Sailing Croatia Guide – All You Need To Know

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Post author SJ

Written by our local expert SJ

Sarah-Jane has lived in Croatia for 10+ years. SJ, as she is known, has been traveling the Balkans & beyond since 2000. She now shares her passion for traveling with her husband & kids.

You’ve dreamt of sailing Croatia since you first heard about its magical deep turquoise waters and enchanting landscapes – so now, here is your sailing in Croatia guide.

Sailing Croatia Guide PIN

Considering you’re reading this, you’ve probably dreamt of sailing Croatia since you first heard about its magical turquoise waters and the enchanting landscapes and towns lining the Adriatic Sea coast. We know how you feel because that was us, too. Croatia has some of the most beautiful coastlines of any country in Europe, maybe even the world; while its many archipelagos are so stunning, you need to see them to believe they’re real.

The absolute best way to enjoy Croatia is to go on a sailing trip. There are, however, a few things to consider before setting sail on your adventure on the shimmering Adriatic Sea.

After sailing Croatia a few times ourselves, we’ve prepared this Croatia sailing guide to help you plan your unforgettable Croatian sailing experience. In this post, we cover everything from the best times to sail in Croatia to the most suitable boats, the locations of marinas, and popular sailing routes in Croatia.

When Is The Best Time To Sail Croatia?

Sailing Croatia Itinerary_Aerial view of Paklinski Islands in Hvar, Croatia

The sailing season in Croatia is April – September, but the best period to enjoy your Adriatic sailing experience depends on what type of holiday you’re looking for.

May And June

Winds are predominantly westerly in the summer, so if sailing is your primary interest, Croatia is a place for you during spring and early summer, with light to moderate winds.

July And August

Periods of calm prevail in July and August, making this period ideal for those who like smooth waters. A summer sailing holiday in Croatia is perfect for enjoying water sports, swimming, sunbathing, or simply relaxing on your boat with the family.

September And October

These months are just right to set your sails and trim your jib with prolonged periods of Bura (a strong northerly wind) and the Scirocco (a humid east-southeast wind). While the Croatian wind at this time of year can make sailing challenging, you’ll be in great hands with an experienced skipper.

Just be sure to charter a vessel with good heating in the fall and prepare yourself for strong winds and rough seas.

October To April

During winter, sailing in Croatia is not recommended or even possible for tourists. However, although you most likely won’t be able to sail Croatia from November through April, there are still plenty of things to do in Croatia on the mainland. We recommend visiting the Zagreb highlights or taking part in Advent in Zagreb, or why not visit Istria for the White Truffle Festival?

What Vessel Is Best For Your Croatia Sailing Trip?

Best Beaches in Zadar County - Vrsi

There are four types of vessels available for charter in Croatia. They include sailboats, motorboats, catamarans, and gulets. When we took our first sailing trip along the Adriatic, I was unsure of the type of vessel to charter and found it difficult to decide.

Understanding what each type of vessel offers and matching those to the type of sailing experience you want is essential to having the best Croatian sailing trip possible. Let’s check out the different types of boats you can charter to sail Croatia.

Sail Boats

  • 2 – 8 people
  • $2,000 – $5,000 per week

If you plan to spend most of your time on the water meandering along the Adriatic Sea and being comfortable with plenty of room is essential, then you need to charter a sailboat.

Sailboats are typically big and have comfortable cabins; they’re equipped with a kitchen and designed for you to lounge around and relax.

Sailboats consume far less fuel than motorboats as they harness the power of the wind. A sailboat allows you to sunbathe and sip cocktails while slowly making your way to your next point. Keep in mind that since sailboats are not as fast as motorboats, you should only charter one if you don’t need to make too many stops or if you have lots of time to explore the Croatian coast and its 1000+ islands.

Managing to sail at all times (rather than using an engine) requires skill and experience. So you’ll need to hire a skipper when sailing Croatia if you are not an experienced sailor and don’t hold a license. 

If you charter a sailboat and a skipper, you could also use the experience to gain a few skills while you help raise the sails and tie knots. Although if you are like me, you’ll want just to sit back and relax while your skipper takes care of it all.

Sailboats often have between 2 and 6 cabins. Keep your eyes peeled for the big brands to charter, such as BeneteauJeanneauDufour Gib, Bavaria, Grand Soleil, Feeling, Elan, Hanse Salona, and Sas.

