Sailing Route: Top Destinations (Brač, Hvar, Blue Cave, Vis)

Are you planning a sailing trip and want to visit the most popular destinations in just one week, such as Bol on Brač, Hvar, the Pakleni Islands, and the Blue Cave on the island of Biševo?

If you’re planning a sailing trip and want to explore the top locations in a single week of yacht rental, we’ve prepared a suggested sailing route that includes the famous Bol beach on the island of Brač, the town of Hvar and the Pakleni Islands, the Blue Cave on the island of Biševo, and the town of Vis on the eponymous island.

To visit all these highlights in one week, while enjoying various attractions, relaxing, swimming, and having a delicious dinner, we recommend renting a yacht at marinas near Split. Bases include the marina in Split, Kaštel Gomilica (Kaštela marina), Trogir marina, Baotič marina in Seget Donji, or Rogač marina on the island of Šolta.

What You Can See on the Route

  • Monastery Pustinja Blaca
  • Famous Zlatni Rat Beach on Bol, Brač
  • The Town of Hvar
  • Botanical Garden on the Pakleni Islands
  • The Town of Vis
  • The Town of Komiža
  • Maslinica – Island of Šolta
  • Green Cave (Zelena Špilja – Ravnik Island)
  • Blue Cave (Modra Špilja – Biševo Island)
  • Krknjaši – Popular Anchorage

Sailing Plan

Day 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Total Average per Day
Distance (NM) 10–15 15 18 20 10 30 3 5–14 111–125 14–16
Time (Hours) 2–3 2.5 3 3.5 1.5 5 0.5 1–2.5 19–21.5 2.5–3

Day 1: Departure from Home Marina – Western Brač – 10–15 NM – 2–3 Hours Sailing

The first day begins with the afternoon collection of your vessel. For this reason, we recommend a shorter sail to the western side of Brač Island. If you wish to dock in a marina, you can sail to ACI Marina Milna in the center of the town or to Vlaska Marina, located on the northern side of the harbor entrance. From either marina, a short path leads to the town, less than a kilometer away. Both marinas tend to fill quickly during the peak summer season, so we recommend booking your spot in advance.

If you’d prefer to avoid the crowds, consider the small village of Bobovišća, located 1.5 NM further north. This small harbor offers 20 mooring spots along the shore and an additional anchorage with buoys called Viča, accommodating up to 32 vessels. Bobovišća is a quaint village that will not disappoint. The old coastal town ambiance, coupled with two excellent restaurants, provides a perfect setting for a romantic first evening.

Day 2: Western Brač – Bol – 15 NM – 2.5 Hours Sailing

Bol on Brač, featuring the famous Zlatni Rat Beach, is undoubtedly one of the most popular destinations on the Adriatic. The sail from the western side of the island to the cape is approximately 15 NM. We recommend departing in the morning or early forenoon. During stronger Maestral winds blowing from west to east through the Hvar Channel, high waves (over 1 meter) may develop on the western side of the cape in the afternoon. Take advantage of the midday calm to anchor on the western side of the cape (anchoring on the eastern side is prohibited), allowing for swimming and sunbathing. Later in the afternoon, sail to the Bol Harbor, which offers moorings for 20 vessels and buoys located on the eastern side of the harbor.

Day 3: Bol – Blaca – Hvar – 18 NM – 3 Hours Sailing

Pustinja Blaca

In the morning, depart from Bol and sail westward along the island. After just 5 NM, you’ll reach the bay of Blaca. Anchor in the bay and tie the stern of your vessel to one of the rocks onshore. Prepare for a hike to the extraordinary Blaca Monastery. The trail is 2.5 km long, ascending to an altitude of 240 meters above sea level. Wear comfortable walking shoes. The trail is well-maintained and can be easily managed in lightweight footwear. Visiting the monastery will take about four hours. Afterward, enjoy a refreshing swim in the bay before sailing southwest. Take advantage of the Maestral winds to sail toward Cape Pelegrin on the western side of Brač, then into the Pakleni Channel. Use the wind to guide you toward the town of Hvar. The harbor has only 25 berths along the shore and 20 buoys, which are typically occupied by early afternoon. Since reservations cannot be made in advance, you may opt to dock at the Palmižana Marina, anchor in the Vinogradišče Anchorage with 34 buoys, or anchor in the Ždrilica Passage near Marinkovac Island. All anchorages and the marina are serviced by taxi boats that will take you to Hvar and back. Regular transport (approximately 100 HRK/person) runs until 2:00 AM. If you have a larger dinghy, you can reach the town yourself. If time permits, explore Sveti Klement Island (Vinogradišče anchorage), step ashore, and take a walk through the unique botanical garden.

