As incredible as it may seem, during the last five-six years Split has become one of the most popular marine hubs of the entire Mediterranean Basin. At least for what concerns those who want to grapple with the gentle art of sailing for the first time or don’t have that much experience. The reasons for this success are multiple, but there are three main factors.
- The increasing reputation of Croatia and its seaside towns as a summer holiday destination.
- The relatively low costs of accommodations like holiday villas and apartments, and boat rentals.
- Its geographic position is secluded in the middle of the Adriatic Sea (one of the most navigable seas of the world), and at the same time not far from the main Mediterranean destinations, like Sicily, Greece, Malta, Turkey or Egypt.
That’s why Split Boat rental and crew hiring have become – in a very short period of time – two extremely profitable businesses. And this is the same reason why an online service like SamBoat (a digital hub that allows every private ship owner to rent his/her boat to other private potential clients, without resorting to the services of an intermediary company) has been found in the Croatian city of the most “fertile grounds” of its worldwide network.
Why renting a boat in Split is the best way to explore the Mediterranean?
As we said before, Split is located in an extremely advantageous location, especially for those sailors who want to spend a couple of weeks (the average time requested for a satisfying cruise) exploring the most beautiful corners of the Mediterranean Coasts.
Whether you’re looking for remote, untouched waters, or you prefer to direct the bow of your ship towards one of the most renowned beaches, setting sail from Split helps a lot to reach almost every destination in the shortest possible time. Moreover, the ease with which the Adriatic Sea lends itself to be navigated can encourage the most inexperienced skippers, allowing them to gain self-confidence and get to know their boat better and better, before testing themselves in more “challenging” waters.
Where to Sail With a Boat in Split
If you’re not familiar with the Mediterranean Area, or you just can’t decide where to go because of the excess of options, it is perfectly understandable. Despite its relatively small dimensions, the Mediterranean Sea is packed with places of historical, archeological, or even merely touristic interest.
Once known – and still renowned – as “the cradle of civilization”, in the eras prior to America’s discovery the Mediterranean was the only channel able to put different cultures and civilizations in contact. The sea traffic along its waters was already incredibly intense 3.000 years ago. That’s why several cultures’ vestige is scattered along its coasts.
In other words, it’s perfectly normal if some of you need a guide to sail these waters with a minimum criterion. If you take Split as your starting harbor, here are three interesting – and not so common – sea itineraries.
1. The Maritime Republics’ route
Between the 9th and the 16th Centuries, a bunch of maritime cities located around the Italian Peninsula (with the only exception of Dubrovnik, currently included in the Croatian territory and once known as Ragusa) became particularly powerful and economically crucial inside the Mediterranean map, thanks to their intense sea trade activities.
Watch this clip to get a glimpse of the history of this route:
Starting from Split, you can trace your route all the way up to Venice, then turn south and coast the Italian shores until Ancona, before getting to the above-mentioned Dubrovnik. Then you have to proceed south of Salento and Calabria, going north along Sicily’s eastern shores and trespassing the Strait of Messina.
You will find yourself in the Tyrrhenian Sea, precisely on the Amalfi Coast: and Amalfi is precisely your next stop. Continuing northwards, you will meet the last four destinations: Gaeta, Pisa, Genoa, and Noli.
2. The Oriental route
This is probably the easiest and, at the same time, the most suggestive route to follow. You must go south-east, circumnavigate the Greek Peninsula (or, as an alternative, trace a route among its islands) and head south-east again, to Cyprus. Then you just have to coast the southern shores of Turkey: Mersin and Alexandretta are the most important destinations. Your trip will end in Israel, preferably inside the stunning port of Tel Aviv.
3. The Atlantic route
This is the most adventurous one, recommended especially to the very experienced sailors. Once headed south, you should go west and keep your navigation in the open sea, far from any shore. You should stop only in Malta and the Balearic Islands, before trespassing the Strait of Gibraltar and challenge yourself with the ocean’s waters: south-west, you may head to the Canaries; north-west, you could push yourself up till the Azores.
Well, if you do end up sailing on one of these wonderful Sea Itineraries From Split To The Mediterranean – do share your adventures with us here in the comments!
