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The city of Split lies on the coast of central Croatia in the region of Dalmatia. Considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in the Mediterranean, Split’s alluring architecture, vibrant culture and great beaches make it one of the top destinations to charter a yacht. Sailing lovers from all around the world flock into the city to get a taste of the Split sailing experience. With its spectacular Old Town, tranquil beaches, nearby islands and strong nautical traditions, you’ll soon find out why a sailing holiday in Split is an experience like no other.
Sailing in Split is a lot of fun - tourists flocking here from all over the world is proof of that. Sailing in crystal clear waters, stopping by incredibly beautiful bays and discovering this part of Croatia by boat is definitely a fun thing to do. However, there is more to discover in Split!
Sailing in Split means having plenty of opportunities to discover the stunning beaches. Whether you want to join the locals for a quick dip, explore more remote beaches away from the crowds or stunning rock formations, Split has it all! There are many superb beaches that have been awarded the Blue Flag distinction for upholding strict environmental standards, including family-friendly Bačvice beach.
Famous for its parties, Split also offers a lot of different locations for boat parties - if you don’t want to throw one on your own boat rental. Many companies offer party cruises from Split you wouldn’t want to miss if you want to have a wet sailing adventure full of booze.
One of the most beautiful things about Split is that you can find the most delicious seafood here. Fresh from the sea and directly to your plate, you will enjoy many local dishes in some super casual as well as high class restaurants.
Casual dining in Split:
Fine dining in Split:
As many other popular sailing destinations like Ibiza and Mykonos, Split is also known for its fun and sometimes a little extravagant nightlife. Get all dressed up and sip a delicious, colourful cocktail in one of Split’s many elegant bars? Hang out with your friends for a casual beer? Shake your booty in one of the world’s most renown clubs? Split has it all!
Everyone needs a break from sailing around the stunning coast and sunbathing all day. Why not head into the historical centre of Split to discover some of the most incredible historical sites you can spot. Visit the Cathedral of Saint Domnius to discover more of Croatia’s Catholic history and Roman past. It is said to be the oldest cathedral in the world that is still in use today for services etc. Climb up the dome for a panoramic view of the city. Diocletian's Palace is worth a visit if you want to experience Roman history outside of Italy. Built at the turn of the fourth century, its structure and magnificence can still be seen today.
Split may not be known for its mythological history, but you can find a Sphinx, a classical symbol of Egyptian mythology, in front of the Cathedral of Saint Domnius. Dating back as far as Pharaoh Thutmose III, it is considered one of the oldest objects to be found in Split. There is an urban legend about Cornelius Vanderbilt of the famous American Vanderbilt family going around in regards to the Sphinx. Apparently he tried to purchase it, but was declined.
Sailing lovers from all over the world flock to this picturesque town in Croatia to go on a sailing holiday. It’s not just to see the beauty of Split, it is also due to the ideal sailing conditions in this part of Croatia.
On average you will get 315 sunny days per year in Split. During peak season between May and November, you will get sunny weather, mild temperatures and ideal winds for sailing. In the summer months June, July and August temperatures generally range from 26 to 30 degrees, making it ideal for a summer vacation.
However, if you are looking at sailing in Split in lower season, you need to be aware that the weather can change drastically from one moment to the next. We would therefore only recommend more experienced sailors to venture out into the Croatian Mediterranean in the months between December and April.
Three winds dominate this part of Croatia. The Bura, a north-easterly dry, but cold wind that moves from land to sea; the Sirocco, a warm, but humid wind that is generally responsible for a rougher sea; and the Maestral, which is part of the natural phenomenon when the land heats faster than the sea and is then transporting that warmer air out into the sea.
Tides are normally quite low (rarely higher than 0,5 meters) which is important to consider if anchoring in shallow waters.
The cost of renting a boat in Split can vary highly depending on the type of boat you are looking at renting, whether it is high or shoulder season, how many rooms the boat has, how old the boat is, what kind of budget you are handling and so on. On average you can rent a speedboat in Croatia for as little as 28 EUR per person per day and a speedboat for about 35 EUR per person per day. Other types of boats are more expensive. At an average price of 460 EUR per person per day, the catamaran is, on average, possibly the most expensive type of boat to rent here. On average a gulet would cost you around 75 EUR per person per day, a houseboat is 80 EUR per person per day and a motorboat 61 EUR per person per day. If you’re looking at renting a sailboat, the most popular type of boat in Split, it costs about 225 EUR per person per day.
There is not THE best boat to rent, only the best boat for your sailing vacation in Split. Depending on whether you want to go on a proper sailing adventure where the experience matters more than the destination or if you just want to rent a boat to find the best beaches, you are looking at different types of boats.
