Sailing in Dalmatia

Dalmatia has one of the most sailing-friendly coastlines in the world: hundreds of islands packed close together in clear, tideless Adriatic water, so a week's cruise out of Split is a string of short, easy hops between them rather than long open passages.

The islands are the reward.

You anchor off Hvar for its lavender fields and buzzing harbour town, cross to remote Vis for its wartime tunnels and quiet coves, call at walled Korčula with its Venetian streets, and moor stern-to in a fishing village each evening for grilled fish and local wine.

A reliable afternoon breeze — the maestral — fills in on most summer days, strong enough to sail properly but predictable enough for families and less-experienced crews, especially with a skipper aboard. It is warm, forgiving, spectacularly pretty sailing, and the classic way to see this coast.

Short, sheltered hops between close-packed islands in clear, tideless Adriatic water, on calm mornings and a reliable, moderate afternoon sea breeze (the maestral). Distances are small and anchorages plentiful, so it's forgiving for beginners, families and less-experienced crews — especially with a skipper.

You moor stern-to in harbour towns and fishing villages most evenings, swim off the boat by day, and step ashore for dinner. The route — Split, Hvar, Vis, Korčula and the islands between — mixes lively harbour towns with quiet coves.

High summer is busy and hot, with crowded marinas; late spring and early autumn are calmer. Occasional stronger winds keep it interesting without alarming.

Charter a yacht from a Split-area base and plan a loose loop through Hvar, Vis and Korčula, sailing from May to October when the weather is settled and the maestral reliable.

If you're qualified (an ICC or equivalent) you can bareboat; if not, book a skippered charter and let an experienced hand run the boat — ideal for beginners and families.

Book well ahead for the July–August peak, when marinas fill and prices climb; late spring or September is calmer and cheaper. Bring soft bags, layers for evenings and sun protection. Reserve popular marina berths early in high season, or anchor in quieter bays.