Whether you’re after hearty Dalmatian dishes slow cooked over an open fire, or gourmet dining experiences recognised by the Michelin Guide, Croatia has something to suit every taste bud!
Croatian cuisine is incredibly vibrant, with fresh, seasonal and locally sourced ingredients taking centre stage on the plate. Combine these ingredients with a variety of influences over the centuries and a creative approach to food, and you have Croatian cuisine that is unique, distinctive and bold.
What you may not know is that nowadays, Croatian cuisine competes with some of the best on an international stage, boasting more than 70 Michelin rated restaurants throughout the country. At least 10 of these restaurants have also met the strictest criteria to be awarded as one starred Michelin restaurants - a huge feat!
What better way to experience gourmet dining in Croatia than by sailing to award winning Croatian restaurants on a 7 day sailing vacation. Our all new Sailing Croatian Restaurants Route gives you the freedom to explore iconic restaurants in Dalmatia onboard a Private Yacht Tour. You’re able to follow our recommended route, or we can create a personalised itinerary with the help of your local Skipper.
Table of contentsSailing Croatian Restaurants Route
The Sailing Croatian Restaurants Route takes you through some of the best restaurants in Dalmatia, hand-picked for their glowing accolades or tales of premium foodie experiences from our Croatian staff, giving you a truly unique, insider's guide to gourmet dining in Croatia. From restaurants hidden down cobblestone alleyways, to traditional konobas, UNESCO protected farm to plate experiences and Michelin star dining, Dalmatian restaurants have it all!
Check-in - Split
Upon arriving at Split Airport, your included Airport Transfer will transport you to ACI Marina, where your Private Yacht Tour will begin! If you arrive earlier than check in time, check out the beautiful Old Town of Split, located a short stroll away. Split is well known for its stunning Diocletian's Palace, a 4th Century structure created by the Roman emperor Diocletian. Today you’ll find a vibrant coffee culture within the palace walls that is popular with locals and travellers alike.
Check-in is a good time to speak with your Skipper about the restaurants you’d like to visit throughout the week so that they can call ahead and make a reservation for you. All dining experiences are completely optional, and can be paid for locally.
Day 1 - Hvar
It’s time to set sail! We’ll leave Split behind and head to the sunniest island in the Mediterranean, Hvar! Famous for its lavender production, sun-soaked days, cobbled streets, and buzzing, vibrant nightlife, Hvar never disappoints.Climb the Spanjola Fortress and get snap-happy with the iconic view over Hvar. This is also a great place to watch the town bask in the beautiful glow of sunset. What better way to set the tone of the week than to head to the incredible Dalmatino for an authentic gourmet dining experience.
Optional Restaurant Experience: Dalmatino
Situated down a cobblestone alley in Hvar Old Town, Dalmatino is a highly rated restaurant serving traditional cuisine with modern flair. Choose to dine in the pretty alfresco area, or inside the limestone walled restaurant (if you can get a table!). Dalmatino is well known for its incredible service, steak, fish and locally curated wine list.
Speciality Dish: Steak & Fish
Day 2 - Vis
This morning we’ll leave Hvar behind and set sail to the island of Vis. A charming and elegant island, Vis is mostly known for its military background (it was a strategic military post in WWII), relaxing and traditional way of life, and stunning natural phenomena; the Blue Cave. This afternoon we’ll anchor in Vis Town Choose and get ready to indulge in the Dalmatian speciality, Peka!
Optional Restaurant Experience: Roki’s
Roki’s is a local favourite, serving up succulent and authentic slow cooked peka. This charming restaurant is set amongst the vineyards and offers a picturesque alfresco dining experience just 8 kilometres from Vis Town. The specialist dish at Roki’s is peka, a Croatian delicacy which involves slow cooked meat and vegetables prepared over an open fire and cooked in a metal dome. Take your pick of lamb, veal, octopus or fish peka and enjoy the decadent flavours of this well loved dish. Don’t forget to book ahead, as peka needs at least four hours to cook!
Speciality Dish: Lamb Peka
Day 3 - Pakleni Islands
With a coffee in hand, we’ll set sail towards the island of Hvar, and overnight in the picture perfect bay of Vinogradišće. This tiny bay located in the Pakleni Island archipelago is a popular anchorage thanks to its crystal clear waters, wooded forest and tranquil surroundings. Enjoy the afternoon swimming in the bay, exploring the nearby beach bars and relaxing onboard.
