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Sailing routes

Split, Hvar and Vis: a week in central Dalmatia

The classic one-week route from Split: Brač, Hvar and the Pakleni islands, Vis and Komiža with the Blue Cave, then back via Stari Grad and Šolta.

days
7
nautical miles
121
Longest leg (NM)
30
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This is the route on which most crews get to know Dalmatia. The legs are mostly short, the harbours well equipped, and you cross open sea only to Vis and back.

On summer afternoons the maestral blows regularly in the Hvar and Vis Channels, so it pays to set off before noon and reach your berth while there is still room. In July and August book marina berths and buoys in the popular bays in advance.

Split - Hvar - Vis

Day-by-day itinerary

  1. 1

    Day 1

    Split - Milna

    approx. 11 NM2 h under wayBrač

    After taking over the boat, a short passage across the Split Channel and through the Splitska vrata passage to Milna on Brač. The deep bay is well protected, so it is ideal for the first night and for getting used to the boat. The village has marinas, a fuel station, shops and konobas.

    Overnight: Milna, Brač

  2. 2

    Day 2

    Milna - Hvar

    approx. 14 NM2.5 h under wayHvar

    Across the Hvar Channel to the Pakleni islands and Hvar town. In summer the town harbour is packed and open to the south, so most crews look for a berth in the Palmižana marina or a buoy in one of the bays and go into town by water taxi.

    Overnight: Hvar · or ACI marina Palmižana, Sveti Klement (Pakleni otoci)

  3. 3

    Day 3

    Hvar - Vis

    approx. 13 NM2.4 h under wayVis

    An open-sea crossing to Vis. With the maestral it is a fine sail with the wind on the beam. Vis harbour offers berths on the town quay in Vis or in quieter Kut, and buoys in the bay; in the evening take a walk to the remains of ancient Issa.

    Overnight: Vis

  4. 4

    Day 4

    Vis - Biševo - Komiža

    approx. 18 NM3.3 h under wayVis

    In the morning to Mezuporat bay on Biševo, from where the concessionaire's boats run into the Blue Cave. The light is at its best between 10:00 and 14:00. Then another five miles to Komiža, a fishing town below Hum hill, with a town quay and buoys.

    Via: MezuporatOvernight: Komiža, Vis

  5. 5

    Day 5

    Komiža - Stari Grad

    approx. 30 NM5.5 h under wayHvar

    The longest leg of the route: round the north side of Vis and Cape Pelegrin on Hvar into Stari Grad Bay. The bay is long and well protected, with a town quay in the centre of one of the oldest towns in Europe and buoys along the shore. Set off early, before the maestral strengthens.

    Overnight: Stari Grad, Hvar

  6. 6

    Day 6

    Stari Grad - Maslinica

    approx. 22 NM4 h under wayŠolta

    Across the Hvar Channel and along the south coast of Šolta to Maslinica at its western end. Berth in the marina or spend the night in neighbouring Šešula, where you lie quietly in both bura and jugo.

    Overnight: Maslinica, Šolta

  7. 7

    Day 7

    Maslinica - Split

    approx. 13 NM2.4 h under way

    A short final leg across the Split Channel. Leave time for refuelling: on Saturday mornings a queue forms at the Split fuel dock, so many crews fill up on Friday evening.

    Overnight: Split, ACI marina Split

Tips for this route

  • Plan the crossings to Vis and back according to the forecast. In the open waters of the central Adriatic jugo raises the highest waves, so keep a day in reserve.
  • Komiža is open to the west. If lebić or a stronger westerly wind is forecast, spend the night in Vis.
  • You can refuel in Split, Milna, Hvar, Vis and Rogač on Šolta.
  • The Blue Cave can be entered only on the concessionaire's boats, and tickets are bought in Mezuporat or in Komiža. The cave is open only when the sea is calm.

Distances are approximate and calculated for the shortest safe passage. Time under way is calculated at a speed of about 6 knots.

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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.

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

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Boat rental: SplitView boats for rent

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.