Sailing regions in Croatia

Istra & Kvarner

Istria is by far the largest peninsula on the eastern side of the Adriatic. Around 90% of its territory today sits in Croatia, while its most northwestern districts are part of the Slovenia's coast, bordering Italian territorial waters. To the east and south lies Kvarner Gulf along with its islands making Croatia’s westernmost and northernmost sailing region. In addition to extensive vineyards producing renowned Istrian wines, a lot of effort is being invested into the revitalization of olive groves and investments in truffle industry which has, in recent years,+ made Istria not only a favorite sailing destination but also an exquisite gourmet destination. Apart of tourism, fishing also has a long tradition and plays an important economic role due to the fact that the waters of western Istria yield the highest catch of 'blue fish' (sardine, mackeral, tuna etc.) in the eastern Adriatic. Favorable yachtsmen destinations along the coast of Istria are Umag, Novigrad, Poreč, Vrsar, Limski zaljev (Lim bay), Rovinj, Brijuni archipelago and national park, Pula, Medulin, and Rabac. Over the last 40 years, the construction of hotel complexes and tourist resorts, campsites and recreational facilities have turned coastal Istria into a tourist area of the highest intensity. The western coast of Istria is particularly developed and very indented, particularly between Poreč and Rovinj. The eastern coast is more wild and barren due to the frequency of the harsh bura and jugo winds.

Prevailing winds in the waters of Istria are bura, blowing from the north to the south, bringing clear weather; jugo, blowing from the south, warm wind bringing clouds and rain; and maestral, summer breeze blowing from the sea to the land, starting late in the morning and dying at sundown. The wind force is moderate, usually between 3 and 4.

Kvarner refers to the deep gulf southeast of Istria peninsula along with its islands Krk, Cres, Lošinj, Unije, Susak and Rab. The coastline ranges from Lovran and Opatija where elite tourism was established during the rule of Austro-Hungarian Empire; to the large port and industrial center Rijeka. While sailing this region extra care is required with regard to unexpected gusts of bura during the whole year.

North Dalmatia

This sailing region is also called Dalmatia, named after ancient tribes that inhabited this area. Nowadays Dalmatia basically spreads from N of Zadar alongside the coastline to Dubrovnik, including numerous islands at the eastern Adriatic. Northern Dalmatia begins with islands Silba, Olib and Pag; continues with Zadar archipelago including Kornati archipelago; Šibenik archipelago and the coast to the cape Planka (between Rogoznica and Trogir) which is also the meteorological and climatologic border between N and S Adriatic. This sailing region is ideal for those who seek untouched nature such as in Kornati national park – the archipelago consisting of some 100 mostly deserted islands abounding with hidden coves, bays, beaches, inlets and islets. Small isolated bays and villages among the islands such as Dugi otok, Rava, Veli Iž and Mali Iž, Ugljan and Pašman in the Zadar archipelago attract yachtsmen who also like to taste some genuine cuisine and wine, a part of stunning scenery. Islands Murter, Kaprije, Tijat, Prvić and others in the Šibenik archipelago would seduce you with their tranquility and peace. It the backgrounds of Šibenik there is the canyon of the river Krka which descends into its mouth in Krka National Park, attracting visitors by breathtaking waterfalls and the diversity of flora and fauna. Urban and administrative centers of this region are cities Zadar and Šibenik. These two cities refer to perfect starting points of your sailing experience of this region because major charter company fleets are situated in Zadar, Šibenik and their surroundings.

Prevailing summer winds in this sailing region would be westerly and north-westerly maestral – daily thermal wind that starts in the late morning and dies at the sunset. Maestral could get stronger in the straits and channels between the islands. Sudden and unpredictable bura gusts from NE and mainland could surprise yachtsmen even in the summertime. South-easterly cloud bringing jugo should be taken into consideration because of its long and high waves, especially unpleasant at the open seas.

