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  • A Week in the Adriatic: The Ultimate Yacht Charter Itinerary from Split

A Week in the Adriatic: The Ultimate Yacht Charter Itinerary from Split

Dreaming of an unforgettable escape where every sunrise greets you with crystal-clear water and every sunset sinks behind ancient stone towns? Chartering a yacht from Split offers the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and Mediterranean charm. This 7-day itinerary will guide you through the most breathtaking islands, hidden coves, and culinary hotspots the Adriatic has to offer.

Split → Brač (Milna)
Distance: ~14 NM | Sailing Time: ~2 hours
Your Adriatic adventure begins in Split, Croatia’s bustling coastal city where Roman ruins blend seamlessly with Mediterranean life. After checking into your charter yacht and finishing provisioning (Split Marina and ACI Split have well-stocked markets), it’s time to set sail toward your first destination: the island of Brač. Ease into the journey with a relaxed two-hour sail to Milna, a charming harbor town tucked into a deep bay on the western side of the island. On your way, drop anchor at Lučice Bay, just south of Milna — a peaceful inlet with crystal-clear water and pine-covered shores. It’s the perfect spot for your first swim and onboard lunch.
Midday: Swim or snorkel in the quiet coves around Lučice. Try paddleboarding along the rugged shoreline — often you’ll have it all to yourself.
Afternoon & Evening in Milna: Dock in Milna’s marina (Marina Vlaška or ACI Milna), both well-equipped with water, fuel, and electricity. Wander the stone-paved promenade lined with cafes and boats bobbing gently in the turquoise water.
Don’t Miss: A walk to the Baroque Church of Our Lady of Annunciation, home to a beautiful organ and centuries-old altarpieces. Sunset drinks on the breakwater as fishermen bring in their daily catch.

Brač → Hvar Town (via Zlatni Rat, Bol)
Distance: ~17 NM | Sailing Time: ~3 hours
Start your day early and head south to Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn) near the town of Bol, one of Croatia’s most iconic beaches. Its unique shape shifts with the tides, and the surrounding waters are ideal for swimming, windsurfing, and paddleboarding.
Morning stop: Zlatni Rat, Anchor just offshore and dive into the turquoise sea. Even in peak season, mornings are relatively quiet — ideal for a peaceful swim or beach walk.
Afternoon arrival in Hvar Town: Arrive in Hvar Town, often called the St. Tropez of the Adriatic, and prepare for a livelier evening. Docking options include the town quay (be sure to book ahead in high season) or moor in the ACI Marina Palmižana and take a water taxi across.
Things to explore: Stroll along the marble promenade to the central square, one of the largest and most elegant in Dalmatia. Visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral, then continue uphill to the Fortica Fortress for a panoramic view of the Pakleni Islands.

Hvar → Vis (Komiža)
Distance: ~20 NM | Sailing Time: ~3.5 hours
After a leisurely breakfast and maybe a quick dip off the stern, hoist the sails and head toward Vis, the most remote and mysterious of Croatia’s central islands. Formerly a military base closed to foreigners until the 1990s, Vis has retained its unspoiled charm and relaxed pace of life.
Sail westward past the Pakleni archipelago, enjoying open-sea sailing with panoramic views of distant islands. If winds are fair, consider stopping for a swim in Stiniva Cove, a secluded inlet accessible only by boat or hiking trail, framed by steep cliffs and clear, glassy water.
Afternoon in Komiža: Drop anchor near Komiža, a postcard-perfect fishing village on the western side of Vis. Known for its vibrant harbor, colorful boats, and dramatic mountain backdrop, Komiža feels authentic and inviting. Moor at the town pier or anchor just outside the harbor if space allows.
Things to do: Explore the Fishermen’s Museum in the old Venetian tower by the port. Stroll through cobbled alleys lined with stone houses, lavender shops, and inviting wine bars.
Evening: Komiža is magical at night. The crowd is mostly locals and sailors, the harbor lights twinkle, and the gentle lapping of water creates the perfect soundtrack to end the day.
Don’t Miss: Try a scoop of Komiža’s handmade fig or carob ice cream. Enjoy stargazing from the deck — the skies here are incredibly clear.

