Sailing areas in Croatia

Let Croatia make you forget about crazy rush of everyday life; join us on an adventure to some of the most amazing islands in the world. Enjoy the unbelievably beautiful Croatian coastline and treat yourself to an unforgettable vacation.

We know the innermost secrets of the Adriatic, its ports, bays, and stunning beaches. Spend your vacation on a wooden sailing ship cruising the Adriatic and get to know Croatia’s top destinations. The Croatian coast and islands with their natural beauty will make your cruise unforgettable. Build your own world of dreams with many activities, socializing and meeting new people.

The Adriatic Sea, one of the most peaceful and transparent of the Mediterranean, is the very place for sailing under full sail, for a motorboat cruise ships or for simply enjoying the recreational fishing by boat. Through 6278 km Croatia’s coastline offers an exciting challenge of 1244 islands, islets, rocks and reefs with thousands of wet and dry berths available all year, modern marinas with yatchs to hire and professional sailing courses to attend.

Hop from island to island in the Kornati archipelago mooring in bays or natural shelters, enjoy the underwater fishing in Pakleni Otoci, visit the famous lighthouse of Palagruza, the most remote Croatian island and moor at the amazing Elaphiti Islands.

The best sailing seasons in Croatia are late spring and early autumn, temperatures are milder, the sea is peaceful and the winds are nicer. Before you set sail is good to know the different winds you might find: the north-easterly and dry cold Bora, the southerly and humid Jugo, the beloved and constant Mistral, the north-easterly Burin at night or the sudden violent Nevera.

Explore an endless blue of possibilities from the charming town of Cavtat and the mysterious Lokrum Island in Dubrovnik, Vela Luka on Korčula, Hvar and Vis, and all the way to Lošinj and Istria. Discover hidden bays and beaches, find a berth and taste the Mediterranean lifestyle at ports and marinas or sleep peacefully under a blanket of stars… Croatia by sea is a refreshing adventure!
Croatia boat rental sailing destinations

Sprinkled like pearl drops across the crystal clear blue sea, the 1,244 islands, isles, cliffs, reefs and rocks that comprise the Croatian Adriatic provide 1,244 unique reasons to dream of sailing adventure. Almost ideally distributed, with distances between them not exceeding 10 nm, along a coastline extending 5,835 km, from Istria to Dubrovnik, Croatia’s islands offer a real challenge to every modern-day Odysseus. With over 1500 coves, bays and ports on islands and the mainland where one can find a berth, drop anchor or stay overnight, the Croatian Adriatic is the very place for sailing under full sail, for a motorboat cruise, or for simply enjoying the sea by boat for recreational fishing.

Croatian marinas are situated in exceptionally well protected locations, from larger towns to small coves on islands. In addition to service and regular maintenance, marinas offer other services, including restaurants and cellars where one can enjoy excellent drinks and local and international cuisine and where all other required services are provided. For those who prefer the charm of little ports in the very heart of the small coastal towns, they have at their disposal quaysides all along the Adriatic – from Cavtat, and Gruž in Dubrovnik, Vela Luka on Korčula, Hvar and Vis, and all the way to Lošinj and Istria.

Split

Split is the center of the region of Dalmatia and the largest city on the Croatian coast. It was founded on the ruins of the palace that the Roman emperor Diocletian built as his summer resort 1700 years ago. Split had spreaded out of the palace long ago and developed into a modern Mediterranean city.

Lately, since the declaration of the Croatian independence, Split is not a transit city for tourists any more but it has become a real tourist center. The city is a combination of historical monuments worth visiting, all the modern amenities of cities; shopping centers, theaters, cinemas, restaurants, a number of clubs for fun …and pleasant Mediterranean climate that allows swimming for almost 5 months a year. Miles of beaches are located in the city. Split is known as sport’s city which produced many famous names in the world of sport, like Goran Ivanisevic and Toni Kukoc, and it has many modern sports facilities.

Also in Split, you have unlimited possibilities of excursions; from Split port, ferries and catamarans will take you to all the neighboring islands. As a big city, Split is filled with events throughout the year. We have to mention Croatia Boat Show, which is one of the largest in the world, taking place in the mid-April, then the day of the patronant of the City, San Doimo on 7th may, and Split Summer Festival – a series of cultural events during the summer days, and the Days of Diocletian with programs and entertainment in ancient Roman-style, an event in the second half of August.

