Location, Service, Experience: Why The Moorings BVI Base Has It All
Croatia Beyond the Crowds: Top 10 Hidden Gems Only Accessible By Yacht
The sailing appeal of Croatia’s Dalmatian coastline is no secret, but its best-kept treasures still are, and when it comes to breathtaking sailing destinations, few places rival the natural beauty, ancient history, and island-dotted coastline of Croatia.
With over 1,000 islands and islets scattered across the Adriatic (only 47 of which are inhabited), Croatia is a paradise tailor-made for yacht owners seeking secluded coves, quiet anchorages, and the kind of authentic experience only accessible by sea.
While most visitors flock to Split, Dubrovnik, or Hvar, yacht owners know that the real magic lies in the hidden corners: tiny fishing villages, wild bays, and remote island restaurants only accessible by boat.
And as a Moorings Yacht Owner, you’re not just another tourist; you’re an explorer with access to places most travelers never get to see. You can drop anchor in turquoise bays only accessible by sea, sip local wine in family-run taverns that don’t take reservations, and watch the sun rise from a mooring where the only sounds are lapping waves and cicadas.
Whether you’re mapping out an extended full two-week cruise or adding a few hidden gems to your next 7-day itinerary, Croatia is packed with secret spots that reward those travelling by boat.
Here are 10 of the best off-the-beaten-path Croatian destinations that you can only truly experience by yacht.
1. Scedro Island: Untouched And Unspoiled
Just a short sail from Hvar, the island of Scedro is a peaceful contrast to its buzzing neighbor. With no hotels, barely any roads, and only a handful of permanent residents, this car-free island offers a rare chance to experience the Adriatic as it once was.
Drop anchor in one of the many peaceful and protected bays and go for a morning swim or snorkel in crystal clear water, then settle in for a long, lazy lunch at one of the local family-run konobas (taverns) where fresh seafood is caught just feet from the restaurant.
And if you’re up for a bit of exploring, take the short hike uphill to the island’s abandoned village, where old stone houses offer a quiet glimpse into the island’s past.
Moorings Owners Tip: There are no marinas here, just a handful of mooring buoys and anchoring spots, making it the perfect quiet escape from crowded ports.
2. The Kornati Islands: Croatia’s Sailing Wilderness
Sailing north from Split leads you to the raw, otherworldly beauty of Kornati National Park. This cluster of over 80 barren, sun-bleached islands presents a stark and stunning landscape that is best explored by boat. With few residents and no real infrastructure, the Kornati islands offer pristine anchorages, diving spots, and that rare feeling of true seclusion.
Moorings Owners Tip: Anchor overnight in Levrnaka Bay and hike up the hillside for panoramic views of the surrounding islands.
3. Sipan Island: Dubrovnik’s Quiet Cousin
Part of the Elaphiti Islands northwest of Dubrovnik, Sipan offers a quiet charm that’s worlds away from the crowded city walls of Dubrovnik’s old town. With its olive groves, sleepy fishing villages, and tiny harbors like Sudurad, Sipan invites slow-paced exploration and sunset strolls.
Moorings Owners Tip: Skip the marina and tie up at the town quay in Sudurad for easy access to the waterfront cafes, then take a walk inland to explore the island’s old stone villas and quiet olive groves.
4. Lastovo Archipelago: A Secluded Sailor’s Paradise
Designated a nature park, the remote Lastovo Islands are among the least developed in Croatia. You’ll find secret coves, dense pine forests, and remarkably clear waters for snorkeling and diving. The harbor in Zaklopatica is a favorite among seasoned cruisers, and the seafood here is some of the best on the coast.
Moorings Owners Tip: Keep an eye on the weather and time your visit for a starry night. With almost no light pollution, Lastovo is known for having one of the clearest night skies in Europe.
5. Saplunara Bay: Sunset Paddles And Sandy Beaches
Tucked away on the quieter eastern tip of Mljet, Saplunara Bay feels like one of those places you stumble upon and then never want to leave. Known for its sandy beaches (a rarity in Croatia), the bay is bordered by fragrant pine forests and offers calm, shallow waters perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, or simply floating the afternoon away.
There are a couple of casual beach bars ashore, and a short walk inland takes you to local shops offering homemade olive oil, wine, and fresh produce. It’s a simple, beautiful spot that reminds you why cruising by yacht is the best way to explore Croatia.
Moorings Owner Tip: Anchor on the western side of the bay for the best shelter and a smooth night on the hook. Don’t forget your paddleboard, as this protected bay is ideal for early morning or sunset paddles along the tree-lined shore.
6. Loviste: The Sleepy Seaside Village You’ll Never Want to Leave
Tucked into a sheltered bay at the far western tip of the Peljesac Peninsula, Loviste is the kind of place you sail into planning to stay a night and end up lingering for three. This sleepy village has just enough: a few laid-back waterfront restaurants, a tiny market, and the kind of stillness that invites slow mornings and long swims.