Vis → Biševo (Blue Cave) → Vis Town
Distance: ~10 NM | Sailing Time: ~2 hours (with stop)
After a slow breakfast in Komiža, it’s time for one of the most surreal experiences of the entire voyage — a visit to the legendary Modra špilja (Blue Cave) on the islet of Biševo. Depart early to catch the best light (usually between 10:30 AM and noon), when the sun reflects off the sandy bottom and fills the cave with an ethereal electric-blue hue. Small dinghies take you inside, as larger yachts must anchor just outside the bay. Once you’ve soaked in the magic, sail around the south coast of Vis, stopping in Stončica Bay for swimming and lunch onboard. This sandy-bottomed cove is ideal for anchoring, and its shallow waters are perfect for paddleboarding or relaxing in a floaty with a cold drink. In the afternoon, continue toward Vis Town, one of the most atmospheric harbor towns in the Adriatic. Unlike more developed islands, Vis exudes an untouched charm. Dock along the promenade or book a mooring in Kut, the quieter eastern part of town.
Don’t Miss: An evening walk along the waterfront promenade linking Kut and Vis Town, with traditional stone houses lit by golden lanterns and the sound of cicadas in the air.

Vis → Korčula (Korčula Town)
Distance: ~32 NM | Sailing Time: ~5–6 hours
This is your longest sailing day, but the reward is immense. After morning coffee and a fuel top-up if needed, set course southeast toward Korčula, a historical jewel often overlooked by mainstream travelers. Along the route, there’s the option to detour to Lastovo, a remote island nature park with pristine waters and deep anchorages. If time permits, anchor for a swim in Zaklopatica Bay before continuing toward Korčula. As you approach Korčula Town, the medieval towers and red-tiled rooftops rise from the sea, making a dramatic entrance. Docking options include the town quay or ACI Marina Korčula, both within walking distance of the old town.
Things to do: Explore the labyrinthine streets designed in a fishbone pattern (to channel sea breezes and protect from winds). Visit the Marco Polo House, a museum dedicated to the legendary explorer who is believed by locals to have been born here. Shop for local handicrafts like coral jewelry, olive oils, and Grk wine from Lumbarda.

Korčula → Mljet (Pomena or Polače)
Distance: ~18 NM | Sailing Time: ~3–4 hours
Mljet is your next destination — an island that feels like it belongs to another, slower time. Over 70% of it is covered in dense pine forest, and much of the western part is protected as Mljet National Park. Sail into either Pomena or Polače, two picturesque bays that offer excellent anchorage and direct access to the park. Polače, in particular, offers good protection and a stunning backdrop of Roman ruins and olive groves. Once moored, rent bikes or e-bikes and ride through the national park’s trails. You’ll pass saltwater lakes, stone monasteries, and emerald-green vistas that feel more like the Pacific Northwest than the Adriatic.
Must-see: Veliko and Malo Jezero (Great and Small Lake). The 12th-century Benedictine Monastery on the islet of St. Mary, accessible by small boat or kayak. 
Evening: Watch the stars from the deck with a glass of local Prošek. With almost no light pollution, the night skies here are nothing short of spectacular.

Mljet → Šipan (Šipanska Luka)
Distance: ~20 NM | Sailing Time: ~3.5 hours
It’s the penultimate day of your Adriatic adventure, and what better way to ease into it than a gentle sail toward the Elaphiti Islands, specifically Šipan, the largest in the group.As you approach Šipanska Luka, you’ll be greeted by palm trees, vineyards, and a sleepy harbor framed by 15th-century villas. It’s a peaceful and elegant stop, ideal for your final night before returning to Split.
Things to do:Walk or bike inland through olive groves and stone hamlets. Visit the Church of the Holy Spirit and its impressive collection of Renaissance art. Enjoy a lazy afternoon swim in nearby bays like Priježba.
Evening: Toast your journey with one last rakija as the sun sets over the Elaphiti archipelago.

Šipan → Split (with optional stop at Šolta or Brač)
Distance: ~40–45 NM | Sailing Time: ~6–7 hours
Rise early for the long sail back to Split. Depending on your pace and wind conditions, you can break the journey with a swim stop at Šolta’s Livka Bay or Lučišća on Brač — both quiet and crystalline spots to say goodbye to the sea. Return to Split Marina by late afternoon, with enough time for check-out and one last stroll through Diocletian’s Palace, or a farewell dinner in the old town.

Final Thoughts

This 7-day yacht charter through the central Dalmatian islands is more than just a sailing itinerary — it’s a journey through living history, untouched nature, and the irresistible rhythm of Mediterranean life. Whether you’re diving into turquoise coves, sharing grilled calamari at a waterfront konoba, or watching the wind fill your sails, the Adriatic has a way of imprinting itself on your soul. So hoist the anchor, feel the breeze, and let Croatia do the rest.