Central Dalmatia

This is the most popular sailing region in Croatia because the major yacht charter bases at the Adriatic are situated in this area while good traffic connections allow the majority of the tourists to arrive. This area stretches alongside the coast from Primošten and Rogoznica at the NW almost to Dubrovnik and SE of Croatian coast. Apart of cities Trogir, Split, Omiš and Makarska, this region holds the record of visits especially thanks to island highlights such as Šolta, Vis, Hvar and Brač. Trogir, which is often called the museum-city because of medieval city core protected by UNESCO as a world heritage site. Split is probably the oldest town in this area, founded by Roman emperor Diocletian some 1700 years ago. Island Šolta found its place in decent yachtsmen route-plans as the marina in Maslinica became one of the hotspots of Central Dalmatia. Visitors of island Vis can enjoy not only a bit of hardcore sailing since it is pretty remote, but also the beauty of its beaches along with exquisite traditional food and wines. Small island Biševo, just across Komiža town (island Vis) hides Modra špilja, one of the most beautiful caves in the Mediterranean. The party never stops at Hvar town and Pakleni otoci archipelago just in front of it. Those who appreciate traditional cuisine and classy wine could enjoy it in medieval towns of Hvar island such as Starigrad, Vrboska or Jelsa while the coasts of Hvar hide numerous hidden coves and beaches for relaxed and peaceful swimming and snorkeling. Zlatni rat beach at Bol on the island Brač is one of the most famous beaches at the Adriatic with its golden pebbly tail penetrating into deep blue crystal clear waters. Islands Lastovo and Korčula belong to the border between central and south Dalmatia but are also in range of yachtsmen who departed from the base in Split region.

Prevailing summer winds in this area is westerly and north-westerly maestral – daily thermal wind that rises in the late morning and dies at the sunset. Extra care should be taken regarding maestral because it could turn into northerly tramontana, or raise rather high waves in the open sea. The antipode of maestral is the night burin, starting before the dawn and blowing basically from the mainland. Jugo, warm and humid southeasterly wind brings rather high waves, especially at the open sea. Even in summertime bura could surprise yachtsmen with its north-easterly gusts, especially in the channels and straits.

South Dalmatia

Sailing South Adriatic considers routes south of Split and southern Dalmatia around islands Korčula, Lastovo and Mljet, alongside Pelješac peninsula, including coastline between Dubrovnik and Cavtat. This region is specially adored by yachtsmen because of the exceptional beauty of the nature while towns and villages keep the essence of tradition unpolluted by modernity. Korčula refers to one of the biggest islands in south Adriatic along with its well indented coast and vast landscapes in its interior. The administrative and tourist center would be the City of Korčula, situated at the southern part of the island, surrounded by a small archipelago and lots of coves and hidden beaches. The remote island Lastovo along with its own archipelago is one of the most indented areas of all Adriatic. One could spend the entire week sailing around the island and exploring its hidden coves, beaches, inlets and islets. It is declared a Natural Park for a strong reason, due to its diversity of natural life. Island Mljet is the most southerly and easterly island at the Adriatic while its western and northern part is declared a National Park, including lakes, bays, historical and natural sites. Pelješac peninsula refers to the link between central and southern part of Dalmatia. Its steep slopes are the home of one of the most famous Dalmatian sorts of wine – plavac mali which is related to the primitivo or zinfandel. Places like Viganj and Perna are most adored by lovers of windsurfing and kite surfing while yachtsmen are welcome to Orebić, the town on mainland just across the City of Korčula. On another hand, clams, oyster and mussels lovers would prefer to visit Ston where the most famous shell farms at the Adriatic are located. Dubrovnik itself refers to probably the most famous tourist, culture and historical site at the south Adriatic. Marina Dubrovnik is the home for numerous charter fleets as it is the starting point for majority of yachtsmen who decided to explore south Adriatic. The Elafiti archipelago completes the area with its specific relaxed and noble mood in the neighborhood of Dubrovnik. Cavtat town refers the southernmost point of Croatian Adriatic coast and welcomes yachtsmen who enter or exit Croatian territorial waters.

Prevailing summer wind is westerly and north-westerly maestral – a daily thermal wind that starts in some time before noon and blows until the sunset. Maestral’s antipode would be the night burin, blowing just before the sunrise, basically from the coast towards the sea. Extra care should be taken while sailing straits between the mainland and the islands where maestral could change the direction and get stronger. The strait between Pelješac peninsula and island Korčula is specially adored by kite-surfers and windsurfers for such winds which prevail there during the summer. Furthermore, bura gusts in these areas can also be unpredictable and rather strong. Jugo, a humid and warm southerly wind is especially unpleasant in southern Adriatic area, bringing clouds and big long waves.