The landscape surrounding Zadar is breath-taking, making every picture you will take, a postcard. The lively city of Zadar is situated on the northern part of Dalmatia and is known for its unique mixture of Roman and Venetian ruins. If you are planning to sail in Croatia, you should spend at least one week in this amazing area, to explore and discover the lovely surrounding islands that for sure will make the perfect sailing vacation with your friends and family.
Arriving in Zadar
The easiest way to arrive in Zadar is by plane, and the closest airport is Zadar Airport. There are many options to arrive by plane in Zadar from almost any major cities in Europe. The airport is only 11 kilometres away from Zadar city centre, and there are options to take a bus or a taxi to one of the marinas: Marina Tankerkomerc (Zadar), or Marina Borik.
Weather in Croatia
Best time to sail in Croatia is from April to October, but best of sunshine you will get from June to August. In the summer, temperatures during the day tend to average 25-30 °C. This warmth extends into September with an average of 24-26 °C during the day. Daytime temperatures in May tend to be 5 °C higher than in April, and already averaging the low-to-mid 20s.
Sea temperature during summer is peaking at 25 °C.
Average wind speed in summer is 6.5 knots and mostly the wind will blow from N-NE, but the best season for sailing is from October to May with an average of 10.5 knots.
Planning the itinerary
For this itinerary, your starting point will be Marina Zadar, located close to Zadar city centre. In this marina, you can find lots of great deals for renting sailing boats, catamarans, yachts, depending on your preferences and budget. The marina offers good amenities and services.
On this itinerary, prepare to sail around 90 NM and enjoy some of the most amazing places Croatia can offer. Depending on your yacht type, course and pace, the below information may vary.
- Leg 1 – Zadar – Vrgada – 20 nautical miles – 4 hours
- Leg 2 – Vrgada – Kornati – 10 nautical miles – 2 hours
- Leg 3 – Kornati – Sali – 15 nautical miles – 3 hours
- Leg 4 – Sali - Veli Rat – 25 nautical miles – 5 hours
- Leg 5 – Veli Rat – Zadar – 20 nautical miles – 4 hours
Zadar Itinerary
Picture copyright: navionics.com1. Zadar to Vrgada – Leg 1
Sailing to Vrgada
During summer months in Croatia, you can rent the boat for one week starting Saturday, and you can be accommodated starting with 14:00. There are several grocery and retail stores around the marina from where you can provision the boat. It’s better to buy all necessary goods from the mainland rather than buying them from the islands, because it could be a great price difference.
After check in, raise the anchor and head S-SE, between the mainland and Kali Island. Depending on your boat type and itinerary, you should reach Vrgada in about 3 – 4 hours. Here you can also find buoys for your overnight stay.
Sightseeing in Vrgada
Vrgada is a small but beautiful sailing destination that is worth a visit. You will be surprised by some of the unique things to do and places you can explore at this hidden destination.
The first mention of the Vrgada island dates from the 10th century by the Byzantine Emperor Constantine Porphyrogenitus, and on the Gradina hill you can find the remains of a fortress from that period.
One of the must visit places on the island is Vrgada beach, that can only be reached by boat. Cars are not allowed on the island, so bicycles are an ideal choice for exploring the amazing natural beauty of the island and its magical beaches. This beach is ideal for family vacations due to sandy footpaths, steep entrance to the sea and shade created by dense pine forests near the beach.
Accomodation when sailing to Vrgada
Good accommodation can be found at Apartament Milica*** with starting price from 80 € / night. There are also several restaurants that will delight you with some of the best local dishes: Restoran Bracera or Restoran Adrijana.
Vrgada Island, Croatia
capetanos.com2. Vrgada to Kornati – Leg 2
Sailing to Kornati
This leg has 10 NM and you will reach Kornati national park in around 2 hours.
Attention: You will need a ticket for your yacht for this part of the Kornati Islands, which you can buy at the park directly, or in advance at designated pre-sale points in Zadar.
The National Park has a modern and well-equipped marina: ACI Marina Piškera, located near the Piškera island on the western side of the park. The marina has 120 berths, a restaurant, grocery store and many other amenities and services. If you are sailing from the north, the entrance to the marina can be difficult to navigate because of scattered cliffs, so make sure you check the charts or your navigational system when entering the marina.
Sightseeing in Kornati
Kornati National Park is located in the Kornati archipelago which comprises of roughly 140 to 150 islands, islets and reefs, and is the largest and densest in the Adriatic. These islands are quite an interesting sight because of the natural caves, grottoes and cliffs that have been formed over the ages due to the karstic terrain.
Lots of fun things to do in the national park:
- Swimming, diving and snorkelling - No special permit is required for snorkelling – diving without autonomous diving gear. If you intend to dive using the autonomous diving gear, you must do so only as part of an approved organized group.
- Hiking on the Kornati island - It is not hard to reach the hilltop view locations. Keep in mind that summer heat can make hiking unbearable. We recommend you take a hat and other sun protection products because there is not a lot of shade on the islands.
