Central Dalmatia Sailing Itinerary from Kaštel Gomilica - 7 Days through Brač, Vis, Hvar and Šolta
Dalmatia Central, CR
7 days cruise, 67 dates available
Sailboat
Price may vary depending on the cruise date.
Reservations are subjected to acceptance after availability checks. In case, the selected cruise is not available we will contact you with similar offers.
A 7-day sailing holiday through the heart of the Dalmatian archipelago, navigating between Central Croatia's most iconic islands from Marina Kaštela, one of the best-connected charter bases on the Adriatic coast.
Central Dalmatia concentrates more variety per nautical mile than almost any other sailing area in the Mediterranean. The islands of Brač, Vis, Hvar and Šolta sit close enough to each other to allow daily island hopping with comfortable sailing distances, yet each one carries a distinct identity shaped by geography, history and the particular character of its settlements. From Marina Kaštela, positioned between the UNESCO-listed cities of Split and Trogir and a few minutes from Split International Airport, the route opens immediately southward into an archipelago that rewards both active sailing and slower days at anchor in hidden bays.
Kaštela Bay itself is framed by the limestone ridges of Mount Kozjak to the north and the peninsulas of Marjan and Čiovo to the south, creating a natural shelter that has drawn sailors and settlers for centuries. The seven fortified villages of the Kaštela coastline, including Kaštel Gomilica with its baroque waterfront castle reflected in the sea, mark the departure point of the itinerary and establish the historical depth that runs through the entire sailing area.
The sailing conditions along this route are defined by two dominant winds. The Maestral, a reliable thermal sea breeze that builds from the northwest through late morning and eases in the evening, provides consistent afternoon sailing and is the defining wind of the Dalmatian summer. The Bura, a cold katabatic wind from the northeast that descends abruptly from the mountain ridges behind the coast, is the wind sailors learn to read before committing to an anchorage. Between the two, the week offers genuinely varied sailing conditions in a compact and navigable area.
The islands along the route include some of the most distinctive places in Croatian sailing. Brač is the largest island in Central Dalmatia and home to Zlatni Rat, a pebble spit extending into the sea that shifts direction with the current and is considered one of the most recognizable natural landmarks on the Adriatic. Vis is the furthest inhabited island from the Croatian mainland, historically closed to foreign visitors until 1989, and still carrying an atmosphere of quiet authenticity that sets it apart from more tourist-heavy destinations. Hvar draws visitors from across Europe for its lavender fields, Renaissance architecture and the animated atmosphere of Hvar Town, while the Pakleni Islands just offshore offer a quieter alternative for anchorage and a water taxi connection to the town itself. Šolta completes the circuit, known among sailors for Maslinica, a pine-framed inlet with a restored 18th-century fortress and one of the better-regarded waterfront restaurants in the archipelago.
Itinerary
Day1
Kaštel Gomilica, Boarding and First Passage to Bobovišća
Boarding takes place at Marina Kaštela in Kaštel Gomilica from 17:00. A Konzum supermarket less than 200 meters from the marina is the practical starting point for provisioning before the week begins. After settling onboard and a safety briefing with the skipper, the boat sets off south toward the island of Brač, rounding the forested headland of Park Šuma Marjan and crossing the Brač Channel. The destination for the first night is Bobovišća, a deep two-armed bay on the northern coast of Brač that extends almost a kilometer inland from the open sea. The bay is quiet, sheltered and surrounded by stone village houses and vineyards. Dinner onboard or in one of the local konobas along the waterfront.
Day2
Bobovišća to Bol and Zlatni Rat
After breakfast, navigation continues east along the northern coast of Brač before turning south through the channel between Brač and Šolta toward the southern shore of the island. Bol is the main destination, home to Zlatni Rat, the iconic curved pebble beach that extends into the Hvar Channel and shifts shape with the prevailing current. The beach earned its reputation honestly: clear turquoise water on both sides, a consistent breeze from the Maestral through the afternoon and enough space that the experience never feels entirely crowded despite its fame. The town behind the waterfront has waterfront cafés, a small Dominican monastery dating from the 15th century and a working harbor where the charter boats share the quay with local fishing vessels. Overnight in Bol marina or at anchor in a nearby bay.
