There is something in sailing as an activity that makes it a special experience. Something primordial. Our brain probably associates it with adventure and exploration. Discovering something new, experiencing what you haven’t experienced before. Or you have if you have been sailing for a long time. This article will be all about sailing in Croatia.
With more than 1000 islands and one of the most stunning coastlines in the world, Croatia is one of the top sailing destinations, often chosen by so many sailors from all around the world. Croatia is known for its crystal-clear Adriatic Sea, stunning islands, historic coastal towns, and ideal sailing conditions . Sounds like a paradise? Well, it is. It’s a paradise we live in, and in which we had a few sailing adventures.
Although not in the sailing business, we had a chance to sail from the northern part of the Croatian coast all the way to southern Croatia in 5 days. During this trip, which we did with the Ploče Sailing agency, we experienced the best Croatia offers when it comes to sailing.
And what an adventure that was. That’s how the idea for this guide was born. No matter if you are an experienced sailor or a beginner looking for a chartered adventure, this article covers all you need to know about sailing in Croatia.
Why Sail in Croatia? First things first, let’s discuss why should you even consider sailing in Croatia. We already mentioned a few reasons in the introduction, but let’s explore it a bit further. Croatia is a perfect sailing destination because of:
Over 1,200 islands to explore, from vibrant party destinations such as Hvar to secluded spots that feel like paradise. When it comes to islands, there are not many coasts in Europe that have so many of them. Croatian islands are something special, the life on them is relaxed and easygoing and they have a completely different vibe than the mainland. And when sailing in Croatia, all of them are within reach.Ideal sailing conditions with predictable winds, warm summers, and a long sailing season. We have written an article about the best time to sail in Croatia in which we discuss every season and what to expect in regard of sailing in each of them.Rich history & culture along the coast, with medieval towns, UNESCO sites, and charming fishing villages. Dubrovnik, Korčula, Hvar, Split, Zadar, Trogir; Šibenik, and many more are within your grasp during sailing. Perfect if you want to combine sailing with visiting historical places such as these.Well-developed marina infrastructure , making it easy to find supplies and safe anchorages. The Croatian coast is full of marinas and you’ll have no trouble finding the one for you.Stunning natural beauty , from the turquoise waters of the Adriatic Sea to coastal national parks and lush islands. National parks you can visit when sailing in Croatia are Mljet National Park, Kornati, and Brijuni. During our 5-day sailing trip in Croatia, we passed through the Kornati National Park and it was the highlight of the whole trip. Along the way, we visited Telašćica Nature Park too.
Best Time to Sail in Croatia We have a dedicated article discussing the best time to sail in Croatia so you can check it for more comprehensive information regarding this topic. Also, the best time for sailing in Croatia for you depends on your preferences, whether you’re looking for a calmer experience and Croatia with no crowds, or you want to enjoy a bit more adventurous conditions on the sea.
Here’s what to expect out of each period in the short term:
High Season (June – August): Warm temperatures, lively nightlife, crowded marinas, and higher prices. Marine traffic is at its highest during this period and most people choose Croatia sailing experience during summer. It’s great if you want to combine nice and stable weather, perfect swimming conditions, and sailing.Shoulder Season (May & September): Perfect period if you want to experience fewer crowds, lower costs, and still great weather. September in Croatia is one of our favorite months, the weather is still nice, there are no summer crowds, and the sea temperature is just perfect.Off-Season (October – April): Quietest period with unpredictable weather but excellent for experienced sailors who prefer solitude and a bit more adventurous sailing experience in Croatia. Characteristic winds such as Bura and Jugo are strongest in this period.
Top Sailing Routes in Croatia Before you embark on a sailing trip in Croatia, it’s good to plan your route first. This planning can bring you joy and make you want to start sailing as soon as possible. There are no route rules when it comes to sailing in Croatia, and you can make your route according to your preferences, and places you want to visit. Still, there are some usual routes that most of the sailing charter operators in Croatia cover, and here are a few of the most popular ones.
1. Split to Dubrovnik (Dalmatian Coast Adventure) Sailing route that connects the 2 most famous cities of the Dalmatian Coast . Along the way, there are numerous places worth visiting, and you can tailor the stops according to your preferences.
2. Istrian Peninsula Route Istria is the largest peninsula in Croatia, famous for its gastro delicacies such as truffles and wines, as well as for its nature and historical hilltop towns. This route explores the best parts of the coastal part of Istria.
Highlights: Pula, Rovinj, Brijuni National Park, and Kvarner Bay islands.
