The Adriatic Sea cradles a nautical paradise, and nowhere is this more evident than in the Split Sailing Archipelago. A collection of maritime wonders, each with its unique charm, is made up of the islands of Brac, Solta, Drvenik, Hvar, Vis, Bisevo, Scedro, Korcula and Lastovo. This comprehensive guide takes us on a virtual journey across these charming islands, visiting their settlements, must visit places, hidden treasures and special summer festivities.
Brač island
Brac Island
Settlements:
- Supetar: the island's most important port and administrative centre.
- Bol: He's known for the famous Zlatni Rat beach.
- Milna, a pretty little port town on the west coast.
- Pucisca, famous for its quarry of white stones and traditional stonemasonry.
Must-Visit Places:
- The Zlatni Rat Beach in Bol: a constantly shifting golden pebble beach.
- Vidova Gora: This is the tallest peak in Brac and offers a spectacular view.
- Blaca Desert: A remote hermitage has carved itself into the rocks.
- Experience the ancient art of stonemasonry at the Pucisca Stonemasonry School.
Hidden Gems:
- The village of Lozisca, which is a beautiful inland settlement with stone dwellings.
- Dragons Cave: A hidden gem for explorers near Murvica.
Maslenica on Šolta island
Solta Island
Settlements:
- Grohote's the biggest and oldest village in this area.
- Maslinica: an idyllic coastal village to the west.
- Rogac: a port town with a ferry connection to Split.
Must-Visit Places:
- Necujam: The clearest bay in the island with crystal clear water.
- Martinis Marchi: an old castle in Maslinica became a luxury hotel, built 300 years ago.
- Vela Stanza: the highest peak on Solta with spectacular views.
Hidden Gems:
- Stomorska: A quiet fishing village with a real Dalmatian atmosphere.
- Senjska Cove: For tranquillity seekers, it's a quiet place.
Blue lagoon - Drvenik Veli
Drvenik Island
Settlements:
- Drvenik Veli: The larger of the two Drvenik islands.
- The smaller and less populated sister island, Drvenik Mali.
Must-Visit Places:
- Krknjasi Blue Lagoon: crystal clear turquoise water for snorkelling.
- Church of St. George: A historic church on Drvenik Veli.
Hidden Gems:
- Soltarice Beach: It's a private beach accessible only by boat.
Hvar island
Hvar Island
Settlements:
- Hvar's town: a noisy and lively capital of the island.
- Stari Grad is the oldest town in our island, and it's filled with history.
- Jelsa: On the northern coast, this port town is charming.
- Sucuraju: a lovely village at the eastern end of the island.
Must-Visit Places:
- Fortica (Spanish Fortress): Overlooking Hvar Town for panoramic views.
- The Pakleni Islands: a cluster of islands that are ideal for isolated anchorages.
- St. Stephen's Square, a central square in Hvar where there are many historic buildings.
Hidden Gems:
- Zarace: a hidden bay with crystal-clear water, and a beach filled with rocks.
- Vrboska: For its canal that runs through the city, it is known as "Little Venice".
Special Fest:
Hvar Summer Festival June to September: Classical concerts, theatre performances, and art exhibitions.
Stiniva beach on Vis island
Vis Island
Settlements:
- Vis: The city on the island's centre.
- Komiza, a picturesque fishing village located on the western coast.
Must-Visit Places:
- Blue Cave Modra Spilja: An enchanted underwater cave, located near Bisevo Island.
- Stiniva's Cove: this hidden gem with narrow entry, and a beautiful sandy beach.
- Komiza Fishing Museum: offers a glimpse of the island's maritime history.
Hidden Gems:
- Srebrna Beach: A protected beach that can be accessed only by boat.
- Rukavac: This quiet village of crystal-clear water and lovely beaches.
Inside of Blue cave - Biševo island
Bisevo Island
Settlements:
- Porat: A small settlement in front of the Blue Cave.
Must-Visit Places:
- Blue Cave (Modra Spilja): The highlight of Bisevo, best visited in the morning for the magical blue glow.
- Porat Cove: For swimming or snorkelling this is a sheltered spot with crystal clear water.
Ščedro island
Scedro Island
Settlements:
- The Scedro is free, and it adds to the isolated charm.
Must-Visit Places:
- Zaglav Cove: It is a calm anchorage, filled with beautiful flowers.
- The Scedro Lighthouse, which has been a historical lighthouse with views of the sky.
Hidden Gems:
- Manastir Bay: a shallow bay with an ancient monastery ruin.
Korčula island
Korcula Island
Settlements:
- Korcula City: A medieval town, with a well-preserved old city.
- On the western side of the island, Vela Luka is a charming town.
- Lumbarda, a coastal area famous for its sandy beaches and vineyards.
Must-Visit Places:
- Marco Polo House: It is assumed that the famous explorer was born in this house.
- St Mark's Cathedral, Korcula City: a spectacular Gothic Renaissance cathedral.
- Przina Beach: It's a sandy beach in Lumbarda.
Hidden Gems:
- Pupnatska Luka: a charming bay that has sandy beaches.
- Badija Island: An island with a monastery of the Franciscans.
Special Fest:
- Korkyra Baroque Festival, September: A cultural event with an emphasis on classical music and art.
Lastovo island - Sealife
Lastovo Island
Settlements:
- Lastovo: the capital city of the island.
- Pasadur: There is a quiet community on the west coast.
Must-Visit Places:
- Ubli: a beautiful harbour village where the atmosphere is calm.
- The Lastovo Archipelago Nature Park: A protected area with a wide variety of flora and fauna.
Hidden Gems:
- The Saplun Bay is a secret cove with crystal-clear waters.
- Skaron Bay: Surrounded by green hills, this is a peaceful place.
- Zaklopatica
Navigating Paradise in the Split Sailing Archipelago
The sailing islands of the Split Archipelago are a haven for sailors and adventurers, each island presenting its own distinctive tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty. The Adriatic Maritime wonders are shown on the boat journey from busy shores of Hvar to peaceful bays in Lastovo. The archipelago of islands offers a variety of experiences waiting to be explored, whether you are looking for the lively excitement of Hvar's nightlife, tranquillity on Lastovo's private beaches or the history charm of Korcula's old town. The magic of the Split Sea Sailing Archipelago is still casting a spell on those that dare to step into its embrace, as the sun rises above the azure seas and leaves behind an implacable trail of gold reflections. Now let the sails be raised and sail for these exotic islands, letting the Adriatic breeze take you across this maritime paradise like never before.