Sailing In Croatia Guide: Tips, Times & Routes

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Considering you’re reading this, you’ve probably dreamt of sailing Croatia since you first heard about its magical turquoise waters and the enchanting landscapes and towns lining the Adriatic Sea coast. We know how you feel, because that was us, too. Croatia has some of the most beautiful coastlines of any country in Europe, maybe even the world, while its many archipelagos are so stunning you need to see them to believe they’re real.

The absolute best way to enjoy Croatia is to go on a sailing trip. There are, however, a few things to consider before setting sail on your adventure on the shimmering Adriatic Sea.

After sailing Croatia a few times ourselves, we’ve prepared this Croatia sailing guide to help you plan your unforgettable Mediterranean sailing experience. In this post, we cover everything from the best times to sail Croatia to the most suitable boats, the locations of marinas and popular sailing routes in Croatia.

When Is The Best Time To Sail Croatia?

The sailing season in Croatia is April – September, but the best period to enjoy your Adriatic sailing experience depends on what type of holiday you’re looking for.

May And June

Winds are predominantly westerly in the summer, so if sailing is your primary interest, then Croatia is a place for you during spring and early-summer, which have light to moderate winds.

July And August

Periods of calm prevail in July and August, making this period ideal for those who like smooth waters. A summer sailing holiday in Croatia is perfect for enjoying water sports, swimming, sunbathing or simply relaxing on your boat with the family.

September And October

These months are just right to set your sails and trim your jib with prolonged periods of Bura (a strong northerly wind) and the Scirocco (a humid east-southeast wind). While the Croatian wind at this time of year can make sailing challenging, you’ll be in great hands with an experienced skipper.

Just be sure to charter a vessel that has good heating in the fall and prepare yourself for strong winds and rough seas.

October To April

During winter, sailing in Croatia is not recommended or even possible for tourists. However, although you most likely won’t be able to sail Croatia from November through April, there are still plenty of things to do in Croatia on the mainland. We recommend visiting the Zagreb highlights or take part in Advent in Zagreb, or why not visit Istria for the White Truffle festival.

What Vessel Is Best For Your Croatia Sailing Trip?

There are four types of vessels available for charter in Croatia. They include sail boats, motor boats, catamarans and gulets. When we took our first sailing trip along the Adriatic, I was unsure of the type of vessel to charter and found it difficult to decide.

Understanding what each type of vessel offers and matching those to the type of sailing experience you want is essential to having the best Croatia sailing trip possible. Let’s check out the different types of boats you can charter to sail Croatia.

Sail Boats

If you plan to spend most of your time on the water meandering along the Adriatic Sea and being comfortable with plenty of room is important to you, then you need to charter a sail boat.

Sail boats are typically big and have comfortable cabins, they’re equipped with a kitchen and are designed for you to lounge around and to be relaxed.

Sail boats, consume far less fuel than a motor boat as they harness the power of the wind. A sail boat allows you to sunbathe, and sip cocktails while slowly making your way to your next point. Keep in mind that since sail boats are not as fast as motor boats, you should only charter one if  you don’t need to make too many stops or if you have lots of time set aside for exploring the Croatian coast and her 1000+ islands.

Managing to sail at all times (rather than using an engine) requires skill and experience.  So you’ll need to hire a skipper when sailing Croatia, if you are not an experienced sailor and don’t hold a license. 

If you charter a sail boat along with a skipper, you could also use the experience to gain a few skills, whilst you help to raise the sails and tie knots. Although if you are like me, you’ll want to just sit back and relax while your skipper takes care of it all.

Sail boats often have between 2 and 6 cabins. Keep your eyes peeled for the big brands to charter such as Beneteau, Jeanneau, Dufour Gib, Bavaria, Grand Soleil, Feeling, Elan, Hanse Salona, & Sas.

Catamarans

If you want plenty of space to stretch out and call your own while cruising and you want speed, to get you from one island to the next, then chartering a catamaran  for your perfect sea holiday is a must.

Catamarans are much more stable and also faster than a sail boat, with a spacious deck and cockpit, everyone can enjoy their own space. Usually cabin accommodation is set at the ends of the hulls & a big lounge space allows you all comfort and privacy from your fellow travellers. Chartering a catamaran means an abundance of open space are are highly recommended for larger groups and those with children.

