Peculiar northern Dalmatia hides within itself a captivating charm. One day find yourself walking the historical streets of Zadar city. The next, you are drifting away from crowds to one of the hundreds of sparsely populated bays. In the morning, you would sail between the islands, swim on the sandy beach at noon, enjoy a ride along the mesmerizing cliffs in the afternoon, and in the evening, stop by at the local konoba, and taste fresh-caught fish.
Your week-long cruise in an attractive Zadar area turns into 7-days of intensive experience hunting: sailing and navigational training between the islands, taking in panoramic views, snorkelling over the shipwreck, diving in a cave, Caribbean-like swimming, hiding in a military bunker, or enjoying romance under the stars with no one around. The remarkable diversity of the Zadar region will pleasantly surprise you. So take your family or friends for a sailing trip and experience a Croatian adventure by renting a boat in Zadar.
Zadar sailing region is known for many rugged islands with well-protected bays and nearby marinas. Thus, there are dozens of itineraries to suggest. Now, we present you with a rich plan allowing you to enjoy the Zadar archipelago at its best and, ideally, away from crowds. But before you go to explore the Zadar islands, do not forget to consider sailing conditions. We cover topics like the best season for sailing and maritime infrastructure in our article with many other recommendations for your sailing vacation in Croatia.
Suggested 7-day sailing itinerary from Zadar: Zadar – Molat / Premuda – Sakarun / Veli Rat – Kornat – Žut / Pašman – Iž – Zadar
May you wish otherwise, the weather is unpredictable. Fortunately, the sailing routes of northern Dalmatia can be easily recombined even under worsened conditions due to its proximity. The flexibility of this area is enormous, and therefore, the proposed sailing itinerary includes multiple sailing options and berths.
We recommend you the circuit sailing route from Zadar to the north towards the islands of Molat, Ist, and Premuda and from there south to Kornati and back. After exploring the wilder northern isles, you will sail south to the long island of Dugi Otok. The following route will lead you along the island to the national parks of Telaščica and Kornati. From the island of Kornat, head towards the island of Žut or a few miles further to Pašman island. Later, return to your home marina with stopovers in front of the Dragovo bunker and on Iž island. Beautiful bays await you on the island of Ugljan.
In total, you can sail approximately 120-150 nautical miles (nm). Depending on the weather or your mood, you can easily adjust the following itinerary.
- Day 1 (Saturday): Check-in at Zadar Marina (0 nm)
- Day 2 (Sunday): Zadar - Molat/Premuda (18 - 30 nm)
- Day 3 (Monday): Molat/Premuda - Sakarun/Veli Rat (18 nm)
- Day 4 (Tuesday): Sakarun - Brbiščica - Kornat (Vrulje) (28 - 35 nm)
- Day 5 (Wednesday): Kornat (Vrulje) - Žut/Landin Pašman (12 - 24 nm)
- Day 6 (Thursday): Žut/Landin Pašman - Iž (15 nm)
- Day 7 (Friday): Iž - Brbinj - Dragove - Zadar (27 nm)
Have a look at the route marked on Google Maps on this link.
You can find a link to the route on the Navionics map here.
TIP: When booking a boat, ask for an additional paddleboard (SUP). You will appreciate it, especially when anchoring in bays.
Zadar sailing routes – risks and recommendations
While sailing, look carefully for shallows and bottlenecks between the islands. If you wish to enjoy a night cruise, sail in a more open space on the west side of the island of Dugi Otok. Also, avoid sailing between the islands of Ugljan and Pašman. While crossing the Ždrelac Bridge, which connects the two islands, might seem very tempting at first, many masts have paid for such a decision. The bridge is only 16.5 meters above the sea. Therefore, it is unnecessary to risk.
In national park areas, the speed is limited to 8 knots. In the summer, try to sail out as soon as possible as you may be able to anchor in a good spot, and you will enjoy the empty sea to yourself. Regarding the weather, mostly favourable mistral blows in the summer months. The stronger bora can surprise you north of Zadar and south along Biograd. The Kornati region and some islands face problems with drinking water. Moreover, remember to have enough cash with you since not all bays and restaurants accept credit cards.
