Sailing routes
From Split to Dubrovnik: a one-way week
A one-way, one-week route from Split to Dubrovnik via Brač, Hvar, Šćedro, Korčula, Mljet and Šipan, with no doubling back.
- days
- 7
- nautical miles
- 112
- Longest leg (NM)
- 24
Sailing one way is the best way to see as much of the coast as possible in a week: you take over the boat in Split and return it in Dubrovnik. Ask the boat owner in advance whether a return in a different port is possible and how much it costs.
The route runs down the islands, mostly through sheltered channels. In summer the maestral blows from the north-west, that is from astern, so this is also one of the most pleasant routes for sailing.
Split - Dubrovnik
Day-by-day itinerary
- 1
Day 1
Split - Milna
A short first leg across the Split Channel and through the Splitska vrata passage to Milna on Brač. The bay is well protected, and the village has marinas, a fuel station and shops.
Overnight: Milna, Brač
- 2
Day 2
Milna - Hvar
Across the Hvar Channel to the Pakleni islands. Look for a berth in the Palmižana marina or a buoy in one of the bays, and go into Hvar town by water taxi.
Overnight: Hvar · or ACI marina Palmižana, Sveti Klement (Pakleni otoci)
- 3
Day 3
Hvar - Šćedro
Along the south coast of Hvar to uninhabited Šćedro. Lovišće bay has buoys and a few konobas, and the sand with weed gives good holding. It is sheltered from jugo but open to tramontana and strong bura.
Overnight: Lovišće, Šćedro
- 4
Day 4
Šćedro - Korčula
Along the Korčula Channel and then the Pelješac Channel to Korčula town. In the afternoon the maestral regularly picks up here. The ACI marina is right below the walls of the old town.
Overnight: Korčula, ACI marina Korčula
- 5
Day 5
Korčula - Pomena
Across the Mljet Channel to Pomena, in Mljet National Park. You anchor in Lokva bay or berth off the village, and Malo jezero is about ten minutes on foot.
Overnight: Pomena, Mljet
- 6
Day 6
Pomena - Šipanska Luka
The longest leg: along the whole north coast of Mljet and on to Šipan. On the way you can stop in Polače or Sobra. Šipanska Luka lies at the head of a long bay, with a quay and room to anchor.
Overnight: Šipanska Luka, Šipan
- 7
Day 7
Šipan - Dubrovnik
Along the Koločep Channel past Lopud and Koločep to Rijeka dubrovačka and the marina at Komolac. A city bus runs to the old town.
Overnight: Dubrovnik, ACI marina Dubrovnik, Komolac
Tips for this route
- Agree a one-way rental before you book: returning the boat in a different port is usually charged extra.
- In Mljet National Park you pay for a ticket for the boat. Boats may not enter the lakes.
- Jugo blows on the nose along the whole route and raises a sea in the channels. If it is forecast, shorten the legs or wait in Korčula.
- Fuel: Split, Milna, Hvar, Korčula, Sobra on Mljet and Dubrovnik.
Distances are approximate and calculated for the shortest safe passage. Time under way is calculated at a speed of about 6 knots.
Safety
Emergency at sea
Croatia's national maritime search and rescue coordination centre (MRCC Rijeka) is on watch 24 hours a day. Save the number before you set off.
- 195Maritime search and rescue
- VHF 16Distress and safety calls
- 112Single emergency number
Before you call, have ready the boat's position (coordinates or the nearest headland, island or bay), the number of people on board and a description of the problem. A call to 112 is put through to the maritime rescue centre.
Get out on the water yourself
Find a boat directly from its owner and arrange the rental with no commission.
The information is for guidance only and does not replace official nautical charts, pilot books or forecasts. Check the current conditions and regulations before you set off.