Why go sailing to Croatia?
- safest and most genuine destination for Yacht charter holidays
- densely scattered islands and small distances between them
- 3000 miles of magnificent coast to explore
- affordable yacht rental prices
- amazing local food and culinary delicacies
- natural coves and crystal-clear seas are ideal for various water activities
- warm, welcoming and friendly local people
- top sailing conditions are perfect for day sailors or family sailing vacation
- pleasant sunny climate, moderate winds with no weather extremes
- natural and relaxing Mediterranean ambience
Croatia Sailing Guides
1. The Budget and holiday expectations
Chartering a comfortable yacht to suit your group and of course your budget is essential. After all it is a week-long living-on-board experience. Adriatic sailing charters dispose with various of yacht types and brands for rental. Sailing boats and catamarans are most common ensuring the ultimate holiday experience.
In general, sailboat delivers the most genuine and exciting holiday adventure. Sailing yachts are considered more effective under sails and green-oriented with low fuel consumption.
Catamaran rental with skipper in Croatia is the most indulging yacht charter experience bringing even more exclusivity and onboard comfort. With more private spots, cruising stability and larger layout volumes catamaran holiday is ideal for families with kids or beginners. However, more exclusivity also brings higher rental cost, fuel consumption and mooring fees.
2. Bareboat, Skippered or fully Crewed yacht charter?
Bareboat sailing in Croatia is certainly the most affordable and flexible option with full onboard privacy. The only condition is, that you own a corresponding boat license. Less confident day skippers can opt for Croatia flotilla charters where they can join other sailing enthusiasts and cruise on preset itinerary. If you don't own a valid boat license, VHF radio certificate or feel unskilled, skippered yacht vacation is recommended. It is most genuine, stress-free option with route flexiblility that can be adjusted with Croatian skipper.
Croatia catamaran holiday experience already includes a local skipper and sometimes a hostess. Not only skippers know best sailing areas, bays and top restaurants, but they are a treasury of useful internal tips.
With fully catered high-level services yacht charter with crew in Croatia is the most luxurious and exclusive option, allowing you even more free time to explore the islands while relaxing in a uncompromising comfort of a luxury catamaran or saying yacht.
3. Choosing the right destination
3.000-mile-long coastline between Istria in the north and Dubrovnik in the far south you have abundance of beautiful spots that you can explore. Over 1.200 islands and 8 marine national parks surrounded with crisp-blue Adriatic sea provide remarkable scenary for a unforgettable yacht holiday in Croatia. There are 4 major yacht charter destinations in Croatia from where you can start your sailing odyssey.
Where is the best place to sail in Croatia?
Sailing Northern Croatia
Croatian coast with Pula archipelago and Istrian peninsula is highly concentrated with Venetian towns (Vrsar, Rovinj, Poreč).Italian influence on this region is immense, but the true charm of Istria lies in a remarkable diversity. With fruitful cultivated landscapes and well-preserved cultural and historic heritage on one side and untouched nature of secluded islands on the other.
A complete contrast to the buzzing streets of Pula city, Rab town or Pag is untouched Kvarner bay. Where the crisp-blue seas meet lush-green landscapes lies one of the most remote sailing locations of Croatia. Leisurely pace of picturesque ports and island villages reflect distinctive charm of Kvarner islands.
It is a true heaven for the sailors in search for peaceful maritime atmosphere. Here you have an excellent opportunity to witness the true beauties of Adriatic while enjoying in a glass of local Malvazija wine. World-known Istrian gastronomy basing on traditionally prepared dishes with distinctive Italiantwist served with best Croatian wines is another excellent reason for discovering this area. To explore this region charter sailing yacht in Pula old town.
Sailing in Zadar
Chartering yacht in Zadar will allow you to explore less-known Croatia charter itineraries and unwind surrounded between scenic islands and lonely untouched bays. One of the itinerary highlights is 100 islands of Kornati national park. Here you will find serenity and well-covered bays with best fishing taverns inviting you to finest food exploration.
This archipelago is most island dense area in the Mediterranean counting near 500 small, mostly uninhabited scattered islands. Prevailing lazy "meastral" wind guarantees ideal sailing conditions and easy island hopping between the hidden Adriatic gems.
Surrender to a small-town pulse of Primošten village or sail up river passing the UNESCUO site Šibenik and reach one of Croatia's natural wonders the majestic waterfalls of Krka national park. You can find a safe berth in Skradin and later taste traditionally prepared Croatian delicacies. Grilled bream, mussels, octopus or a veal baked "under the bell" are a must try. Rent sailboat in Zadar or charter yacht in Biograd marina only 15 minute-drive from international Zadar airport.
Sailing in Split
The world-known UNESCO heritage site Split is the heart of Dalmatia. Famous islands Hvar, Brač, Vis and Šolta are quite likely the most frequently mentioned destinations in tourist guidebooks.
This region is one of the sunniest places in Europe with hot dry summers and great opportunities for various outdoor activities. World-known Hvar is among busiest island towns and definitively the most bohemian absolutely worth a visit. Then island is a perfect blend of hidden bays, stunning nature and breathtaking locations on one side and stylish beach bars, lively promenades and world-class restaurants on the other. The choice is yours, and te menu is endless...
That is why Split is a beloved launchpad from where most groups begin their sailing holiday in Croatia. Amazing beaches, picturesque villages and monumental architecture of largest Dalmatian island Brač is breathtaking. Legendary, once forbidden Vis island has a unique original pulse of Adriatic and Šolta is a hidden gem where you can unwinh surrounded with untouched nature. Best options for Chartering yachts in Split region is from marinas Trogir and Kaštela.