Day 1 (Saturday) - The taste of Zadar
As soon as you arrive at the Zadar Marina, get the boat, unpack your things, and take a stroll along the city centre. Once there, slow down. The largest city in northern Dalmatia, nicknamed “Little Croatian Rome”, deserves the full attention of all your senses: the typically Mediterranean town centre with stone paving, historical monuments on every corner, the smell of the sea, baked fish, and quality wine. If you fancy a delicious dinner, visit the Pet Bunara restaurant (booking in advance recommended). The best pizza in the city and spirit “čerešňovica” are in the Tri Bunara restaurant. Art Kavana serves delicious cakes, and the fancy 4Kantuna restaurant offers a full gourmet experience.
Before sunset, do not miss the famous Sea Organ – the singing stairs on the coast. Once the sea flows into a mechanism built into the stairs, the waves play distinctive tones. The sunset itself, “the most beautiful in the world,” as noted by the filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock, will be ideally enjoyed right next to the Sea Organ at the spot named “Greeting to the Sun”. It is an unusual glass surface, and once it reflects the last rays of the sun, you will enjoy an impressive visual performance.
Day 2 (Sunday) – Sail from Zadar to the North towards the Molat island and or Premuda island - 18 - 30 nm
From Zadar, most ships head south. Therefore, sail north to the less populated, distinctive islands, where you will avoid ship traffic. However, when leaving the marina around the gas station and returning, pay attention since many boats gather there.
Places worth visiting
As you d
epart from Zadar, you can either sail 18 nautical miles to the island of Molat at Lucina bay, or 24 miles to the northern Zapuntel bay. Molat is a very peaceful island with well-protected and quiet bays. The port town of Molat is a cosy and small settlement where time has stood still. Nearby beaches are clean, with crystal clear water. The most favoured beach is in Jazi Bay, a few-minute walk from the port of Molat through the pine forests. A curiosity worth mentioning is the local library with thousands of books. Unfortunately, there are only a few restaurants with rather average quality and service.
More experienced yachters and solitary sailors can take a cruise to the distant island of Premuda. It is about 30 miles from Zadar to Premuda bay. If you are an avid diver, swimming in this area is a must. Among the best diving sites in Croatia, one is right in the bay of Široka: the cave known as the ‘Cathedral’. Moreover, from the west side of the island, you can enjoy a stunning view of the open sea in the evening.
Where to anchor?
The best mooring bays on the island of Molat are in Molat town in Lucina Bay. It has a small port with 30 moorings. You can also anchor on one of the 50 new buoys in the beautiful bay of Brgulje, which is well protected from all sides. A fast ferry causes occasional waves. The village of Brgulje is a small settlement with three good-quality restaurants. There is a small number of buoys in Zapuntel bay in the north of the island, opposite Ist (called Butterfly Island due to its shape). Zapuntel is well protected only from the northeast, east, and southeast winds. Anchoring, but rather far from the shore, is also possible at Jazi bay, where you will find a beautiful beach.
On the island of Premuda, most bays are uninhabited and isolated. In many places, seagrass often covers the seabed. Therefore, tie up the rope as well to the shore. New buoys were recently deployed in the island’s north, in Krijal bay. In the bay of Premuda and Široka, you can only drop an anchor to secure your boat. Out of these options, the best-protected mooring spot is in Krijal. Mooring in Premuda bay is more dangerous when the west and southwest winds blow. Široka bay is well-protected from the north wind but exposed to the south wind.
Day 3 (Monday) – Northern part of Dugi otok (Sakarun or Veli Rat) - 10 - 18 nm
Set sail to the Caribbean on this day! The Croatian version of it, of course. The beautiful Sakarun bay with a sandy beach and shallow, turquoise water is your final destination for the day or at least a stopover.
