Route 3 – Classic Islands Loop
Vis • Korčula • Hvar — a 7‑day itinerary from Marina Kaštela
Route at a glance
Illustrative sailing route. Distances are indicative and depend on conditions and chosen overnight stops.
Start / End: Marina Kaštela (Split)
Duration: 7 days
Total distance: approx. 126–151 nautical miles
Route character: Balanced cruising — open-water passages mixed with relaxed island days
Best season: May to September
Variants: Vis Town vs Komiža (+9 NM); Stari Grad vs Vrboska (+8 NM)
The Classic Islands Loop is designed for sailors who want the best of central Dalmatia without rushing. Starting from Marina Kaštela, the route balances open-water passages with relaxed island days, combining Vis' remote feel, Korčula's softer pace, and the Pakleni Islands with an easy Hvar City visit. With flexible overnight options and a natural sailing rhythm, it's a route that works equally well for experienced crews and confident leisure sailors.
Route highlights
- – A genuine open-water crossing to Vis that sets the tone for the week;
- – Southern Vis bays combining quiet anchorages with konoba buoy options;
- – A mid-route reset in Vela Luka before re-entering the central islands;
- – Palmižana as a calm base with easy water-taxi access to Hvar City;
- – Choice-driven legs that allow crews to shorten or extend sailing days
Day‑by‑day itinerary
Day 1 · Marina Kaštela → Milna (Brač)
15 NM
Milna harbor on Brač island with traditional stone buildings and boats moored along the waterfront
The sail:
A relaxed first leg across the Brač Channel – short, scenic, and ideal for settling into the rhythm of the week.
Why it's worth it:
Milna is the perfect soft landing: close enough to keep Day 1 stress-free, yet charming enough to feel like you've truly left the city behind.
Arrive & do:
Golden-hour arrival in Milna, an easy first evening on the waterfront, and—if timing allows—a first swim stop in one of the bays near Milna on the approach.
Flex option:
If you can leave Kaštela early, plan a relaxed swim stop in a bay close to Milna before docking. If departure is later, sail directly to Milna and keep Day 1 simple.
Conditions note:
Generally comfortable in most summer conditions; afternoon Maestral usually adds a pleasant breeze without making the leg demanding.
Day 2 · Milna → Viš Town or Komiža
21 / 30 NM
Sailing across open Adriatic waters toward the island of Vis
The sail:
A proper Adriatic passage with more open water and a clear sense of distance — this is where the journey truly opens up
Why it's worth it:
Vis marks a shift in atmosphere: quieter, more remote, and distinctly removed from the mainland rhythm.
Arrive & do:
Arrive either into Vis Town for a protected harbor evening and easy provisioning, or continue around to Komiža for a more characterful waterfront setting beneath Mount Hum.
Flex option:
Choose Vis Town for a shorter day and the most sheltered overnight option. Choose Komiža for added charm and atmosphere — expect roughly +9 NM and note that Komiža is more exposed to swell than Vis Town in unsettled conditions.
Conditions note:
Most comfortable in light to moderate Maestral. In stronger Jugo or lingering southerly swell, Komiža can become uncomfortable, while Vis Town usually remains calm.
Day 3 · Vis / Komiža → Southern bays of Vis
10-12 NM
Crystal clear turquoise waters in a secluded southern Vis bay
The sail:
A low-mileage day focused on exploration rather than distance, moving along Vis' quieter southern coastline.
Why it's worth it:
Southern Vis offers some of the clearest water of the route, rewarding an unhurried pace.
Arrive & do:
Anchor in a sheltered bay for swimming and paddleboarding, or pick up a konoba buoy for a relaxed dinner ashore.
Flex option:
If you are particularly enjoying Vis or Komiža, delay departure and arrive south later — this day is intentionally forgiving.
Conditions note:
Best in settled weather. Southerly swell can work into some bays; choose anchorage carefully if Jugo is present.