- Recreational fishing - Is allowed only if the interested visitors previously provide themselves with recreational fishing permits.
- Wild bird and animal watching.
The most significant fortress in the islands is the Tureta Fort, built for military purposes during the byzantine period.
Accomodation when sailing to Kornati
Being a national park there is no accommodation available, but it’s a good occasion to spend some quality time at anchor. Good traditional food can be found at: Konoba Levnaka, U.O.Strižnja Kornati, or Konoba Ante Vrulje.
Kornati National Park, Croatia
capetanos.com3. Kornati to Sali – Leg 3
Sailing to Sali
From Kornati, take a N-NE course to Sali, which is 15 NM away and will take you to an incredible journey between lots of small islands and breath-taking landscapes. Before departure consult the weather forecast and the charts, and choose the most suitable course for a memorable sailing adventure.
Sightseeing in Sali
Sali may not be as popular as other cities in Croatia, but don’t let that fool you. Sali is a smaller but beautiful upcoming tourist destination that is worth a visit. You will be surprised by some of the unique things to do and places you can explore at this hidden destination.
On the western side of Dugi Otok island there are lots of places to visit:
If you need to reprovision your yacht, we recommend Market Ravanac, close to Sali town, or Tommy, close to the Sali marina.
Accomodation when sailing to Sali
Good accommodation can be found at Hotel Sali*** with starting price from 94 € / night and Apartmani Gojko*** from 71 € / night.
Mir Jezero Lake, Telascica Nature Park, Croatia
capetanos.com4. Sali to Veli Rat – Leg 4
Sailing to Veli Rat
After morning coffee, prepare for your next destination, Veli Rat. This leg will be longer than the others, 25 NM and about 5 hours to reach the destination. From Sali, you can take a S-SW course and visit the western part of Dugi Otok island, or head N-NW and visit the eastern part of the island.
Sightseeing in Veli Rat
Close to the northern tip of Dugi Otok you'll find Punta Bjanca lighthouse. The lighthouse was built in 1849 and has 42m, making it the largest beacon on the Adriatic. If you plan to visit the lighthouse, nearby there is also a small chapel dedicated to St Nicholas, the patron saint of sailors. As the lighthouse faces nearly due west, it's hard to imagine a more sublime spot to watch a sunset.
Marina Veli Rat might be a good stop by for visiting the surroundings and spend the night in this amazing area, or if you prefer, you can drop the anchor in one of the gulfs and coves in the proximity of Veli Rat.
Accomodation when sailing to Veli Rat
Good accommodation can be found on the island, like Apartments by the sea Verunic*** with starting price from 130 € / night or Apartments Ruza Dragove Dugi otok*** from 80 € / night.
Veli Rat Lighthouse, Croatia
capetanos.com5. Veli Rat to Zadar – Leg 5
Sailing to Zadar
This last leg will take you back to Zadar, on a 4 hours sail, so plan to leave Veli Rat early to have enough time for checkout and also to visit the amazing city Zadar. Take the course to North and then turn to S-SE when you reach Otok Brscak island.
Sightseeing in Zadar
Cosmopolitan and artsy, Zadar is the biggest city in northern Dalmatia but still flies under the sailor's radar. Get here before the crowds do, as this city on a small peninsula is filled with a wealth of things to do. There is an amazing historic old town with pedestrian-only marble streets, which are perfect for exploring on foot, and numerous medieval churches and Roman ruins, including the famed Church of St. Donat, built on the site of a former ancient Roman forum.
Zadar is also an art destination with two unique installations - the Sea Organ and the Greeting to the Sun - that are not to be missed sound-and-light extravaganzas.
Right on the coast, there are also beautiful beaches where the water is clear and warm and perfect for summertime swims:
Accomodation when sailing to Zadar
Good accommodation can be found on the island, like Hotel Kolovare**** with starting price from 223 € / night or Hotel Mediteran*** from 110 € / night.
Zadar, Croatia
capetanos.comCapetanos sailing and general recommendations
For an unforgettable sailing week in Zadar, we recommend to plan in advance, consult the charts, weather forecasts and choose the most suitable time and boat, according to your sailing skills.
We hope that information in this article will contribute to your decision for your next holiday in Croatia, one of the top sailing destinations in Europe. You will be stunned by the pure beauty of nature, the simplicity of life and the freedom you feel on the sea.
Sailing bugdet calculator / rent boat calculator Zadar
These calculations are performed for one-week charter on a 37 feet sailboat in mid-august and crew of 8. The total may differ depending on many factors like boat amenities and construction year, mooring fees, dinner out, etc.
| 1-week total | 6.090 € |
|---|---|
| 3 cabins sailboat | 2.740 € |
| Skipper (optional) | 1.400 € |
| Food | 400 € |
| Water | 50 € |
| Diesel | 150 € |
| Moorings | 450 € |
| Food out | 900 € |
