Nautical tourism in Central Dalmatia

Nautical tourism is a phenomenon which has recorded one of the highest growth rates within the European and the Croatian economy over the past three decades. Croatia has exceptional prerequisites for the development of nautical tourism, as well as a series of comparative advantages over most other Mediterranean countries. This is particularly true when it comes to marinas and harbors in the area of Central Dalmatia, which keep attracting more and more sailors and boat-lovers.

Last year’s exceptional results in nautical tourism in Split-Dalmatia County confirm this phenomenon. Apart from the excellent results achieved in the post-season, this county beat all the records related to nautical tourism in Croatia. In 2017, half of all nautical overnight stays in nautical ports and harbors were registered in this county.

For this year, yachtsmen are invited to sail to Central Dalmatian marinas and ports, which include some of the most beautiful islands on the Croatian Adriatic. Brač, Hvar, Šolta, Vis … with its marinas, safe ports and numerous hidden coves and harbors, provide for a very attractive element for every tourist looking for a good sailing holiday.

Brač is the largest Central Dalmatian island, and Milna bay is one of the safest bays for summer charter. Its specialty is that it provides a safe shelter from all winds. Milna is the only marina on Brač which has 200 wet and 20 dry berths.

Šolta is an island in Central Dalmatia, not far from Split and west of Brač. Maslinica bay is the most visited port on the island, located on the west side. Lush forests and beautiful coves characterize that part of the island. The port has a restaurant and a hotel, in front of which is a new mooring zone for thirty boats.

Hvar is also part of Central Dalmatian islands, and today it is considered one of the 10 most beautiful islands in the world. In Stari grad, there is a marina with 40 berths. Marina in Vrboska is located on the northern side of the island and is known as a yacht charter destination. Opposite Hvar there are Paklinski Islands and Marina Palmižana, with 200 berths. The most popular and elite place is Hvar – the town’s nightlife makes it one of the most attractive destinations on the Adriatic, both for tourists and world-known celebrities.

At 45 km of distance from the coast, Vis is one of Croatia’s most set off islands. Its hidden coves and harbors are attracting more and more boat-lovers.

Drvenik Veli is an island in the waters around Split, northwest of Šolta, from which it is divided by the Šolta Channel. A marina is in construction at this very moment, which will feature 140 berths for boats up to 25 meters of length. The coast of the island includes lots of bays with sandy and pebble beaches. The main settlement is located at the deepest bay on the island. Grabula bay is of great importance to sailors, as it is the only one fully protected from all winds. On the eastern side of the island, along the islets Krknjaši, a convenient place for anchoring can be found.

Drvenik Mali is an island located about 10 nautical miles southwest of Trogir and west of the island Drvenik Veli, from which it is separated by a narrow passage called “Drvenička vrata”.

Trogir is 27 kilometers distant from Split and is located near the Kaštela Bay and Split Airport. At about a ten-minutes-walk from the old town, on the island of Čiovo, Marina Trogir is located, including 200 berths. Trogir has been under UNESCO protection since 1997.

Split is the second largest city in Croatia and is famous for the Diocletian’s Palace and numerous cultural and historical sights. The Marina in Split has 350 berths and is located near the center of the old  town – only a ten-minute-walk from Diocletian’s Palace. This marina also welcomes charter tourists. Marina Kaštela, a large modern marina which can accommodate all sizes of boats and ships, even megayachts, is located relatively near to Split. Between Split and Šibenik lies Marina Agana, which can accommodate yachts of all sizes. It is important to emphasize that this marina offers all modern facilities and features for its visitors.

Traveling further from Split, we arrive to Podstrana and its Marina Lav, located in the very center of the sandy shore. This marina offers berths for yachts up to 30 meters, and is ideal for VIP guests. Going further south, you will reach Marina Baška Voda, which is accessible because of the proximity of Split. In this marina, boats of all sizes can be anchored. Near Makarska is Marina Podgora, with 220 berths and all the necessary amenities for yachtsmen. In Makarska town, Marina Tučepi is located, with 150 wet and 50 more dry berths.

Whether you are coming with a great yacht, boat or sailboat, if you are a professional sailor, skipper or an amateur in search of adventure, the marinas, harbors and ports of Central Dalmatia offer a perfect vacation spot for every one of you boat-lovers, and those among you who are yet to fall in love in the art of sailing.

Photo: Marinas archive, dalmatia.hr

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