Surrounded by olive groves and gently sloping hills, the bay is calm, scenic, and wonderfully protected, making it ideal for overnight anchoring. There’s no tourist rush here, just the sound of the water lapping the hull and the occasional clink of cutlery from a seaside konoba.
Moorings Owner Tip: Call ahead to one of the local restaurants, and they’ll not only reserve you a mooring buoy, but they’ll also often dinghy out with a platter of just-caught fish or grilled octopus straight from their kitchen to your cockpit. It’s small-town Mediterranean hospitality at its finest!
7. Velji Lago: Nature’s Best Anchorage
Tucked within the Lastovo Archipelago Nature Park, Velji Lago is a breathtaking, fjord-like lagoon cradled between Lastovo and the small neighboring island of Prezba. The anchorage here is calm, protected, and surrounded by thick pine forest and rugged limestone cliffs that reflect perfectly in the mirror-flat water.
This is the type of island where yacht ownership pays off in full, as the entire area is designated as a nature park, so it’s quiet, pristine, and free of crowds. Just early morning swims in glassy water, paddleboard sessions through hidden channels, and golden-hour dinners on deck, with nothing but nature around you.
Moorings Owner Tip: Stock up before you arrive. Once here, you won’t want to leave, and there are no stores.
8. Maslinica: A Little Harbor With Big Appeal
Tucked into the western tip of Solta, Maslinica is a charming harbor village where old-world Croatian coastal life meets understated elegance. Framed by pine forests and olive groves, the town is small but full of character, with stone cottages, waterfront cafés, and a relaxed pace that makes you want to linger a little longer.
While it’s still off most tourist radar, Maslinica has quietly earned a reputation among savvy sailors for its excellent seafood, welcoming locals, and beautifully preserved Venetian architecture. Stroll the waterfront promenade, indulge in grilled octopus or freshly caught lobster, and toast the sunset with a glass of local Posip.
Moorings Owner Tip: For a taste of luxury, reserve a slip at the Martinis Marchi Marina, part of a beautifully restored 18th-century castle complex that includes a boutique hotel, fine-dining restaurant, and spa. Want something quieter? Anchor just outside the harbor and dinghy in for dinner.
9. Proizd Island: The Best Of Both Worlds
Just a short sail from Korcula Island, Proizd is a tiny, uninhabited jewel that feels like a private paradise. Its rugged white limestone cliffs drop dramatically into crystal-clear turquoise waters, creating picture-perfect swimming coves and secluded beaches that are ideal for snorkeling, paddleboarding, or simply soaking up the sun in peaceful surroundings. Without any permanent residents or buildings, Proizd offers a rare chance to connect with nature and enjoy unspoiled Adriatic beauty far from the crowds.
Moorings Owner Tip: Plan to spend a leisurely afternoon anchoring off Proizd, enjoying the calm waters and stunning views. When the sun starts to dip, set sail for Korcula Town, just a short hop away, for a vibrant evening filled with charming old streets, lively bars, and excellent local cuisine. This combo of a tranquil island day and lively town at night makes for the perfect Croatian yachting experience.
10. Luka Tiha: A Different Side Of Hvar
While Hvar is famous for its lively nightlife and bustling harbor, just a short sail north of Stari Grad lies the bay of Luka Tiha, a tranquil haven that offers a completely different side of this bustling island. This peaceful, sheltered bay is embraced by rolling hills dotted with olive groves and fragrant lavender fields, creating a serene setting that feels miles away from the party scene. The calm, clear waters here are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or simply drifting while soaking up the Mediterranean sunshine.
Luka Tiha’s natural beauty and quiet charm make it an ideal spot to unwind after a day of exploring. The lack of crowds means you can enjoy the gentle sounds of nature and the occasional call of seabirds, all while anchored comfortably in this hidden cove.
Moorings Owner Tip: Take your dinghy out to explore the smaller coves and beaches nearby, each with its own unique charm. Then, head back to your yacht to relax on the flybridge as the sun sets, savoring a glass of Plavac Mali, one of Croatia’s signature red wines, while watching the sky change colors over the island.
Your Key to Hidden Croatia Awaits
Croatia is a dream for yacht owners, and not just for its beauty, but for the incredible variety of hidden gems that open up once you’re at the helm. Cruising the Dalmatian coastline with your Moorings yacht means that you’re not confined to guidebooks or ferry timetables. You’re free to wander, explore, and discover Croatia the way it was meant to be experienced: by sea!
So, whether you’ve already cruised these shores or are dreaming of your next adventure, remember the best of Croatia can’t be found on land; it’s hidden between the thousands of islands that make up this dramatic and ancient coastline.
Set your own course. Discover your own secrets. And experience Croatia the way it was meant to be explored and contact The Moorings today to start your journey through Croatia’s hidden seaside gems.
Hanrie Bosch
Guest blogger, Hanrie Bosch, is a professional yacht chef. Based in the Caribbean and Bahamas, since 2013, she has worked on boats ranging from 48 ft Leopards to 160 ft superyachts.
