Croatia is a country with a rich history and culture; the old towns, monuments, people, and traditions are the ambassadors of its unique history. It also has 10 UNESCO World Heritage sites and 15 sites and monuments on the ‘Tentative’ List. Many of these sites can be visited during a sailing holiday in Croatia. The beauty of Croatia only enhances your sailing experience and it’s no surprise why the Adriatic Coast today is a hotspot for sailing holidays and charter guests in the summer months.
DAY 1. SPLIT - ČIOVO
Before you embark on your boat, you should definitely take a walk and explore the Old city of town Split! Located on the eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea, Split extends on a peninsula and is marked by Marjan hill, the remains of Diocletian’s Palace, the bell tower of Saint Domnius Cathedral, and a vibrant waterfront promenade where Mediterranean vibes thrive. Today the main hub to the central Dalmatian islands and Croatian coastal towns, Split quickly rose to fame as one of Croatia’s most popular tourist destinations.
If you are interested in discovering history and architecture, we suggest you visit:
- The Cathedral of Saint Dominus (patron saint of Split) & Peristyle (central square of the Palace).
- Vestibule and Temple of Jupiter City squares (Prokurative, Pjaca, Voćni trg/Fruit square).
- Meštrović Gallery
- Drink a coffee on Vidilica, with a view of the whole town.
- Take a walk on Riva, the main promenade.
- Blend in with the locals and feel the rhythm of this amazing town!
After the embarkation, sailing towards the island of Čiovo and anchoring between Čiovo and sv. Fumija.
DAY 2. ČIOVO - ZLARIN - ŠIBENIK
The unspoiled beauty of Zlarin earned it the title of "golden island". With pines, sandy beaches, idyllic coves, and one traditional village, the island possesses an outstanding natural beauty. Because motorcars are forbidden, you can really enjoy nature in its purity. Many reasons make Zlarin unique, including its unique culture based upon harvesting coral and turning it into ornaments and jewellery.
Enjoy lunch and swimming time at Zlarin. After that sailing towards Šibenik.
Šibenik - a pearl of Dalmatia and Renaissance town set on the Adriatic Coast. It was the first city on the Adriatic founded by Croats and the only Croatian city with two monuments registered on the UNESCO list of protected cultural heritage. And it is a dream for travelers who want to explore a mix of Mediterranean nature, history, and nautical tourism. It boasts two national parks nearby, over 2,450 kilometers of groomed trails in the area where you can enjoy its historic fortress around the Krka River, archaeological sites, prehistoric remains, and the outstanding 15th-century St. James Cathedral.
What to do in Šibenik?
- Explore the old town (St. James Cathdral, The town’s Republic Square and City Loggia).
- Visit the fortresses, Šibenik is surrounded by magnificent fortresses that protect Šibenik's history - Barone, St. Michael, St. John, and St. Nicholas.
- Walk through St. Anthony's Channel, a promenade that connects St. Nicholas Fortress and Panikovac bay with stunning views.
DAY 3. ŠIBENIK - NP KRKA - SKRADIN
Krka National Park is a natural sanctuary where magnificent waterfalls, lush vegetation, and cultural heritage meet along the Krka river. The second most visited national park in Croatia, Krka National Park includes the area along the Krka river, which flows through a deep and colorful 75 km long canyon, forming seven travertine waterfalls.
When in Krka, we recommend visiting waterfalls:
- Skradinski buk - the largest travertine barrier in Europe.
- Bilušića buk - another beautiful travertine barrier.
- Waterfalls Miljacka, Brljan, Rošnjak, Manojlovački, and Roški slap.
If you are interested in cultural and historical monuments, at Krka National Park you can visit:
- The Franciscan monastery, situated on the delightful and pristine small monastery island of Visovac on the lake of the same name.
- The Krka Monastery, which dates back to the 16th century.
After visiting Krka, anchoring in a small medieval town of Skradin.