The center of Split, and its waterfront is full of people, and its market, fish market, and the narrow streets will give you full experience of the Mediterranean and its spirit. From Split and Stobrec you can easily go for a visit on the island of Brac, place Supetar, Milna and Bol. Nearby you will find the island of Solta and places Necujam and Rogac. Catamarans sail from Split to many islands and if you want to enjoy the sea by yourself, see the great offer of boats in ACI marina Split.

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Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is one of the most attractive and well-known destinations in the Mediterranean. The city is known worldwide for its cultural heritage and its remarkable beauty. It was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List more than 30 years ago. The many churches and sacred buildings, the city walls, fortresses and museums, fascinate every visitor with its exceptional historical value. Dubrovnik is a city with an incredibly rich tourist offer.

Numerous pebble, stone and concrete beaches provide fun and comfort throughout the day and night. With such a variety of beaches everyone can find a spot for himself and for his taste. You can enjoy romantic hidden coves or the luxurious amenities of popular beaches. The most famous beaches is called Šunj, located on island of Lopud, the next is Banja, than Lapad bay and Copacabana.

Sports lovers can enjoy swimming, horseback riding, water polo, fishing, sailing, tennis, diving and many other activities. Do not miss visiting Elaphite islands, Mljet National Park and Lokrum (island of love). Take a walk down the street in the evening and discover street singers, Dalmatian harmony-singing groups, minstrels and serenade singers, also visit the many nightclubs.

Throughout the centuries, even though a small town, for a period of time also a country, Dubrovnik was always a metropolis of culture, a city where romance becomes reality … it is hard to describe it in words, one cannot truly experience it from photographs … this city should be felt with all your senses in order to discover its enchanting beauty. The city is unique and world-famous for its cultural heritage, therefore it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Duke’s Palace – a simple, harmonious, Gothic – Renaissance palace, through which all history of Dubrovnik has passed. Much like the Republic, this is a palace with a stormy past, damaged by gunpowder explosions, shook by earthquakes several times, and still today we are able to stand in front of it and admire the harmony of its ambient and stone.

Stradun – originally the Placa, a favorite promenade of Dubrovnik, especially for young people and tourists from all over the world. The central street of the city and itself a tourist attraction. While strolling through Stradun remember that this cobbled street surrounded by facades of baroque buildings used to be under the sea.

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Sibenik

Šibenik Riviera is located in the area of middle Dalmatia. It distinguishes by landscape beauty and rich cultural-historical monuments. It is part of Sibenik – Knin county in which area stretches along the coast between seaside of Split and Zadar in length of 100 km and towards inland it stretches to the heart of mountain Dinare, distant 45 km from coast. Sibenik is political, economic, social and cultural centre of Sibenik-Knin county.

Šibenik is located in northern Dalmatia, in an indented bay in which flows the Krka River, one of the most beautiful rivers in Croatia. The coast is indented with a total of 242 islands, islets and reefs. But mostly this area has a low population density, so that Sibenik County has a total of only 10 settlements. The most numerous island group is the Kornati which is known worldwide for its beauty and since 1980 it has been a national park.

Given the indented coastline and the low population density of Sibenik, it is not a problem to find a quiet and private place in this part of the Adriatic Sea, especially if you are ready to continue to sail a little further. In the coastal part of the region, the climate is extremely Mediterranean and its strong influence is felt in the continental part as well. The coastal part is proud of a large number of sunny hours throughout the year (2710 h), whilst the number decreases in the interior.

Summer temperatures are relatively high, but the pleasant mistral wind that blows from the sea towards the land makes them bearable. Precipitations are most common during the winter, whilst summers are rather dry. In the Šibenik area, the most common winds are the bura and the jugo, and along the coastal belt there is even the refreshing mistral.

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Zadar

The city of Zadar is the center of northern Dalmatia, situated on the central part of the Croatian coast. Zadar has 92 000 inhabitants and a rich history 3000 years long, many cultural attractions and a rich offer of tourist attractions.In the nearby airport they have lines with low tariff air companies.

Zadar has so many interesting things to us all that it is too difficult to enumerate them in a short text like this, but we will point out “Sea Organ”; the stairs by the sea constructed as an organ which create incredible sounds as the waves hit them and “Hello sunshine” a complex of glass solar panels that accept solar light and create colourful play of light at dusk. Zadar has beaches in the town, numerous restaurants, clubs and bars for entertainment.

