Enjoy Croatia and the Adriatic sea as never before. So hop aboard and set – in the natural sailing paradise! Croatia is one of the most fantastic sailing destinations worldwide. Its incredibly rugged coastline, hundreds of isles, protected anchorages, and well-equipped marinas at every step of the way attract thousands of yachters every year.
- Why sail in Croatia?
- What is the best time to sail in Croatia?
- What are the sailing conditions?
- What is the maritime infrastructure?
- How much does sailing in Croatia cost?
- Top sailing destination
- Suggested sailing routes around the Adriatic Coast
Why sail in Croatia?
The Croatian, or Dalmatian coast, is considered an exceptional sailing location globally. While sailing, you will be pleased that your stopovers are located within proximity, and you can easily adapt your sailing itinerary to your needs. Moreover, your whole crew will be satisfied thanks to Croatia's diversity! So whether you are a beginner, adventurous sailor, have kids, gourmets, or divers on board, you will get what you desire.
The mild climate, low tides, and favourable wind for sailing make Croatia a year-round sailing destination. In many bays, you will tie up your boat to the buoys, while in the marinas, get ready for a mooring, mainly with water and electricity at your disposal. On top of that, swimming in the warm sea, one of the cleanest will also be your reward.
What is the best time to sail in Croatia?
The sailing season runs from May through mid-October, and the peak season starts in June and lasts till the end of September. However, each part of the season offers a different type of sailing vacation.
May and June
Before the peak summer season, you will undoubtedly enjoy more favourable rental prices and a wider selection of boats. A light westerly wind will also allow you to enjoy sailing.
July and August
You enjoy a great time sailing and swimming in the warm sea in the summer months. However, prepare yourself for crowds of tourists, high prices, and all the summer's fuss. Therefore, we recommend using one of the Early Bird deals when booking for the summer months.
September and October
Although the sea in Croatia is still warm during this period, the typical winds can make the situation more challenging. It is important for sailors to watch out for Bura (strong north wind) and Scirocco (humid east-southeast wind) with occasional showers. Winds usually are 10 to 20 knots, but they can be more robust in October.
What are the sailing conditions?
The sailing conditions in Croatia are nearly ideal. The weather, however, can be tricky.
The mistral, a pleasant wind for sailing, is a loyal companion of summer months on the Adriatic sea. It picks up in intensity in the afternoon. Severe summer storms are typical and occur mainly in the north of Dalmatia. However, the storms are intense and do not last long.
As we mentioned earlier, the most specific wind for Croatia is Bora – an unfavourable storm-force wind. The bora is most common and blows strongest in the winter, but it can appear locally in summer also. Summer bora generally lasts a few days, sometimes only a few hours, and it can reach a wind force of up to 10 Beaufort. Be aware the Velebitski channel is a dangerous area where the bora presses strongly on the sea.
Jugo, the bad-weather wind, occurs predominantly in the winter from October to May and creates high waves. Lately, the jugo has also been blowing in the summer, but it can be predicted in time.
In the Adriatic sea, the tidal range is relatively tiny: 30 cm to 60 cm, including the level variation due to atmospheric pressure and dominant winds.
What is the maritime infrastructure?
Short distances and a wide choice of berths – you will hear these words of praise from most yachtsmen sailing in Croatian waters. For example, the distance between the famous city of Zadar (central Adriatic) and the world-famous Dubrovnik (south) is 160 nautical miles, whereas Split is 70 miles away from Zadar.
Croatia is rich in a dense network of berths and marinas with quality services. Of the 56 marinas, 22 are run by ACI (Adriatic Croatia International Club). ACI marinas provide a high standard of their services, and their staff is helpful. The undeniable advantage of Croatian ports is the quality of moorings and picturesque city centres often located nearby. Drinking water and electricity are a matter of course (except for the marinas in national parks).
Based on our experience, the most beautiful marinas are Marina Punat on the island of Krk, Marina Mandalina near Šibeník, the Olive Island Marina on Ugljan Island, ACI Marina Rovinj, Marina Frapa in Rogoznica, and Marina Vlaska-Milna on the island of Brač.
On the other hand, beautiful and well-protected anchorages are Komiža and Stočnica bays on the island of Vis, Bobovišče bay on the Brač Island, Maračol bay on Unije Island, Sakarun bay on Dugi Otok, Saplunara bay on Mljeta and Zaklopatica bay on Lastovo Island.
How much does sailing in Croatia cost?
