Located nearly in the geographical centre of the Croatian coast, Biograd is a great starting point for your yachting adventure that presents you with many opportunities for various types of cruises. Northern Dalmatia is considered an ideal yachting area for those who wish to practice turns, enjoy sailing or improve navigation skills between the islands. The distances between marinas and sheltered bays are short so that a sudden weather change won’t surprise you.
The proper term for describing this area would be “playfulness”. Your sailing options are nearly unlimited; you can easily improvise in adjusting your plans to the wind. There are three national parks located just a quick blow of wind away from Biograd: the Kornati, Telaščica, and Krka. In addition, you can sail north towards the Zadar islands (e.g., Molat, Premuda, Ist) or head south to Šibenik and Šibenik archipelago. In the previous itinerary, we already mentioned sailing from our favorite Zadar, located 30 kilometres from Biograd, towards the Kornati and Dugi Otok.
Suggested 7-day sailing itinerary: Biograd - Pašman - Žut - Žirje - Zlarin - Skradin - Prvič - Murter - Biograd
The following itinerary will first lead you to the north of Biograd, then south to the island of Žut, and towards islands near Šibenik. You will discover the hidden gems of the Adriatic - the islands of Prvič, Zlarin, Žirje, and Kaprije. As you visit the Krka National Park, in exchange for the sea and waves, you will enjoy the river and waterfalls for a while.
Overall, you can sail for 100 - 120 nm, but we are sure that sailing along the islands is likely to tune you in for more intensive sailing :)
Day 1 (Saturday): Check-in at Marina Kornati in Biograd na Moru (0 nm)
Day 2 (Sunday): Biograd - Galešnjak (Love Island) - Pašman (Žinčena/Soline) - Žut (Hiljača) (21 nm)
Day 3 (Monday): Žut - Žirje (Vela Stupica) (23 nm)
Day 4 (Tuesday): Žirje - Kaprije - Zlarin/Prvič (12 -16 nm)
Day 5 (Wednesday): Zlarin/Prvič - Skradin (12 nm)
Day 6 (Thursday): Skradin - Prvič (Šepurine) - Murter (Jezera/Koširina) (21 - 23 nm)
Day 7 (Friday): Murter (Jezera/Koširina) - Murter (Slanica) - Biograd (13 nm)
You can find the route on Google Maps at this link.
The route for the Navionics map is here.
DAY 1 - Biograd na Moru (Marina Kornati)
Biograd na Moru is renowned for its annual Biograd Boat Show in the sailing world. This town lives and breathes sailing.
Marina Kornati is among the top listed marinas in Croatia for its high-quality service, friendly staff, cleanliness, and above all, its convenient location. At night, take in the stunning view of the marina’s unusual attraction - the underwater lights.
Despite the fact there are only a few historical sites in this former coronation town because it was repeatedly rooted in the past, Biograd, which translates to White Town at Sea, is worth a night stroll. In addition, you can enjoy a view of the island of Pašman from within the city promenade.
Places worth seeing
Throughout the summer, you might get lucky to experience some of the numerous folk festivities (so-called fešty) taking place in the city centre. In the evening, we recommend visiting the restaurants of Konoba Barba or Konoba Kaciol.
Unlike other larger towns, Biograd boasts landscaped and clean beaches right in the town. The pebble beaches of Bošana and Dražica are proud recipients of the Blue flag - a designation for ecological beaches known for their cleanliness and quality.
Day 2 - Biograd na Moru - Žut (Hiljača) (21 nm)
Let’s kick off Sunday with a little bit of love. Nestled not far north of Biograd between the mainland and the island of Pašman, there is the so-called Island of Love (Galešnjak). After sailing around the island, you can take a break in one of the stunning bays of Pašman island. Then, in the evening, anchor near the uninhabited island of Žuť and treat yourself to an evening dose of romance.
Places worth seeing
The privately-owned Galešnjak has an incredible heart-like shape. Although Croats knew about this geographical phenomenon for a long time, the heart-shaped island caught the public’s eye only in 2009 when Google Earth recorded its unique shape. Nowadays, “lovebirds” love to get engaged or married here.
