Croatia
Croatia, an alternative maritime paradise in the Mediterranean, has known an increasing popularity within the leisure sailors and yachters’ community in recent years.
BoatPlanner has scouted the enchanting coastline of 1,000 miles stretch and the historic ports of this Adriatic gem, which offers a multitude of anchorages for every taste. Dalmatia is a historic region on the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea and perhaps the most beautiful part of the Croatian coastline, including cities like Split, Dubrovnik, Zadar, and many picturesque islands. Together with our BoatPlanner expert team and our Holiday Planner feature, you can now design the ideal marine getaway to Croatia, making to most of what the country has to offer to nautical visitors. But first, here’s a selection of activities and the regions where you can find them!
- Kornati (Biograd / Cornati Marina, Sibenik / Marina D- Marin Mandalina, Drage / marina Drage, Murter / Marina Betina, Murter / Marina Hramina, Pirovac / Marina Pirovac, Primosten / Marina Kremik, Rogoznica / Marina Frapa, Skradin / ACI Marina Skradin, Sukosan / Marina D- Marin Dalmacija, Zadar / Marina D-Marin Borik, Zadar / Marina Tankerkomerc)
- Split (kastel Gomilica / Marina Kastela, Marina Agana, Primosten / Marina Kremik, Rogoznica / Marina Frapa, Seget Donji / Marina Baotic, Split / ACI Marina Split, Split / Port of Split, Trogir / ACI Marina Trogir, Trogir / SCT Marina Trogir)
- Sibenik (Murter / Marina Betina, Murter / Marina Hramina, , Pirovac / Marina Pirovac, Primosten / Marina Kremik, Rogoznica / Marina Frapa, Skradin / ACI Marina Skradin, Sibenik / Marina D- Marin Mandalina)
- Zadar (Biograd / Cornati Marina, Sukosan / Marina D- Marin Dalmacija, Zadar / Marina D-Marin Borik, Zadar / Marina Tankerkomerc, Drage / marina Drage)
- Istria / Kvarner (Pula / Tehnomont Marina Vemuda, Pula / Marina Polesana, Novi Vinodolski / Marina Novi, Mali Losinj, Izola / Marina di Izola)
- Dubrovnik (Dubrovnik / ACI Marina Dubrovnik, Tivat / Porto Montenegro, Dubrovnik / Marina Frapa Dubrovnik)
Moorings & Anchorages
Dubrovnik: ACI Marina Dubrovnik is the city’s main marina, a well-equipped dock with a full range of services. Anchoring directly in front of the city walls is limited due to historic preservation. However, the nearby secluded bays offer tranquil mooring.
Hvar: The main town on the island of Hvar features the ACI Marina Palmizana, an excellent starting point for those who wish to immerse in the historic attractions and the bustling nightlife of the port. Those seeking a quieter experience may accommodate nearby anchorage spots, such as Palmizana Bay.
Vis: A serene destination for nature lovers, offering access to the Blue Grotto. The calm welcoming waters of the Stiniva Bay in the heart of the island of Vis provide a peaceful anchorage option. Useful tip: some anchorages are subject to capacity limits during peak season. So better be an early bird.
Korcula: The island of Korcula offers several anchorage spots including ACI Marina Korcula, Vela Luka, and Lumbarda. Useful tip: Beware of underwater obstacles in some areas.
Kornati Islands: An archipelago with numerous bays and anchorage options, the Kornati Islands, have got two main marinas, ACI Marina Piskera and ACI Marina Zut, both known for their high-quality facilities and services.
Solta: ACI Marina Solta offers a pleasant stay for yachts and sailboats on a peaceful island with several other charming anchorages, including Stomorska and Necujam.
Rovinj: ACI Marina Rovinj in Istria offers modern facilities and services, but you can also anchor near St. Andrew’s Island for a more secluded experience. Early reservations are recommended during peak season.
Brac: The beautiful island of Brac, the third largest of the Adriatic, offers a variety of mooring options, however, visitors should stay informed on the wind conditions. The Brac Channel on the north side is exposed to the NE wind (Bura). When the SE ‘Jugo’ wind blows, visitors of the southern side usually find shelter in Hvar. Bobovisca Bay is popular among charter guests with more than 20 mooring buoys, offering shelter from all winds except the NW Mistral. Milna is a well-protected Venetian harbor with three marinas and a fine station to refuel. The ACI Marina Bol is the mainstream option either for a few hours’ stopover or for a longer stay to visit the charms of Bol and the nearby popular beach.
