Yachtcharter Kroatien

In Croatia, the Adriatic coast is particularly varied, hundreds of islands line the coasts of the country from the Kvarner Bay to Dubrovnik. But also the coast of Istria with its beautiful cities is a popular sailing area.

Climate: continental in the interior, Mediterranean on the coast
Wind: Bora and Jugo/Scirocco, Maestral and Nevera
Sailing season: April to the end of October

Yacht charter Croatia

Croatia is one of, if not the most popular cruising destination in the Mediterranean. And for good reason. With its long mainland coastline of 1778 km and more than 1000 islands, which add up to an additional 4400 km of coastline, sailors will not only find many possibilities to arrange their trip, but also the islands off the mainland offer protection from swell and sea wind, depending on the area. In all areas there is a good infrastructure of modern marinas and harbors, moorings and buoy fields, usually within short distances. There is also a wide range of yachts.

Pleasant air and water temperatures, moderate winds and a lot of beautiful bays attract many sailors to the areas. This makes the Croatian Adriatic attractive also for less experienced sailors and families. As a proof for sailing you need the SBF-See or ICC as well as a radio license. The qualifications can be divided. Therefore, it is enough if one member of the crew can show the radio certificate.

Istria - green peninsula with Italian flair

The peninsula of Istria in the north of Croatia can still be easily reached by car from Germany. The locations with the largest yacht offer are in the south of the peninsula, where also the Kvarner Bay and the Croatian island world begins. On the green coast of the peninsula are many towns and villages with beautiful old towns and exude an Italian flair with their colorful Venetian rows of houses, narrow streets and beautiful promenades. For example, Rovinj and Poreč with an abundance of restaurants, konobas, sights and cultural events. It's also worth taking a trip to the Limski Canal near Vrsar, part of which can be navigated by boat and then explored by hiking or biking. Here there are various fish and shellfish farms due to the oxygen-rich water, which is also reflected in the menus of the local konobas.

In Pula, in the southern part of the peninsula, you can find a larger selection of yachts. The landmark of one of the oldest towns in Istria is the well-preserved amphitheater, where many events take place. Off the coast are the Brijuni Islands, which have been a national park since 1985. On the main island of Veli Brijun, one may moor in the harbor with a charter yacht. Also off the coast are a number of shipwrecks that are popular with divers. Not only because they are well preserved, but also because of the variety of marine fauna and flora that make them their new home.

In terms of sailing conditions, Istria encounters moderate winds. Those who continue their cruise to the Kvarner Bay should pay attention to the bora there, which can reach hurricane force. Unlike in the south, there are fewer islands off the coast of Istria to keep the waves out. Instead, the coast is more indented and offers many beautiful bays for swimming and relaxing. For example, at Cape Kamenjak with the starting points of Pomer and Medulin nearby.

The rugged coast of Istria offers many small bays, like here at Cape Kamenjak. From here you can also go directly to the Kvarner Bay. ©mmphoto/AdobeStock

Kvarner Bay - green islands with picturesque places

If you start in Istria, for example from Pula, you can also include the Kvarner Bay with its islands or start directly from here. On the larger islands of Krk, Cres, Pag and Rab you will find everything you need in the busy main towns, especially in the high season. The rest of the islands are more relaxed and quiet, with many anchoring and restaurant bays and muring fields. You can also start from Punat on the island of Krk and explore the main town of the same name with its beautiful old town as well as its culinary offer.

From there you can go to the more quiet part of the island world, for example to the green island of Losinj, which invites you to hike and to swim in the beautiful bays. The former seafaring town of Mali Losinj offers a protected natural harbor and many restaurants and cafes. You can also find beautiful corners to stay on the island of Cres, which is forested in the north and covered with macchia in the south. Partly it consists of cliffs, partly of bays with pebble beaches. On Rab, the town of the same name is ideal for strolling and stopping for a bite to eat. On the island there are also beautiful sandy beaches for sunbathing and relaxing. In the Kvarner Bay and in the Velebit Channel, it should be noted that the bora, the fall wind from the land, can reach hurricane force. The islands offer a number of protected bays and harbors.