Day3
Bol to Stiniva and Vis Island
The passage south crosses the open water toward Vis, the outermost inhabited island on this route and the one with the most specific sailing character. Before reaching Vis Town, the boat stops at Stiniva on the island's southern coast, a bay formed by the collapse of a sea cave ceiling that left two steep limestone cliffs framing a narrow entrance to a hidden pebble beach below. In 2016 Stiniva was named Best Beach in Europe, and approaching it by boat rather than on foot down the steep path from above remains the most natural way to arrive. The entrance is narrow enough to require careful navigation and the anchorage outside the cliffs is the practical stopping point, with access to the beach by tender or by swimming through the gate. In the afternoon the boat continues to Vis Town, where the evening is free to explore a harbor that feels genuinely lived-in rather than arranged for tourism. Konoba Lola on the waterfront is a reliable choice for dinner. Overnight in Vis marina.
Day4
Vis to the Pakleni Islands and Hvar
Morning departure from Vis heads northeast toward Hvar, with the option of a stop at Komiža on the western side of the island before the open crossing. The Pakleni Islands, a low pine-covered archipelago directly in front of Hvar Town, offer the most practical approach to the island without committing to the often-crowded main harbor. Palmižana, the central anchorage of the Pakleni group, sits in a protected bay with its own small marina, a botanical garden established in the early 1900s and a water taxi service across to Hvar Town that runs through the evening. Guests who prefer to anchor in the Pakleni Islands and take the water taxi into town avoid the harbor stress while still having full access to Hvar's waterfront promenade, Renaissance loggia, restaurants and evening atmosphere. Overnight at anchor in the Pakleni Islands or in Hvar marina depending on preference.
Day5
Hvar to Stari Grad
A short morning sail along the northern coast of Hvar leads to Stari Grad, one of the oldest continuously inhabited towns in Croatia and the island's original capital. The bay of Stari Grad is long, sheltered and wide enough to feel genuinely calm even in moderate northerly conditions. The old town at its head is built around a network of narrow stone streets, a 16th-century fortified castle known as Tvrdalj built by the Croatian poet Petar Hektorović, and a field system on the plateau above the town that has been cultivated without interruption for 24 centuries and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The pace here is noticeably quieter than Hvar Town. Local wine from the Stari Grad Plain, dried figs and fresh fish in the small restaurants along the waterfront are straightforward pleasures in a place that has had a long time to get them right. Overnight in Stari Grad marina.
Day6
Stari Grad to Maslinica and Šolta
The final full sailing day crosses from Hvar back to the island of Šolta, heading west toward Maslinica on the island's western tip. Maslinica is a small bay framed by pine forests and olive groves, with a handful of fishing boats and a marina set within the grounds of a restored 18th-century fortress. The Martinis Marchi estate occupies the castle directly above the harbor and its restaurant, one of the more consistently praised in the Central Dalmatian charter circuit, serves Dalmatian specialties with a wine list focused on local production. The bay is sheltered, quiet and well suited to a slower last evening after a full week of island hopping. Overnight at anchor or in Maslinica marina.
Day7
Maslinica to Kaštel Gomilica and Disembarkation
The return passage heads northeast from Maslinica across the channel toward the mainland coast, with the backdrop of Mount Kozjak coming into view as the boat approaches Kaštela Bay. Depending on timing and wind conditions, a final swim stop in one of the bays along the Šolta coast or near the Drvenik islands may be possible before the final approach to Marina Kaštela. Arrival is scheduled for the afternoon or early evening. Guests spend the last night onboard and disembarkation takes place the following morning by 09:00.
Important Note
This itinerary may vary depending on weather conditions, currents and marine activity. Anchorages and daily schedule are adjusted by the skipper to ensure safety and the best possible sailing experience throughout the week.
The Beneteau First 45 is a Philippe Briand-designed performance cruiser that sits comfortably between a racing yacht and a coastal cruiser without fully belonging to either category. On deck it means business, with twin wheels, a clean foredeck and all lines routed under the coachroof. Below, the finish and space are closer to a well-appointed cruising boat than anything with serious race ambitions.