Day 4 · Southern Vis bays → Vela Luka (Korčula)
22 NM
Sailing along Korčula's western coastline with pine-covered hills
The sail:
A satisfying mid-week leg that transitions you from remote anchorages to Korčula's gentler western coast.
Why it's worth it:
Vela Luka provides a change of rhythm — local life, sheltered waters, and a natural pause before re-entering busier islands.
Arrive & do:
Enjoy a calm harbor evening, stock up if needed, and take a slow walk ashore.
Flex option:
In stable conditions, add a swim stop en route and turn the passage into a longer, leisurely day.
Conditions note:
Usually comfortable in summer patterns. Northerlies can accelerate around headlands; reef early if needed.
Day 5 · Vela Luka → Palmižana (Pakleni Islands)
21 NM
Approaching the Pakleni Islands archipelago with emerald waters
The sail:
One of the most scenic legs of the route, with a memorable approach into the Pakleni Islands.
Why it's worth it:
Palmižana gives you a calm base in the Pakleni archipelago with easy access to Hvar's energy.
Arrive & do:
Settle in at Palmižana, enjoy a swim in the nearby coves, and choose how social you want the evening to be. Palmižana is known for its excellent restaurants set in pine shade with beautiful views over the bay, while Hvar City—just a short water-taxi ride away—offers a historic old town, lively streets, and a wide choice of restaurants and bars.
Flex option:
If you prefer a relaxed evening, stay in Palmižana and enjoy dinner ashore with views over the bay. If you're in the mood for city life, take the water taxi to Hvar City for dinner and a stroll. Outside peak season, a short daytime sailboat stop in Hvar City can sometimes work before returning to Palmižana.
Conditions note:
Generally straightforward, but expect more traffic near Hvar in high season and stronger afternoon winds in the channel.
Day 6 · Palmižana → Stari Grad or Vrboska (Hvar)
14 / 22 NM
Stari Grad harbor with historic stone buildings along the waterfront
The sail:
An easy hop that leaves plenty of time ashore, shifting focus from sailing to island life.
Why it's worth it:
This is the cultural heart of the route — stone towns, vineyards, and a calmer side of Hvar.
Arrive & do:
Sail to Stari Grad for a relaxed arrival and a calm waterfront evening. With the shorter distance, there is often time left in the day for a swim stop or casual anchoring in the bays along Hvar's north-western coast before heading in. Alternatively, continue on to Vrboska, a picturesque town often called "Little Venice" for its canals and stone bridges, offering a quieter overnight setting.
Flex option:
Choose Stari Grad if you want the shortest sail (~13.5 NM) and the flexibility to arrive early or spend part of the afternoon swimming, grilling, or simply chilling at anchor nearby. Choose Vrboska if you prefer the quietest overnight stop and a more village-like atmosphere — expect roughly +8 NM (~21.5 NM).
Conditions note:
Usually calm. Afternoon Maestral can funnel along the coast but rarely makes this leg uncomfortable.
Day 7 · Stari Grad / Vrboska → Marina Kaštela
26 / 34 NM
Final swim stop in a pristine bay along Hvar's northern coast
The sail:
A comfortable homeward passage that benefits from an early start and an unhurried pace.
Why it's worth it:
Returning to Kaštela keeps logistics clean while still allowing one last proper Adriatic stop before the mainland.
Arrive & do:
Plan a farewell swim stop either along Hvar's north coast (from Stari Grad toward the north-western tip) or, depending on your track, in the bays near Milna on Brač, then continue to Marina Kaštela for an easy return.
Flex option:
If conditions are calm and you depart early, build in the swim stop and keep the return relaxed. If the crew prefers a clean finish or the wind picks up, skip the stop and sail directly to Kaštela.
Conditions note:
Most pleasant with an early departure. Stronger afternoon winds can make the final miles livelier than expected.
Who this route is for
(Short audience guidance will be added here.)