season and operator, excluding fuel, marina fees, and the Croatian cruising licence (Vignette) required for all vessels in Croatian waters — approximately €100 per week.
Q: Is Croatia good for beginners?
A: Yes, with qualifications. The conditions are benign in summer, the anchorages are well-charted, and the distances are short. Day Skipper practical is the minimum required; a first bareboat charterer should have some coastal sailing experience before attempting Croatia.