Since a catamaran is not tilted more than 5 degrees, it is stable in the water making it an excellent choice for those who have little navigation experience. Catamarans can be set for automatic steering on long routes, leaving you without the need to hire a skipper.  A catamaran also gives you good access to smaller bays, which provides more choice to explore hidden coves and smaller beaches along your Mediterranean holiday.

Manufacturers such as Lagoon, Fontaine Pajot, Nautitech & Outremer can all be found in Croatia for charter.

Motor Boats / Motor Yacht

The 3rd option for vessel charter in Croatia is a bareboat or a skippered motor yacht. Chartering a motor boat will offer you the most exciting sailing adventure.

If you are short on time, or want to explore every inch of Croatia’s coast, you should consider a motor boat charter. You can hire a skipper, or if you have the experience you can pilot the motor boat for yourself.

Motor yachts can be chartered from all of the big marinas in Croatia. Sunseeker, Princess, Fairline, Azimut, Pershing, Sea Ray, Bayliner, Sealine, Maiora or Benetti are all brands that will make sure you enjoy the Adriatic Sea in style.

Gulets

Originally designed for fishermen, you’ll also hear these being called ‘caciques’. Having changed  their purpose and style, a gulet has become a popular choice for vessel charter in Croatia.

Gulets have huge, open decks which make dining and relaxing ideal. A gulet is best used to cruise, rather than to sail, due to the maximum cruising time of around 3-4 hours per day. Chartering a gulet along the Croatian coast, means you can lounge around or make use of the on board equipment such as jet skis, windsurfers, & kayaks. Because you’ll be anchoring in bays, instead of constantly moving, you’ll have plenty of time to snorkel and swim.

Gulets will anchor in a port depending on your preferences, which means exploring Croatia’s old towns and villages or eating in the many restaurants is easy. However as professional crew including a chef is included when chartering a gulet, you may not want to leave your own piece of luxury.

Where Are The Marinas In Croatia?

Croatia has 50 marinas on the coast  with over thirteen thousand moorings in the sea & many thousand more on the mainland. These are available all year, however only a select number of marinas are charter bases. You can start and end your Croatian sailing adventure in, Pula, Rovinj, Losinj, Zadar, Sukosan, Biograd, Sibenik, Primosten, Trogir, Kastela, Split, or Dubrovnik. All of these Marinas have good road & airport access.

Istria region: ACI Rovinj – ACI Umag – ACI Pula – ACI Pomer

Kvarner region: ACI Opatija – ACI Cres – ACI Supetarska Draga – ACI Rab – ACI Šimuni

Northern Dalmatia: ACI Žut – ACI Piškera – ACI Jezera – ACI Vodice – ACI Skradin

Central Dalmatia:  ACI Trogir – ACI Split – ACI Milna Brač island – ACI Vrboska Hvar island – ACI Palmižana

Southern Dalmatia: ACI Korčula – ACI Slano – ACI Dubrovnik

Which Are The Best Croatia Sailing Routes?

Three of the biggest destinations for those on sailing charters are the areas surrounding Kornati, Split and Dubrovnik, each offering you something different. Let’s take a closer look at the most popular sailing routes in Croatia.

Sailing Kornati Islands

This part of the Adriatic Coast of Croatia has the biggest concentration of marinas to choose from. It’s a favorite choice for those wishing to sail Croatia, thanks to the particularly indented coastline, the many islands and perfect wind conditions. Along the Kornati islands sailing route, you can make several stops taking in the rich history of Croatia.

Islands

Pašman, Pag, Ugljan, Dugi Otok, Ist, Iž, Murter, to name a few…

National Parks

Kornati Islands National Park and Plitvice Lakes National Park

Closest Towns

• Zadar has a history dating back 3000 years, with a huge open Roman forum.
• Šibenik, a historical town, listed on UNESCO World Heritage List. Known for its cathedral and an excellent location next to the Kornati Islands.
• Long and bare island Pag, known for its tasty sheep’s cheese & Hotel Boskinac, which was visited by Anthony Bourdain. As well as a history of lace making and incredible beaches, including Zrce.