Catamarans

  • 2 – 8 people
  • $5,000 – $12,000 per week

If you want plenty of space to stretch out and call your own while cruising and you want speed to get you from one island to the next, then chartering a catamaran for your perfect sea holiday is a must.

Catamarans are much more stable and faster than a sailboat; with a spacious deck and cockpit, everyone can enjoy their own space. Usually, cabin accommodation is set at the ends of the hulls & an ample lounge space allows you all comfort and privacy from your fellow travelers. Chartering a catamaran means abundant open spaces are highly recommended for larger groups and those with children.

Since a catamaran is not tilted more than 5 degrees, it is stable in the water, making it an excellent choice for those with little navigation experience. Catamarans can be set for automatic steering on long routes, leaving you without the need to hire a skipper. A catamaran also gives you reasonable access to smaller bays, which provides more choice to explore hidden coves and smaller beaches along your Mediterranean holiday.

Manufacturers such as Lagoon, Fontaine Pajot, Nautitech & Outremer can all be found in Croatia for charter.

Motor Boats / Motor Yacht

  • 10 – 25 people
  • $5,000 – $25,000 per week

The 3rd option for vessel charter in Croatia is a bareboat or a skippered motor yacht. Chartering a motorboat will offer you the most exciting sailing adventure.

If you are short on time or want to explore every inch of Croatia’s coast, you should consider a motor boat charter. You can hire a skipper, or if you have the experience, you can pilot the motorboat for yourself.

Motor yachts can be chartered from all of the big marinas in Croatia. Sunseeker, Princess, Fairline, Azimut, Pershing, Sea Ray, Bayliner, Sealine, Maiora, or Benetti are all brands that will ensure you enjoy the Adriatic Sea in style.

Gulets

  • 8 – 20 people
  • $5,000 – $20,000 per week

Initially designed for fishermen, you’ll also hear these being called ‘caciques.’ Having changed its purpose and style, a gulet has become a popular choice for vessel charter in Croatia.

Gulets have huge, open decks, which make dining and relaxing ideal. A gulet is best used to cruise, rather than to sail, due to the maximum cruising time of around 3-4 hours per day. Chartering a gulet along the Croatian coast means you can lounge around or use onboard equipment such as jet skis, windsurfers, and kayaks. Because you’ll be anchoring in bays, you’ll have plenty of time to snorkel and swim instead of constantly moving.

Gulets will anchor in a port depending on your preferences, so exploring Croatia’s old towns and villages or eating in the many restaurants is easy. However, as a professional crew, including a chef, you may not want to leave your piece of luxury when chartering a gulet.

Brands We Use And Trust

  

What Can I Expect On Board?

RaftTrek Adriatic Sea 3 Day Sailing Croatia

Well, first of all, the sailing experience in Croatia depends on which vessel you choose. There’s something for everyone, from the relatively close-quartered and cozy layouts of small sailboats to the abundance of space and luxury on motor yachts. However, all reputable sailing companies will have various options available regarding comfort level and spaciousness. Make sure you clearly communicate your wishes and desires while booking your vessel and/or trip.

Lower-end vessels have confined cabins and shared bathrooms, while modern top-class catamarans can be the epitome of sailing luxury, featuring luxurious en-suite rooms and lots of on-deck space to hang out. And then there’s an endless array of choices in between.

On most, if not all, Croatia sailing holidays, passengers sleep on the boat. The boat might be docked at a local marina or anchored in a scenic island cove. The exact locations of where you’ll spend your nights vary greatly and depend on your chosen itinerary and the local connections and knowledge of your skipper. Remember that most Croatian marinas and ports are super-popular, especially in the Dalmatian Islands!

In terms of food, you’ll probably have breakfast and lunch on the boat, allowing you to start each day well-fueled and ready to go. Dinners are often enjoyed at local restaurants near your marina, on an island, or on the Croatian mainland. As you explore the destinations on your itinerary, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to buy additional snacks, treats, and drinks in local shops and markets.

Where Are The Marinas In Croatia?

