Favorite Stops Out of Split, Croatia

[simfr]

We are about 4 weeks away from our bareboat charter (one week) in Croatia leaving out of Split. Of course, what is best for one isn't always best for another but wanted to hear the places others have enjoyed the most. Our primary goal is to experience as much of Croatia and its people as possible. We selected the first week in September in hopes of having summer weather but missing the worst of the crowds. Thanks!

[athene]

I'd be inclined if you only have a week to resist the temptation to head up to the Kornati Islands (they charge a hefty fee there now and they're frankly over-rated). My suggestions would be Trogir; Sibenik then up to Skradin for the falls; Primosten on the way back; Milna on Brac Island (so you've taken in at least one of the islands) then home to Split. For information on all these, see the World Cruising Wiki (Croatia - a Cruising Guide on the World Cruising and Sailing Wiki). Good sailing!

[simfr]

Thanks. I will look at those stops. I have to admit that I had not studied the area north of Trogir very closely.

[athene]

Glad to be of use. By the way, looking back at our cruising log (we were there in 2004) the inlet of Bobovisce just N of Milna on Brac island was a nicer spot than Milna itself. There are buoys off the village there, so you might need a dinghy, whereas Milna has laid moorings. Incidentally, the prevailing winds are NW, which is why I suggested going N and then coming back at the end of the week. If you go S down through the islands, they're very pleasant but one harbour is very much like another (red tiled roofs, Venetian architecture, cutesy waterfront etc) and you risk having to beat back at the end of your charter into strong headwinds - not a good way to end a holiday.

[Multihull]

I suggest to visit the islands. Been there in July this year and enjoyed it very much. For instance:
Uvala Luice (Brac), Scedro, Lastovo, Pamizana (Klement) (to visit Hvar), Vis, Milna (Brac)

Have a nice trip.

[Unicorn]

We were there in July 2009 on a lagoon 420. We did a one way from Split to Dubrovnik over two weeks which was not rushed, about 2-3 hrs of sailing each day. Having said that, we only sailed for one day out of the 14 due to lack of wind, but you should be OK in September. We fund anchoring in bays away from the villages was more peaceful, having picked up supplies in the villages each afternoon. I'd recommend a stop at Bobovisca on Milna; Starigrad on Hvar, and overnight in the southern bays (Luka Tiha) just back from the town; visit Hvar village and the fort/castle above the town, but stay in Vinogradice bay (if no NW wind blowing) on the nearby Pakleni islands; then over to Vis island and visit Vis and Komiza. Whilst at Vis village, we overnighted at Luka Rogacic which is just to the north of the village and contains a tunnel into the hillside that was used by the military to hide boats; Whilst at Komiza, visit the Blue Cave at nearby Bisevo island. We had a good night at Stoncica inlet on Vis. The return trip to Split will have a NW wind behind you. The Kornati's are a bit barren and lacking in villages - depends what you are looking for.
I used "Croatia Cruising Companion" by Cody & Nash and found it to be an excellent resource, with great mini charts. Navigation is easy though.
The Croatians are very geared up for charter yachts, but be prepared to pay berthing fees on the village piers, mooring and anchoring fees in some bays, and to pay for water.
You'll have a fantastic time, enjoy the trip!

[simfr]

Thanks for the wonderful suggestions. I have been researching the local beverages in preparation for provisioning! Just a couple more weeks to go.

[Dockhead]

Hvar, Korcula, Stary Grad.

Be careful anchoring in Hvar -- foul ground and unreliable holding. I was there when a storm blew up overnight and every boat in the harbor was dragging -- it was mass chaos. But Hvar is gorgeous. Maybe you can get onto the quay wall if you're lucky.

Stary Grad very charming. Pick up a mooring ball and sleep tight.

Korcula also very beautiful. Limited berthing options -- you pretty much have to stay in the marina there.

Have fun!

[Unicorn]

Hi simfr,
just replyed to your email.
Agree that Hvar is notoriously poor holding at anchor in the harbour.
At Korcula, there is a large bay / inlet (called 'Luka' from memory) a bit further around from the ACI Marina that offers excellent protected anchoring. Only 500m back to the ferry quay next to the marina. We did have to pay a fee for anchoring there, but Korcula (village) is one of the highlights of the Dalmatian coast, and well worth a visit.

[Multihull]

Hvar is very bad for ankering but just 2 mile away you have the island Klement. On the north side there is a very good (and expensive) marina (Pamizana) with perfect fast taxi ferry to Hvar. On the other side is a large bay with good ankering possibilities. A five minute walk to the water taxi and of you go to Hvar.

And I fully agree about Korcula. Good ankering around the corner and a few miles further a marina with reaonable facilities for half the price of Korcula. I believe this marina is called Lumbarda.

Enjoy

[sansarea]

Do not miss Stari Grad on island Hvar, it is not too crowded,it is a secreet tip, then town Hvar- if you are not so much into parties then stay away from the city over the night- the anchoring there could be dangerous, go to vis a vis islands, visit Korcula and the green islands-national parks lastovo and Mljet- theese are my favorits.
Just some suggestion- have a nice trip
Regards from Vienna

[swagman]

Guess you are close to going now. My suggestions are to not try and sail too far or you'll not really get the time to enjoy the places you visit. If you want a broad based holiday I'd suggest...........

Split itself is worth a day. Lots of history as well as pumpy bars etc. Lots more to see than say H'var and a very protected anchorage in the harbour, if you've a dinghy.

Then I'm 100% with Athene - go for the inlet at Bobovisce on the top end of Brac Island. A half day sail will get you there and they've laid moorings, or you can still anchor, or if you want slimy lines back to small stone quay with nice local restaurant right alongside. Not a big bay, so tends to be quiet and chilled.

Then long day sail up north and head up river past old Nazi U boat pens past Sibernik, across the lake and into the spectacular canyons up to where you can moor at Skradin to either walk, cycle or get small local ferry to the falls. Lovely old town and despite the guide saying you cannot anchor and must use the marina - plenty were anchoring when we visited in 2007.

Then easy day sail back down to the historical but pumping city of Trogir where you can slide alongside the quay or go into the opposing marina. Beware tidal flow through the berths - it's strong so try to get a berth as far out as you can.

Frankly, I think thats all you'd want to cover in a weeks charter............but if you did find time then the others suggestion of Mjlet (especially the bays on the NE top corner) is a good one. Good long walks in national parks to inland lakes and super protected anchorage.

Enjoy.
JOHN

[simfr]

Thanks again for the suggestions. Much appreciated! I will keep reading until we depart. We are close to having a rough plan for trip but I can never decide the days plans until after my morning coffee and weather check. It is nice to have some many options. I can already tell that this won't be my last visit to Croatia.