Sailing Split

Tourists flock to Split each year, as it offers many hidden bays and stunning islands. Must-see destinations are the following.

Islands

Islands to consider in the area of Split, are Hvar, Vis, and Brač. Each offers a range of beach types,  water sports and summer festivals.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

A short bus ride from Split is Trogir, which is protected by UNESCO.

Split plays a vital role in the region, as the second biggest city (after Zagreb), Split evolved from the palace of the Roman Emperor Diocletian. The remains of Diocletian’s Palace are protected by UNESCO, described as being one of the best-preserved Roman architectural structures in the world

Sailing Dubrovnik

Well known as one of Croatia’s most popular destinations is Dubrovnik. Its located in the South of Dalmatia and is sure to capture your heart. Things to see

Islands

Elafiti Islands, a group of mostly uninhabited islands in front of Dubrovnik, particularly attractive for yachting and excursions
The town of Korčula, on the island of the same name, is known for its regularly shaped layout, historical architecture and the knight’s game of Moreška

UNESCO World Heritage Site

Dubrovnik, a Mediterranean pearl where liberty and democracy had always been highly appreciated. Today, the Old Town of Dubrovnik is protected by UNESCO as World Heritage, and the town is an elegant and mandatory stopping point for everyone visiting the Mediterranean

Food and Culture

Pelješac is a long and narrow peninsula, particularly diverse because of its shape. Some of the finest Croatian wines come from the Pelješac Peninsular. Mali Ston is a center of gastronomy in the region and the town with the longest town walls in Europe, while nearby Veliki Ston is famous for salt production.

National Parks

National Park island Mljet, and Nature Park Lastovo Archipelago

Sailing Croatia Itinerary Option 1: 7 Days From Split To Dubrovnik

Discover the Southern Adriatic in 7 days

The Croatian coast offers a full package for travelers, known for its Mediterranean tradition, well-indented coastline, and a trove of biological, cultural and culinary delights. Southern Dalmatia has well-established Adriatic holiday hotspots, like the UNESCO-listed city of Dubrovnik, but one of the charms of sailing Croatia is that you have the opportunity to explore more than just one famous city. Use the opportunity, while sailing, to visit some of the lesser-known spots on offer in the Southern Adriatic. Set sail this year from Split to Dubrovnik and discover a route with some really intriguing locations.

Split – Drvenik Veli – Šolta

Drvenik Veli is perfect for the start of your trip. A small island northwest from Šolta, it is well indented with numerous inlets and anchorages with enchanting sand and pebble beaches for you to enjoy. In addition to this natural wealth, you can also explore the traditional stone architecture of the island. These stone buildings of Drvenik are protected as a cultural monument, and they often attract architecture enthusiasts.

On your way south you can find a safe harbor in Maslinica and explore the impressive offer of Šolta. Brimming with wildlife, Šolta is well known for its wide variety of bird species. Šolta offers religious architecture and art from various time periods, some as early as the 6^th century.

Šolta – Pakleni Islands

Sailing further along the southern Adriatic make a stop at Pakleni Islands. Named after pine resin, these islands are one of the best spots for soaking up the Adriatic suns rays while be shaded by fragrant Mediterranean pines. Pakleni Islands have many beautiful beaches, some of them are naturalist (nudist) resorts, so make sure to pick an anchorage you’re comfortable with. You can berth in Palmižana, a touristic favorite in the area and grab a bite in one of the charming and cozy seaside restaurants.

Pakleni Islands – Korčula

On your way to Korčula, consider dropping anchor near the island of Šćedro for a while. This little island in the southern Adriatic is located right next to Hvar prides itself with an unusually favorable climate and scented lavender fields. For three centuries, it was home to Dominican monks and is known as one of the most idyllic Mediterranean islands. Humans are not the only ones seeking relaxation here; Šćedro is also a common sighting spot for one of the most elusive tenants of the Adriatic, the bottlenose dolphin.

Korčula Island abounds with beautiful anchorages, and if you want to nestle in a harbor safely, Korčula Town has a marina providing 159 berths and all the necessary facilities. Make sure to explore the place that many Croatian’s believe to be the hometown of Marko Polo and enjoy the scenic cobblestone ambiance. 