Numerous events are organized in Zadar during every summer and we emphasize the “Full Moon Night” at the end of July or early in August. In that night Zadar is returning into the past and creates a special atmosphere, with old costumes, ships, stands and thousands of visitors. The island of Vir, and the places Nin, Privlaka, Zaton, Petrcane, Sukosan, Bibinje are the integral part of Zadar. Nin is a small town known for its numerous historical monuments that you must visit.

Every summer in the early July “Garden Festival” takes place in Petrcane – a festival of electronic and club music. It is visited by thousands of young people who get together enjoying the sun and sea, partying and entertaining themselves. You can visit the nearby islands of Ugljan, Pasman, Dugi Otok, national parks: Plitvice Lakes, Kornati, Velebit from Zadar. Beautiful city of Zadar will leave you breathless. Visit Sukosan and see the offer of the apartments in Zaton.

You can go on a trip to Kali, Ugljan and Preko and you can also visit Tkon and Pasman, as well as the nearby island Dugi otok and place called Sali. Choose from the great charter offer in marina Dalmacija.

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Istria

Istria is the largest green oasis of the Northern Adriatic and the largest Croatian peninsula surrounded by crystal clear blue sea. Cut by the 45th parallel, sitting half way between the Equator and the North Pole, Istria enjoys an ideal geographic and temperature position in the northern hemisphere.

Located in the Northern Adriatic, the Istrian peninsula is the closest Mediterranean destination to most of the Central European countries.
Istria is famous for its cuisine, rich with traditional flavors reflecting the historical, geographic and climatic characteristics of the peninsula. The interior of Istria hides many taverns and wine cellars where you can experience the authentic atmosphere and taste traditional local dishes complemented by local wines such as Malvasia (white), Teran and Refošk (red), or Istrian Muscat (a famous dessert wine).

Olive has been an important determinant of Istria since the time of the Ancient Greeks and Romans. Istrian olive oils are considered some of the best in the world, and they can be tasted in the finest mills and taverns across the peninsula.The climate is mild, Mediterranean, with warm and dry summers and mild and pleasant winters. It has an average of 2,338 sunny hours per year, and 10 hours of sun per day during the summer.

The average air temperature during the coldest part of the year is 6°C and 30°C during the warmest. The lowest sea temperatures are recorded in March, with an average of 9°C, while the highest temperatures are recorded in August, reaching up to 25°C. With an average of 2,000 hours of sun, the blue summer skies sometime last for several months (from April to October) without interruption in western Istria.

Most beaches in Istria are rocky, stone, pebble, and in certain locations, sandy with lush Mediterranean vegetation reaching down to the sea, the perfect basis for your holidays in Istria.

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Kvarner

There aren’t many destinations in Croatia that offer such diverse holiday possibilities as the Kvarner region. Situated in the northern part of the Adriatic, extremely well connected to the rest of Croatia as well as Europe, Kvarner is the jewel in the crown of the Croatian coast.
The town of Opatija, so often praised for its imperial parks and architecture dating back to the Habsburg era, gives its visitors a feeling of having luxurious holidays with the sound of the Adriatic Sea and offering a great variety of hotels, apartments, rooms and restaurants that serve an excellent cuisine.

It’s the cradle of Croatia’s tourism and together with the rest of the Kvarner region like Crikvenica, Dramalj, Jadranovo, Novi Vinodolski and Rijeka, it forms a real contrast to the islands and mountains that are situated nearby. The beauty of the cristal clear Adriatic Sea that washes the stony, pebbled and sandy beaches, many picturesque places as well as the untouched natural beauty invite for a holiday on one of the Kvarner islands.

Holidays spent in the Kvarner region will provide for an unforgettable vacation and rest in Croatia on well-known Croatian beaches like „Baska“ on the island of Krk, „Rajske plaže“ in Lopar on the island of Rab, „Poljana“ beach in the town od Mali Losinj on the island of Losinj, „Crni molo“ in Crikvenica and many other beautiful beaches in places like Opatija, Novi Vinodolski, Dramalj, the town of Krk on the island of Krk as well as on the island of Cres…

The biggest value of the Kvarner are the beaches, preserved environment and clean waters. The most beautiful beaches are marked by Blue Flags, symbols of a preserved, safe and pleasant environment designed for fun, relaxation and recreation, high quality service, clean sea, beaches and marinas.

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