The First 45 was designed by Philippe Briand Yacht Design as a fast cruiser, a boat capable of competitive offshore racing and comfortable Mediterranean sailing within the same hull. The brief shows clearly in every part of the deck layout. The open transom, twin composite steering wheels, flush-mounted hatches and cockpit-mounted mainsheet traveller are decisions made for sail trim efficiency and crew movement during maneuvers, and they also produce a cockpit that is genuinely comfortable for daily use, with wide coamings, good foot support and enough room for a full group to sit without crowding the working areas.
All sail control lines run aft and out of sight under the coachroof, which keeps the side decks clean and unobstructed and makes handling the boat straightforward for a small crew or a mixed-experience group. The wide forward deck access and open cockpit arrangement work equally well for a sailing holiday as they do for racing. Under sail the hull accelerates freely, tracks well in a straight line and responds directly to the helm, producing a feel that is more engaging than most similarly-sized charter monohulls.
Below deck, the contrast with the purposeful exterior is immediate. Light oak and stained Alpi wood panelling with dark leather upholstery in the saloon and cabins give the interior a quality of finish that reviewers from Yachting World and Cruising World consistently noted as closer to a luxury cruiser than a performance yacht. The forward owner's stateroom runs the full width of the bow with a private head and shower and enough standing room to dress comfortably. The saloon has a well-proportioned L-shaped dinette, a dedicated navigation station and panoramic side windows with the signature Beneteau First eyebrow detail that brings in natural light throughout the day.
The galley is positioned to allow cooking underway with good counter support and a three-burner stove, oven and refrigerator suited to provisioning for a full week at sea. Under engine the boat is notably quiet, a quality that makes early morning departures and late arrivals into marina significantly more comfortable for everyone onboard.
The exact cabin configuration will be confirmed before departure while maintaining the same standard of onboard comfort and finish.
Yacht
Model
2013 First 45
Length
13.7 m
Accommodations
Max guests
8
Double cabins
4
Bathrooms
2
Private Bathrooms
No
Crew
0
Chef on board
No
Other facilities
Sprayhood
Chart plotter
Cockpit speakers
Spinnaker
Refrigerator: 2
Electric toilet
Cabins
Standard Double Cabin
3
cabin capacity
double bed
Cruise activities and tips
Travel organizer tips
What to pack for a sailing holiday?
Pack smart for your yacht charter: choose a soft bag instead of a hard suitcase, bring lightweight layers, reef-safe sunscreen, and non-slip shoes for onboard use. A couple of swimsuits and motion sickness remedies can also make a big difference. Each boat has limited storage, so pack light, but wisely! Need help building the perfect list? Read our full guide: What to pack in a suitcase for a yacht charter
What’s a Typical Day Like on a Yacht Charter?
Start your day with a swim in a quiet bay, sail to hidden beaches or seaside villages, and enjoy a slow lunch on deck. Afternoons mean snorkeling, sunbathing, or exploring ashore. As the sun sets, your boat anchors in a scenic cove or near a harbor, ready for a relaxed dinner and a night under the stars. Curious about the full experience? Discover more in our guide: What’s a typical day like on a sailing holiday?
Who Handles Cooking and Cleaning on a Yacht Charter?
On skipper-only charters, guests usually share cooking and cleaning duties, think salads, pasta, and good teamwork. If there's a hostess, light meals and tidying are included, but it's still a casual, collaborative vibe. On fully crewed yachts, you’ll enjoy full service with a chef and crew managing everything. Want to know what’s included in your setup? Read the full guide: Who takes care of cooking and cleaning on a sailing charter?
What Happens in Case of Bad Weather During a Sailing Holiday?
Summer sailing holidays rarely face major weather issues, but when the sea gets rough, skippers adjust the route for your safety. Expect protected bays, marina stops, or a change in plan. These moments often lead to unexpected gems: local towns to explore, time to relax on board, or cozy dinners ashore. Curious about how crews handle these changes? Read the full FAQ: What to do in case of adverse weather conditions or changes to the itinerary
Reservations are subjected to acceptance after availability checks. In case, the selected cruise is not available we will contact you with similar offers.