Croatia has 50 marinas on the coast with over thirteen thousand moorings in the sea & many thousand more on the mainland. These are available all year; however, only a select number of marinas are charter bases. You can start and end your Croatian sailing adventure in Pula, Rovinj, Losinj, Zadar, Sukosan, Biograd, Sibenik, Primosten, Trogir, Kastela, Split, or Dubrovnik. All of these Marinas have good road & airport access.

Istria region: ACI Rovinj – ACI Umag – ACI Pula – ACI Pomer

Kvarner regionACI Opatija – ACI Cres – ACI Supetarska Draga – ACI Rab – ACI Šimuni

Northern Dalmatia: ACI Žut – ACI Piškera – ACI Jezera – ACI Vodice – ACI Skradin

Central Dalmatia:  ACI Trogir – ACI Split – ACI Milna Brač island – ACI Vrboska Hvar island – ACI Palmižana

Southern Dalmatia: ACI Korčula – ACI Slano – ACI Dubrovnik

What Is Croatia’s Nautical Tourism Tax?

In April of 2021, the Croatian National Tourist Board and the country’s Ministry of Sea, Transport, and Infrastructure implemented a new kind of tourism tax. This one focuses specifically on “nautical tourism,” meaning sailing and boating holidays. This tax is intended to position Croatia as a reliable tourist destination, support services, and guarantee quality and safety.

So, in practice, this means that all sailors, including tourism boat owners and users, must pre-pay this nautical tourist tax and have their confirmation on board during their entire sailing holiday in Croatia. The amount of this Croatian tourist tax for boaters will be determined according to either vessel length or the number of persons on board (i.e., tourist tax per person per night).

You can find all the information about the tourist tax for boaters here.

Which Are The Best Croatia Sailing Routes?

Game of Thrones Croatia - Adriatic sea Dubrovnik Pile West Harbor - Blackwater Bay Shore

Three of the biggest destinations for those on sailing charters are the areas surrounding the Kornati, Split, and Dubrovnik, each offering you something different. Let’s take a closer look at Croatia’s most popular sailing routes.

Sailing Kornati Islands

This part of the Adriatic Coast of Croatia has the biggest concentration of marinas to choose from. It’s a favorite choice for those wishing to sail Croatia, thanks to the particularly indented coastline, the many islands, and the perfect wind conditions. Along the Kornati islands sailing route, you can make several stops taking in the rich history of Croatia.

Islands

Pašman, Pag, UgljanDugi OtokIstMurter, to name a few

National Parks

Kornati Islands National Park and Plitvice Lakes National Park

Closest Towns

  • Zadar’s history dates back 3000 years, with a huge open Roman forum.
  • Šibenik is a historical town listed on UNESCO World Heritage List, known for its cathedral and an excellent location next to the Kornati Islands.
  • Long and bare island Pag, known for its tasty sheep’s cheese & Hotel Boskinac, which Anthony Bourdain visited. As well as a history of lace making and incredible beaches, including Zrce.

Sailing Split

Tourists flock to Split each year, as it offers many hidden bays and stunning islands. Must-see destinations are the following.

Islands

Islands to consider in the area of Split are Hvar, Vis, and Brač. Each offers a range of beach types,  water sports, and summer festivals.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

A short bus ride from Split is Trogir, which UNESCO protects.

Split plays a vital role in the region; as the second biggest city (after Zagreb), Split evolved from the palace of the Roman Emperor Diocletian. The remains of Diocletian’s Palace are protected by UNESCO, described as one of the world’s best-preserved Roman architectural structures.

Sailing Dubrovnik

Day Trips From Dubrovnik - Lokrum Island

Well known as one of Croatia’s most popular destinations is Dubrovnik. It’s located in the South of Dalmatia and is sure to capture your heart. Things to see

Islands

Elafiti Islands, a group of mostly uninhabited islands in front of Dubrovnik, particularly attractive for yachting and excursions
The town of Korčula, on the island of the same name, is known for its regularly shaped layout, historical architecture, and the knight’s game of Moreška.

UNESCO World Heritage Site

Dubrovnik is a Mediterranean pearl where liberty and democracy had always been highly appreciated. Today, the Old Town of Dubrovnik is protected by UNESCO as World Heritage, and the town is an elegant and mandatory stopping point for everyone visiting the Mediterranean.