Optional Restaurant Experience: Zori
Zori is well known for its fresh Mediterranean cuisine with a contemporary twist. It’s picturesque location, impressive views, extraordinary dishes and attention to detail make it the perfect restaurant to celebrate a special celebration or event. Make a dinner reservation overlooking the sea or book a private dining experience for an unforgettable meal on the water’s edge.
Speciality Dish: Fresh Adriatic Seafood
Day 4 - Stari Grad
Today we’ll sail to the other side of Hvar island and overnight in Stari Grad - Hvar’s second largest settlement and one of the oldest towns in Europe.
Stari Grad is steeped in history (the name Stari Grad even translates to ‘Old Town’), and is today an up-and-coming travel destination. You can explore Stari Grad on foot and take in its network of cobblestone streets, small squares and boutique galleries.
Optional Restaurant Experience: Hora
Hora is a working organic farm, restaurant and winery that is located on the UNESCO protected Stari Grad Plain. Here you can take part in an authentic gastronomic experience, complete with olive oil tasting, cheese sampling, wine pairing and of course the star of the show; lamb peka. This family owned and operated farm is a truly special experience.
Speciality Dish: Lamb Peka
Day 5 - Vrboska
This morning we’ll make our way towards the tiny town of Vrboska, also located on Hvar Island. As the longest island in Croatia, Hvar is brimming with tiny towns and villages that are just waiting to be explored. Vrboska is a picturesque fishing village that is well known for its fresh seafood and peaceful way of life!
Optional Restaurant Experience: Trica Gardelin
This family run restaurant has been running for 24 years in the quaint fishing village of Vrboska. It’s picturesque waterfront location creates the perfect setting to enjoy authentic Mediterranean flavours with a view. Settle in with a glass of locally produced wine as the sun sets over the water, and enjoy Adriatic seafood freshly caught in the bay.
Speciality Dish: Fresh Adriatic Seafood
Day 6 - Makarska
Tonight, the yacht will overnight in the port of Makarska, one of the most beautiful destinations on the Croatian coast. Makarska nestles under the massive peaks of the Biokovo mountain range, with Mt Jure being the highest seaside peak on the Mediterranean. Our top recommendation: make a reservation at Jeny Restaurant for sunset to take in the incredible view out across the islands.
Optional Restaurant Experience: Jeny Restaurant
This award winning restaurant is run by two brothers and specialises in tasting menus paired with local wines. Jeny is well known as one of the top fine dining restaurants in Dalmatia thanks to their attention to detail, creative dishes and impeccable service. Sitting at 250 metres above sea level, a reservation at this cliffside restaurant comes with a complimentary view!
Speciality Dish: Tasting Menu & Wine Pairing
Day 7 - Split
Round off your week with a leisurely sail back to ACI Marina, Split. If you would like to celebrate the last night of your sailing experience, you couldn’t be in a better place! If you’re not quite ready to stop the wine tasting experience, Split has no shortage of impressive wine bars within the palace walls, all serving local and imported wines.
If you haven’t already explored the beautiful city of Split, we’d recommend discovering Diocletian’s Palace, located in Split’s Old Town, or hiking up to Marjan Hill for an incredible view over the Old Town.
Optional Restaurant Experience: Chops Grill
Located in the heart of Diocletian’s Palace, Chops Grill specialises in steak & seafood. This modern restaurant offers up prime cuts of meat from across the globe, as well as seafood, pasta and salads bursting with fresh local produce. Delicious food paired with impeccable service makes Chops Grill a favourite spot for travellers and locals alike.
Speciality Dish:
Day 8 - Split
Rise and shine! It’s time to check out from your yacht by 8:30am, and say goodbye to your Skipper, leaving with lifelong memories and an abundance of wine knowledge!
Try all 7 Restaurants on the Sailing Croatian Restaurants Route, or pick and choose the foodie experiences you simply can’t pass up. Your 7 day Private Yacht Tour features a flexible itinerary, and a knowledgeable local skipper, allowing you to create the perfect itinerary for your group.
Once you’re onboard all that’s left to do is sit back, relax, and let us take you on a tour of the award winning restaurants Croatia has to offer.
