Croatia Sailing Holidays
Set sail and experience the best of the Adriatic, with our custom Croatia sailing holidays & villas with mooring.
Incresible Croatia Sailing Holidays
With its dazzling Adriatic coastline, more than 1,000 islands, and a strong seafaring tradition, relaxed island hopping holidays and offshore sailing holidays in Croatia have become one of Europe’s most sought-after luxury travel experiences. Whether you're chartering a yacht for a week to island hop and sightsee or to switch off and cruise along secluded bays, Croatia promises endless adventure - both on water and on land.
Aside from our custom yacht holidays Croatia - either bareboat, skippered or crewed charters, Top Villas can also arrange romantic sunset cruises, powerboat rentals, watersports' hire and more, for the perfect water-based getaway with family and friends. Enhanced further by our award-winning holiday rentals with optional Concierge, experience staying in unique waterfront settings along the Croatian mainland or islands, with private pools and boat mooring, or proximity to nearby marina facilities.
Popular Villas for Croatia Sailing Holidays
Sailing holidays Croatia are all about the freedom to explore and unwind. If you're seeking a luxury holiday base with boat mooring, for hassle-free island hopping days, or are planning a memorable flotilla holiday across the stunning Adriatic sailing grounds, a Top Villas stay combines plain sailing with effortless luxury.
Custom yacht holidays Croatia
Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or prefer the expertise of a skippered yacht, our custom yacht holidays Croatia are designed around your sailing experience. With bespoke routes to match your interests and optional Concierge on hand to bring 5-star experiences to your yacht charter or villa holiday, enjoy Croatia just the way you want to, with Top Villas.
Best 5 sailing routes in Croatia
Croatia’s Adriatic coast is famous for its scenic sailing routes. Whether you're seeking culture, calm coves, vibrant resort towns, or the best beaches in Croatia, there's a route to match all styles of seafarer. Here are 5 top sailing itineraries, each taking 7 days or longer, for unforgettable yacht holidays Croatia:
1. Split – Vis – Hvar – Brac – SplitA classic itinerary covering some of Croatia’s most iconic islands. Experience the ancient sights of Split on the mainland, before embarking on a quest to explore authentic Vis, with its fishing villages and secluded bays, and the popular neighboring islands of Hvar and Brac, for historic towns and vibrant beach clubs.
2. Dubrovnik – Mljet – Korcula – Lastovo – DubrovnikIdeal for nature lovers, this route leaves from the iconic UNESCO city of Dubrovnik, known as the "Pearl of the Adriatic" and includes scenic national parks and serene anchorages along the way. Savour the opportunity to enjoy Korcula’s charming Old Town and the island's renowned wines and beaches.
3. Zadar – Kornati National Park – Dugi Otok – ZadarOne for born explorers - leave the crowds behind and discover the untouched beauty of Kornati’s 89 islands, including the nautical paradise of Kornati National Park. Don't forget to marvel at the effortless mix of ancient and modern architecture in Zadar, as well as its famed sunsets.
4. Trogir – Hvar – Vis – Solta – TrogirPerfect for those seeking both cosmopolitan buzz and the authentic charms off the Dalmatian Coast - from the lively nightlife of Hvar and quaint appeal of Vis, to Solta’s tranquil beaches and charming coves. Make time to explore the romantic medieval streets which lace through the historic harbour town of Trogir, a designated UNESCO World Heritage site.
5. Sibenik – Skradin – Kornati – Murter – SibenikThis diverse sailing route blends both inland and island exploration, from the unique medieval gardens and fortress in Sibenik to the nearby Krka Waterfalls, the beauty of Skradin, iconic 'crown' shaped typography of the Kornati islands and the stunning island beaches of Murter.
Each of these top routes for sailing holidays Croatia can be customized depending on your preferences, charter type, and sailing experience - with optional Concierge to enhance life aboard, from a skipper and on-board chef, to land-based car hire, private excursions and wine tours, for when you're ready to explore.
Croatia villas with boat mooring
Located along the Adriatic’s pristine coastline, our beautiful Croatia villas with private boat mooring and holiday rentals near marinas offer the perfect combination of luxury, convenience and sea access during your island hopping holiday. Our villas for sailing holidays Croatia are ideal for couples, groups and families planning to set sail or hire a powerboat during their holiday. With private pools and alfresco dining terraces to make the most of some land-based R and R, you have everything you need for a varied onshore-offshore stay.
Croatia island hopping holidays from your luxury villa
Our Croatia island hopping holidays offer the ultimate way to experience the diverse character of the Dalmatian Coast. From party scenes in Hvar to the relaxed rhythm of Vis or the pine-scented hills of Korcula, every Croatian island has its own story.
