From the Deck to the Wall: How to Combine a Passion for Sailing and Climbing

The best spots for sea climbers in the Split area

The wider Split area is a true paradise for climbers. There are more than 1,200 climbing routes here that will satisfy both complete beginners and seasoned professionals. The wider Split area is a true paradise for climbers. There are more than 1,200 climbing routes here, catering to everyone from complete beginners to seasoned professionals.

Sustipan and Kašjuni: Adrenaline in the Heart of Dalmatia

If you’re setting sail directly from Split, you don’t have to travel far to go climbing. Sustipan Park, located on the city’s southwestern cape, offers cliffs ranging from 6 to 10 meters in height. Here you’ll find roughly 25 different routes full of pockets and holds.

Another gem in Split is the Kašjuni area at the foot of Marjan Hill. With cliffs ranging from 2 to 10 meters high, it’s the perfect spot for beginners and DWS enthusiasts. You don’t need any special gear—just swim out to the rock and start climbing.

Čiovo Island: Inaccessible cliffs visible only from the deck of a boat

When you head out to sea from Split, be sure not to miss the island of Čiovo. Its southern side, facing the sea, hides fantastically shaped cliffs that reach heights of up to 20 meters. There are around 120 routes here, and the history of DWS began here nearly twenty years ago. These walls are best (and often only) accessible by boat. Be careful when anchoring, however, as the area is exposed to winds from the open sea.

Island Challenges: Hvar and Its Vertical Cliffs

The island of Hvar is famous for its nightlife and luxury restaurants, but it also has plenty to offer climbing enthusiasts. On the southern side of the island, below its highest peak, Sv. Nikola, lies the small village of Sveta Nedjelja.

This spot is an absolute must-visit for climbing during a sailing trip. The routes here start just a few meters from the sea, and their height ranges from 8 to an impressive 40 meters. Both beginners and experts will find something to suit them here. For the most daring, there is a 300-meter-wide wall designed exclusively for Deep Water Solo.

The Northern Adriatic and Istria: Cliffs overlooking the archipelago

Not only Dalmatia, but also the northern part of the Croatian coast and Istria boast more than 1,200 climbing routes, many of which are literally within arm’s reach from the bow of a boat.

Paklenica National Park: A legendary climbing destination just a stone's throw away

What Viganj is to surfers, Paklenica National Park is to climbers. At the foot of the majestic Velebit Mountains lies Croatia’s largest and most popular climbing area, with nearly 600 routes. Yachters can safely anchor their boats in the harbor on the north side (ideal depth is 2 to 5 meters), which is partially sheltered from both the bora and the jugo winds. The ascent of the famous Anića kuk wall is a classic that no experienced climber should miss.

Zlatni rt and Medveja: Aesthetic Climbing in Istria

If you’re sailing around Istria, drop anchor at Rovinj. In the Zlatni rt forest park, you’ll find climbing routes just a few dozen meters from the sea. Climbing at sunset, when the sun’s rays reflect off the sea and you have a view of the Rovinj archipelago, is an unforgettable aesthetic experience. On the eastern coast of Istria, at the foot of the Učka Mountains, lies Medveja, which offers some of the most challenging climbing routes in the country.

Kornati National Park: Vertical Cliffs Over the Open Sea

The Kornati archipelago, consisting of 89 uninhabited islands and reefs, is a maritime paradise. Its symbol is the so-called "crowns"—steep vertical cliffs facing the open sea. The highest of these, on the island of Klobučar, measures 82 meters, while the underwater section near the island of Piškera drops to a depth of over 90 meters.

Although cliff climbing may be temporarily prohibited within the national park boundaries to protect nesting birds, the wider Kornati area and adjacent islands are globally recognized as one of the best destinations for DWS in Europe.

Practical Tips for Planning a Sailing and Climbing Expedition

Combining sailing and climbing requires a bit of planning. Always keep a close eye on the weather forecast, as cliffs exposed to the open sea can be dangerous for both climbers and anchored boats in strong winds and waves. 
Whether you’re a seasoned sea dog with calluses from ropes or an enthusiastic beginner looking to add a bit of adrenaline to your vacation, the Croatian coast won’t disappoint you. Swap the helm for limestone holds for a moment, defy gravity, and enjoy that unique feeling of freedom that only a bird’s-eye view of your boat’s deck can offer. Happy sailing and a firm grip!