Northern Dalmatia - national parks and urban history

In Northern Dalmatia, in the heart of Croatia, the sites are close together and offer a wide range of yachts. Most are available in the country's largest marina, Sukošan, as well as in Biograd. The long islands off the mainland coast give protection from the waves from the open sea. This area is also varied: historical cities such as Zadar and Šibenik are beautiful destinations with many sights, an exciting historical heritage and opportunities for shopping as well as strolling.

In the Kornati archipelago as well as the Šibenik archipelago, sailors will find relaxation in the many bays for swimming and sunbathing, as well as restaurant and konoba bays. The Kornati islands and the island of Dugi Otok to the north can be easily explored on foot, with its lakes, caves and historical sites. The Krka National Park with its multi-tiered waterfalls is also a highlight of the area, which can be reached by yacht via a lake. In the southern part of the region, you also approach the popular larger cities of Trogir and Split with their historical and cultural sights. Even less experienced sailors and families will find good conditions in the district due to the protection of the islands and short distances, as well as a wide range of activities.

The two national parks Kornati and Telašćica combine a great and varied island world. Here the cliffs of Dugi Otok in Telašćica park ©Mislav/AdobeStock

Central Dalmatia - World Heritage Cities and Island Hopping.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site is where your Central Dalmatia cruise could start. Trogir and Split combine a wealth of historical sights in a small area and are popular as movie and series backdrops for a reason. Behind the facades are many stories of the region, which has been under different rulers over the centuries. In the restaurants and konobas you can taste the local specialties and wines. In the two cities there is also a wider choice in terms of events and nightlife.

The balance to the urban hustle and bustle is offered by the offshore islands, the largest of which are Šolta, Brač, Hvar and Vis. The green Šolta can be explored on hiking trails. On Hvar, divers will find several bases and a popular spot. Off Hvar, the Paklinski Islands seem almost Caribbean. Vis is also ideal for diving, snorkeling and swimming. Here, the Biševo cave is a highlight. On Brač you can stop for a swim at the country's most famous beach, Zlatni Rat, and get to know the island's wines in Milna, for example. The islands are a little further apart than in the north and not so parallel to the coast for protection from waves. But the area also offers a good infrastructure with many marinas.

The "golden horn", the most popular beach on the island of Brač, is rarely so deserted - which is understandable given the beauty of this place. ©Jenny Sturm/AdobeStock

Southern Dalmatia - swimming and sunbathing in relaxed sailing conditions

The center of southern Dalmatia is the city of Dubrovnik, which is also considered the Croatian Athens, which promises a lot in terms of sightseeing. Already from the water the city offers a great sight with its long well preserved city wall. Other worthwhile destinations include the island of Korčula and the Mljet National Park, as well as Elaphites and Lastovo, all of which are greener than they are in the north. Here in the south, the temperatures are warmer than in the more northern areas and the beautiful anchorages are perfect for swimming, snorkeling and sunbathing. The wind conditions are calmer than in the north and distances between marinas and ports are short, so this area is also very suitable for beginners.

From Dubrovnik the Elaphite islands are not far. Old defense towers, churches and monasteries in quaint villages testify to the settlement in ancient and medieval times. The three largest islands are Koločep, Lopud and Šipan. Here there are many opportunities for hiking, diving and swimming. South of here is the green island of Mljet. Once a notorious pirate's nest, western Mljet is now a national park with extensive forests and two salt lakes. The mountainous island of Lastovo and its surrounding islets have also been declared a nature park. They are surrounded by many beautiful bays. The large island of Korčula is quite flat on the north coast. Here lies the much visited picturesque old town of Korčula, where Marco Polo was born. In the largest and best protected bay on the steeper southern coast lies the town of Vela Luka, from which excursions into the surrounding area with dense mixed forests, olive and fig trees, wine and citrus fruits are ideal.

It'snot just the perspective from the water that makes Dubrovnik unique, it's also worth doing a bit of hiking and admiring this beautiful city from above. ©AnnaLurye/AdobeStock

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