Pros of renting a catamaran in Split
Catamarans are the perfect vehicle to sail in shallow waters. Instead of a keel, they have a shallow draft, which means that you can anchor closer to the shore to swim to some of the most beautiful beaches or to sunbathe in waters that are not as exposed to the wind as open waters. This makes it also the perfect boat to jump right into the water whenever you feel like it.
As catamarans are often more of a luxury option when sailing on water, some might compare them to little hotels on water. If you are up for a sailing adventure, but prefer some of the amenities a typical hotel holiday has to offer, a catamaran charter might be the best option for you.
Cons of renting a catamaran in Split
Standing on two hulls makes catamarans a lot more stable than other types of boats, but also bigger. This might impose a few difficulties on you if you are looking at mooring your boat in a marina. Spaces are usually scarce. Mooring big catamarans often costs more than mooring other types of water vessels.
Chartering a sailboat is one of the most popular options for a sailing holiday in Split. There are plenty of good reasons why this is the case!
Pros of renting a sailboat in Split
Ideal wind conditions lend themselves to the fact that renting a sailboat is one of the most popular options for many tourists visiting this part of Croatia. You get the actual sailing experience rather than just hopping from island to island to enjoy the most beautiful beaches, caves and lagoons. Another pro is the fact that you move with the wind, meaning that you save on the costs for fuel and sail more environmentally friendly. In this day and age it is truly worth considering.
Cons of renting a sailboat in Split
You are 100% dependent on the weather when sailing on a sailing boat in Split. Although many modern sailing boats come with an engine, many older models are not equipped with one. If the wind seizes to blow as much as you would hope, you might find yourself stuck in the middle of the Adriatic. This can be disappointing - especially if you only have a week of vacation to sail around this part of Croatia.
Pros of renting a motorboat in Split
One of the biggest advantages of renting a motorboat is their shallow frame which allows you to anchor closer to the shore than with a sailing boat for example. This comes in especially handy if you look at stopping by some of the stunning beaches and hidden bays that you can discover from Split. Additionally, they are much faster vehicles than some of the other types of boats you can rent in Split, making it the perfect water vessel if you’re aiming at seeing as much as possible within a short period of time.
Cons of renting a motorboat in Split
The speed of motorboats comes at a price. At first glance they might not be the most expensive option, but the faster you sail around Split, the more you will have to pay for fuel. Not necessarily budget-friendly.
Chartering a gulet might not be the first choice for everyone, but there are many positive aspects when it comes to renting a gulet in Split.
Pros of renting a gulet in Split
Renting a gulet is not for the fainthearted. Charter a gulet in Split if you are looking for an once in a lifetime adventure! Wake up in a different location every morning and experience what life is like on a boat. Although there are many different kinds of gulets, including luxury options, you cannot compare it with a stay in a hotel room. This makes it a huge plus for all adventurers out there.
Due to its space, gulets are often rented for groups of 10-15 people or more. If you are looking at an adventurous sailing vacation in Split with all your friends, this might be the perfect option. Don’t worry if you are not in possession of a valid international boat licence. You can always rent a gulet with an experienced skipper.
Cons of renting a gulet in Split
Only rent a gulet in Split if you are up for the challenge. Rooms in gulets are generally small. If you are feeling irritable in small spaces, this type of vessel is probably not for you. Other than that, gulets are perfect boats for a week of sailing.
Renting a boat in Split and all of Croatia means that you need to possess a valid boat licence - including a VHF radio licence. This is not just a recommendation, it is Croatian law.
Don’t have a boat licence? Don’t worry! Book a boat in Split with an experienced skipper who will take care of maneuvering the boat, showing you the best spots away from the tourist crowds and most of them even have the most interesting stories to tell.
Start your sailing adventure in Split by picking up your boat from one of the many marinas. Start with some island hopping around Split on the island of Brac – anchoring in Bol, Milna or Bobovisca Bay. Then go to Zlatni Rat Beach, one of Europe’s most breathtaking beaches. If you love nature, you will be pleased to know that there are several opportunities for hiking and sightseeing. Next head to the vibrant island of Hvar, where you can enjoy great bars, lovely beaches and vineyards. Anchor in the stunning marina on the island of Palmizana. This nature park is just a five-minute sail or water taxi away. Continue south to reach the island of Korcula, which is well known for its charming Venetian Old Town and rich cultural traditions. From Korcula, make your way back to Split’s marina or continue on to the green island of Mljet, past the Elaphiti Islands and make your way to Dubrovnik, another stunning town located in the Adriatic sea.
From the islands of Solta and Brac to the World Heritage City of Trogir, there are many great destinations to visit that are just a stone’s throw (or about 15-30 nautical miles) away, making for some great day trips from Split.
One of the most popular day trips is sailing from Split to the island of Hvar, where you can anchor in some of the most stunning bays in all of the Dalmatian coast. Dubovica Beach and Jagodna Beach are just two of the incredible beaches you can visit on your trip there.
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