Hidden Bays in the Adriatic Sea Every Sailor Should Visit

No noise, no alarms, no cars – just you, the sea, and the sound of the waves… How does that sound?

The Adriatic Sea has become an increasingly popular destination for sailors, which makes sense given its warm, sheltered waters and favorable weather conditions year-round. Sailors start the season on the Croatian coast as early as April, thanks to the excellent weather.

The rich island archipelago is the main reason Croatia is considered one of the world’s top sailing destinations. Along the beautiful, rugged Adriatic coast, there are 1,246 islands, islets, and rocks, making Croatia’s coastline unique compared to other Mediterranean countries like Italy and Spain, which can’t boast such a jagged coastline and number of islands.

Central Dalmatia, Croatia’s southest region, offers numerous well-equipped marinas and charter companies, with a variety of options, including boat rentals with or without a crew. If you are planning to sail on the Adriatic this season, here’s a guide to the bays you must visit.

Island Šolta

Šolta is the closest island to Split, and although it often stays in the shadow of other central Dalmatian islands, it has undeniable charms. The reason for this is that it has managed to avoid excessive development, preserving its untouched natural beauty. Without mass tourism and many commercial services, Šolta, also known as the “green island,” is a true paradise for those seeking a peaceful vacation.

The two most popular coves for sailors on Šolta are Maslinica, where the well-equipped marina “Martinis Marchi” is located, and Šešula, a secluded cove offering natural shelter from the winds, with two restaurants and mooring buoys. Across from Maslinica are six wooded, uninhabited islets, which are also attractive spots for sailors.

The southern side of Šolta is a true treasure for sailors. Visit Stračinska bay, which has only a few houses and a beautiful pebbly beach. After Stračinska, continue sailing to the heavenly bays of Senjska, Jorja, and Tatinja, where, along with a few traditional stone houses and crystal-clear waters, you will experience the true essence of Dalmatia. For those seeking quieter, less visited destinations, even during the summer season, we recommend the Poganica and Zaglav bays.

Island Brač

Although sailors are more attracted to the southern and southwestern sides of Brač, the northern side of the island is calmer and hides some of the most beautiful bays yet to be discovered. Before heading to the southern side, we recommend visiting the beautiful sandy bay of Lovrečina, which is the only sandy beach on the island. Surrounded by lush greenery, the sea here is shallow, making it ideal for families with small children. If you’re interested in history, you can also explore the stone remains of the Basilica of St. Lawrence.

Sail further towards the western part of the island; the stretch from Milna to Bol is the most attractive for sailors, with Milna and Bol being the largest nautical centers on the island. Anchor in the bays of Osibova and Lučice, followed by Maslinova and Smrka, where you can also explore the military tunnels built for ships. The sea is crystal clear, and the beaches are oriented to the south, sheltered from northern winds, making this area an ideal spot for diving, sailing, and fishing.

On the southern side of the island, before Zlatni rat, lies the heavenly bay of Murvica, a beautiful beach with fine gravel and sand. Above the beach, a picturesque stone village rises, surrounded by olive groves and vineyards, offering stunning views of the landscape.

Although you can’t stay overnight here due to strong winds and sea currents, spending a day at the world’s most beautiful beach, Zlatni rat, is a unique experience. You’ll be amazed by the color of the sea, which shifts from turquoise to deep dark blue. It’s also an ideal bay to try water sports, such as water skiing, parasailing, and more.

Island Hvar

Hvar is a true nautical paradise, with the Pakleni islands, a group of around 20 lush islets, being a true nautical gem. Each of them boasts its own distinct vegetation and crystal-clear waters, with the most beautiful hidden bays accessible only by boat. We recommend dedicating at least two days to exploring these magical islets. Since the town of Hvar and the Pakleni Islands are very popular destinations, it’s best to visit them outside the main summer season, from April to June or from September to the end of October.

Of course, Hvar also has plenty of quieter bays that are a true paradise for sailors. The small island of Šćedro, which belongs to Hvar, is an ideal place to escape into silence. This uninhabited islet offers perfect shelter, tranquility, and an incredible view of the sea’s blue expanse. Although undeveloped, Šćedro has a few restaurants. The most beautiful bays are Moster and Veli Porat, while the bay of Porteruša on the southern side particularly delights with its beautiful fine pebbly beach and wild nature.

Hidden from tourist crowds, on the northern side of the island lies Pokrivenik Bay. This is a large bay with several branches, offering a good anchorage for sailors. The advantage is that there are never large crowds here. It is surrounded by steep cliffs, a beautiful pebble beach, and at the end of the bay, there is a cave worth visiting.

Island Vis

Vis, Croatia’s most remote inhabited island, enchants with its stunning nature, Mediterranean scents, and historic fishing villages. Without exaggeration, it’s home to some of Europe’s most beautiful bays. Known as “The Mediterranean as it once was”, the Vis archipelago, which is also declared as a UNESCO Global Geopark, is one of the last natural oases in the Mediterranean.

Visitors should definitely visit the most beautiful bay on the island, Stiniva. Although it’s possible to reach it by land, the path is very steep, so it’s best to visit Stiniva by boat. This impressive beach is surrounded by two steep cliffs, forming the shape of an amphitheater and a natural pool. As you approach Stiniva by boat, you’ll feel a deep admiration for nature. The steep cliffs embrace the beach, creating the impression that they silently conceal the cove, making the whole scene even more impressive.