7-Day Croatia Itinerary — Dubrovnik to Split
Croatia’s Dalmatian coast from Dubrovnik to Split is one of the world’s great sailing routes — medieval walled cities, a thousand islands, the emerald lakes of the Kornati archipelago, and the legendary nightlife of Hvar. This 7-day itinerary runs north from Dubrovnik, combining the iconic sights with the quieter gems.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
The Pearl of the Adriatic
Embark in Dubrovnik. Morning: explore the Old City — walk the ancient walls at sunrise before the cruise ships arrive. The city from the water is even more breathtaking than from land. Afternoon sail to the Elaphiti Islands — anchor in the peaceful Lopud Bay. Overnight: Lopud or Šipan.
Islands and Wine Country
Morning sail to the island of Korčula — said to be the birthplace of Marco Polo, and one of Croatia’s most beautiful medieval towns. Explore the old city. Evening: visit the Marco Polo museum and a local wine bar for Pošip wine, the island’s famous white. Overnight: Korčula town.
The Adriatic’s Favourite Island
Morning sail to Hvar, Croatia’s most fashionable island. Afternoon: anchor in the Pakleni Islands — a chain of pine-forested islets just off Hvar with crystal water. Evening: dock in Hvar town for dinner and the nightlife scene if desired.
Croatia’s Secret Island
Day sail to Vis — until 1989 a closed military island, now Croatia’s best-kept secret. Fewer tourists, extraordinary food, and magnificent scenery. Lunch at one of Vis town’s brilliant seafood restaurants. Afternoon: anchor in the bay of Stiniva — a tiny bay enclosed by near-vertical cliffs.
The Blue Cave
Early morning departure for the Blue Cave on the island of Biševo — one of Croatia’s most extraordinary natural phenomena: a sea cave where sunlight refracts through an underwater entrance to fill the interior with electric blue light. Continue to Brač for the night — visit the famous Zlatni Rat beach.
UNESCO Trogir
Sail north to Trogir — a tiny UNESCO World Heritage island city connected to the mainland by a bridge. Explore the Romanesque cathedral and the maze of medieval streets. Outstanding local restaurants on the waterfront.
Final Day
Short morning sail to Split. Explore Diocletian’s Palace — a Roman emperor’s retirement home that became an entire medieval city, with residents living within the ancient walls to this day. Farewell lunch at one of the waterfront restaurants. Disembarkation.
Practical Information
Dubrovnik to Split is approximately 200nm of coastline with hundreds of island stops. Sailing winds (Bura and Jugo) are important to understand — the captain will plan around conditions. Croatia cruising permits required.
Best Suited To
Sailing yachts (ideal wind conditions)Catamarans (family groups)Motor yachts (cover more distance)First-time charterers
Want This Itinerary?
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