Our Croatia vacation rentals offer seamless access to island hopping adventures and are placed in the best places to stay in Croatia - for the perfect blend of land and water-based holiday fun with family and friends.
Where is the best base for Croatia island hopping holidays?
Croatia offers some excellent strategic locations for island hopping, with the most popular bases being Split, Dubrovnik, Brac and Korcula. With the best time of year to go sailing and boating from May - late September, you'll be able to enjoy varied island hopping adventures in both the peak and shoulder seasons.
Read on to find your perfect base for Croatia island hopping holidays, from the most popular spots to the more secluded.
Split – Best for first-timers & easily accessible
Split is an ideal base for those new to Croatia or seeking the convenience of frequent ferry connections. This vibrant coastal city serves as a major transport hub, offering easy sailings to popular islands such as Hvar, Brac, Vis, Solta, and Korcula. With its international airport and modern marina, it’s easy to arrive and set sail. Split also offers a blend of history and modern life, from the ancient Roman architecture of Diocletian’s Palace to bustling waterfront promenades and contemporary restaurants, making it a well-rounded destination for exploring both land and sea.
Dubrovnik – Culture meets the islands
Dubrovnik is a superb choice for travelers who want to combine rich cultural experiences with southern island escapes. Known for its medieval Old Town encircled by stone walls, this UNESCO-listed city is a launchpad for day trips to the nearby Elafiti Islands, the tranquil lakes of Mljet, and the enchanting island of Korcula. Dubrovnik’s romantic setting, with its historic streets, cliffside cafes, and panoramic coastal views, makes it a captivating base for sailing the southern Adriatic.
Brac – Iconic beaches & outdoor adventures
Brac is one of Croatia’s most iconic islands, renowned for Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn), a uniquely shaped beach that juts into the Adriatic and shifts with the tides and winds. This white-pebble beach near the town of Bol is ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and especially windsurfing, thanks to consistent afternoon breezes. Beyond its beach appeal, Brac offers scenic hiking to Vidova Gora - the highest peak on any Adriatic island - for panoramic coastal views. Bol, with its relaxed harbor vibe, boutique wine bars, and charming cafés, serves as a great base for sailors and visitors alike.
Korcula – Vineyards, old towns & forested hills
With its blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, quiet harbors and inland wineries, Korcula offers a refined island base for sailing holidaymakers. Often dubbed “Little Dubrovnik”, Korcula is an island where medieval ambiance meets vineyard-laced landscapes (home to the renowned Grk white wine). The star attraction is Korcula Town, a delightful maze of cobbled streets, Venetian architecture, and seaside promenades. Just beyond the fortified walls, you'll find tranquil beaches like Vela Przina and Pupnatska Luka, ideal for anchoring or day visits by boat.
Sibenik – Best for nature & national parks
Sibenik offers a quieter, more authentic Croatian experience, ideal for nature lovers and sailing enthusiasts alike. Positioned between Split and Zadar, it provides access to two major natural wonders: the cascading waterfalls of Krka National Park and the island-dotted Kornati National Park, known for its pristine sailing conditions. Sibenik’s beautifully preserved Old Town and peaceful waterfront marina offers a serene backdrop to your island-hopping adventures.
Zadar – Quieter alternative, with northern Adriatic access
Zadar presents a more laid-back alternative to the busier southern hubs while still offering excellent access to the islands of the northern Adriatic. From here, sailors can venture out to explore Dugi Otok, Pag, and the Kornati archipelago, enjoying quiet coves, charming villages, and scenic anchorages. Zadar itself is known for its stunning sunsets, historic Roman and Venetian architecture, and relaxed pace. With fewer tourists than Split or Dubrovnik, it's a perfect spot for travelers seeking a tranquil island-hopping experience.
Istria – Charming towns and the Kvarner Gulf
Although Istria isn’t as densely packed with islands as Dalmatia, it offers a unique island-hopping experience via the Kvarner Gulf. From towns like Pula and Opatija, you can sail to the lesser-known islands of Cres, Losinj, and Rab, each offering unspoiled beauty and a slower rhythm of life. Istria itself is celebrated for its gourmet cuisine, local wines, and truffle-rich forests. Picturesque towns such as Rovinj, with its Venetian-style harbor, add to the region’s allure, making Istria an excellent base for travelers seeking a mix of sailing and inland exploration.
Wherever you choose to base yourself, the extensive ferry network, modern marinas, and sheltered anchorages make Croatia island hopping holidays accessible and unforgettable - whether you sail independently or with a skipper.
Ready to set sail? Browse our award-winning collection of villa rentals, let us help you plan your ideal sailing itinerary and enhance every moment of your offshore and onshore experience - for first-class sailing holidays, Croatia.
