While sailing in the Adriatic Sea, The Octopus decided to go to Croatia to discover the best stopovers in the Split region. This region is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, and also for its breathtaking coast. And because it was love at first sight, The Octopus wanted to share the best stopovers in the Split region.
So, get ready to go on an unforgettable journey! From quiet and mesmerizing anchorages to vibrant marinas, we promise this experience to be dazzling!
You should be warned that this itinerary will make you want to leave immediately. So, without further ado, here are the best stopovers in the Split region!
The best stopovers in the Split region
Šćedro
We are starting off strong with our first anchorage on the island of Šćedro, a preserved haven that offers gorgeous anchorages for boaters seeking tranquility in nature and typical landscapes on the Croatian coast. The beauty of this island lies in its isolation, as it is barely inhabited. What were once villages has turned into ruins, with nature taking over completely. You can also see Šćedro’s Roman past, along with ruins of a Dominican monastery. This anchorage is located at the north of the island, inside a gorgeous bay featuring turquoise waters.
Šćedro is protected from all directions except for the north. You cannot anchor there, but mooring buoys are available. However, we recommend calling ahead of arrival to make sure you will have a spot as this stopover is quite famous!
After you have moored successfully, you will be able to take in the beauty of the anchorage of Šćedro. The bay divides into four sounds surrounded by nature, with only a few restaurants on the shore. You can either succumb to the enticing waters, or moor your dinghy by the shore to explore the area. There are a few konobe (traditional Croatian restaurants) around the bay that serve delicious Croatian food – and each and every one of them are worth the detour. In short, this anchorage is the perfect first stop in a region that only has the most mesmerizing stopovers!
Stračinska
The next anchorage is a very special place that The Octopus has been dying to show you! It is located on the island of Šolta, right across from Split. On this island, it is almost like time has stopped. There are many ancient villages that seem frozen in time, embodying Croatia’s rich history. Get ready to be taken on a journey of time traveling! Of course, the anchorages are exceptional, hidden in plain nature and with gorgeous views of the preserved coves and rocky shores. The anchorage of Stračinska is no different.
Protected from the west to the east by the north, this anchorage offers a comfortable stay! It is easy to anchor there thanks to the crystal clear waters, and the sandbanks resting between 10 and 20 meters deep.
Although this anchorage is a bit isolated, nothing is stopping you from going on an adventure to explore the island a bit more! With a 35-minute walk, you can reach Gornje Selo (Upper Village). This traditional village has a long history of agriculture as it is surrounded by olive groves. From Gornje Selo, you can catch the bus that will take you to other towns on the island, such as Stomorska, Nečujam, Rogač, and Maslinica – and they are definitely worth the visit!
Marina Milna Kanarija
After having explored a few mesmerizing anchorages, The Octopus is taking you to a different stopover. Marina Milna Kanarija is ranked five stars on the Navily App, and rightfully so! Located on the island of Brač, by the town of Milna, this stopover promises to be everything and more!
The Octopus can only recommend Marina Milna Kanarija! Its convenient location and kind staff will grant you a comfortable stay. The marina also offers a large number of services, such as fuel, electricity, clean facilities, laundry services, and more! In other words, Milna has a lot to offer, and Marina Milna Kanarija only awaits your visit!
Brač is the third largest island in the Adriatic Sea, and it is well-known for its rich history, and ruins of ancient towns still stand to remind us of its past. Milna is a haven for boaters, as the harbor serves as one of the safest spots in the region. The beauty of the town will also catch your eye, especially the traditional Dalmatian houses and the narrow winding streets.
Pučišća
Our next marina is located at Pučišća, still on the island of Brač. Nestled at the end of a cove, the marina offers stress-free dockings in a picturesque setting. The village of Pučišća is a one-of-a-kind gem. Its houses are built from local white limestone, thus giving the village a uniform and timeless elegance.
What makes Pučišća so enticing is certainly its rich architectural history – especially its stonemasonry tradition. Speaking of which, Pučišća hosts the only school of its kind in Croatia: Klesarska škola (Stonemasonry School). The stones from Pučišća have been used to build the Diocletian’s Palace in Split, but it is believed that stones from the village have been used on the White House in Washington DC – either when it was first built, or when it was renovated in 1902.
Along with its rich history, Pučišća also offers unrivaled beauty in a calm setting. The cove’s clear waters are perfect for swimming and snorkeling, and the beach Sveti Rok makes perfect for a relaxing day. If you would rather be on the move, there are hiking trails that start right by the village, along with gorgeous viewpoints like Vidikovac – only there to take your breath away.