Places worth visiting
Sakarun is less than 10 miles away from Molat and 18 miles from Peruda. You can gain some extra miles by training turns on the open sea or visiting the island of Ist. Later, proceed toward the south again.
If you need water and electricity, take refuge for the night at Veli Rat Marina. From Molat, it is closer than Sakarun. You can reach the Sakarun beach easily from the marina as well. It is a pleasant half-hour walk. This place is a must-visit, especially if sailing with children.
On the way to Sakarun or Veli Rat, anchor and take a break for unforgettable snorkelling near the island of Vele Lagne. There you will find the wreck of the sunken Italian merchant ship Michele, which unexpectedly hit a shoal here in 1983. The wreckage is located just six meters below the surface (even less in some places). While it isn’t too old, you’ll feel like you’ve just discovered the Titanic. It is 70 meters long and full of shelters for diverse underwater creatures. Don’t forget to pack an underwater camera and put your fins on! It will help you against the sharp shells, rusty parts of the wreck, and the strong current, which can slow you down on your way from the boat towards the wreck and back. We recommend snorkelling over the wreck in the morning so you can avoid the stronger mistral and crowds of tourists.
Another attraction on today’s sailing route is the beautiful Veli Rat lighthouse – the largest and one of the most beautiful lighthouses in Croatia. The legend has it the thick lighthouse walls are so solid because egg whites were mixed in the surface construction. Only a few meters from the lighthouse, a lovely small pebble beach is surrounded by pine trees with comfortable access to the water.
If you decide to spend the next day and night in Kornati National Park, buy your tickets online a day in advance. It'll cost half of what you pay at the seller. Tickets are valid from the next day until noon on the following one.
Where to anchor?
Sakarun Bay, with its buoys, provides adequate shelter from all directions of the wind, except the strong Juga. Some buoys can be reserved online. While in the bay, pull out a paddleboard and swim on it ashore. It is worth it!
Marina Veli Rat in Pantera bay is a nice clean marina with well-equipped bathrooms. The nearest beach is at Sakarun, and some small beaches are near the lighthouse Veli Rat, in the opposite direction from the marina.
Day 4 (Tuesday) – Sailing along Dugi Otok to Kornati (Vrulje) - 28-35 nm
After a pleasant morning swim on the mirror sea surface, we recommend leaving Sakarun. Today, you will set off on a more extended cruise along the outer coast of the island of Dugi Otok to the island of Kornat.
Places worth visiting
The Brbišćica Bay lies in the central part of the Dugi Otok island, approximately 7 miles from Sakarun. Golubinka, an unusual coastal cave, is located nearby. Throw an anchor into the sea near the cave or in front of the bay and approach Golubinka by boat or swimming. If you wish to avoid the crowds, arrive early in the morning.
At the southern end of the island, you will also find impressive cliffs, which belong to the Telaščica National Park. Slow down and enjoy the beautiful picturesque view. Keep in mind mooring from the west side of the island in the national park area is prohibited. The famous salt lake Mir is on the east side of the island. However, the lake is crowded, and the water is turbid in the summer season, especially in the afternoon.
The final destination of the day is the island of Kornat, which offers you several mooring spots. Kornat is the largest of the 89 islands of the Kornati National Park. This archipelago is known for its seemingly desolate islands with strange stone walls visible from the sea. The walls were built by hand without mortar and formed the boundary between the plots of cattle shepherds and olive growers. In the past, the Kornati did not remind of a lunar land at all. However, hundreds of years of intensive grazing have caused the vegetation to disappear. Nevertheless, the Kornati have rich biodiversity both on land and below the sea.
Vrulje is the largest settlement on the Kornati. There you will find the oldest restaurant: the family tavern Ante. It is an excellent place for watching the local fishermen return with the sea catches that will soon land on your table.
On the other side of the shore, opposite the tavern, a footpath leads up to Pivcena hill. Your reward after a fifteen-minute walk will be a photogenic view of the Kornati archipelago. Its beauty is truly supernatural! Alternatively, you can enjoy a safe and lovely bay, an excellent restaurant serving fresh fish, and a view from the hill in Kravljačica bay.
