Region
The most beautiful bays in Croatia – Pakleni Islands, Vis, Šolta and the Kornati
Bays in Central Dalmatia and the Kornati from our anchorage finder: which way they open, what helps in a bura, jugo or maestral and which park rules apply.
By Go2Boat · updated November 1, 2026
Croatia has more than a thousand islands – and almost as many bays. Which one is the most beautiful on your day depends on three winds: the bura from the north-east, the jugo from the south-east and the maestral that rises from the north-west on summer afternoons. Here are bays from our anchorage finder and links to the parks that set tickets and buoys. Bays marked «Hotspot – suggestion» have not been checked by our office yet; the skipper always decides.
Hvar and the Pakleni Islands
- Vinogradišće (Sveti Klement) – Hotspot – suggestion. South side, sheltered from bura and maestral, open to the jugo.
- Stari Grad bay – Hotspot – suggestion. Opens to the west-north-west; the maestral blows in during the afternoon.
Vis
- Komiža – Hotspot – suggestion. West coast, open to the west.
- Stončica – Hotspot – suggestion. North-east tip, open to the bura.
Šolta
- Nečujam – Hotspot – suggestion. North coast, open to the bura.
- Šešula – Hotspot – suggestion. Narrow inlet in the west, open to the west.
Kornati and Telašćica
The Kornati are a national park, Telašćica a nature park: both need a ticket, Telašćica has buoy fields. Rules and prices are on the parks' websites.
- Lojena (Levrnaka) – Hotspot – suggestion. Beach on the south side, sheltered from bura and maestral.
- Telašćica – Hotspot – suggestion. Long bay open to the south-east, inner coves sheltered from most winds.
A day planned by the wind
In a bura, bays on the south and west sides of the islands are calm; in a jugo, those on the north side. The maestral usually comes in the afternoon: plan long legs for the morning.
How to get there
From Split, Trogir and the marinas of Central Dalmatia; the Kornati from Northern Dalmatia. Boats and free dates in Croatia.
Find your boat
On Go2Boat you only see free dates from the providers' calendars, and every price is the final price including mandatory extras – no surprise at payment. Questions about the boat, the skipper or your wishes we settle with the provider for you: Go2Boat is on your side, from the first question to on board. Search free boats
Frequently asked questions
Which bay is calm in a bura?
Bays on the south or west side of the islands, such as Vinogradišće or Lojena. The skipper decides.
Do I need a ticket for the Kornati?
Yes. They are a national park; rules and prices are on the park's website.
What does «Hotspot – suggestion» mean?
The bay is in our anchorage finder, but our office has not checked its details yet.
Sources
Authorities' rules can change. What the linked body and your provider on site say is what counts.