Sailing in Dubrovnik
Renting yacht in Dubrovnik is ideal for people who prefer to sail less-crowded Adriatic sailing charter itineraries. Vivid promenades and busy streets of Dubrovnik are an absolute counterpart to serene south Dalmatian islands Mljet, Lastovo and Korčula where scenic quiet bays invite you to drop anchor for a swim in crystal-clear seas. The town is beset with impressive fortified walls from the 15. Century absolutely worth taking a walk and afterwards have a drink in one of the stylish bars downtown.
Ideal getaway from buzzing promenades are tiny sub-tropical Elafiti islands Šipan and Lopud. Dubrovnik sailing itinerary will lead you futher north to densely forested island Mljet and remote Lastovo national park which is considered among last intact heavenly oasis of Mediterranean. Saltwater green lakes of Mljet and idyllic swimming locations of Korčula where time beats at a slower pace, reflect a distinctive south Dalmatian feel. Here you will find superb local family-run restaurants where you can always stop and taste fresh and original local delicacies.
Iconic Korčula old town is not only the birthplace of world-known Marco Polo but also the spot, where you will truly feel the echo of ancient warriors merchants and sailors passing through these waters through millenniums ago. The legacy of this Renaissance town is simply breathtaking.
Ancient buldings, street restaurants, surrounding pine forests, vineyards and olive groves complete the charm of this Dalmatian pearl. Best Croatian wines originate from fruitful landscapes of Pelješac and Korčula. Make a stop in Trstenik bay for a wine tasting tour.
6 Best Croatia Sailing Tips
- Book your holidays early Take the advantage of first minute Croatia yacht charter prices and book at least 4-6 months before departure. Best quality bareboat charters in Croatia are still available and you get to pay by 2-3 rates.
- Find Best Croatia yacht charter agency. Get the exact quote on what is included and what extras you need to pay at spot. Don't let unexpected extra costs surprise you
- Pack rational Don't over pack and if possible take a soft duffel bag instead of a suitcase. Double cabins on yachts are bright and spacious, but they can get uncomfortable with 2 plastic suitcases inside. Find some useful Croatia sailing tips in what to pack blog
- Bring enough cash In most islands credit cards are accepted, however, in remote locations with limited connection service you will still need cash. Especially in restaurants.
- Check the weather Always check the weather forecast for your sailing week and pack accordingly.
- Stick to your boarding hours Croatia yacht charters run in weekly periods with Saturday turnarounds. If you arrive earlier wait till your skipper checks the yacht and use this time for shopping for yacht's provisions. Please note that it is mandatory to return the boat until Friday evening for underwater inspection. Check out is Saturday morning.
What is the best time to sail in Croatia?
For beginners, sailing families or couples, late June, July and August are best months for a relaxing, stress-free Croatia yacht charter vacation. The weather in summer period is hot with dry periods, winds are low and everything is in full swing.
If you are on budget then consider early June or September. Rental prices are generally lower and there is less marine traffic at sea of marinas. Yacht rental prices are lowest in shoulder season (April, May, October). The chance of variable weather is slightly higher in Fall, when the weather systems are moving faster over Europe. But it usually stays warm and pleasant until November. The sea temperature stay around 20o (68F) in Autumn.
Spring time in Croatia is glorious with pleasant weather and warmer air temperatures. Despite the low sea temperatures around 20o (68F) sailing in June or May is a pure pleasure.
High summer, starting from the last weeks of June, might be busy, but the weather is near perfect with lower winds and air temperatures often over 30o (86F). If you like summer vibe swimming and water activities then sailing vacation in high summer months is a ideal choice. Croatia yacht charter prices late July and early August are highest, but you can always find a affordable yacht charter in Croatia if you send inquiry to a respective Croatia yacht charter agency.
During the summer period most of the island marinas and harbors are busier and sometimes it is difficult to get a free mooring. That is why it is recommended to get there earlier or hire yacht in Croatia with skipper to secure a safe and reliable berth for you.
What type of yacht and Where to charter?
Sailing in Croatia is still a good value compared to other mediterranean countries Greece, Italy and Turkey. Charter prices are at their peak from mid. July till mid. August and most marinas add extra 10% to the mooring fees. In June and September, expect 20-30% lower rental price that you pay in the peak season. In April, May or October, the rental prices can be more than 50% lower.
A Sailboat or a catamaran?
It is also important what type of a yacht you rent. You need to be realistic about your expectation. There are numerous yachts of different types, age, length and price range for rental that provide several levels of comfort. From affordable sailboats to luxury catamarans.
Your final decision depends on how far your budget can reach. Skippered yacht charter is still considered affordable for most groups while the high rollers can go for a crewed yacht charter.
Luxury catamarans already include the hostess, chef, skipper and a exclusive full board service. The vessels are equipped with en-suite bedrooms, power, cooking gas, usually ample kitchen space, comfortable cabins and plenty of private cushioned corners on deck.
4 destinations and 50 Marinas along the Adriatic coast
From Istria in the north to Dubrovnik in the far south, these are best sailing locations from where you can charter yachts in Croatia:
- Pula region in and north Croatian coast
- Zadar region with Krka and Kornati national parks
- Split archipelago with islands Hvar, Vis and Brač
- Dubrovnik county and southern Dalmatia with islands Mljet, Korčula and Lastovo
It is amazing how much you can see within a sailing week. It is better to focus on one region and experience it at a slow pace. You can always come back next year and discover more with your favorite group of friends. Split sailing itinerary is the ultimate yacht charter route for beginners that wish to experience best Croatian islands and enjoy their holiday moments surrounded with a relaxing maritime atmosphere.