Best for: Culture, food, and a relaxed sailing experience.
3. Kornati Islands & Zadar Archipelago A central sailing route in Croatia, covering the part around the city of Zadar in northern Dalmatia. Kornati National Park is the highlight of this route, but there are many more beautiful places to visit along the way.
Highlights: Kornati National Park, Telašćica Nature Park, and Šibenik.
Best for: Nature lovers, divers, and remote island explorers.
4. Southern Dalmatia & Elaphiti Islands Finally, we’re moving to the southernmost part of Croatia, known for the Dubrovnik Republic and its numerous sailing vessels. Dubrovnik is the starting point of many sailing tours in southern Croatia and there are many nice places to visit near this UNESCO world heritage site.
Highlights: Dubrovnik, Lokrum, Šipan, Lopud, and Koločep.
Best for: Short-distance sailing and a mix of history, stunning beaches, and luxury.
Types of Sailing Experiences There are many ways to enjoy sailing in Croatia. Even if you have never tried sailing before, there are no reasons that prevent you to enjoying your sailing trip in Croatia. Who knows, maybe right here you’ll fall in love with sailing and start your own journey in the world of winds and relaxation.
Here are some of the options available for anyone interested in sailing in Croatia:
Bareboat Charter: Rent a boat and sail independently (requires a valid sailing license).Skippered Charter: Hire a professional skipper to navigate while you relax and don’t worry about anything. Everything is covered for you if you choose to book such a sailing experience in Croatia.Crewed Yacht Charter: Enjoy a full-service experience with a crew handling everything.Cabin Charter: Book a cabin on a shared yacht for a budget-friendly experience.Flotilla Sailing: Join a group of boats sailing together. Great option if you’re a beginner in sailing.
Essential Sailing Licenses & Requirements Many licensed skippers from all around the world come to Croatia and rent a sailing boat without the skipper and enjoy it on their own and at their own pace. This is the best option if you already have some sailing experience and valid licenses. Here’s what you need to have to sail in Croatia this way:
For Bareboat Charters: A valid International Certificate of Competence (ICC) or equivalent national license.VHF Radio License: Required for operating a radio on board.Charter Companies: Will usually request copies of your qualifications before allowing you to take a boat.
Must-Visit Islands & Destinations in Croatia Croatia is full of great sailing destinations, and this list would be endless if we were to name each one of them. So let us just name a few of our favorites but by all means, do the research before you start sailing in Croatia and find the ones that you’d like to visit. Here’s our list:
Hvar Island
Known for luxury, nightlife, and stunning beaches. The Adriatic Sea on each of the islands in Croatia is clearer than on the mainland and it will probably be the clearest sea you’ll ever see.
Korčula Island
Offers medieval charm, vineyards, and scenic bays. Korčula town is often nicknamed ‘little Dubrovnik’ and it’s believed to be the birthplace of the world’s famous explorer Marco Polo.
Vis Island
A remote paradise with untouched nature and a famous Blue Cave on nearby Biševo Island. Stiniva, one of the most famous beaches in Croatia is also located on Vis island. For a long time, Vis was out of limits for visitors since it was home to huge underground military facilities. These are abandoned nowadays, but together with Željava Airbase near Plitvice Lakes , make some of the most stunning abandoned military locations in Croatia .
Brač Island
Features the famous Zlatni Rat Beach and fantastic conditions for windsurfing.
Mljet National Park
Home to beautiful saltwater lakes (Veliko and Malo Jezero) and lush forests. Also known as the greenest island in Croatia. Mljet National Park is beautiful, but there are many more places to visit when on Mljet Island. Odysseus Cave is one such place. If visiting Mljet National Park, we suggest you hike to Montokuc Peak for the best views of the park area.
Lastovo
Lastovo is one of the islands located furthest from the Croatian mainland. It’s often considered to have the darkest skies and as such it’s the perfect location for stargazing in Croatia . Lastovo is a great destination if you want to experience the uncrowded and traditional way of island life.
Kornati National Park
One of the locations we passed through during our 5-day sailing trip in Croatia. Absolutely perfect location for sailing in Croatia. The National Park is made up of numerous small islands which you can explore and enjoy.
Weather & Wind Conditions for Sailing Weather is the main component of every good sailing trip. Croatia is known for good sailing conditions so here’s what to expect when it comes to sailing in different periods of the year in Croatia:
Summer (June – August): Warm temperatures (25-35°C), mostly calm seas. Maestral wind (good wind for sailing) blows almost every afternoon.Spring & Fall: Milder temperatures (15-25°C), occasional storms, and a bit stronger winds than during summer.Winter: Unpredictable conditions, strong wind,s and rough seas. Perfect for experiencing more adventurous sailing conditions.
