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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 10 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Jane Foster

With sheltered waters, a steady breeze and a plethora of blissful, uninhabited islands close to the mainland, the Dalmatian islands are made for sailing.

Hoisting a sail is the ideal, and most flexible, way to explore this beautiful and still largely unspoilt archipelago, discovering secret coves, swimming in azure waters off the boat, and stopping in local towns.

Charters tend to be for a week and various itineraries are available. The main ports of call are the islands of Korcula and Hvar.

Price from: £600
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around
Duration: 3-7 days

Getting there & doing it

Private yacht charters are available for those with a sailing licence; otherwise you’ll need to be accompanied by a qualified skipper. That’s no bad thing; besides knowing how to sail the boat, they’ll be full of local knowledge about those dreamy hidden coves and how best to avoid the crowds.

Plenty of companies offer both options, with a number based in Split. Typically, week-long charters are offered, with food and provisions, allowing a good amount of time for exploring the endless coves. Note that you’ll need to pay marina/port fees, though facilities are generally very good, with showers and shore power widely available.

If you don’t want to spend a whole week on a boat, many hotels in and around the Dalmatian Islands have private yachts and powerboats for guests’ exclusive use, allowing you to explore the islands without being tied to a week at sea.

When to do it

The sailing season in Croatia runs from April to October. The best time for sailing the Dalmatian Islands is June or September. July and August get crowded, so don’t expect much solitude – even on the water.

From November to March, the weather can be unstable with cold winds and storms, and the water is too cold for swimming.

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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Adriana Hotel

Hvar, Dalmatia, Croatia[10.2 miles]

Trendy hotel in up-market Hvar Town, with a fabulous rooftop pool and bar, a vast spa and a waterside restaurant.

Official star rating:

Palace Elisabeth Hvar Heritage Hotel

Hvar, Dalmatia, Croatia[10.2 miles]

History and elegance prevail at this palatial 45-room grand hotel, with a renowned restaurant and spa.

Official star rating:

Palmizana

Sveti Klement, Dalmatia, Croatia[11.4 miles]

Boho-chic escape – lush gardens with bungalows, villas, two restaurants and a beach, on a car-free islet near Hvar.

Official star rating:

Maslina Resort

Hvar, Dalmatia, Croatia[12.5 miles]

A luxurious 50-room waterside resort with contemporary design, gourmet dining, a spa and its own organic garden on Hvar Island.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Dalmatian Islands

Dalmatia, Croatia

A magical, unspoilt archipelago of a thousand-plus islands stretching along Croatia’s southern coast. A heady mix of sea, mountains, adventure sports and medieval buildings

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Split

Dalmatia, Croatia

With ancient architecture, Adriatic island-hopping and adventure sports galore, Split makes a superb seaside base.

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Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Hvar’s Old Town

Hvar, Dalmatia, Croatia[10.2 miles]

A character-filled, Venetian-era old town, with a picturesque main square, a lattice of historic streets, and cultural treasures galore.

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Dalmatian Islands Wine Region

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A scattered wine region of family-run vineyards that produce excellent wines. Learn the art of Dalmatian winemaking and sample some excellent labels.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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Blue Cave

Vis, Dalmatia, Croatia[32.7 miles]

A magical sea cave, illuminated with an amazing shade of luminescent blue at midday when the sun’s rays enter via by a partial submarine hole in the cave entrance.

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Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

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Carpe Diem Beach & Club

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