Sail the Dalmatian Islands

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.

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.