Coastlines don’t come much more idyllic for sailing than Croatia’s 2000km of ruggedly beautiful Adriatic shore. Along this magnificent stretch are ancient Roman remains standing guard over sheltered harbours; olive groves rising above the winding backstreets of tumble-down villages; and sleek resorts backing palm-fringed bays.
In the turquoise waters offshore are scattered more than 1000 islands and islets, home to everything from remote pebble beaches to hedonistic party towns. It is these stunning archipelagos – coupled with the country’s balmy summer climate – that make Croatia one of the most popular sailing destinations in Europe.
With a magnificent coastline, clear waters and splendid beaches, Croatia lures increasing numbers of visitors for sailing vacations each year. But where to go and what to know?
The southern Dalmatian islands are by far Croatia’s most popular sailing destination, and the ideal choice for your first visit. Most itineraries comprise round-trips from Split or Dubrovnik, or one-way voyages connecting the two. The distances involved are short, so usually there will only be an hour or two of cruising each day and plenty of time to enjoy each destination.” You’ll need around week.
If you have two weeks for your sailing Croatia holiday: “Start farther north in Sibenik and cruise south to Kotor in neighboring Montenegro. This is a truly fabulous cruise.”
Popular stops include chic bars and restaurants of Hvar Town, historic Stari Grad and its UNESCO-listed plain (also on the island of Hvar), and small towns such as Milna on Brač, known for its laid-back charm.
You can still find plenty of seclusion, too. The village of Stomorska on sleepy Šolta has moorings for just fifteen visiting boats, while a night in Palmižana harbour allows you to explore car-free Sveti Klement, one of the forested Pakleni Islands.
The farthest flung island from shore is unspoiled Vis, cut off from tourists due to military activity until the early 1990s, and home to the magnificent Blue Cave. Closer to the coast further south are Korčula’s sandy bays and verdant Mljet, with its beautiful National Park.
High summer for sailing in Croatia might be busy, but the weather is simply glorious. Expect gentle averages of 26–27°C in July and August – and, even better, sea temperatures of around the same. Snorkelling, paddle-boarding and swimming, or just simply splashing around in the shallows, are chief among the joys of exploring the Adriatic.
Italians sail over en masse at the beginning of August and popular marinas and ports can be hard to access in the evening. Charter prices are at their peak and most marinas add ten percent to mooring fees. May and June can be warm and sunny, with the relatively calm weather; however, the sea is still warming up so can be a little bracing at times. September is great for sea temperatures. Serious sailors may prefer the more challenging weather conditions in April and October or perhaps want to join in a winter sailing regatta.
The best months of the year to do sailing in Croatia is May, June & September—yachts are 15 to 30 percent cheaper than in July and August. The weather is amazing, the sea is starting to get warmer in May and June and there are no crowds. September stays warm and without crowds.”
The easiest way to tackle sailing in Croatia is to book a skippered yacht. You might learn a few sailing skills along the way, but generally you’ll be free to sit back and drink in the views (or the local wines).
Your skipper will be an invaluable part of your trip, able to recommend and adjust routes depending on the weather, and guide you to the best swimming spots, attractions and restaurants. You might also want to consider booking a host or hostess, who will take care of the cooking and cleaning.
Experienced sailors can opt for a “bareboat” charter. Requirements may vary between operators, but you will need full certification, such as the ICC (International Certificate of Competence).
Fell free to contact our experienced and helpful booking specialist, who will help you with the “one customer at a time“ approach, who will find the right boat for you, guide you in the payment process, help you choose the best spots to visit and to create a perfect route itinerary matching your needs.
Not all yachts are made the same, varying wildly from cosy, close-quarter set-ups to floating paradigms of unbridled luxury. Most companies offer several levels of comfort; explore the different boats available through your chosen operator and be realistic about your expectations for space and facilities.
At the lower end are smaller, older boats with cramped cabins and shared bathrooms. Modern, high-end catamarans tend to offer a very different experience, often kitted out with plush furnishings, en-suites and extensive deck space.
Bear in mind that different type of the boat means a different kind of sailing holiday in Croatia. Read more about the type of boats here.
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Sailing Croatia | A beginner's guide
