A stunning Mediterranean paradise that remains delightfully untouched by mass tourism, the Dalmatian coast is fast becoming one of our top sailing destinations. We’ve spent years sailing and exploring here, and in this blog we’ll take you through our top 5 places to visit in Croatia on the charming Dalmatian coast. Our sailing holidays in Croatia offer a unique way to explore ancient harbour cities, secluded bays, and breathtaking landscapes and waterfalls. With easy access from UK airports you can fly from London and be relaxing onboard in just a few hours. Whether you’re joining us on a luxury sailing adventure or simply seeking some travel inspiration, keep reading to discover our top 5 places to visit in Croatia.
Sibernik
Beyond the industrial outskirts of Sibernik lies a romantic old town, inviting you to wander through its narrow alleys, meandering streets, and quaint boutiques. The old town tumbles down the hillside from St. Michael’s Fortress – an impressive 13th-century fortification. Archaeological finds here date back to the Iron Age but the fortress itself underwent refurbishment in 2014. The newly pointed towering walls providing stunning views across Kanal Luka to the Adriatic Sea.
Explore the delightful monastery-terraced gardens, perfect for a peaceful refreshment stop. The backstreets, cool and quiet, offer moments of reflection as you walk on sandstone cobbles worn smooth by centuries of footfall. The buildings, three or four storeys high, feature tiny windows with striking green shutters, a signature of the Dalmatian region. As you stroll, swifts dance against the bright blue sky, leading you to cosy cafes, boutique shops, and a charming waterfront.
Krka National Park
The Krka National Park, is one of the best loved places to visit in Croatia, and the spectacular waterfalls certainly did not disappoint. Arriving early to beat the crowds, we entered through the main Lovozac entrance. You can take a shuttle bus down the hill or walk 20 minutes to really soak up the warm morning sun on the pine trees, wildflowers, butterflies.
Walking along the boardwalk, you encounter meandering waterways, small streams, and numerous tiny waterfalls. The park, an ancient forest, is lush with fig trees, the oldest Whiteberry tree in the area (400 years old), and a mix of hornbeam, ash, and oak trees. Bridges cross azure pools where fish swim and bright blue dragonflies dart about. The sound of cascading water is mesmerising and as you reach the final, biggest main event waterfall, the spray floats over the bridge, creating rainbow light prisms through the tree canopy.
Consider booking a boat tour upriver or, better yet, cool off with a swim in the river at nearby Skradin. This tiny village, with its waterfront cafes, boutique shops, and charming backstreets, is surrounded by lush green mountains and a shallow pebbled river edge, reminiscent of the Alps.
Komiza, Vis
Nestled on the western side of Vis Island, the village of Komiza offers a dramatic backdrop of limestone mountains covered in cypress trees, olive trees, and grapevines. Opened to tourism only in the past 30 years, the town’s history dates back to the 12th century. A quaint church on the waterfront is framed by pine trees singing with cicadas and a pebbled shore. Komiza is particularly famous for its fishing heritage. The local fishermen’s history vividly portrayed in the Fishing Museum, located in the old Venetian tower on the waterfront. The town also boasts some of the best seafood restaurants in Croatia, with freshly caught fish and traditional Dalmatian dishes.
Cool off with a swim from the beach, or sit and watch the world go by with an ice cream or a beer. Konobas dot the shoreline, and one, in particular, hosted a scene from the Mamma Mia film! It’s easy to lose an hour or two wandering the back streets, visiting its churches, monasteries and cultural delights.
Primosten
The old town of Primosten itself sits on an oval-shaped peninsula. A sandstone church sits on top of the hill, and its beautifully kept graveyard looks straight out to sea. Once you’ve passed through the ancient city walls, you can walk around the whole island in under 20 minutes. Or pass through the churchyard and wander through the shady back streets lined with grapevines and cypress trees. There’s a real artisan community here with shops selling locally made art, jewellery and gifts and plenty of “Kornoba’s” (traditional taverns).
Primosten is world famous for its vineyards, particularly the Bucavac vineyard terraces, which are a UNESCO World Heritage candidate. These terraces are a testament to the centuries-old tradition of winemaking in the region, producing some of Croatia’s best-known wines. Primosten also has swim spots galore, and everybody loves to swim. Take your pick from a quieter corner tucked in the rocks with a private swim ladder, or join the fun at one of the many beaches with activities and inflatables. All swim areas are have clear buoy markers, but take swim shoes to avoid the sea urchins!
Stari Grad, Hvar
Stari Grad offers a quieter experience than the hustle and bustle of main town Hvar. Yet it still has the same cobbled streets, balmy waterfront and ancient history. Just off the waterfront, we stumbled across a poet’s house and were rewarded with a little corner of tranquillity. Tvrdalj Castle was built by poet and philosopher Petar Hektorović in 1448. This ancient palace is home to rustic gardens and a grand fishpond with views into the tumbling backstreets framed by green hillside.
The Dominican Monastery, established in 1482, is another highlight, featuring a beautiful church and a museum with paintings by Venetian artists. One of the oldest towns in Europe, Stari Grad is surrounded by the UNESCO World Heritage site of Stari Grad Plains. The rich history of the area, dating back to the ancient Greeks in the 4th century BC, makes it one of the most memorable places to visit in Croatia.
Set sail to explore Croatia’s hidden gems
With so much to see and do on Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, there’s no better way to experience it than with a Croatian sailing holiday. From the romantic alleys of Sibernik to the breathtaking waterfalls of Krka National Park, the quaint charm of Komiza, the artisan spirit of Primosten, and the ancient serenity of Stari Grad, each destination effortlessly showcases Croatia’s rich heritage and natural beauty. Embrace the adventure, relaxation, and stunning landscapes that only a sailing holiday can provide, making your journey through Croatia truly unforgettable.
