In light of the recent exponential rise in interest around both adventure and Mediterranean sailing holidays, Becky Hutton, Holiday Planner at Sunsail has outlined her top sailing spots in Croatia and Greece for adventurers, from the caves of Kimolos to the lavender labyrinth in Rogoznica Town.
Online searches for ‘adventure holiday destinations’ have increased by 129% compared to April 2024, while ‘family adventure holidays’ have risen by 267% in that same time. ‘Mediterranean sailing holidays’ and ‘boat holidays in the Mediterranean’ are also up by 457% and 1,300% respectively over the last three months.
For budding adventurers wanting to uncover the treasures these beautiful destinations have to offer, Sunsail has a new £500 Mediterranean flight credit for Croatia & Greece charters, which can also be combined with their Summer Sailing Special discount. Full terms and conditions can be found here.
Vis
Komiža town is the perfect starting point for an adventurous Mediterranean sailing itinerary as it’s in the perfect location to visit the Blue Cave, six miles away on tiny Biševo island. The light bends in perfect angles to make the cave illuminate blue, and is best suited for a visit when the sun is at its highest point.
The cave is under protection, meaning you cannot enter it with your own dinghy, but can be taken in for a 20-minute tour. That can either be arranged directly from Komiža with a speedboat, or after mooring in front of the cave entrance, when the tour guide picks you up on their boat.
Omiš
Nestled between two cliffs at the mouth of river Cetina, Omiš in Croatia is the symbol of active and adventure tourism. The river and cliffs assure for breathtaking canyoning, rafting, zip-lining, hiking and rock climbing experiences that you can find nowhere else in the Mediterranean. You’ll also find a long, sandy public beach where you can spend hours sunbathing and snorkelling to your heart’s content.
Ravnik Island
Ravnik Island is an adventurer’s paradise thanks to the idyllic Green Cave, protected since 1967 as a geomorphological monument of nature. Sunlight pierces the cave interior, lighting up the sea floor like a spotlight in the darkness. The contrast of the cave’s darkness enhances the intensity of this miraculous spotlight, making it look as though the cave’s bottom shines through to the surface.
The buoys in front of the cave are payable and can easily be obtained during the day, making it an easy and exhilarating stop on your sailing itinerary.
Rogoznica town
This well-protected town has a compelling legend about a dragon in a lake, a lavender labyrinth on the top of the hill and numerous walking, hiking, and cycling paths to traverse, in addition to many restaurants and bars.
If you’re feeling particularly adventurous then take a walk inland to the Dragon’s Eye Lake, a steep-sided saltwater lake and a popular cliff jumping spot. With countless activities to enjoy on land and on the water, it’s a must-visit spot for adventurous families, couples and sailors alike.
Kornati National Park
Kornati National Park is a group of 89 remote and barren islands, presenting countless opportunities to explore, discover and have fun! With secluded islets and reefs to uncover, the park is often described as a “Nautical Paradise”.
As the park is so protected, mooring is only permitted in 20 dedicated bays while anchoring is forbidden, keeping your experience quiet and tranquil. Enjoy one of the delicious restaurants, where you must try fresh fish straight from the crystal clear national park water.
Žirje
The most distant, permanently inhabited island in the Šibenik archipelago, Žirje is an area of natural beauty. The island has a long history, it was once an outpost and the remains of the Byzantine fortress from the 6th century still stand today.
The rocky coastline is littered with beaches, coves and coral reefs. Žirje also has some great diving sites that are ideal for adventurous sailors to explore. There are two sheltered bays particularly popular with sailors; Stupica and Tratinska. Both have mooring buoys and a restaurant. Rosa’s restaurant in Stupica bay, offers a fresh fish or meat option daily and is known for excellent Dalmatian food!
Kimolos
Named after the unique kind of white rock-chalk dug there from the 18th century, Kimolos is a must-visit if you’re sailing around Greece and looking for an adventure like no other. You can explore the caves around the island and swim in the turquoise waters. If you love hiking, you only have to equip yourself properly and get some information about the routes.
The village, the only settlement on the island at the hill of Mount Xavlobouniou, will charm you with its simplicity.
Kythnos
Located in the western Cyclades, the island is also called Thermia because of the thermal spas which operate until today. Today the island is very popular as it includes many bays and small coves for exploration. One of the most famous sights is the Cave Katafiki, the biggest cave in Greece. The visitors have the opportunity to walk the narrow paths and discover several archaeological sites.
After discovering the wonders of Cave Katafiki, why not taste the traditional cuisine of the island. The best-known food is Revithia in the oven and pies with cheese.
Milos
Milos is the most exotic island in the Aegean Sea and the most impressive with yellow, orange, white and red volcanic rocks scattered across over 70 beaches. Palaiochori, Papafragas, Gerontas, Firiplaka, Tsigrado, Plathiena beaches are definitely worth a visit, whether you want to swim, snorkel or sunbathe!
The caves Papafrangas, Sarakiniko and Katergo were used as hideouts for pirates of the Middle Ages, and traces of their ships can be found next to the caves.
Paros
Paros is the third largest island of the cycladic complex, boasting stunning mountainous landscape with 120km of coastline featuring sandy beaches and clifftop villages. Take advantage of the Meltemi wind and enjoy a day of thrilling watersports such as kitesurfing and windsurfing.
Small Cyclades
A chain of small islands in the eastern part of the Cyclades, there are many Small Cyclades but only four are inhabited: Donousa, Iraklia, Skhinousa and Koufonisia. Spend your day exploring the islands, swimming in the crystal clear waters and enjoying a siesta. These peaceful islands offer ultimate relaxation after visiting party central, Ios.
The islets Aspronisi, Ofeidousa and Argilos are located at the northern part of the island and can be visited by boat. You should not miss the opportunity to explore them and swim in their charming, cooling waters which are ideal for snorkelling or spear fishing.
If you’re exploring the Small Cyclades, stop off at the Cave of the Sacred Icon of Agios Giannis. This is Iraklia’s most interesting walking destination, around 2 hours from the main port. The entrance leads to a sequence of caves with an abundance of stalagmites and stalactites.
Kea
Kea (or Tzia as it is also known as) stands out from the other Aegean islands for its rich flora, rare plant species, olive groves and vineyards. It is also home to the largest oak forest in the Cyclades making it a great spot for birdwatching.
Discover 60km of exciting hiking trails leading to monuments, buildings, hidden coves, caves and beaches. You’ll never run out of areas to explore and beauty to discover. Perfect for adventurers as well as nature enthusiasts!
Discounts & Offers
£500 Mediterranean Flight Credit Terms and Conditions
Sunsail’s new £500 Mediterranean flight credit offer gives you £500 flight credit on bookings confirmed between 1 and 30 April 2025. To qualify for the £500 flight credit, the minimum cost of yacht only (before any discount) must be £3000. It applies to charters of 7 days or more for Mediterranean destinations. The offer is valid only for Croatia and Greece. It can be combined with Sunsail’s Summer Sailing Special discount, but cannot be combined with any other promotions, including the loyalty discount. It is only available for bookings made over the phone. You can find full terms and conditions here.