The Kornati islands were formed in the late Ice Age when the sea level rose significantly to turn fields into sea and mountain ranges into islands. Some 15. 000 years ago, the sea level was 130 meters lower than nowadays. Therefore, the other islands in the Zadar region, such as Ugljan, Pašman, or Dugi Otok, gained a strange elongated shape. Some islands conspicuously copy the shape of the higher Velebit mountain range.
Where to anchor?
Sailing speed in the Kornati area is limited to 8 knots. The wide bay of Vrulje is very well protected from all sides except the west and southwest winds when you will experience a slight surf. Once there, tie up your boat to the mooring buoy and enjoy dinner in a traditional local tavern. We recommend ordering your food by phone in advance (until 5 PM) to avoid waiting and ensure the fish is still available. The only downside to this otherwise pleasant and romantic bay is the occasional sound of the generator from the nearby Core restaurant.
You can also moor in the neighbouring bays of Kravljačica, Strižnja, and Modri Bok. Several buoys are deployed in front of the Andrija restaurant in the beautiful Kravljačica bay. Otherwise, drop an anchor to a depth of 8 meters. The mooring isn’t well protected only during the juga (strong waves). You can also climb Metlina, the highest hill of Kornat. The excellent restaurant Quattro is in the neighbouring Strižnja bay. Some buoys in the bay were recently replaced, and the bay is protected from all sides except the south. If you wish to enjoy peace and tranquillity and do not need to eat in a restaurant, throw an anchor and tie up a rope to the shore in the bay of Modri Bok. However, outside of the mooring spots mentioned above, Modry Bok is less protected from the south and west winds, and gusts are more noticeable in bad weather.
Day 5 (Wednesday) – From the island of Kornat to Žut (ACI marina Žut) or Pašman (Landin Bay) 12-24 nm
Enjoy a relaxing morning in Vrulje bay: sail to the shore of the settlement or swim in crystal clear water right at the spot. If you need to stock up your food supply, there is a small makeshift shop on the shore.
From Vrulje, you can sail approximately 14 - 24 miles to Pašman or 12 - 24 miles to the island of Žut. The length of your trip depends on the choice of your sailing route. The route to the south through Opatska Vrata (between Rt Opat and the island of Vela Smokvica) is longer and less stressful. Of course, you can also take a shorter one heading north and sail through the Mala Proversa strait. Please note this is a narrow place full of boats and shallows. In addition, unpleasant currents are generated here in strong winds. If all is safe and sound for a longer cruise, take a short break in the Landin bay in Pašman and anchor in the marina for the night.
Where to anchor?
ACI Marina Žut is a cosy and, at the same time, quite overpriced marina. If you decide to anchor here for the night, we recommend adding a short climb uphill to your itinerary. It takes approximately half an hour from the marina, and on the top, a stunning view will be your reward. Please note you can refill the water in the marina only in the morning between 08 AM – 10 AM.
Pašman island is well-known for its beautiful bays and good moorings. If you do not plan to spend the night at the marina, we recommend tying up your boat to the mooring buoy in the lovely Landin bay. There are two excellent restaurants on the bay: the family tavern Sidro or the slightly larger and more expensive tavern Gajeta. The customers have a mooring buoy for free. The bay is protected from all directions, except the strong Juga.
The well-known Zaklopica bay is worth mentioning, but it is often crowded in the summer season and has become significantly more expensive in recent years. Another option for you is to visit the small village of Tkon, which provides a pleasant refuge. There is a lookout tower above it.
TIP: Sali Marina in the south of the Dugi Otok island is another interesting spot for sailing and mooring. To reach Sali from Vrulje in 12 miles, take the shorter route across the strait of Mala Proversa. If you sail through Opatske vrata, from Vrulje it is about 28 miles until you reach Sali. Marina Sali is well-protected, and the picturesque town is charming. The disadvantage of this marina is the insufficient number of sanitary facilities.