Korčula – Mljet

Mljet can genuinely be called the Emerald of the Adriatic. Recognized as one of the most forested islands of the area, this gem is also one of Croatia’s eight national parks, this one known for mud, and salt lakes. Even though the island itself is a true natural paradise, the waters around it hide dark secrets of ancient shipwrecks.

Drop your anchor in the bay Prožura (approach it from the west side of Planjak to avoid the dangerous shoals on the east) where you can find an undisturbed village that formed through the 15^th century around a Benedictine church and monastery. Find out what charm drew Dubrovnik’s aristocracy to make this location a preferred 17th-century-holiday spot and appreciate the exquisite architecture they left behind.

Mljet – Elafiti Islands

Steer towards Šipan the largest in the chain of Elafiti islands. An island with numerous anchorages, unsullied nature, and unavoidable 16th-century villas, it is every Roman emperor’s dream brimming with all kinds of Mediterranean fruits like almonds, citrus fruits, carob, olives, and figs.

Elafiti Islands – Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is a true sensation of the Adriatic coast. Under the protection of Saint Blaise and its impressive fortification walls, this city prides itself with an eventful history marked by numerous cultural and historic sites. Thanks to this, however, it is always brimming with crowds of people, so if you’re not a fan of large groups of tourists make sure to plan your visit accordingly.

The sailing boat is a perfect vessel for exploring the vibrant area of the southern Adriatic, allowing you to explore every nook of the coastline. Choose the boat that will allow you to make the most out of your trip, and if you have any uncertainties, you can let a quality yacht charter agency help you out or book a Sailing trip where all the hard work is done for you.

Keep your eye on the sirocco and savor all the tastes of the Croatian coast. Smooth sailing!

Sailing Croatia Itinerary Option 2: 7 Days Roundtrip From Split

We’re looking at sailing Croatia options for this summer. So many route choices.  So little time. When chartering a vessel in Croatia, you are usually required to book the vessel for a week.  Seven glorious days sailing the Adriatic Coast. Bliss. But first, you have to choose where to go. Here is one of the many options that we’ve been considering.

Seven days departing and returning to Split. It is suited to those who want to avoid the partying and clubs and instead enjoy the cultural sites. 

Split – Šolta

Maslinica is the only settlement on the island of Šolta’s western coast. Known for its mini-archipelago of seven isles, it’s the perfect place to dive and fish.

Šolta – Zlarin

Continue diving and fishing on the mostly uninhabited island of Zlarin, located in the Šibenik archipelago.

Zlarin – Skradin

Skradin is a city with a historical city located close to the famous Krka National Park, popular for its waterfalls.

Skradin – Šibenik – Tribunj

Head to Šibenik, where you’ll find the UNESCO-listed Cathedral of St. James in Šibenik. The Cathedral is a magnificent example of a blend of architectural heritage from northern Italy, Tuscany, and Dalmatia. The most significant of architectural Renaissance monuments in Croatia, the Cathedral of St. James stands majestically over its many visitors. Tribunj is a town 15km from Šibenik, known for its summer donkey race. Be there as people race stubborn donkeys, and also enjoy the quiet beach near the town of Sovje.

Tribunj – Primošten

Pull up anchor in one of the 400 berths at the Kremik marina, said to be one of the safest places to anchor in the Adriatic and enjoy the azure sea – and perhaps a few glasses of wine. Primošten is filled with stone houses and would make a great place to spend the day wandering the cobblestone streets.

Primošten – Trogir

Trogir is a city-museum, the castle, and the tower, surrounded by stone walls, contain the old core of Trogir. Home to one of the best structures of medieval architecture in Europe, it boasts the best-preserved Roman-Gothic complex in Central Europe. Enrolled as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997 due to its unparalleled beauty and cultural value.

Trogir – Uvala Krknjaši (Veli Drvenik) – Split

Veli Drvenik is an island in the Split Riviera, close to Trogir where you’ll find the Uvala Krknjaši cove. There is a small resort in the bay which offers accommodation and fabulous kayaking options.

How does these sailing Croatia itineraries sound to you? All you have to do is to decide which Croatian sailing route to choose. What cliffs, beaches, caves and striking bays in Croatia are best suited to you?

More Posts About Sailing In Croatia

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