Family Vacation Adventures Sailing the Dalmatian Coast

Chartering a boat to cruise the Dalmatian coast, where scenic islands are just a few hours sail apart and protected harbors welcome overnight boats is probably the easiest and best way to experience the beauty of the Adriatic Sea up close and to explore otherwise inaccessible islands, coves and villages. This was one of our best family vacation adventures ever!

We started out in Dubrovnik and set sail toward Split, focusing on the southern Dalmatian coast, which boasts some of the most spectacular wooded islands and warm crystalline waters. The many isles we passed- Lopud, Mljet, Korcula, Vis, Hvar and Brac - just a few of the over 1100 islands found along the Croatian coast, were picturesque, white limestone-laden and pine-clad. We anchored in beautiful fishing village coves, where we relaxed and swam, enjoyed spectacular views, ashore adventures and great seafood.

On Mljet Island, we took a side trip, one of the highlights of our adventure, to scenic Mljet National Park where we hopped on bikes and cycled around Veliko Jezero, the salt water lake with a remarkable 12th century Benedictine monastery set upon an islet in the lake's center.

We neared Korcula early morning, where we had one of the best photo opportunities in all Croatia - the early morning sun shining on the orange-yellow-ochre of the stone walls, towers and tiled roofs of the Old Town served to create an awesome artists' portrait. This walled pedestrian town is a delight, full of architectural treasures and its centerpiece, the beautiful 13th century Cathedral of St. Mark.

We anchored in the lovely small fishing village of Komiza, on Vis Island that evening. The quay lined with restaurants beckoned us invitingly. Here, the streets gently climb the hills into tiny residential areas whose homes embrace walled gardens where fruit trees abound. High above the village, a formidable castle illuminated the night sky giving a fairy tale aura to an already enchanting town. A small boat excursion the next day took us to nearby Bisevo Island, home to the Blue Grotto, with its amazing cobalt-blue waters.

Sailing north, we moored in StariGrad, once known as Pharos and the oldest settlement on Hvar Island. Endless lavender fields and vineyards cover this lovely island and Hvar town is not to be missed! Making our way towards Split, our last stop was Brac Island where we anchored in Supetar harbor, a small, peaceful village exhibiting the authentic high-quality stone used for many sculptures and in the building of the With House. This was the ideal finale for a perfect sailing adventure.

Our sailing trip on the Dalmatian coast was the crowning highlight of our trip to Croatia - a boating paradise of turquoise waters, safe harbors, hidden coves and swimming holes, plenty of adventures ashore, and one of the best family vacation destinations!