Weather & Climate
In spring, as the sun slowly wakes from its winter slumber, Croatia’s coastline comes alive with the promise of a new yachting season. The Mistral wind and the scarcity of spring showers promise favorable conditions for setting sails. Summertime in Croatia is the peak season for yachting. Daytime temperatures surge to 26-30 C, however, this is the time of the year when Adriatic’s capricious winds occasionally blow with all their might. Autumn in Adriatic brings a sense of tranquility and your marine getaway can become a more peaceful experience, away from the peak season hype.
Please consult the maritime weather forecast, prior to any voyage.
History & Places of Interest
Croatia boasts a wealth of cultural attractions for history lovers to explore while yachting along its stunning coastline. Dubrovnik’s Old Town is acclaimed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, being a perfect example of well-preserved medieval architecture. While in Split, visit the Diocletian’s Palace with its ancient walls and subterranean chambers, just a short walk away from the Marina. St James’ Cathedral in Sibenik is a UNESCO-listed masterpiece of Renaissance architecture, while Trogir Old Town is also a UNESCO World Heritage site with historic medieval churches and palaces. Anchor in Porec and explore the Byzantine-era mosaics in the Euphrasian Basilica. The Old Town of Korcula is an example of the Venetian era and an absolute must-visit for history and culture enthusiasts. Trsat Castle in Rijeka offers a panoramic view of the Adriatic attracting cultural events every year, such as the Night of Fortresses.
Beaches
While Croatia is renowned for its breathtaking beaches, sailors, and yachters have the privilege of exploring some of the most pristine coastal spots.
Zlatni Rat, aka the ‘Golden Horn’, is one of the most popular beaches, located in Bol, on the beautiful Dalmatian Island of Brac. Also known as the Golden Cape, it is a narrow pebbly beach that extends to the sea like a horn, the shape of which changes with the wind and currents. It is ideal for calm weather, yet crowded in summertime. Punta Rata Beach near Marina Makarska is known for its iconic rock ‘Brela Stone’. Stiniva Beach in Vis Island is a calm sheltered cove surrounded by steep cliffs. Come prepared with essentials because the facilities are limited there. The same applies to Mala Stiniva on Hvar Island, one of the most peaceful and unspoiled beaches accessible by boat. While sailing along Korcula, you may anchor to Badija Beach. Velika Prapratna Beach on Mljet Island is a secluded bay accessible from various marinas. Ideal for families, the shallow waters of Slanica Beach on Murter Island are suitable for swimming and water activities.
Activities
While watersports are the most popular passe-temps among tourists, Croatia has to offer a broad scope of cultural activities. A multitude of festivals and events, including yacht regattas, music festivals, and art exhibitions add an extra layer of fun and luxury to your Dalmatian marine getaway.
Nature lovers will appreciate the green surroundings, the waterfalls, and the diverse wildlife in Croatia’s national parks. Krka National Park near Sibenik is a paradise made of waterfalls, easily accessible with a short boat ride from the nearby marina of Skradin. A stroll on Plitvice Lakes may last from 3 hours up to a whole-day adventure and Paklenica is the most visited climbing site in Croatia, the largest in SE Europe.
What is more, a number of boat events are annually held in Croatia. The Split International Boat Show is the largest nautical fair in the Mediterranean. Sailing and regatta events are also held every year, such as the Easter regatta, the Great Fiumanka in Rijeka, etc. The Olympic and junior class regattas held in Croatia are also top-level sailing competitions, including the World Championships for the Laser or Finn classes.
Sports enthusiasts can quench their appetite for adventure with a multitude of aquatic activities, from snorkeling and diving in the underwater ecosystems of the Adriatic Sea. The shallow waters of Vica unveil a well-preserved underwater wall dating back to the Illyrian civilization, while snorkeling in Zavratnica, Krk, and Hvar reveals some of the most intriguing shipwreck sites in the Mediterranean. Bora and Sirocco winds make Croatia a windsurfing and kitesurfing haven. Bol on Brac Island is famous for windsurfing.
Paperwork
Croatia has clear and well-defined navigational rules making it an accessible and safe destination for both experienced captains and those new to yachting and sailing.
Now, while all this sounds fabulous, you are at a loss as to how to plan them. BoatPlanner and our special Holiday Planner feature of customized service are here for you to plan your next voyage up to the last detail!
Book now quickly and securely with top advice from our team of nautical experts and embark on the ultimate marine getaway, uniquely crafted for you!