Main Winds in Croatia What is sailing with no wind? Not much. There are many windy days in Croatia, especially on the sea, and here are the 3 most common winds in Croatia:
Bora (Bura): Strong, dry, and cold wind from the northeast; can be dangerous for sailors. Strongest wind in Croatia.Sirocco (Jugo): Warm, humid wind from the south; brings rain and rough seas.Mistral (Maestral): Gentle, steady wind from the northwest, ideal for sailing. Usually blows each summer afternoon.
Costs & Budgeting for a Sailing Trip Finally, how much sailing in Croatia might cost you? Depends on many things, and some of them are:
Boat Rental: Expect to pay €1,500 – €10,000 per week, depending on the type of boat and season.Marina Fees: €50 – €150 per night for a standard 40-ft yacht.Fuel Costs: €100 – €300 per week of sailing in Croatia.Food & Dining: €200 – €600 per person per week.Crew (if hired): Skipper (€150 – €250 per day), Chef (€100 – €200 per day).
Sailing Day Trips in Croatia Not everyone has time for a week-long sailing trip, but Croatia offers fantastic day trips for those wanting to experience sailing without committing to a full charter. These sailing day trips are available in all major cities along the Croatian coast and through them, you can experience what sailing in Croatia looks like. Here are just some of the most famous sailing day trips in Croatia:
1. Blue Cave and Hvar Day Trip (from Split)
Visit the mesmerizing Blue Cave on Biševo Island.
Explore Hvar, the sunniest island in Croatia.
Swim and snorkel in stunning hidden bays.
2. Kornati National Park Sailing Tour (from Zadar or Šibenik)
Sail through one of the most unique archipelagos in the Adriatic.
Discover secluded bays and crystal-clear waters.
Enjoy local seafood in island taverns.
3. Elaphiti Islands Day Cruise (from Dubrovnik)
Visit the scenic islands of Šipan, Lopud, and Koločep.
Relax on sandy beaches and enjoy fresh seafood.
Snorkel in crystal clear waters and explore sea caves.
4. Brijuni National Park Boat Tour (from Pula or Rovinj)
Cruise to the stunning Brijuni Islands, once Tito’s private retreat.
Visit the safari park and ancient Roman ruins.
Enjoy a peaceful day in nature.
5. Sunset Sailing in Hvar
A romantic evening sail along the Dalmatian coast.
Watch the sunset over the Adriatic with a glass of wine.
Perfect for couples or small private groups.
Packing List for a Sailing Trip If you are an experienced sailor, you probably already know what to pack on a sailing trip. This section is for anyone who wants to try sailing in Croatia for the first time. Here are some of the things you need to pack for your sailing trip:
Clothing: Light, breathable clothes, swimsuits, windbreaker, and waterproof jacket.Footwear: Non-slip deck shoes, and flip-flops for the beach.Sun Protection: Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. When sailing, you’re exposed to the sun most of the time. Protect your skin.Tech & Gear: Waterproof phone case, power bank, and headlamp.Safety & Essentials: First-aid kit, motion sickness tablets, and reusable water bottles.
Tips for First-Time Sailors in Croatia If you are coming to Croatia for the first time and want to enjoy it through sailing, here are a few tips that will make your sailing experience as good as possible:
Book in Advance: Especially during peak season which is July and August in Croatia. This is the period in which Croatia is most visited and many sailing trips are booked early.Check Weather Forecasts Daily: Conditions can change quickly on the sea so always stay updated and act accordingly.Plan Your Route Wisely: Be flexible in case of wind shifts and plan the route according to your interests.Arrive at Marinas Early: To secure a good spot.Respect Marine Life: Avoid dropping anchor on fragile seabeds and never take anything from the sea. Always follow the Leave No Trace principles .Bring Cash: Some islands and small ports may not accept cards so it’s wise to have at least some cash.
Before You Venture Sailing In Croatia And that’s it. We’re lowering our sails now and preparing for a night in a peaceful bay. You’re more than welcome to join us. We hope this article gave you useful insight into sailing in Croatia and that answered at least some of the questions you had before you started reading it. Sailing is the activity we love, but unfortunately are not able to enjoy a lot. Hopefully, our next sailing trip is just around the corner.
If you choose to enjoy sailingin Croatia, have a great time and favorable weather conditions. Enjoy!