When it comes to boat rental in Croatia, you can choose from numerous charter companies. A weeklong summer holiday on a sailing yacht for 6-8 people can cost on average €600-700 per person, including fees for marinas, buoys, fuel, food, and transit log.
Chartering a catamaran is an excellent choice if you travel with a large group and have children. The price, of course, varies by model and date, but on average, it is €700-800 per person including fees for marinas, buoys, fuel, food, and transit log.
Motor yacht charters are a great solution if you are short on time or want to explore all the Adriatic coast has to offer. It is the most convenient travel solution but also the most expensive, with a price of around €900-1200 per person, including fees for marinas, buoys, fuel, food, and transit log.
The costs for a 13-meter-long yacht mooring range from €60 (Marina Put) to €100-155 per night (ACI Marina Dubrovnik) at the peak of the season.
In many marinas, Fridays and Saturdays tend to be cheaper than the other days. In the off-season, the costs are 20-30% lower.
Top sailing destinations
One of the significant advantages of Croatia, as a sailing destination, is the fantastic flexibility of planning a sailing itinerary. In a week, you can explore quiet and peaceful bays, picturesque villages, military bunkers, caves, and national parks.
The Croatian coast is divided into four main parts – Istria and Kvarner, Northern, Central, and Southern Dalmatia. Each of these yacht destinations offers something unique.
Things worth knowing & places worth seeing
Istria and Kvarner Bay
- During the summer months in Istria, expect crowds of tourists both on the mainland and in the ports; there will only be a few quiet bays at your disposal.
- The ancient ports of Istria are rich in history. Paying the visit to the cities of Vrsar, Rovinj, and Pula is undoubtedly worth it.
- Brijuni National Park with safari is one of those places you will never forget.
- In the Kvarner bay, you get to enjoy stunning sailing between the islands.
- The most beautiful Croatian bays for anchoring your boat are on the islands of Krk, Cres, Rab, Mali Lošinj, Silba, and Olib.
Northern Dalmatia
- Although this area is the most visited by yachtsmen, you will find several uninhabited and isolated bays here.
- The most popular sailing destinations are the Kornati National Park with islands without vegetation, the port of Skradin near the Krka Park with waterfalls, the diverse island of Dugi Otok with beautiful beaches, lighthouse, bunkers and the Telašcica National Park with majestic cliffs or the green islands of Ugljan and Pašman located directly opposite the historic town of Zadar.
Central Dalmatia
- Be prepared for sailing longer distances between ports/bays. You will not regret the two-week-long sailing.
- The popular destinations are the islands of Hvar, Brač, Pakleni, Solta, and Vis with the neighbouring island of Biševo. While visiting the sunny and mountainous island of Hvar, do not skip out on the beaches in Jelsa and Dubovica Bay and the towns of Stari Grad and Vrboska. On Brač, stop at the most visited Croatian beach, Zlatni Rat, and anchor in the bays of Bobovišče and Lučice. On the islands of Vis and Biševo, visit the famous Blue and Green Caves, the town of Komiža, and the picturesque bay of Stiniva.
- Fans of historic city centres will enjoy the cities of Trogir and Split.
Southern Dalmatia
- This region is more remote, but on the other hand less touristy and more peaceful. Experienced yachtsmen will enjoy sailing here a lot.
- The attractive islands of Korčula, Mljet, and Lastovo are must-see places. Korčula is considered the most beautiful Croatian island, while the authentic Mljet is the wildest one and beautiful Lastovo is the most remote inhabited Croatian island. We also recommend visiting the gem of the Adriatic – Dubrovnik and the town of Korčula, also known as mini Dubrovnik.
Suggested sailing routes around the Adriatic Coast
Croatia belongs to the yachting paradise, and it is impossible to discover all its beauties in a week. However, to make the most of your cruise, we have prepared a list of our most popular cruise itineraries.
1. Breathtaking bays and secluded beaches — 7-day itinerary around Kvarner
2.) Sailing around Zadar - 7-day sailing itinerary
3.) The most beautiful islands in Croatia - a 7-day sailing itinerary south of Split
4.) Relaxing sailing trip around the Adriatic - 7-day itinerary in the Biograd area
5.) Unconventional Easter – 3 days of sailing itinerary in Istria
It doesn't matter which area of Croatia you choose for your next sailing adventure. Every day, you will discover beautiful places everywhere from your boat in the best way possible. And Boataround team will be happy to help you with the choice of your boat