In the early hours, set sail from Bol and navigate westward along the island. After just 5 NM, you’ll arrive at the bay of Blaca. Anchor in the bay and secure the stern of your vessel to one of the rocks onshore. Prepare for a hike to the extraordinary Blaca Monastery. The trail spans 2.5 km, ascending to an altitude of 240 meters. Wear suitable footwear. The trail is well-maintained and manageable with light walking shoes. Visiting the monastery will take approximately four hours. After the tour, take a moment to refresh yourself in the bay or enjoy a brief swim. Then, set sail southwest, leveraging the Maestral wind, and head towards Cape Pelegrin on the western side of Brač Island before entering the Pakleni Channel. With the wind, navigate towards the town of Hvar. The harbor offers only 25 mooring spots along the shore and 20 buoys, which are typically occupied by early afternoon. Since reservations cannot be made in advance, you may consider docking at Palmižana Marina, anchoring in Vinogradišče Anchorage with 34 buoys, or securing your vessel in Ždrilica Passage near Marinkovac Island. All anchorages and the marina are serviced by taxi boats, which will transport you to Hvar and back. Regular services (approximately 100 HRK/person) run until 2:00 AM. If you have a larger dinghy, you can reach the town on your own. If time permits, explore Sveti Klement Island (Vinogradišče Anchorage), step ashore, and take a walk through the unique botanical garden.

Day 4: Hvar – Vis – 20 NM – 3.5 Hours Sailing

If you couldn’t visit the town of Hvar the previous evening, you can do so today. The harbor will begin to clear early in the morning, so after breakfast, sail from the anchorage or marina towards Hvar town. If mooring along the shore is available, you can check via the VHF channel 09. A berth for one or two hours is free of charge. During this time, explore the old town, climb to the fortress, and enjoy a coffee in one of the waterfront bars. After visiting the town, sail southwest towards the island of Vis. The island is nearby, so you can stop for a day swim at Budikovac. This exotic bay is home to a summer restaurant. The turquoise water and sandy beach will enchant anyone. If time allows, take a dinghy to Ravnik Island to visit the Green Cave (Zelena Špilja). In the afternoon, leave the anchorage and head to Vis Harbor on the island’s northern side. Dock your vessel at Vis Harbor, Kut Harbor, anchor in Vis Harbor near the fuel station, or secure one of the numerous buoys in Kut Harbor. The town of Vis boasts an exceptional array of restaurants, some offering exquisite dining options. An evening walk from Kut Harbor to Vis Town (or vice versa) will be a memorable experience.

Day 5: Vis – Komiža – 10 NM – 1.5 Hours Sailing

The island of Vis offers much more than just sun and sea. This historically fascinating island is well worth exploring. At the port of Vis, you can rent a car, scooter, or bike. Venture into the island’s interior and discover its wonders. We recommend a circular route from Vis Harbor to Komiža Harbor, stopping at locations like Žena Glava, Podšpilje (to visit Tito’s Cave), Polje—where a military airfield operated during World War II—and descending to Rukavac Harbor before returning to Vis. Along the way, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy refreshments, and we suggest having lunch at one of the restaurants in the island’s center, where you can taste dishes prepared in a truly unique way. In the afternoon, return to the port. Set sail from Vis, heading west toward Komiža Harbor. You can dock along the shore or secure one of the buoys outside the harbor. Either way, head ashore in the evening to enjoy a stunning sunset.

Day 6: Komiža – Biševo – Šolta 30 NM – 5 Hours Sailing

After breakfast, weigh anchor and head southwest. It’s a short 4.5 NM journey—less than an hour—to the island of Biševo. Moor your boat to one of the buoys at the harbor of Mezuporat. Prepare your cameras, phones, or other devices and wait for a local boat—known as a pasara—to take you to the Blue Cave (Modra Špilja). Visiting in the morning is recommended when the sunlight enters the cave directly, creating a spectacular effect. During peak season, there may be a wait for entry due to the high number of visitors. The cave tour takes about 30 minutes. Afterward, take some time to swim in the sea before preparing your boat for a longer voyage. Set sail northeast toward Maslinica on the western side of Šolta Island. For those looking to dock at a marina, head to Maslinica, which features the Martinis Marchi Marina on its southern side. Be sure to reserve your berth in advance. If you prefer anchoring, navigate to the well-sheltered bay of Šešula. The bay has two restaurants, and Maslinica, with its many dining options, shops, and bars, is just a 5-minute walk away.

Day 7: Šolta – Krknjaši (Drvenik) 3 NM – 0.5 Hours Sailing

Today marks the final day of your seven-day sailing adventure. If you need to return your vessel to the home marina today, take the day to relax and enjoy the sun and sea. Depart from your mooring or anchorage and sail northwest. After just 3 NM, you’ll arrive at the stunning anchorage of Krknjaši, located on the southeastern side of the island of Drvenik. Anchor at an appropriate depth and distance from other vessels and enjoy the breathtaking turquoise waters. If you must return to your base marina today, the journey to Trogir or Baotič (Seget Donji) is just 6 NM—about an hour’s sail. If you rented your boat from one of the Split marinas (ACI Split, Kaštela, etc.), the journey will take about two hours. If you don’t need to return the boat until the following morning, you can stay anchored and spend the night in the bay. For dinner, you can visit one of the restaurants along the shore. If you prefer to dock in a port, head to Drvenik, which is just a 3 NM (0.5-hour) sail away.

Day 8: Krknjaši – Base Marina 5–14 NM – 1–2.5 Hours Sailing

In the morning, weigh anchor and head back to your home marina. Don’t forget to refuel before returning. Leave your anchorage in plenty of time, as fuel docks (Split, Seget Donji, or Trogir) often have long waiting times of more than 30 minutes during peak hours.

Source: enavtika.si