Croatia is fast becoming a sailing holiday destination. The country is sheltered by the sweeping expanse of the Dinaric Alps, helping to keep the waters safe for sea travel. Croatia has pristine beaches, lush mountains and enchanting and beguiling cities and towns to explore.
Croatia has it all—fantastic Mediterranean weather, historic towns and villages, exquisite examples of Roman architecture and modern installations, museums, national parks and delectable regional cuisine to sample. Furthermore, sailing holidays in Croatia are not only filled with beautiful experiences like no other. They are affordable, too! Now, that’s getting the best of both worlds.
Planning your sailing trip
The best time to go sailing in Croatia is during summer, from June to August. Therefore, it is vital to charter your boat several months before your planned trip to get the best boat. Book your hotel and flights early as well, preferably by the beginning of March at the latest if you are planning a summer trip.
But if you do not like the summer frenzy and the bevy of tourists and other visitors, plus the higher prices, you still have the option to go for a sailing holiday in Croatia during the less busy autumn months, ideally between September and October, when the temperature is milder and the rates are lower.
Keep in mind that sailing charters have a set schedule. A seven-day sailing charter is a minimum, and it starts at 5 pm on a Saturday and ends at 9 am the following Saturday. So your charter will start and end at the same place. You can book either a bareboat charter if you are an experienced sailor or have a more enjoyable and relaxing time with a skippered charter.
Top sailing regions
- Split
The trip kicks off from Split or Dubrovnik, which will give you the perfect reason to explore the Dalmatian coast and visit several picturesque islands in the Adriatic Sea. You can enjoy a tour of ancient cities, hidden coves, secluded beaches and squeeze in some nightlife, too. You will spend the week island hopping and discovering Brac, Vis, Korcula, and Hvar. If you have time, there are some wonderful UNESCO World Heritage Sites to check out.
- Pula
In Istria, you’ll get a feel of the Italian influence in the culture, language, and cuisine. Areas to visit include the towns of Porec, Rovinj, and Pula. There’s a limited hotel selection, and you will miss the local nightlife. But this sailing destination makes up for it by the enchanting villages and towns that visitors do not frequent. Instead, you can enjoy farm-fresh meals, enjoy cycling tours, and sample local wines.
- Zadar
For sailing beginners, Zadar is one of the best places to do it. From Zadar, you can explore Kornati Island, with quaint villages, a variety of wildlife, charming bays, and dazzling beaches. You can even find the delightful heart-shaped island here. Inland, you can visit the Telascica wildlife park or the spectacular Krka waterfalls, a must for lovers of spectacular shows of nature.
Before you embark on your adventure, ensure that you understand the inclusions in a sailing charter. The charter company will prepare your itinerary and all the essentials you will need for the seven-day sailing holiday. However, you should always check all the details, especially the exclusions, so your vacation will be problem-free.
