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Top-10 Off-the-Beaten-Path Bird’s Eye Views to Discover While Sailing in Croatia

Let's continue exploring best places to see in Croatia by boat

If you plan to sail in Croatia and want off-the-beaten-track destinations, this guide is for you. These breathtaking aerial views—taken from the best islands in Croatia for sailing—offer a fresh perspective on the Adriatic. Whether you're an experienced sailor or exploring Croatia yacht charters for the first time, these locations blend adventure, history, and untouched beauty.

Sveti Nikola, Hvar Island
The Ultimate Bird’s Eye View of the Adriatic

Best for: Hvar sailing itineraries, scenic hiking, and sunset photography.

Sailing tip: Anchor in Hvar Town or Sveta Nedjelja, then hike up.

At 626m, Sveti Nikola is the highest peak on Hvar Island and one of the best viewpoints on the Dalmatian Coast. From the top, you’ll get a 360-degree panoramic view of Vis, Korčula, and Brač, and even Italy on clear days. After a day of sailing in Hvar, drop anchor and hike up. The journey is challenging, but the reward is a breathtaking Adriatic seascape that shifts with every step.

Sveti Duh, Vis Island
A Hidden Cliffside Sanctuary Over the Adriatic

Best for: Secluded anchorages, panoramic views, and a spiritual escape

Sailing tip: Anchor in the quiet Rukavac Bay or near Stiniva Cove, then hike up.

The area is home to the Church of Sveti Duh (Saint Spirit), a small, weathered stone chapel withstood centuries of wind and waves. Legends say that sailors once climbed here to pray for safe passage before embarking on their journeys across the sea. Today, it remains a peaceful refuge for those seeking solitude and reflection.

The hike is steep but rewarding. It leads to a breathtaking panoramic view of the Pakleni Islands, Lastovo, and Italy on clear days.

Struga Lighthouse, Lastovo Island
Over the Adriatic’s Roughest, Most Untamed Waters

Best for: Completely off-the-radar sailing, untouched nature, being in a place to watch the stars at night.

Sailing tip: Pick a route up the cliffs after dropping anchor in Zaklopatica Bay or Skrivena Luka (Hidden Harbor).

Having been here for 184 years, it is one of the oldest lighthouses on the Adriatic. It is the guide of generations of sailors who have safely navigated a passage through these profound and unpredictable waters. There is no bus to places, no crowded harbors, and no beaches thronged by tourists; instead, you’ll find the vast and open sea stretching out toward Italy. If you’re on a Croatia sailing trip to the outer islands, this is one of the weirdest unsolitudinous prospects in this country.

Skradin Town
The Picturesque Aerial View of the Gateway to Krka's Waterfalls

Best for: A combination of river cruising and history with some natural beauty.

Sailing tip: After mooring at ACI Marina Skradin, walk up to the fortress for the best views.

It is a medieval gem with stone streets, colorful facades, and a quiet stillness. It was built in the 14th century, looking down at the town, river, and vineyards, you get a birds-eye view of where the Krka River winds toward the famous Krka Waterfalls below.

It’s the only place sailors transition from an open ocean into a deep green river canyon—so for anyone sailing through Croatia, Skradin is a “must stop.”

Sveti Ilija, Pelješac Peninsula
The Highest Coastal Peak in the Adriatic

Best for wine lovers who are sailing in Croatia, hiking, and photography.

Sailing tip: Anchor in Orebić or Trpanj, then hike or take a taxi.

Towering at 961m, Sveti Ilija is the highest peak on the Dalmatian coast, offering breathtaking views of Pelješac, Korčula, and Mljet. This is where the Dingač wine country's rolling vineyards overlook the Adriatic's infinite blue. If you love wine, history, and stunning landscapes, this is an unforgettable stop on your Croatia sailing itinerary.

Kamenjak, Istria
Where Cliffs Meet the Adriatic

Best for: Istria sailing routes, cliff jumping, and raw, untamed beauty.

Sailing tip: Anchor in Medulin Bay or near Kamenjak.

Sailing along Croatia’s southern Istrian coast? Drop anchor and hike to Kamenjak Peninsula, where rugged cliffs rise dramatically over the Adriatic’s turquoise waters. This is where the wind, waves, and wilderness meet in an untamed spectacle. Brave enough? Try the legendary 15-meter cliff jump, a rite of passage for local sailors.

Susak Island
Croatia’s Floating Sand Dune

Best for: Sailing hidden islands in Croatia, nature lovers, and peace-seekers.

Sailing tip: Anchor in Susak Bay, then hike to the town's top for the best view.

Unlike any other Croatian island, Susak is made entirely of fine sand. With its golden dunes, no roads, and lighthouse views over the turquoise shallows, it is one of Croatia’s most unique sailing destinations. This is a well-kept secret for those looking for an off-the-grid island experience.

Lubenice, Cres Island
A Hilltop Fortress Looking Out Over the Adriatic

Best for: Spectacular island views, medieval history, and secluded beaches
Sailing tip: Anchor in Valun or Martinšćica, then hike

Initially a medieval fortress, today Lubenice provides panoramic views over the Kvarner Gulf, the deep blue waters crossing below, and the famous but almost inaccessible white-pebble beach of Sveti Ivan.

The climb to Sveti Ivan is steep yet rewarding, being one of Croatia's most isolated and unspoiled beaches. If you sail in the Kvarner region, Lubenice is a good stopover because it combines history, nature, and incredible views.

Zavratnica Bay, Velebit Cliffs
A Forgotten Fjord on the Adriatic

Best for: Sailing Croatia’s northern coast, dramatic views, and war history.

Sailing tip: Good anchorage in settled conditions, but the best views require a short hike.

This hidden fjord near Rab Island looks straight out of Norway. Its sheer cliffs, crystal-clear water, and sunken WWII German shipwreck rest just below the surface. A must-see for sailors cruising the Kvarner region, Zavratnica is one of Croatia’s most unique sailing stops.

Lim Fjord, Istria
Croatia's Unexpected Scandinavian Landscape

Best for: Dramatic fjord-like scenery, oyster farming, and peaceful sailing

Sailing tip: Although sailing is permitted, it isn't easy, and because of the depth, berths are short.

You will feel like you have sailed back into a fjord in Norway. This 12-km-long, narrow bay digs deeply into the coasts of Istria, lined on each side by lofty limestone cliffs and dense green coastal woods.

The fjord is particularly famous for the oyster and mussel farms found on its smooth green waters, with the platforms floating in between. Cross to the Lim Fjord viewpoint for the best principal view, where the sinuous waterway unfolds below, restoring a perspective more in keeping with a Nordic fjord than an Adriatic one.