Food and Culture

Pelješac is a long and narrow peninsula, remarkably diverse because of its shape. Some of the finest Croatian wines come from the Pelješac Peninsular. Mali Ston is a center of gastronomy in the region and the town with the longest town walls in Europe, while nearby Veliki Ston is famous for salt production.

National Parks

National Park island Mljet<span style=”line-height: 1.5em;”>, and Nature Park Lastovo Archipelago

Suggested Croatia Sailing Itineraries

 

Sailing Croatia Itinerary Option 1: 7 Days From Split To Dubrovnik

Discover the Southern Adriatic in 7 days

The Croatian coast offers a complete package for travelers, known for its Mediterranean tradition, well-indented coastline, and a trove of biological, cultural, and culinary delights. Southern Dalmatia has well-established Adriatic holiday hotspots, like the UNESCO-listed city of Dubrovnik. Still, one of the charms of sailing in Croatia is that you have the opportunity to explore more than just one famous city. While sailing, use the opportunity to visit some of the lesser-known spots on offer in the Southern Adriatic. Set sail this year from Split to Dubrovnik and discover a route with some intriguing locations.

Split – Drvenik Veli – Šolta

Drvenik Veli is perfect for the start of your trip. A small island northwest of Šolta, it is well indented with numerous inlets and anchorages with beautiful sand and pebble beaches for you to enjoy. In addition to this natural wealth, you can also explore the traditional stone architecture of the island. These stone buildings of Drvenik are protected as cultural monuments and often attract architecture enthusiasts.

On your way south, you can find a safe harbor in Maslinica and explore the impressive offer of Šolta. Šolta offers religious architecture and art from various periods, some as early as the 6th century. Brimming with wildlife, Šolta is well known for its wide variety of bird species.

Šolta – Pakleni Islands

Sailing further along the southern Adriatic, make a stop at Pakleni Islands. Named after pine resin, these islands are among the best spots for soaking up the Adriatic sun’s rays and are shaded by fragrant Mediterranean pines. Pakleni Islands have many beautiful beaches; some are naturalist (nudist) resorts, so make sure to pick an anchorage you’re comfortable with. You can berth in Palmižana, a tourist favorite in the area, and grab a bite in one of the charming and cozy seaside restaurants.

Pakleni Islands – Korčula

On your way to Korčula, consider dropping anchor near the island of Šćedro for a while. This little island in the southern Adriatic is located right next to Hvar and prides itself on an unusually favorable climate and scented lavender fields. It was home to Dominican monks for three centuries and is known as one of the most idyllic Mediterranean islands. Humans are not the only ones seeking relaxation here; Šćedro is also a familiar sighting spot for one of the most elusive tenants of the Adriatic, the bottlenose dolphin.

Korčula Island abounds with beautiful anchorages, and if you want to nestle in a harbor safely, Korčula Town has a marina providing 159 berths and all the necessary facilities. Make sure to explore the place many Croatians believe to be the hometown of Marko Polo and enjoy the scenic cobblestone ambiance. 

Korčula – Mljet

Mljet can genuinely be called the Emerald of the Adriatic. Recognized as one of the most forested islands in the area, this gem is also one of Croatia’s eight national parks, one known for mud and salt lakes. Even though the island is a true natural paradise, the waters around it hide the dark secrets of ancient shipwrecks.

Drop your anchor in the bay Prožura (approach it from the west side of Planjak to avoid the dangerous shoals on the east), where you can find a tranquil village formed through the 15th century around a Benedictine church and monastery. Find out what charm drew Dubrovnik’s aristocracy to make this location a preferred 17th-century-holiday spot and appreciate the exquisite architecture they left behind.

Mljet – Elafiti Islands

Steer towards Šipan, the largest in the chain of Elafiti islands. An island with numerous anchorages, unsullied nature, and unavoidable 16th-century villas, it is every Roman emperor’s dream brimming with all kinds of Mediterranean fruits like almonds, citrus fruits, carob, olives, and figs.

Elafiti Islands – Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is a true sensation of the Adriatic coast. Under the protection of Saint Blaise and its impressive fortification walls, this city prides itself on an eventful history marked by numerous cultural and historic sites. Thanks to this, however, it is always brimming with crowds of people, so if you’re not a fan of large groups of tourists, make sure to plan your visit accordingly.

