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Sailing trip Croatia

Carolin Thiersch Kroatien 2022
Island diversity along the Dalmatian coast

Island diversity along the Dalmatian coast

Crystal-clear water, historic coastal towns and one of the most diverse island worlds in Europe: Croatia is an ideal destination for enjoyable sailing trips.
With Sailing-Classics, you can discover the Dalmatian coast between Trogir, Split and Dubrovnik – relaxed, varied and with plenty of time for shore leave, swimming stops and a Mediterranean lifestyle. Our cruises usually start in Trogir and, depending on the route, either head north towards the Kornati islands and Šibenik or south along the Dalmatian islands to Hvar, Korčula and beyond. On selected one-way trips, we even sail as far as Cavtat near Dubrovnik – one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the Adriatic.

Quick facts about sailing trips in Croatia

Highlights

  • Over 1,000 islands and one of the most diverse coasts in Europe
  • Combination of nature, culture and historic cities
  • Short distances and numerous sheltered bays

The best time to travel

The best time for a sailing trip in Croatia is from May to October.
In spring and early summer, the coast is particularly calm and green, while the summer months are characterized by warm water and stable conditions.
Autumn offers pleasant temperatures and less activity – ideal for relaxed cruising.

Sailing conditions

The Adriatic Sea offers predominantly calm to moderate conditions with thermal winds and occasional regional wind systems such as Bora or Maestral.
The short distances between the islands allow for varied legs and many stops – perfect for relaxed sailing with plenty of time for shore leave.

Arrival

Depending on the route, the journey is easy via Split (SPU) or Dubrovnik (DBV) airports. From there you can reach the embarkation port in Trogir or, for one-way trips, Cavtat in a short time by taxi or organized transfer. Alternatively, you can also arrive by car; we can arrange a parking space for you in Trogir.

Top highlights along the Croatian coast

Kroatien

Trogir & Split - a historic start to the trip

The old town of Trogir, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the ideal starting point for your sailing trip. Narrow alleyways, small squares and historic buildings give the city a special flair. Split, with its imposing Diocletian’s Palace, is also one of the cultural highlights of the region and combines Roman history with lively city life. Before or after the cruise, it is well worth stopping off to experience the mixture of history, Mediterranean atmosphere and lively promenades.

Kroatien

Hvar & Korčula - lively islands and Mediterranean flair

The islands of Hvar and Korčula exemplify the diversity of the Dalmatian island world. Hvar delights with its elegant old town, lively harbour and offshore bays, while Korčula impresses with its medieval architecture and tranquil atmosphere.

Together they offer an ideal combination of lively island life, cultural impressions and relaxed anchorages. Small tavernas, historic alleyways and crystal-clear water make these stages a central experience of the trip.

Kroatien

Kornati islands - a natural paradise of islands and rocks

The Kornati islands are one of the most impressive natural landscapes in the Adriatic. The barren, almost untouched island world consists of numerous small islands, rocks and sheltered bays that feel like a world of their own.

Nature takes centre stage here: wide horizons, quiet anchorages and clear water create a special atmosphere of peace and seclusion. An ideal section for all those who want to experience Croatia from its original side.

Kroatien

Dubrovnik & Cavtat - spectacular finish in the south

The region around Dubrovnik is one of the most famous and impressive stretches of coastline in Europe. The mighty city walls, the historic old town and the location directly by the sea make Dubrovnik a unique destination.

For one-way trips, Cavtat, just south of Dubrovnik, is a particularly beautiful end to the trip. The small coastal town combines Mediterranean elegance with a peaceful atmosphere and offers a relaxing end to varied days of sailing.

Your sailing trip - optimally planned

Your sailing trip - optimally planned

Still not sure which sailing trip suits you best? Our experts will take time for you, answer your questions and work with you to find the perfect route. Simply arrange your personal consultation – free of charge and without obligation.

Kroatien

Enjoy Mediterranean flair along the Adriatic Sea

A sailing trip in Croatia combines relaxed travel with an extraordinary variety of impressions. Between historic towns, quiet bays and lively harbour towns, you will experience the Adriatic in all its facets.

Whether you stop for a swim in the crystal-clear water, stroll through old coastal towns or dine on deck – every stage offers new perspectives and a successful mix of nature, culture and enjoyment.

What our guests say about their time on board

  • Introductory Sailing Trip in Malta

    Ahoy, we'd love to come back.

    On that morning of the third day, the waves were high and lashed with great force against the hull of the majestic Chronos. When I asked what wind force we were experiencing, Felix, the young and passionate captain, replied, “We’re at a 5.” It was a surreal scene: a constant up-and-down motion, clinging to any part that resembled a handhold, and the hot coffee, sitting steady on the breakfast table (thanks to the rubber mat).

