Best Places To Sail In Croatia

1. Kornati National Park

Zadar sailing itinerary is best kept secret of all Croatia yacht charter routes in Croatia allowing you to experience less-known Dalmatian islands including iconic Kornati national park. Marinas Sukošan and Biograd are most beloved nautical destinations in Zadar area and ideal outgoing locations from where you can sail Kornati islands.

Since there is no traveling connection from the land, Kornati national park can only be reached by boat. That is why chartering a sailboat in Zadar is a great opportunity to experience this natural habitat at your own pace. With near 100 islands, islets and reefs squeezed within a 15-mile sailing range, Kornati archipelago is most island dense area in the whole Mediterranean. Tranquil environment, unspoiled nature and authentic local gastronomy, make Kornati a unique getaway. As soon as you enter the park, you will feel like being on another planet. Yellow-colored cone tops and spectacular landscapes will definitively convince you to anchor and unwind within silence and serenity.

2. Island Kaprije

My personal favourite sailing destination in Croatia is the village Kaprije on same-named island. You will find this charming Dalmatian gem close to the province capital, UNESCO world heritage site Šibenik. Chartering yacht in Biograd marina will ensure an easy approach to explore this stunning location so popular with maritime guests.

Extremely popular with sailors, Kaprije presents the ultimate getaway from tourist-dense towns. Nautical guests visit this idyllic island only to feel the true heartbeat of Dalmatia and typical food delicacies.

Welcoming atmosphere of this little gem is legendary. With their easy-going lifestyle locals contribute a large part to this village's charm. Living in a synergy with generosity of the sea, the residents of Kaprije still maintain unspoiled tradition and renown Dalmatian hospitality. 

3. Primošten

Primošten is actually centered in the middle the Adriatic sea half way if you sail from Zadar south towards Split.
The village is among most visited tourist destinations of Dalmatia and a beloved family destination.

Despite of being extremely popular holiday location this charming town still protects its small-town innocence. Old town used to be an island merged with mainland a long time ago for farming and cultivating reasons.
Nowadays, this vivid Adriatic pearl is crisscrossed with charming cobbled streets and typical Dalmatian architecture. Monumental stone-built houses are now mainly upgraded into excellent restaurants, and stylish cocktail bars. Don't forget to taste locally produced "Babic" Wine served with salted sardines and local goat cheese.

4. Veli Rat - Dugi Otok Island

If you prefer less crowded islands, then "Dugi Otok" is probably one of the most unique cruising locations to discover when chartering a yacht in Dalmatia. Direct translation means "Long Island".

It will probably take you 2-3 days to explore its best parts so a 14-day Zadar sailing itinerary is recommended.

Densely scattered islands of Zadar archipelago enssure easy island hopping with small cruising distances and safe sailing grounds. Perfect for a carefree family yacht vacations. Best anchoring opportunities are in naturally protected Pantera cove in the north, where you can also visit highest lighthouse in Croatia "Veli Rat". Largest island town called Sali is traditionally welcoming sailors and is well-know of celebrating donkey races first week of August. 

5. Silba -  Island Silba

Silba in an island that tops my personal "best of" list. To experience this secluded gem, you can hire one of the Pula yacht charters or a bareboat yacht in Zadar. Although it is not on the bucket list for most of Croatia sailing itineraries, this small island with 300 permanent residents deserves a visit. “The Gates of Dalmatia” it is called, for it lays on the border between northern and central Adriatic.

A few centuries ago, Silba was know of being "the island of captains" since most of the local men went into seamen service. Nowadays this small community mainly survives on fishing and tourism. However, it's still largely dependable on yachting tourism and farming.

Silba is surrounded with romantic sandy beaches, where you can stop for the afternoon swim. I suggest to anchor in coves Prapranica or St. Ante. All motorized traffic has been banned from the island, except for few electric vehicles, so the whole island is a pedestrian zone...

