5 Secret Bays in Croatia: The Ultimate 2026 Sailing Guide

Introduction: Why 2026 is the Year of Re-Discovery of the Adriatic

For years now, Croatia has been ranked as the global leader in terms of preferred destinations for sailing. This can easily be explained given the beauty of its coastline, the prevailing wind in summer (Maestral), and the fact that there are more than a thousand islands here.

But due to the global travel trend towards "slow travel" and "seclusion," new ways are being developed to experience the Adriatic. When it comes to the experience you want in the 2026 season, it won’t be found in the bustling marinas of Hvar or Split. Rather, it is the luxury of finding an anchorage point away from civilization, where the only noise is the water gently splashing against the side of your catamaran or monohull sailboat.

Whether you have experience sailing or are embarking on a crewed yacht charter vacation, the difference lies in finding out where you want to anchor. In this guide, we’ll share with you five secret bays—while some are hiding in plain sight, others are found in far-off archipelagos that you must include in your bucket list for 2026.

1. Saplun Bay, Lastovo Archipelago: The Untouched

Lastovo is commonly referred to as the "Island of Bright Stars," and that is a pretty valid description. As one of the most distant inhabited islands from mainland Croatia, Lastovo is protected from mass tourism. Saplun Bay is a protected Nature Park located on a small, uninhabited islet named Saplun.

The Landscape: What sets Saplun apart is its unusual, sandy seabed. While it’s usual to find pebbly seabeds in Croatia, Saplun boasts white sand that gleams under the sun, emitting a bright turquoise color reminiscent of the Caribbean. The island is clothed in dense pine forests, emitting an aroma of salted Mediterranean resin that permeates the water.

Sailing & Anchorage Tips:

• Suitability for Catamarans: The bay is not very deep. This makes it heaven for catamarans that require shallow water, enabling you to get a closer look at the shore compared to deep-keel monohulls.
• Protection: It offers good protection against the Maestral (NW wind) but is exposed to the Jugo (SE wind).
• 2026 Insider Tip: Lastovo is being declared a "Green Zone". Be sure to take proper care of the holding tanks for your boat, as the park rangers take pride in this clean environment.

2. Lojena Bay, Levrnaka Island: The Heart of the Kornati Labyrinth

Whether one refers to them as the "Kornati" or "Coronates", the Kornati National Park is a stunning "lunar landscape" of some 89 islands, islets, and reefs.

The Experience: Lojena is the only true sandy beach in the Kornati islands. The contrast between the white limestone mountains and the deep blue colors of the sea is a delight for the eye. There is no permanent settlement on this island, only seasonal stone houses and a small tavern.

Strategic Mooring & Activities:

• The Method: While maneuvering into the bay, monitor the sounder carefully. The holding in the sand is excellent.
• Hiking: If you are anchoring in this cove, take the 15-minute hike to the top of the hill for a 360-degree view of the "Crowns"—the famous vertical cliffs facing the open sea.
• Why 2026? We forecast an increase in “Stargazing Charters”. Since Lojena has zero light pollution, it provides the best view of the Milky Way in the Adriatic.

3. Tijaščica Bay, Tijat Island: The Uninhabited Oasis

Situated only a few miles off the coast of the mainland near Vodice, Tijat is a small, uninhabited island that many bypass. Tijaščica Bay is a deep cove located on the southern part of the island, far removed from the energy of the mainland.

The Vibe: Tijaščica is home to "Tijat Bar" – an eco-friendly venue made of natural materials. This is the ideal destination for those looking for a “Boho-chic” experience without the pretension of crowded beach clubs.

Nautical Notes:

• Haven: This is one of the safest anchorages in the Šibenik area, providing protection against most summer storms (Neveras).
• Buoys: Mooring buoys are available to protect the Posidonia sea-grass meadow on the seabed.
• Charter Advantage: This is a great starting or ending point if you are chartering out of Šibenik or Biograd.

4. Stiniva Cove, Vis Island: A Geological Masterpiece

Stiniva might be the most photographed beach in Croatia, but it remains a "secret" because it is practically inaccessible from the land. In 2026, the secret to enjoying Stiniva has everything to do with timing.

The Legend: The creation of Stiniva was a result of a massive cave collapsing after thousands of years. The site is now a shallow bay accessible through an entrance flanked by cliffs measuring about 30 meters high, with an opening only 4 meters wide.

Expert Sailing Strategy:

• The Early Bird Rule: To properly enjoy Stiniva, you must be moored by 07:30 AM. Tour boats arrive by 11:00 AM. Drinking your morning coffee while watching the sunrise between the cliffs is an exhilarating event.
• Anchoring: Water outside the "gates" is 20-30m deep. It is essential to have sufficient chain (minimum 60-70m) or use available buoys.
• Equipment: This is the perfect spot to utilize your Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) to view the sea caves on the outer cliffs.

5. Pribinja Bay, Hvar Island: The Sophisticated Alternative

Hvar Town is the “St. Tropez of Croatia,” but the harbor can be loud, crowded, and pricey. For your 2026 charter, try Pribinja Bay on the other side of the island, toward Gradina.

The Culinary Connection: Pribinja is renowned in the sailing elite as a culinary heaven. There are two tavernas here with private docking buoys catering to guests only. You get the privacy of a secluded cove, the security of a buoy, and a lunch or dinner at a candlelit table right by the sea.

Why Sailors Love It:

• Accessibility: Only a 5-minute taxi ride separates you from Hvar town. Experience the nightlife, then retreat to the absolute silence of your yacht in Pribinja.
• Swimming: The water temperature is cool and refreshing throughout the summer, even in August, due to the Hvar channel currents.

Tips for the Perfect 2026 Sailing Holiday

1. Catamaran vs. Monohull:
Catamarans are best for families and those needing space; their shallow draft allows access to shallow bays like Saplun. Monohulls are preferable for enthusiasts who enjoy the physics of sailing and want to squeeze into tighter spots like Stiniva.

2. Sustainability & “The Blue Adriatic”:
In 2026, expect more stringent environmental regulations. Utilize eco-friendly soaps, never dump black tanks near shore, and observe "No Anchoring" zones to protect marine flora.

3. Booking and Logistics:
The top yachts for the 2026 season—especially those with air conditioning or generators—are usually booked by as early as October of the previous year to ensure availability.

Conclusion: Set Sail with Adriatic Sense

The challenge of discovering an optimal bay is only half the fun; the rest comes with the right boat and support. At Adriatic Sense, we offer top-of-the-line catamarans and sailboats that serve as your floating villa.

Whether you want to discover the moon-like terrain of the Kornati islands or the sandy depths of Lastovo, we are here to assist you in planning an itinerary for 2026 that stays off the beaten path. Contact us today to start planning.