The sailing boat is a perfect vessel for exploring the vibrant area of the southern Adriatic, allowing you to explore every nook of the coastline. Choose the ship that will enable you to make the most out of your trip, and if you have any uncertainties, you can let a quality yacht charter agency help you or book a Sailing trip where all the hard work is done for you.

Keep your eye on the sirocco and savor all the tastes of the Croatian coast. Smooth sailing!

Sailing Croatia Itinerary Option 2: 7 Days Roundtrip From Split

We’re looking at sailing Croatia options for this summer. So many route choices. So little time. When chartering a vessel in Croatia, you must usually book the vessel for a week. Seven glorious days sailing the Adriatic Coast. Bliss. But first, you have to choose where to go. Here is one of the many options that we’ve been considering.

Seven days departing and returning to Split. It suits those who want to avoid partying and clubs and enjoy the cultural sites. 

Split – Šolta

Maslinica is the only settlement on the island of Šolta’s western coast. Known for its mini-archipelago of seven isles, it’s the perfect place to dive and fish.

Šolta – Zlarin

Continue diving and fishing on the mostly uninhabited island of Zlarin, located in the Šibenik archipelago.

Zlarin – Skradin

Skradin is a city with a historical city located close to the famous Krka National Park, which is popular for its waterfalls.

Skradin – Šibenik – Tribunj

Head to Šibenik, where you’ll find the UNESCO-listed Cathedral of St. James in Šibenik. The Cathedral is a magnificent example of a blend of architectural heritage from northern Italy, Tuscany, and Dalmatia. Croatia’s most significant architectural Renaissance monument, the Cathedral of St. James, stands majestically over its many visitors. Tribunj is a town 15km from Šibenik, known for its summer donkey race. Be there as people race stubborn donkeys and enjoy the quiet beach near the town of Sovje.

Tribunj – Primošten

Pull up anchor in one of the 400 berths at the Kremik marina, said to be one of the safest places to anchor in the Adriatic and enjoy the azure sea – and perhaps a few glasses of wine. Primošten is filled with stone houses and would make a great place to spend the day wandering the cobblestone streets.

Primošten – Trogir

Trogir is a city museum, and the castle, and the tower, surrounded by stone walls, contain the old core of Trogir. Home to one of the best structures of medieval architecture in Europe, it boasts the best-preserved Roman-Gothic complex in Central Europe. It enrolled as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997 due to its unparalleled beauty and cultural value.

Trogir – Uvala Krknjaši (Veli Drvenik) – Split

Veli Drvenik is an island in the Split Riviera, close to Trogir, where you’ll find the Uvala Krknjaši cove. A small resort in the bay offers accommodation and fabulous kayaking options.

How do these sailing Croatia itineraries sound to you? What cliffs, beaches, caves, and striking bays in Croatia are best suited to you? All you have to do is decide which Croatian sailing route.

Comments (18)

  1. Wonderful blog theme for the #atozchallenge. Great photos, well presented. Congratulations.

  2. This is interesting, the A-Z challenge. Love the Sailing idea. I’ve had friends who have done it, and have been meaning to do so. Makes me need to get back to Croatia soon!

  3. I am getting all sorts of sailing ideas from this post. July and August 2015, sounds like a possibility, but we will stay away from the Sept strong winds and rough seas.

  4. Your pictures are killing me – again, great post and I want to come back to Croatia right now!

  5. Looks like there are a variety of options and opportunities available for the sea fairing folks out there that want to experience the open waters in Croatia! It’s also cool that you have highlighted the best times to visit to sample the best of Croatia’s sailing times. Really enjoyed this post and will use this for future reference whenever we plan on visiting Croatia.

  6. Croatia is super beautiful! For some reason I pictured it as Greg and dreary, but it looks like Paradise. Hope I get to go there someday.

    1. FAR FROM IT! Maybe more grey over the mountain, but even then, never dreary :)

    1. Although it is a good sum of money, it’s not as expensive as many think. Especially if you split the cost among 4 people and share the 2 cabins. TIME OF YOUR LIFE!

  7. Thank your for sharing all those tips! After discovering this blog, it would be hard to resist at the temptation to go straight to CROATIA :D Especially when we see the pictures… OMG everything look perfect!!

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