TRIP 2 – SOUTHERN EXPLORER
ŠIBENIK – PRIMOŠTEN, TROGIR, HVAR, VIS
Experience La Dolce Vita, Croatian Style. Blissful Relaxation, Pulsating Nightlife, and Stunning Scenery Awaits.
Turquoise blue water, a fascinating island world with fantastic beaches and bays – Croatia is a true Eldorado for yacht lovers. Splendid Yachting has been providing unforgettable holidays with top-quality service since 2014.
DAY 1. PRIMOŠTEN
Once you’ve taken the helm of your yacht, you’ll head south to Primošten. Here, you’ll be able to moor directly on the harbour of the bustling city centre, or at the conveniently-located buoy field in front of the Old Town. Primošten is regarded – quite rightly – as one of the most photogenic locations in all of Croatia, with its dreamy historic streets that never fail to make the heart flutter! We’d recommend heading down to the church, where a sensational view of Kornati National Park awaits, and where a beautiful sunset will bring about the perfect end to the day.
Both in the pretty harbourside and along the promenade, you’ll find an array of lovely cafes, bars, and restaurants – most notably, the Mediteran Restaurant, where you can dine on fresh fish and meat specialities, cooked to perfection by the talented in-house chefs (we’d recommend reserving a table in advance). Should you wish to soak up the nightlife, the Aurora Disco above Primošten is the perfect place to dance the night away under the stars.
DAY 2. TROGIR
Today, you’ll be sailing to Trogir, where the Old Town is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you head south, you’ll be able to stop for a refreshing swim in the beautiful Stari Trogir bay, where a turquoise-green lagoon offers the chance to swim, dive, make use of aquatic toys and generally let your hair down.
After mooring at ACI Marina Trogir, it’s time to immerse yourself in the buzzing ambience of one of Croatia’s most beautiful and ancient cities. These charming and narrow streets present plenty of unusual boutiques, bars, and restaurants, and we’d suggest stopping at Kamerlengo restaurant, where you can get up-close-and-personal with the artistry at the heart of Croatian cuisine.
DAY 3. HVAR | MILNA BAY
Today, you’ll head out to the islands, and explore between the islands of Šolta and Brac, before sailing on to the island capital of Hvar. The town of Hvar has become a hotspot for the international jet set in recent years, and it isn’t hard to see why; the charming Old Town awaits with countless fine restaurants, cafes, boutiques, and the most vibrant clubs. Should you and your crew fancy exploring the city, you’ll be dropped off at the city harbour and picked up again after a spot of sightseeing. You’ll be able to moor your yacht at Marina Palmižana (more information about this Marina can be found in Trip 1) or you can carry on down to Milna Bay, just 10 minutes east of here. There, you’ll discover the superb Konoba Kotin, where Ivan the host will assist with mooring at his buoys, before fixing dinner caught from his personal fishing boat. After you’ve eaten, a taxi to Hvar takes a mere 5 minutes.
If you’d like to check out the dining scene in Hvar, we’d recommend the Gariful Restaurant, situated right on the city harbour. This gourmet restaurant is hugely busy during the summer months, so booking ahead will be essential. With a bit of luck, you’ll likely bump into some international celebrities here, keen to explore the gourmet options on offer at this famous restaurant.
After a relaxed stroll through the cobbled streets, night owls will be keen to discover the city’s coolest bars. The best of the bunch is surely Carpe Diem, found on the promenade. Here, night becomes day with fantastic music and an unforgettable atmosphere… and the best part? Once the bar closes at 2 am, a shuttle will take you to the offshore island Carpe Diem Beach Club, where partygoers will dance until dawn!
DAY 4. VIS | KOMIŽA | STINIVA BAY
Following a blissful night’s rest and a heart on-board breakfast, your journey will continue to the island of Vis, facing out to the open sea. Stiniva Bay, which can only be reached via a narrow and rocky ridge, is a truly unique location in terms of landscape and natural beauty. Should your skipper be on board, you’ll be able to take a dinghy to this remarkable bay, and enjoy time spent splashing in the waves and relaxing on the pebble beach. Once returned to your yacht, you’ll continue onwards to Komiža, just a few nautical miles away.
Nobody can land in Komiža without feeling as though you’ve been transported back in time. A romantic Mecca for those seeking life’s bohemian treasures, Komiža boasts plenty of playful bars and restaurants above its charming fishing village, and gourmet food lovers will adore the Barba restaurant with its striking views of the city harbour. Here, upscale service and the finest fish and meat dishes on the island await your delectation.
Nobody can land in Komiža without feeling as though you’ve been transported back in time. A romantic Mecca for those seeking life’s bohemian treasures, Komiža boasts plenty of playful bars and restaurants above its charming fishing village, and gourmet food lovers will adore the Barba restaurant with its striking views of the city harbour. Here, upscale service and the finest fish and meat dishes on the island await your delectation.
DAY 5. KORNATI NATIONAL PARK | RAVNI ŽAKAN
The following morning will involve moving on to the beautiful and expansive Kornati National Park. On the way, you’ll reach the island of Ravni Žakan, situated at the park’s southernmost tip. The journey to this point, which will take you past several uninhabited islands, will surely enchant your senses and capture your imagination.
Arrival at Ravni Žakan will require anchoring in a beautiful lagoon-like bay, where crystal-clear waters are criss-crossed by turquoise sandbanks. It’s the perfect place for a dip, as the cool sea will refresh and revitalise after hours spent beneath the sunshine. Once re-energised by the waters, you’ll carry on to the Konoba Žakan, a stylish restaurant that has arisen from a small historic customs house. We’d advise making an advance reservation here, as it’s a real hotspot for those passing through the area, due to its fabulous staff and pristine food and drink offerings.
DAY 6. MURTER
After a restful night, it’s time to head back to the Konoba Žakan for one of their much-loved breakfasts. After casting off once more, you’re free to explore the Kornati National Park, taking your time as you sail around the Kornat Island to take in the sights, stopping if you please at some of the small bays which are ideal for swimming.
In the afternoon, you’ll head towards the mainland, and onto the island of Murter. Here, you can moor safely in the Hramina Marina, before checking out Boba – a restaurant situated on the way to the Old Town – where tuna carpaccio and a stunning array of fresh dishes will delight your palate. For those seeking a more exclusive gastronomy experience, you can moor your yacht on the in-house pier at Fabro, a gourmet restaurant famed for its superb menu and a wine list that is second-to-none.
DAY 7. SKRADIN
The seventh day of your extraordinary journey will see you sailing through the truly enchanting archipelago of Šibenik, along the historic canal and past the city of Šibenik on the Krka river, as you head towards Skradin further inland.
Skradin is a remarkably picturesque location, and one of Croatia’s oldest cities. Recently discovered by the international jet set, you’ll discover plenty of superyachts moored in the marina during the summer months. Those who reserve in advance will be able to moor their yacht directly on the city pier, where the lively promenade can be enjoyed. For those seeking a little more tranquillity, there’s the option to head towards the ACI marina, just a few minutes’ walk away.
This is your chance to stroll through the charming Old Town, and reflect on your journey as you enjoy the pretty boutiques, delicatessens, and other rustic locations selling local delicacies and handicrafts. You’ll also be able to take in the Krka waterfalls – one of Croatia’s most renowned natural wonders – with an excursion boat booked from the city harbour.