The sea surrounding Pašman is known for its purity and crystal-clear waters. You can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the Pašman beaches in the bays of Landin and Žinčena. Zaklopica bay is also famous, but it is busier and crowded in the summer.
On the island of Žut, you can have the idyllic experience of “a Robinson Crusoe lifestyle”. Although the island belongs to the Kornati archipelago, you do not pay admission to enter the national park. Žut provides several pleasant moorings, and it has this sleepy atmosphere with relaxing donkeys keeping you company on the shore.
Anchorages
In calm weather and upon an agreement, it is possible to anchor briefly near the small island of Galešnjak. But you will have a likewise full-fledged experience even if you sail around it and take pictures. As you sail towards the final destination of the day, visit the southeast side of Pašman island with several beautiful bays for swimming, for example, the less-visited bay Žinčena, where you can relish in a peaceful atmosphere. The anchor holds well in the sandy bottom, though keep in mind the depth is only 2.5 meters in some places. The maximum depth is 12 meters, and the bay is well-protected from all winds except the southeast.
Alternatively, take a break and moor on a buoy in the frequently visited Solina bay or the pleasant Landin bay. There are decent restaurants in both places. The new buoys in Landin bay are firmly anchored, whereas in Solina, watch out for some loose or damaged buoys.
On the island of Žut, we recommend mooring in Hiljača bay; the mooring buoys are in a part of Sabuni bay with beautiful turquoise water. Berths and buoys are available for the guests of the excellent Žmara restaurant. In high season, it’s better to make a reservation. The bay is exposed to the northeastern wind, so we do not recommend spending the night here during a strong bora. Neighboring bay Dragišina, with several buoys belonging to the local restaurant Vison, provides a good shelter from the north winds. Since the bottom is sandy and not too deep, you can also anchor there without worries.
If the weather gets worse or you need to spend the night in the marina, park your boat in the lovely and quiet ACI marina Žut that offers anchoring buoys in addition to berths. Marina’s service is at a high level. The water (max 100 litres) is delivered only in the morning; the electricity is available until noon and in the evening from 6 to 12 pm. There is a nice view overlooking the Kornati archipelago just near the marina. We recommend visiting it just before sunset.
Day 3 - Žut - Žirje (Vela Stupica) (23 nm)
Today, you will sail closer towards the open sea to the island of Žirje. You can enjoy sailing in this sailor’s playground and test your map reading skills. A time-travel journey awaits you in the evening, and you will get to know a part of Byzantine history.
Places worth seeing
The island of Žirje gives an isolated impression with yet not very significant tourism. Žirje is the most remote island within the Šibenik archipelago. It is surrounded by small islets and promontories, particularly in Samogradska vrata (a strait between Kornat and Žirje). Therefore, be careful, especially during a night cruise.
A spectacular view of the open sea is available on the south side of Žirje. In the north, there are some residential areas and a shop. The bays of Mala and Vela Stupica are popular among yachters, mainly for buoys and safe berthing during strong bora. Once in the area, taking a short hike inland to enjoy the view of the open sea and Byzantine ruins is worth it.
If you are heading to the north of the island, our secret tip for a visit goes to the peaceful Koromašna bay with a small family restaurant. You can moor at a buoy, though keep in mind that the bay is not well protected during bora.
Anchorages
Tratinska bay is lesser-known but well-protected from all winds (except south). Here, you can moor at firmly attached buoys. We suggest visiting the inland restaurant Julia located at a similar distance from Tratinska bay and the northern Mikavica bay.
For spending the night, our recommendation goes to the Vela Stupica bay. To get your spot, plan your route to arrive in the bay in the afternoon. If all buoys are already occupied, you can anchor in the tiny Draževica bay with a sandy sea bottom or head to Mala Stupica bay.
In August, make a reservation at a local restaurant, just to be sure. You will find delicious seafood at Konoba Stupica. Then, to make your overall experience more enjoyable, take an evening walk to the Byzantine fortress from the 6th century and feast your eyes on a breathtaking sunset.
Day 4 - Žirje - Kakan/Kaprije - Zlarin / Prvic (12 - 16 nm)
Today, the hunt for a romantic cruise between the picturesque Šibenik archipelago continues. Your destination for the day is the island of Zlarin or neighboring Prvič. Do not hesitate to pay a visit also to the islands of Kakan or Kaprije.
