With online searches for ‘hidden gems in Croatia’ skyrocketing over the last three months (up by 250%), Mirna Jakšić, Flotilla and Events Manager at Sunsail, has unveiled her top seven secret destinations to visit on a sailing holiday in Croatia.
Croatia has seen a tourist boom in recent years, with popular TV show Game of Thrones drawing crowds to major cities such as Dubrovnik. In 2024, Croatia welcomed over 21 million tourists, a 4% rise compared to 2023. However, while it’s set to remain popular, people are now turning away from bustling cities like Dubrovnik and Split, instead searching for Croatia’s best kept secrets. Among them is Pučišća, a budget-friendly fairytale town, renowned for its mesmerising marble houses and for being home to the stone used to build the White House in America.
Away from popular tourist spots guests really appreciate finding lonesome bays and coves to anchor their boat and enjoy the pristine Adriatic water. The reason is probably getting away from everyday crowds and their speedy lifestyle, connecting more with nature and spending quality time with the people they’re on holiday with.
Hidden gems in Croatia to visit on a sailing holiday
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Marina Town
Marina is a very small town just to the west of Trogir town. The bright terracotta roofs and rough-hewn stone walls of Marina are endlessly captivating, and the waterside restaurants will further tempt you to extend your stay.
Marina is home to some of Croatia’s most beautiful, unspoiled beaches where you can spend your days relaxing, unwinding and soaking up the Mediterranean sun. One of the must-visit beaches is Prališće Beach, with crystal-clear waters, a mixture of deep and shallow water, and brilliant facilities such as a cafe bar, showers and parking.
For the more adventurous types – there is a short hike to the lady of the snow, Drid, with a very nice view of the town below it.
Marina is perfectly located if you want to spend your holiday exploring Croatia’s many islands and islets. The marina Agana in Marina town cannot be missed! The marina itself is small and quaint and has everything you need for a comfortable charter start, without 10 other boats or routes that could confuse someone. It’s perfect if you’re thinking about going sailing in Croatia for the first time.
Sailing out of this place will open up exceptional sailing grounds, which would then include the secluded bays along the south or north islands of the region. The lively, culture-rich islands of Brač, Šolta, and Hvar to the south and east are just the start, with an endless array of peaceful, picturesque islands, beaches, and moorings to explore. To the north and west, the remote, untouched islands of the Kornati Archipelago – an unspoilt national park renowned for its stunning scenery – lie in wait.
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Stomorska Town
Stomorska town on Šolta island is one of the destinations that isn’t on everybody’s list, but it’s a picturesque fishing village with a rich nautical history. The water in the bay is beautifully clear and there are several beaches for relaxing and swimming. The small beach, safe town quay and charming houses have a very relaxing effect on people.
Add a family run winery which is 5 minutes away by car, and a cool little beach bar and you’ve got a winning combination. Walk up the hill on the southern side of the bay to enjoy beautiful views of the village and across to the mainland.
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Pučišća Town
On Brač island we could suggest numerous spots, but one of our favourites must be Pučišća town. We love it so much that we made a new flotilla route just so we can go for a visit.
It is very traditional, the prices are fair, and the look of it is like a fairytale – due to the houses being made out of the local marble that the place is famous for. This town is steeped in a rich history of stonework, the stone used to build the white house in America was shipped from here! Check out one of the 7 remaining forts hand carved by stone masons on this island.
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Vis Island
Vis is the perfect place to escape and enjoy some “island time” peace and quiet however you please. The island of Vis is less touristy and remains unspoiled due to its location, making it a prime spot for uncrowded relaxation, snorkelling, and cocktail-sipping. Stunning Stivina Bay is also found here and is one of the best beaches you’ll encounter on your travels.
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Sveta Nedelja
Hvar Island already has a name to it, but it still has numerous bays and coves where one can be alone. An interesting spot is Sveta Nedelja, where a wine maker made his wine tasting room beneath sea level, so the experience is quite unique.
Stari Grad, located on the north side of Hvar, is just one of Croatia’s UNESCO Protected World Heritage Sites and is also worth visiting. On shore, enjoy scenic hikes with panoramic views of impeccably preserved landscapes and offshore, enjoy swimming or snorkelling throughout the pristine surrounding waters.
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Lastovo Island
Lastovo Island is one of the best hidden gems in Croatia for nature lovers. It is known as the ‘island of crystal stars’, so stargazing is a must. The whole archipelago is under protection as a nature park, and the water is seethrough-clean.
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Jelsa Town
Spend some time touring the lovely waterfront town of Jelsa, which is known for its authentic cuisine, fine dining, and local wine pairings. Tempt your taste buds with the delectable flavours and fresh seafood dishes that the traditional restaurants, or konobas, are serving up that day.
A visit to Jelsa also allows you the chance to catch the sea plane between Jelsa and Split if you wish to enjoy incredible views of Dalmatia’s capital city and balance quiet, secluded areas with bustling tourist hotspots.
Top hidden gems for couples
There are many of them around, but some of top hidden gems for couples include:
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Tatinja Bay on the south side of Šolta Island
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On Vis Island, a little town called Komiža which was used as a movie set in Mamma Mia
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Korčula Town, with St. Marcus Tower, and a cocktail bar on the top of a 15th-century tower
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The Fisherman’s House restaurant in Pakleni archipelago across from Hvar
Top places in Croatia for switching off from the world
There’s an endless array of those in Croatian waters like:
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Žirje Island’s south side
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Stončica and Duboka bays on Vis
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Vlaška bay on Hvar
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Šćedro island
One can easily disconnect from the world once on the water.