6. Bol - Island Brac

Largest Dalmatian island Brač is not only world-known of its spectacular sandy beaches, but also of a unique white marble excavations. Sailors tend to visit Brač island for stronger anabatic winds, genuine maritime atmosphere and well-protected anchorages.
If you rent a sailboat in Split, Brač is actually the first island you will reach on your sailing trip.
There are so many locations you can visit here. If you prefer a break from busy locations, Pučišča village or Luka bay are perfect getaways, but if you like vibrant atmosphere, Bol and historic Milna village are amazing spots where most sailors meet to share their daily adventures at sea. Famous "Golden horn" beach as the main attraction of Bol. Half-a-mile-long golden pebble beach changes shape with the currents and prevailing winds. Stronger channel (between Hvar and Brač) winds also attract many kitesurfers and windsurfers.

7. Korcula Town - Island Korcula

Korčula town is world-famous of being the birthplace, of Venetian merchant Marco Polo. According to legends, Korčula was found by Trojan hero Anthenor in the 12th century bc. On this island you can find more legends, tales and history than anywhere else. Monumental architecture, impressive fortresses and epic Venetian defence walls contribute to a unique character of this Adriatic pearl. To reach Korčula you can either charter catamaran in Split or sail less crowded routes of Dubrovnik sailing itinerary.

When you dock your boat in ACI marina you are already in the heart of this impressive town. Colorful streets, tiny museums, night bars and clubs, attractive stone houses and relaxed small-town atmosphere is embedded into densely forested hilltops. Due to the island's favorable sunny position this small community invested long years into self-sustainability and traditional local production. Which is a great invitation to taste some of the best local culinary delights based on fish and lamb.

8. Hvar - Island Hvar

The ultimate way to experience Hvar in style is renting a yacht in Trogir old town. Any beginner sailing Croatia for the first time should visit this iconic location for its unique atmosphere.

It will be difficult finding a free spot to moor in Hvar town port, so I recommend a berth on nearby Pakleni Islands. There are taxi shuttle boats in almost every bay to transfer you to Hvar and back. 

You will soon get a chance to take a stroll along one of the most popular and enchanting Rivieras in the world. This jet-set town is known for its nightlife and lively promenades where various celebrities often come across. Enjoy in spectacular views from Splanjola fortress guarding the city or simply relax in one of the stylish beach bars. Easiest way to reach Hvar is renting a skippered yacht in Split.

9. Pucisca - Island Brac

Sailing around largest Dalmatian island Brač is best kept secret when it comes to chartering yachts in Split. Western part is well-known of its iconic pebbled beaches, lively villages and top surfing locations. Straight in the middle of eastern coast of Brač lies well-hidden Pučišča town. It is a place most Croatia yacht charters miss out that is why this hidden gem is considered as one of the ultimate sailing getaways. Best-known of unique white marble Pučišča is a quaint place where you can truly and fully unwind during your charter holidays in Croatia.

Carved deeply into a colorful bay with its gleaming white stone-covered buildings this charming little town awaits and welcomes everyone tired of crowded promenades. This is the perfect spot for a break from tourist dense areas and a special place reflecting a original Dalmatian pulse.

10. Komiža - Island Vis

Crisscrossed with military tunnels witnesing epic military history and stunning underwater cavities Vis is one of the islands in Croatia that simply can not be missed out during your sailing holidays in Split. It is a beloved spot for many nautical guests coming from all over the world chartering yachts in Trogir or Split marinas. With only two towns altogether counting 4.000 inhabitants and no industry miles around this Adriatic pearl assures remarkable swimming and snorkeling spots. If you really wish to experience Vis then explore it at a slow pace and make stops in amazing Stiniva bay, Blue Cave and overnight in oldest Croatian fishing village Komiža.

Characteristic local fishermen, typical wooden vessels in town port, iconic streets and exhibiting local artists are completing the charm of this colorful village. For its unique atmospheric setting and authentic pulse many movies were filmed here. "Mama Mia" was one of them.