Day 6 (Thursday) – Sail to Veli Iž - 15 nm
From Pašman or Žut, it is about 15 miles until you reach the island of Iž. Then, you can stop over at the island of Ugljan, which is opposite Iž. The ‘green’ island of Ugljan is known for its lush green vegetation. In addition to several beautiful bays, there are two marinas: Preko and Olive Island in Sutomiščica bay.
Places worth visiting
In good weather, we recommend you to visit the hidden Svitla bay on the island of Ugljan. It is truly a hidden gem with a minimum of people wandering around. Ladin bay or ACI Marina Žut, it is about 14 NM to Svitla bay.
There are several good restaurants near the Veli Iž marina, and the town itself has so far retained an authentic Dalmatian impression. The island of Iž was known for its traditional local pottery, and you can find one right in the city. The Petrovič family runs their pottery workshop, and they are the last ones who dedicate themselves to this tradition. If you are hungry, we recommend you to visit Mandrac (excellent steaks) or Rajko tavern.
TIP: You can also opt for this 30-mile route alternative: Žut / Pašman - Vrgada Island - Iž Island (a buoy in Vodenjak Bay in the south, or Veli Iž Marina). Vrgada is a famous Zadar island popular with tourists. There is plenty of shade on Vrgada beach due to pine trees, and you can take a bite in several restaurants.
Where to anchor?
The entrance to the Marina Veli Iž is clear, and the marina service is helpful even during the summer season. The marina is very well protected from all sides, and there is usually no problem with water or electricity.
In Vodenjak Bay, tie up the boat to a mooring buoy, just like in Griparica bay. You do so by passing two mooring lines through the buoy, and then you will pull a thinner line from the bottom of the buoy, which will lead you back to the mooring. Tie it to a horn cleat on the stern. Even though Vodenjak Bay is uninhabited, the buoy provider offers staple food, grilled fish, and garbage collection.
Day 7 (Friday) - Back to Zadar - 27 nm
From the island of Iž, head north-west towards Dugi Otok. The eastern side of the island of Dugi Otok offers several breathtaking stops on your return trip to Zadar.
Places worth visiting
Enjoy a pleasant swim and lunch in the popular restaurant Antonio in the Lučina bay and Bok near the town of Brbinj, which is approximately six nautical miles from the Marina Veli Iž.
Former military bunker Dragove is located four miles from Brbinj (in Bokašin bay), and you can reach it with a boat. Inside the bunker, you will find a room, that can be opened from outside only. Another bunker called Paprenica is in Dumboka Bay, behind the island outcrop. Both bunkers provided shelter for submarines. The bays are suitable for mooring and protected from almost all directions except the south.
It is no wonder this attractive part of Croatia is popular with thousands of yachtsmen. Not only seasoned sailors but families with children, beginning sailors, or lovers of historical and geographical attractions will find something enjoyable here. We believe once you enjoy a week in this yachting paradise, you will want to come back next season. Whether you need any advice on a boat or your itinerary, the Boataround team is daily at your disposal.
Note: We used the Navionics app to calculate the route length. As an example, we used a boat with a length of up to 15 meters, a draft of 3 meters (such as the Elan 50 ), and an average speed of 5 knots per hour.
Telephone numbers you might need:
Emergency – 112
Police – 192
Fire department – 193
Ambulance – 194
Search and rescue at sea – 195
Road assistance – 1987
General information – 18981
Tourist information, Zadar – 023 316 166
Croatia's country calling code is +385
If you need more inspiration and you are looking for some useful information about sailing in Croatia, check out our other articles and guides:
Five excellent marinas along the Croatian coastline | Boataround
Easter Sailing Holiday - Best Sailing Destinations for Easter | Boataround
Breathtaking bays and secluded beaches — 7 days around Kvarner | Boataround
Sailing around Split – 7-day itinerary | Boataround
Sailing around Biograd – 7-day itinerary | Boataround
Sailing around Istria – Tito's hidden paradise | Boataround