DAY 4. SKRADIN - PRVIĆ - NP KORNATI
Sailing towards the island of Prvić, a tiny island with a surface area of only 2.4 sqm. The only settlements on the island are Šepurine and Prvić Luka, which were first mentioned in the 11th century. Prvić is also the only island that has two settlements in such a small area!
Enjoy lunch and swimming time at Prvić. After that sailing towards National Park Kornati.
DAY 5. NP KORNATI
The Kornati Archipelago were created at the end of the Ice Age when a considerable rise in the sea level resulted in fields becoming the sea and mountain ranges becoming islands. This was confirmed by ancient remains in the Kornati from two thousand years ago. Maze of islands and islets that gracefully embellish the Adriatic Sea. The densest and largest archipelago in the Adriatic, which even stole the attention of Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw. “On the last day of the Creation God desired to crown His work and thus created Kornati Islands out of tears, stars and breath".
You will enjoy swimming in the untouched nature of Kornati Islands and we also recommend visiting:
- National Park Kornati, dive in 9 authorized zones within the national park. Kornati’s underwater world abounds in reefs, corals, caves, and shipwrecks. For about 700-800 higher plant species and 850 animal species, Kornati are a go-to destination for hikers and birdwatchers.
- Opat, swim in the largest island in the archipelago.
- Visit Toreta fortress, located on the largest island of Kornat, the first place to be colonized. Near the Toreta fortress is a Byzantine-era Christian basilica we also recommend visiting.
DAY 6. NP KORNATI - ŽIRJE - ROGOZNICA
Heading towards the island of Žirje, an island that covers only 15 km2 of the surface along with beautiful beaches and bays. Žirje is also the farthest inhabited island in the Šibenik archipelago.
After lunch and swimming time, we are sailing towards the town of Rogoznica. A warm and quiet town, the center of Rogoznica sits on a peninsula whose old stone houses are maintained, giving the waterfront an authentic Mediterranean atmosphere. Rogoznica has beautiful nature, lovely beaches, cultural and gastronomic offers, and the famous marina.
When in Rogoznica we recommend visiting:
- Dragon's Eye Lake, a biological phenomenon of an elliptical shape, which are associated with numerous legends.
- Marina Frapa, considered one of the most beautiful and best-equipped marinas on the Adriatic. It has also been awarded the best marina in the Croatian Adriatic for 15 years.
- Lavender labyrinth, located on top of Rogoznica hill, and surrounded by beautiful views of the sea and nearby towns.
DAY 7. ROGOZNICA - DRVENIK - TROGIR
Sailing towards the island of Drvenik. Enjoy lunch and swimming time in a crystal blue sea. After that heading to the town of Trogir.
A Renaissance, Baroque, Romanesque and Gothic dream that sits on Croatia’s coast, with UNESCO charm and Mediterranean calm. Trogir is a real museum town that abounds in history, artistic masters, and magnificent stone buildings that have survived its turbulent past. Protected by UNESCO in 1997 as Central Europe’s best-preserved Romanesque-Gothic town, Trogir’s cultural and nautical heritage mix to form one of Dalmatia’s most frequented destinations today.
When in Trogir, we recommend:
- Exploring the historic center of the city (St. Lawrence Cathedral, Chapel and Baptistry of St John, City Loggia, Ćipiko palace).
- Coffee and people-watching on the promenade, Trogir’s waterfront promenade, locally known as the Riva, is arguably the best activity.
- See a concert at Kamerlengo, from opera to rock’n’roll, this 15th-century fortress is more than a historical attraction. Kamerlengo sits at the end of the Riva and welcomes tourists to its top to find spectacular views of the waterfront and old town.
- Shop the markets, from the freshest fish and vegetables picked that morning to cured meats and cheeses, homemade olive oil, and honey, there is nothing you can’t find at Trogir’s markets.
DAY 8. TROGIR - SPLIT
Leaving Trogir and sailing towards the city of Split for disembarkation.
Now, all that’s left to do is book a yacht, relax and enjoy. Contact Otium Yachts today and let’s talk about creating YOUR perfect sailing holiday.