The Dalmatian Coast is one of the most popular sailing destinations in the Mediterranean — and for good reason. A string of beautiful islands stretching south from Split, each with its own character, good marinas, excellent food and reliable summer winds. This circular route takes in Hvar, widely considered the jewel of the Adriatic, the pine-fringed Pakleni Islands, the unspoilt island of Vis and the quiet harbour of Šolta — all returning to Split for departure.
Day by day
The route
Day 1
Arrive ACI Marina Split
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Check in at 17:00. Split Airport is 30 minutes by taxi. Saturday is changeover day across all Croatian bases — marinas are busy, so arrive relaxed. Diocletian's Palace is a 15-minute walk and worth an evening wander. Stock up at the large supermarket near the marina — provisioning in the islands is more expensive.
Day 2
Split → Milna, Brač — 12nm
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Your first sail, and a gentle introduction to the Dalmatian coast. Milna is a beautifully sheltered bay on the west coast of Brač — one of Croatia's most unspoilt small harbours, with a 17th-century Baroque church and excellent fish restaurants around the quay. Stern-to on the town quay or anchor in the inner bay.
Day 3
Milna → Hvar Town — 20nm
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The jewel of the Dalmatian coast. Sail south and round the tip of Brač before crossing to Hvar — often called the St Tropez of Croatia. The main town quay is lively and central; the ACI Marina is quieter. The Pakleni Islands just offshore offer excellent swimming anchorages for the afternoon before heading in for the evening. Book dinner — the better restaurants fill fast.
Day 4
Hvar → Pakleni Islands — 6nm
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A short, easy hop from Hvar Town out to the Pakleni Islands — a scatter of low, wooded islets just offshore, and some of the prettiest anchorages in Dalmatia. Palmižana has a small marina and a cluster of excellent restaurants tucked among the pines, and the coves have clear, shallow water made for swimming. A relaxed, beautiful night after the buzz of Hvar.
Day 5
Pakleni Islands → Vis (Komiža) — 13nm
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Vis is Croatia's most remote inhabited island — until the 1990s it was a closed military zone, which means it's remarkably unspoilt. Head for Komiža on the west coast: a charming fishing village with a Venetian tower, colourful boats, and the best konoba on the island. The Blue Cave on the nearby islet of Biševo is a must — take a tender trip in the morning (best light 10:00–12:00).
Day 6
Vis → Šolta (Maslinica) — 21nm
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Head northeast back towards Split, stopping at Šolta — the island closest to Split but surprisingly quiet. Maslinica on the west tip is a lovely small harbour with a restored 18th-century castle now operating as a boutique hotel and restaurant. Good swimming off the islets just outside the bay. A perfect penultimate night — quiet, relaxed, and only 7nm from Split.
Day 7
Maslinica → ACI Marina Split — 7nm
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An easy final sail back to Split. Check out by 09:00 — the base team will do a full inventory and fuel check. If time allows before your flight, Diocletian's Palace and the Riva waterfront promenade are worth a final visit. Split Airport is 30 minutes from the marina.
Local tip: Croatian marinas are busy on Saturdays — that's universal changeover day. Plan your arrivals on other days and you'll find berths easier and harbours calmer.