    My partner and I spent three unforgettable days on the Chronos, filled with many such experiences. Although I'm naturally a bit of a worrier and have a deep respect for the vast ocean, we felt safe and comfortable the entire time. Not least because of the professional crew, who were very helpful, patient, and went out of their way to pamper the guests. We were also enchanted by the culinary journey aboard the ship, with its many delicacies. How the cook—always with a touch of humor on his lips, even in such cramped quarters—managed to cater to these 20 guests remains one of the great mysteries of seafaring.

    You can look forward to a little adventure—whether it’s relaxing in the sun on deck, taking trips by motorboat to the most beautiful spots, watching the captain at work, or helping to hoist the big sails; a journey you won’t experience every day.

    Ahoy, we'd love to come back.
    Read the full review
    Samuel and Elke on the Chronos, sailing around Malta in June '26
  • We enjoy our 5th trip

    High praise

    This is the fifth time we have enjoyed a trip with Sailing Classics, this time between the Greek islands. And in November we want to sail across the Atlantic with the Rhea. In Pieter we have met an outstanding captain who has given us a lot of pleasure. I would also like to praise the speaker Marc, who introduced us to Greek history with his immense knowledge and his engaging and humorous manner. I would also like to praise the entire team.
    Peter and Lore in October on the RHEA - Sailing & History in the southern Cyclades
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    Peter and Lore
  • Loved every minute of it

    Absolutely marvelous charter

    It was an absolutely marvelous charter. Loved every minute of it. I have chartered boats a number of times, and I have never had such a friendly, positive, and accommodating captain and crew. And the food was superb.
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    David (USA) with family and friends after a private charter of KAIRÓS in Croatia July 2025
  • 3 days in Italy

    It was marvelous

    About 10 days ago, we had zero sailing experience and no idea what to expect as a family with two young kids (ages 5 and 7) boarding a 3-night charter in the south of Italy. As we waited for the tender to bring us aboard, we spotted our fellow passengers - no other children in sight and most well outside our usual age range. We were more than a little nervous.

    But wow - it was marvelous. From the moment we boarded, we felt not only welcomed but truly cared for. Normally, our daughter is quite shy around men, yet she immediately gravitated toward Captain Niko. She followed him around the boat with admiration, and he responded with incredible patience and kindness.

    Everyone was fantastic and worked together like a well oiled machine. Thank you for a once-in-a-lifetime experience that we hope becomes a lifelong tradition.
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    Sophie and her family after their trip at the Amalfi coast
  • Wedding anniversary on board

    A special experience

    You are probably more than aware that sailing on the Rhea is a particularly beautiful experience. It was a special experience for me. Not that it was my first time sailing (North Sea, Atlantic, Mediterranean Sea), but it was my wife's first trip under sail. She enjoyed the time and we have decided to go on more sailing trips. We were also able to celebrate our 35th wedding anniversary on board. We would like to thank you very much for the service on board and the highlights.
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    Gert and Birgitt after their trial cruise on the RHEA off Malta
  • We had a fantastic vacation that we will look back on fondly

    It was in 1 word: Great

    It was in 1 word: Great. We really enjoyed this trip with KAIRÓS. Everyone was super friendly and they tried more than 100% to make us feel comfortable. And they succeeded. We had a fantastic vacation that we will look back on fondly.
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    Bertie and John after their trip to the Aeolian Islands

Experience the Mediterranean lifestyle on board the KAIRÓS

Discover our sailing trips in Croatia

stylish, authentic, unforgettable

We have the answers for you

FAQs about sailing trips in Croatia

The northern routes tend to lead through natural island worlds such as the Kornati islands, while the southern routes are characterized more by historic towns and well-known islands such as Hvar and Korčula.

Croatia is particularly suitable for beginners, couples and connoisseurs who are looking for a varied area with lots of stops and moderate conditions.

Most cruises start in Trogir, for one-way trips also in the south, e.g. in Cavtat near Dubrovnik.

Yes – in true Sailing Classics style, the wind determines the course. The route can be flexibly adapted to enjoy the best sailing conditions and most beautiful bays. Authentic sailing is our focus, not a rigid timetable.

Yes, the Dalmatian coast offers numerous sheltered bays, such as in the Kornati islands and off Vis, as well as charming harbours and old towns like Hvar, Korčula and Trogir that are regularly visited.

A lot is already prepared for you on board – towels, shampoo and usually also sun protection products are available. For your summer sailing vacation, we recommend light, comfortable clothing, sturdy shoes for shore excursions, swimwear, possibly a windbreaker and a sun hat. It is best to travel with soft travel bags, as they are easier to stow in the cabins and offer more space than suitcases.

Our cabins are comfortable and well-designed, with a wardrobe, shelves and storage space under the beds. There is plenty of space for the duration of the trip, and foldable travel bags are the best option instead of hard-shell suitcases.

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