Places worth seeing
Islands of Prvič and Zlarin will get to your heart. Zlarin was once an island of coral hunters. Its speciality is the red coral, considered the most beautiful. That’s the reason why Zlarin got its nickname “Coral Island”. Coral heritage is also highly revered through preserving folklore traditions that pay homage to coral. Zlarin is a real gem among the Adriatic islands for its world-famous local jewellery and decorations made out of red coral.
Beautiful Zlarin Town in Croatia
Because of its beautiful nature and pristine bays, Zlarin also got the nickname “Golden Island”. There are no cars at Zlarin nor Prvič, and you can enjoy ubiquitous silence. Associated with romance, the charismatic island of Prvič is a popular destination for couples or people looking for solitude. The lovely town of Prvič will captivate you for its typical and original Dalmatian architecture, which is protected as a national monument. Moreover, do not miss out on the walk to the local church and museum with the inventions of the famous Croatian scientist Faust Vrančič (among other things, he constructed the first parachute).
The islands of Kakan and Kaprije are fantastic for taking a break on today’s cruise. The partially inhabited Kaprije island is small and mainly covered with low vegetation. The absence of cars amplifies its tranquillity.
Tip: Located between Kaprije and Zmajan, Bavljenac is a tiny island listed as a UNESCO heritage site. This island has a strange shape and, when viewed from above, looks similar to a human thumbprint. It is covered geometrically with almost exact lines of stone walls with a total length of 23 km. These walls were originally used to protect cultivated crops from the wind.
Anchorages
Uninhabited and mostly deserted island, Kakan offers you two buoy fields of your choice, located in the bays of Potkučina or Tratica, where you can take a break and go for a swim. However, some buoys are loose, so be careful when mooring at night - we recommend you rather avoid it.
Several pretty bays suitable for a swimming break are on the island of Kaprije. There are two pleasant restaurants in Mala Nozdra bay, Matteo and Nozdra G-8. Both operate buoys and berths. The bay is exposed to the south wind, and once it starts blowing, you can opt for the northeastern bay of Vanjska, where the anchor holds still. It is an ideal place for those looking for tranquillity and silence. Buoys are also available in the neighboring Remetic bay. If you wish to take a stroll around the only settlement on the island, head to the port town of Kaprije.
Dock for the night on the island of Zlarin or Prvič. In addition to berths, the island port of Zlarin also has several buoys available. However, the port is less protected during strong north and northwest winds. In such a case, you should rather spend the night on the island of Prvič.
The town of Prvič has several berths with running water and electricity, buoys, and mooring (additional fee) south of the town pier is also tolerated.
For those on the hunt for gastronomic delights and Mediterranean cuisine, we recommend trying out the restaurants of Stara Makina in Prvič and Pralika in Zlarin.
Day 5 - Zlarin/Prvič - Skradin (12 nm)
Weigh your anchor in the morning and set sail towards the waterfalls. Plan an early arrival in Skradin so that you have enough time to explore Krka National Park. Today, you will follow in the footsteps of Winnetou.
Places worth seeing
As you are arriving near the town of Šibenik, it is worth taking several photos. The impressive naval fortress of St. Nikola from the 16th century guards the entrance to the St. Ante’s canal. This majestic building guarded the town perfectly; no one even tried to attack Šibenik from the seaside. Today, the fortress is listed as a UNESCO heritage site. Its atypical triangular shape is also interesting.
Warning: the maximum speed in the narrow canal of St. Anta is 10 knots, and the boats must stay on the right side. The Krka river is navigable all the way to Skardin, and the speed is limited to 6 knots. The river is closed to boats from Skardin onwards.
The town of Skardin is a popular summer destination. You can enjoy the most beautiful view of the town and the winding river from the fortress uphill. From Skardin, first, take a several-hour trip to Krka National Park. The national park is a complex of cascades, waterfalls, and rapids. A trip to the park will suit you well during the hot summer days - a nice breeze blows there, and the temperature is a bit lower.
