5 reasons to sail in Croatia
1. Nature
The main reason for the popularity of sailing in Croatia. The Adriatic Sea is crystal clear with visibility of the seaflor down to 184 feet and summer water temperatures go beyond 77 degrees. With over 80 minerals and elements in the waters of the Adriatic Sea and its ideal salinity (over 38%) health effects are very favourable. Relief stress and tension by floating or swimming in seawater, inhale the sea air and get valuable nutrients from the seafood… Croatian islands hide some of the most famous beaches. They are not like those in Miami or Malibu but rather small, charming and sometimes very secluded strands covered with pebbles, rock or sand. 2300 and 2800 sunshine hours yearly – get your yearly dose of vitamin D by the sea. 4 of 8 National parks in Croatia are reachable and sometimes best experienced by boat, plus 2 Nature parks and many caves, caverns and interesting phenomena. Chartering a boat is the best way to experience all of this because you can get upclose and personal with all the places.
More than a 1000 islands – 1246 islands, islets and reefs to be exact of which only 48 are inhabited. We regret to inform you that it is virtually impossible to sail them all in one week but a 3 week route would suffice and an average one week sailing route will take past at least 50-200 islands.
National parks
Western part of the island of Mljet, Kornati islands, Krka waterfalls & Brijuni archipelago are all popular among boaters for the natural but also historic significance.
Nature parks
Lastovo has been isolated until 1991 and is still off the beaten tracks – it’s a boaters’ paradise. Telašćica is another nature park that is conveniently just next to the National Park Kornati.
2. Things to do
Staying active on board comes natural. Combine sailing with snorkeling, swimming, wakeboarding, waterskiing, wind surfing, kayaking, mountain biking, rock climbing, hiking, trekking, caving, SUP boarding, quad adventures – lots of diverse activities are available on the islands.
Enjoy some parties and music. There’s something for everyone in Croatia: urban music (Ultra Split, Love International in Tisno, Hideout Festival in Novalja), salsa (Salsa Beach Splash in Šibenik), classical performances (Split Summer, Dubrovnik Summer Festival) or join the local party clubs (Hula Hula or Carpe Diem in Hvar, Varadero in Bol, Fort George in Vis etc.).
Work with Mother Nature to improve your sailing skills or acquire some with professional crew aboard. Upgrade team work abilities, explore new fish species or how to read a weather forecast and interpret the weather signs. Bond with your crew while sailing, preparing meals, docking, choosing the best route or the next destination.
Staying active on board comes natural.
3. Variety of Tastes
Dalmatian (coastal region in Croatia) cuisine is a prefect blend of Italian, French, Greek, Turkish and Central European gastronomy. Try the lobster or pogača in Komiža, black risotto and octopus salad in Kut (Vis), gregada or scampi in Meneghello (in Palmizana, just off Hvar), sheep cheese and lamb from Pag, with prosciutto from Istria or Inland Dalmatia, fresh tuna in Beach Bar in Trpanj (Peljesac peninsula), oysters from Ston. All of these mouthwatering meals should be accompanied by a local wine. Select some among 130 indigenous grape varieties. Here are just a few for your wine bucket list: Plavac from Hvar, Vugava from Vis, Posip and Grk from Korcula, Dingac from Pelješac, Babić from Primosten, Malvazija from Istria.
All of these mouthwatering meals should be accompanied by a local wine, select some among 130 indigenous grape varieties.
Fine dining
Plenty of restaurants along the coast that combine modern cuisine with Croatian and Dalmatian traditions.
Health from the sea
Fish, mussels, salt – healthy and tasty Mediterranean diet in local taverns or prepared on board.
4. History & Cultture
Explore the remains from the Stone Ages, the Greek collonization or the Roman, Byzantine or Ottoman empire, British fortresses and sunken American airplanes or enjoy some history revival at the Days of Diocletian in Split or Medieval Fair in Šibenik. It’s no secret that the popular show Game of Thrones was filmed in Croatia. Šibenik, Split, Kaštela, Klis, Trsteno, Dubrovnik, Lokrum, Žrnovnica have served as stand-ins for Mereen, King’s Landing, Quarth or Braavos. Mamma Mia 2 was set on the island of Vis and let’s not forget that even Star Wars and Robin Hood were filmed in Dubrovnik.
It’s no secret that the popular show Game of Thrones was filmed in Croatia.
City of Split
Once a Roman emperor’s retirement palace, Split is now a vibrant Mediterranean city that has formed over the past 1700 years.
City Of Dubrovnik
Popular movie set for Hollywood productions as well as various vloggers and bloggers from all over the world.
City of Šibenik
Fascinating medieval and renaissance architecture with Mediterranean charm exuding from the stone streets of the city’s core.
5. Ready for Boaters
Berths with water and power supply, showers, toilets, shops and markets, boat cranes, mechanical assistance, receptions are available in around 50 modern marinas. Around 40 coastal gas stations will keep you fuelled throughout your cruise. All the most beautiful bays and coves as well as local ports and harbors feature moorings and berths. The most exciting regattas are held in early or late season and it is the perfect time to join in on the thrill and fun. Some are even organized by our companies (Adriatic Lagoon Regatta, Regatta NCP Spring Apostoles) and for others (Easter Regatta, Heineken Regatta) you can charter one of our sailboats or sailing catamarans and participate.
The most exciting regattas are held in early or late season and it is the perfect time to join in on the thrill and fun.
Adriatic Lagoon Regatta
A unique catamaran regatta takes place around May 1 and is suitable for all levels of sailor-skills.
Regatta NCP Spring Apostoles
One of 50 marinas evenly distributed along the coast. It is a lovely marina situated next to an 18th century castle that has been transformed into a modern hotel and restaurant.
Martinis Marchi Marina
Fascinating medieval and renaissance architecture with Mediterranean charm exuding from the stone streets of the city’s core.
