You’re not a Fan of the Crowds – Sailing Alone along the Adriatic

Most people love summer, because it’s the best time of year to hang out, party, travel with groups of friends, and socialize. However, not every person wants or needs such surroundings. Instead, some people prefer to travel solo or with a tiny selected group. The idea of huge summer crowds and parties should not stop you from chartering a bare boat, skippered or crewed yacht with Nava. You can still experience the beautiful Croatian coastline and the Adriatic Sea. If the idea of exploring the serene, crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic Sea appeals to your introverted soul, Croatia is the perfect destination. Known for its stunning coastline, charming islands, and tranquil bays, Croatia offers many hidden gems for enjoying solitude and peaceful sailing. Here’s how to charter a boat in Croatia and make the most of your introverted adventure.

Technicalities of your sailing alone cruise

Before booking your bareboat charter in Croatia, first select the right type of boat and the right time to sail. When it comes to the type of boat, your choices are between sailing yachts, catamarans, and motor yachts. On one hand, catamarans are a great choice for comfortable and leisurely sailing. They are stable and spacious, but on the other hand, they might be a bit more difficult to maneuver single-handed. In addition, they are much pricier options for a solo traveler or a small group. Furthermore, motor yachts offer speed and convenience while also being a reasonable choice for a solo sailor. All in all, smaller catamarans (up to 43 feet) and all sailboats and motorboats are much easier to maneuver single-handedly. However, docking and anchoring are always easier when you have an extra pair of hands on board.

However, if you opt for a yacht with skipper, and/or hostess, or fully crewed, you’ll discover they can be almost invisible and have “ninja” abilities when it comes to giving you your privacy. Moreover, they tailor your route according to your wishes and requests. You’ll get to visit some of the most popular spots but avoid the crowds even in high season.

Now that we’ve covered selecting a boat, let’s go over seasons and best time for solo sailing in Croatia. Obviously, the summer months of the second half of June, July and August are considered peak season. Luckily, the climate in Croatia allows for longer off-peak seasons of good weather. For that reason, our recommendation is either pre-season from May to early June or post-season time from September to early October. Pre-season provides pleasant weather and the sea already reaching warm temperatures – warm enough for swimming. Once the summer crowds disperse, the sea remains inviting during post-season months. It should be noted that weather in the off-season can sometimes vary, so take that into account when planning your sailing trip.

Planning your sailing alone itinerary

Croatia and the Adriatic Sea have so many islands, hidden coves, secluded beaches, and islets to visit and explore. That’s why it is important to have an itinerary, or a general idea of where you’d like to sail, before your arrival. While this blog focuses on guiding you on how to have your lone-wolf trip, it should be noted that visiting a marina occasionally (2-3 times per week) is highly recommended to charge your batteries and stock up on your boat supply.  

The islands of Solta, Hvar, Lastovo, and Vis offer a maritime paradise for travelers seeking solitude, peace and relaxation. Each island has several well-equipped marinas, for the rare occasions you might need to use their services before exploring the breathtaking coastlines. The island of Solta abounds in tranquil bays and lush landscapes. It is a haven for nature lovers looking to escape the crowds. If you wish to anchor in a quiet cove, we recommend Jorja bay on the west side of the island. If you are looking for more ideas, read our blog on what to do on Solta.

Then we have Hvar, renowned for its historic charm and vibrant nightlife. However, the island and its archipelago hide numerous secluded beaches and locations where you can enjoy some peace and quiet with little to no crowds. One of those is Tiha Bay on the north-western coast of Hvar. Another one is Tarsce bay, just across Hvar to the south on the Paklenjaci islands.

Lastly, Vis and Lastovo, the most remote islands from the mainland. They captivate visitors with their unspoiled beauty and hidden coves, perfect for a quiet retreat. Our top suggestion is Zaglav bay on the south-east coast of Vis with its proximity to the island of Ravnik and the (less popular) Green Cave. Don’t forget to stop by Stoncica and Stiniva beaches. And on Lastovo, Pasadur is a must visit. While you are on Lastovo, star gazing is highly recommended. The skies there are one of the least light-polluted in all of Europe.

Whether anchoring in their marinas or discovering their fascinating shorelines, these islands promise an escape for those yearning to spend their trip in seclusion.

Embracing the solitude

Now that the locations are covered, time to switch focus to various activities you can do on your solo sailing adventure. For instance, reading, meditation, and yoga are perfect activities for those who wish to disconnect from the world. Moreover, being on a boat allows you to have different background scenery for each activity.

Last but not least, being at sea means you’re surrounded by breathtaking and “photogenic” nature. These islands are distant enough from the coast and populated areas and there is barely any light pollution. So, they are perfect spots for stargazing. Feel free to use a stargazing app for learning about stars and constellations. Observing interesting astronomical events, for instance, the tears of St. Lawrence/Perseid meteor shower in early August, or lunar eclipses and planetary alignments, are also a great way to spend your evenings.

In conclusion, if you’re looking to spend your vacation in solitude, chartering a boat in Croatia with Nava is a great choice. By renting a yacht, carefully planning your itinerary, and provisioning adequately, an unforgettable solo sailing experience awaits. And it will rejuvenate your mind and soul. Here’s to sailing alone!

If this piqued your interest, feel free to reach out to our Nava Charter team. They will help you organize and plan your next sailing trip in Croatia!