Yacht charter in Split: sail through the best destinations in Croatia
Split is the largest city on the Adriatic coast. It’s full of stunning sights to see, has great restaurants to try, and great marinas to start a Croatian sailboat charter. There are numerous coves and beaches for you to anchor and relax. Croatia has around 3,600 miles of coastline, of which the Dalmatian coast, with its stunning islands and rugged limestone cliffs, is the most popular stretch. Split is right in the center and offers you a great infrastructure for sailing as well as an unforgettable experience due to its unique beauty. Sailing yacht charter in Split is unique, so let us tell you a bit about it.
You are planning to rent a boat from Split. How does it get there?
Split is very easily accessible. Its international airport is located 24 km northwest of the city. It is the second largest in Croatia after Zagreb and handles millions of passengers every year. During the summer there are many seasonal charter flights to most of the larger European destinations, so going on a sailing holiday to Split is really easy.
If you prefer to travel by car, you can rely on a well-developed road network in Croatia and the Adriatic Highway will take you directly to Split.
Split is also well connected by ferry to Italy and there are many ferry connections from Split to the seaside resorts and ports on the Dalmatian coast.
Which marinas in Split are best suited for bareboat charter yachts?
Split ACI Marina, southwest of the historic center, has 364 berths for yachts up to 80 m. It is very well protected by a long breakwater and offers a full range of repair services and facilities.
Marina Lav Split, with the adjoining luxury resort Le Meridien Lav, is situated 8 km southeast of the city center and has 74 berths for boats up to 40 m. There are restaurants, bars, a spa and wellness center, an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, a casino and a nightclub, beaches, a kindergarten, a laundry service and many more facilities that visitors to the marina can use.
Marina Kastela, 7 km from the airport, can house 400 yachts of up to 100 m and has all the basic needs such as water and electricity, as well as some nautical services.
What does Split have to offer after sailing?
On a charter vacation in Split, you can combine sailing with exploring the city and getting to know the local culture. Here are some suggestions on what to do:
Sightseeing in Split is great. A must-see is the Diocletian’s Palace and Mausoleum dating from the 4th century. It is one of the best preserved Roman palaces. Visit the statue of Grgur Ninski or the cathedral and bell tower of St. Domnius: you can climb the tower and see Split from above. The entire old town with its maze of streets is wonderfully picturesque. Stroll along the Riva, which is the water walk. Visit the Archaeological Museum which has many Roman ruins and artifacts.
To relax, relax on the beach in the city of Bacvice, for example.
There is great shopping in the hustle and bustle of the vibrant Old Town – you’ll find plenty of chic and highly quirky boutiques and galleries.
Go for a wine and cheese tasting, for example, at the Marcus Marulus Library Jazz Bar. Taste local products from Croatia and Bosnia in a 15th-century setting surrounded by around 1,000 books. The bar is located opposite the City Museum in the old town.
Try the Dalmatian cuisine that contains a lot of seafood but also very hearty dishes such as roast lamb.
For a taste of the nightlife, try the Hemingway Bar downtown or join a pub crawl if you want to meet new people.
Observe dolphins or sea turtles. Practice water sports such as diving, snorkeling, fishing, water skiing, wakeboarding, kayaking and many more. Or rent a bike and tour the area. In Split you have a lot to do and explore, so go ahead and soak up the beauty of this amazing Dalmatian city.
What are the best day rental getaways from Split?
When renting a sailboat or motor yacht in Split, there are many attractive destinations that you can visit on a day trip. Here are some examples:
The beautiful city of Trogir is only 8 nautical miles away and you can easily sail to Ciovo, an island off the coast of Trogir. Go to Drvenik or Solta with the beach resort town Maslinica. Both islands are only about 10 nautical miles from Split.
Head to Brac with the beautiful beach of Zlatni Rat that appears on so many postcards and enjoy the beautiful bay of Lucica with its amazing turquoise waters. Visit the towns of Bol and Milna. Buy some local olive oil and pecorino cheese or try the lamb which is the local specialty dish.
Anchor and swim in the stunningly beautiful Stivina Bay on the island of Vis, ca. 27 nautical miles from Split. Go to Ravnik, a mini island south of Vis. It is worth visiting the so-called Cueva Verde there, it is very large and you can enter it by boat. Then there is the nearby neighboring island Bisevo with the amazing Blue Cave that you need tickets to enter. Snorkel in the blue lagoon on Budikovac Island, also south of Vis. The island is inhabited by a single person throughout the year.
Cruise to the lively town of Hvar with its Venetian palaces and charming streets and squares. Visit the Hvar Fortress. Head to the Paklinski Archipelago on the southwestern coast of Hvar. It is located opposite the entrance to the port of Hvar. The name is derived from the pine resin that was harvested there and used to coat ships. It is a chain of islands 10 km long with a very indented coastline, offering numerous coves for anchoring, diving and fishing, for example the beautiful Bay of Palmizana.
Korcula, about 32 nautical miles from Split, and its beautiful old town with nice souvenir shops and galleries beckon.
Then there is the Lastovo Archipelago Nature Park, south of Korcula, with absolutely amazingly pure and untouched nature.
Last but not least, sublime Mljet National Park, approx. 60 NM from Split, it has equally pristine nature for you to admire.
Those are just a few suggestions. There is much more to discover and the destinations for yacht charter in Split are endless and all undeniably beautiful.