Now, Brač is a rather large island, and if you want to go further than your legs could allow, you can take the bus and go visit another village on the island, such as Supetar (the largest town on the island). You can book your tickets on this website.
Split North West
Split North West will lead you right to the city of Split, as one cannot sail in the region without seeing this memorable city. Although this anchorage might not be as gorgeous as the others in this article, it remains an idyllic spot to explore Split, or do some important shopping before heading to the next stopover!
Located between two marinas, this anchorage is practical and well-protected from the southwest to the north by the east. The sandy and muddy bottoms will provide good holding between five and ten meters deep.
Once safely anchored, you can take your dinghy to the shore. When it comes to grocery shopping, there are a few supermarkets within a 10-minute walk, such as Studenac Market and a Lidl. If you want to visit Split, we highly recommend Ancient Split – the heart and soul of the city. There, you will be taken on an adventure, with monuments like Dioklecijaova palača (Diocletian’s Palace) to remind us of Split’s rich Roman past. The Palace is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is accessible through four gates: the Golden Gate, the Silver Gate, the Iron Gate, and the Brass Gate.
You can also walk along the city’s waterfront or get lost in the narrow streets, covered in cobblestones. The street “Pusti me da prođem” (Let me pass) is also a must-see, as it is one of the narrowest streets in the world – only one person can pass at a time. Below, you will find a map that shows the main monuments and spots to visit in Ancient Split!
Marina Trogir SCT
The Octopus is excited to take you to this next stopover in the Split region – this time in Trogir. Marina Trogir SCT is number 1 on the Navily App, and it is clear that its beautiful setting and five-star services are the reason why. For starters, with its mixture of well-preserved Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque buildings, the historic center of Trogir was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.
With 256 berths, Marina Trogir SCT has plenty of space to welcome you, and it is the perfect stopover when it comes to stocking up on groceries and fuel. The staff is always friendly and helpful, and will assist you for mooring. At the marina, you will find everything that you need, from clean showers to laundry services, wifi and even car rental.
Of course, you must visit the breathtaking town of Trogir. There are plenty of monuments to see, such as St. Lawrence Cathedral, Kamerlengo Castle, Cipiko Palace, and Gradska Loža (City Loggia). Trogir drowns in endless beauty, through its unique architecture, unusual location on a small island, and also because it is surrounded by the clear waters of the mesmerizing Adriatic Sea.
Vinišće
The next anchorage is a dream spot by the town of Vinišće. The fishing village has preserved its traditional Dalmatian essence, perfectly blending natural beauty and cultural authenticity. Plus, after exploring urban settings, this anchorage is exactly what you need to recharge your batteries!
Nestled in a peaceful cove, this anchorage is protected from the south to the east by the west, and you will anchor comfortably in mud between five and ten meters deep.
This anchorage will bring you nothing else but peace of mind. The cove is quiet, well-sheltered, and with breathtaking views. You can either relax on the boat, taking all the beauty in, or perhaps you would find it more soothing to be on a shingle beach, like Plaža Vinišće or Plaža Kupinica. Vinišće is a great place to spend the night, as there are many restaurants closeby – and after a relaxing day at the beach, there is nothing better than traditional Dalmatian cuisine!
Blue Lagoon
To end this article of the best stopovers in the Split region on a high note, The Octopus chose to take you to Blue Lagoon. This exceptional anchorage will take your breath away, as the color of the water is unlike any other, blending navy blue and turquoise like in a real life painting.
You will anchor comfortably in sandy bottoms between 3 and 20 meters deep – but you should also watch out for the seagrass. Blue Lagoon is also protected from winds and swell coming from the southwest to the northeast by the west.
Through its picturesque setting and unrivaled beauty, this anchorage embodies perfectly the essence of the Dalmatian coast. Unfortunately, Blue Lagoon is also a victim of its own success, so do not expect to be alone when going there! Nonetheless, it does not take its magic away, and you should definitely pay this anchorage a visit – whether to stay for a few hours or to spend the night. Not only is Blue Lagoon breathtaking during the day, but it only gets better during sunset, when the pink, orange, and red shades in the sky blend in pure harmony with the sea, creating a timeless painting that will leave you unable to look away.
This is the end of the best stopovers in the Split region! We hope you enjoyed this article as much as The Octopus enjoyed crafting this itinerary.
Perhaps this article made you choose your next adventure, and we know you will not regret going to the magical region of Split!
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