The tall waterfall Skradinski Buk is the first you are about to see. Winnetou jumped off of this exact waterfall in the movie. From the Lozovac boarding station, which is located above the waterfall, you can reach the Roški waterfall and the island of Visovac with a Franciscan monastery. An old water mill stands by the Roški waterfall giving the whole scenery a fairytale look. In the summer season, the entry fee to the national park is 200 kn per person, and the price also includes boat transport from Skardin.
Skradin is one of the oldest towns in Croatia, and wandering through its alleys will give you an overview of its 6000 years long history. You can dine on mouth-watering delicacies in restaurant Bonaca or konoba Dalmatino.
Anchorages
We recommend mooring on the pier of one of the favorite restaurants near the highway bridge (e.g., Konoba Vidrovača). There is also a shuttle service to nearby Skardin.
Similar smaller and cozy berths can be found throughout the whole canyon. The good ones are Bilice and Mikulandre with a tiny beach, the remote settlement of Prokljan on lake Prokljan, and the calm village Raslina.
If you love to feast your eyes on superyachts or need the services of a larger marina, you can spend the night at the ACI marina Skradin. You can’t continue any further by boat or dinghy. To reach the national park, take a water taxi and enjoy the afternoon exploring the phenomenal waterfalls.
Source: aci-marinas.com
Day 6 - Skradin - Prvič/Jadria - Murter (21 - 23 nm)
Now it’s time to start slowly sailing back to your home marina. Your penultimate destination will be the island rich in history, Murter, which is connected to the mainland by a bridge.
Places worth seeing
As you sail toward Murter, take the chance and visit the island of idyllic romance, Prvič, in case you missed it in the previous days. Stop by in the bay near the village of Šepurine and walk the rocky streets. A pretty beach with pine trees near the port of Šepurine is a pleasant surprise.
When leaving the St. Ante canal, you can take another break and go for a swim in front of the St. Nikola fortress in Jadria bay.
Murter is a nice, peaceful, lush green island with several marinas and safe bays. Towns like Murter, Tisno or Jezera have a typical island character - the time passes slowly, and the scent of fish and pine trees is ever-present. On Murter, you will also enjoy beautiful and clean beaches.
Anchorages
As you sail from Skradin, ACI marina Jezera is a good logistic choice for staying the night. The town of Jezera is small and sympathetic. Restaurants and cafes are of reasonable quality, and neither should be disappointing. We recommend walking to the town of Tisno and having a look at the drawbridge in the evening. The kids especially will appreciate the opening of the bridge at 17:00.
Source: https://aci-marinas.com/
If you prefer spending the night tied up to the mooring buoy or dropping an anchor, the bays of Koširina and Koromašna are suitable for doing so. Both are well-protected from bora; jugo is, however, problematic. It is possible to anchor at a depth of 6-8 meters. The buoys are available to guests of the excellent konoba, Stella Maris. The konoba has reasonable prices, and it is located right between the bays mentioned above. A few buoys are also available in Koširina bay.
Day 7 - Murter - Biograd na Moru (13 nm)
Enjoy your last day of sailing and recharge the batteries on a beautiful beach. Your yachting week is over. Do not forget to save some extra time for refuelling your boat because the Biograd gas station tends to get queued up.
Places worth seeing
The most famous beach on Murter island, Slanica beach, is located near the town of Murter. Relax and enjoy the last day of your week-long sailing adventure. Crystal clear water and a sandy beach await you there.
TIP FOR AN ALTERNATIVE ITINERARY: If you are planning on exploring the Kornati archipelago, Biograd na Moru is a good starting point. In such a case, we recommend visiting Kornat island instead of Žut. A beautiful bay of Koromačna located at the lower tip of Kornati will charm you. No doubts about it. There are berths and several buoys which belong to an excellent restaurant with a Czech owner.
It is no surprise that this part of Croatia attracts thousands of yachtsmen and tourists. There is something for everyone - both for beginners and for fans of circuit sailing, for families with children or for hedonistic souls looking for peace or good food. We are convinced that after a week spent in this sailing area rich in bays and marinas, you will certainly want to return next year. If you need advice about a boat or itinerary, the Boataround team is here for you every day.
