Sailing in Croatia

Reasons to visit Croatia are many, Croatia's coastal landscape, mountains, and valleys, and national parks embed themselves in visitors' memories...

Why sailing?

  • Sailing gives you the possibility to see more places and destinations of the country you are visiting
  • Therefore, you can choose to spend a day, or night, in some quiet bay, or to go party in clubs
  • Sailing also presents a recreational, sports activity, or it can be a pure chilling on the deck
  • It allows you to reach all those beautiful and unspoiled natural paradise coves and beaches
  • Sailing presents a constant moving, it's never boring, there is always something going on
  • It gets you more in touch with nature
  • Where can you get a better sun tan than sailing?

Why sailing in Croatia?

  • Croatia is a land of 1000 islands
  • It is the Mediterranean as it once was
  • It is pretty safe considering that the destinations are quite close, and there's a lot of them
  • By sailing in Croatia you can reach 4 national parks
  • Enjoy the supreme unspoiled traditional Croatian cuisine

 

Sailing regions in Croatia

 

Sailing in Croatia

 

Generally, we divide the eastern side of Adriatic into 4 main sailing areas. From the north towards the south these areas are:

Istria and Kvarner; main starting port: Pula
North Dalmatia; main starting ports: Zadar and Šibenik
Central Dalmatia; main starting port: Split
South Dalmatia; main starting port: Dubrovnik

 

Istria and Kvarner

 

Istria and Kvarner is the northern part of the Croatian coast. Istria, as the largest Croatian peninsula, is known for its historical towns, attractive coastline, and gastronomy. Kvarner, known for its natural beauty, historical heritage and widely known healing characteristics of climate and vegetation in the region with the longest tradition in tourism in Croatia.

As a sailing region, it offers a wide range of destinations for sailing, from Umag, on the northwest of Istria to the island of Losinj. However, this sailing region is a little less popular due to it's more variable weather conditions.

Most popular sailing destinations are Poreč, Brijuni national park, islands Susak and Unije, Mali Losinj town on the island of Losinj, Rab on the island of Rab, island Ilovik and all the way south to the islands of Silba and Olib.

 

North Dalmatia

 

This sailing region is ideal for those who seek peace and quiet, good sailing and, of course, a good cuisine. One of the pearls of Croatia's nautical offer is situated here - National park Kornati. The Kornati is the most indented group of islands in the Mediterranean. With its numerous islands, bays and small isolated restaurants, it can offer a peace and pleasure for everybody. Close to it, you can find a Nature preserve Telascica on the very south of Dugi Otok. This region also has another National park – Krka Waterfalls, more south close to Sibenik.

The cities Zadar and Sibenik should also be seen on this tour. Especially Zadar which is, with Dubrovnik, the most beautiful city in Croatia.

 

Central Dalmatia

 

The most popular sailing region in Croatia, due to it's great nautical and tourist offer, good traffic connections (Split airport), and a big number of marinas all situated in Split or quite close to it. The town of Trogir is known as 'town-museum' and its entire old core is protected by UNESCO, as the Diocletian Palace in the center of Split.

As to sailing destinations, this area has a lot to offer. Islands in this area are bigger compared to ones in the North Dalmatia, but they have interesting towns and villages. It's also important to mention that, one-way sailing trips from Split to Dubrovnik are quite an interesting route and they are easier to organize from this area than from the North Dalmatia.

Some of the destinations that we recommend are Maslinica (island Solta), Milna (island Brač), Starigrad, Vrboska and Hvar on the island of Hvar, Vis and Komiza on Vis, Palmizana on Pakleni islands, the bay of Zaklopatica on Lastovo etc.

 

South Dalmatia

 

South Dalmatia is also a beautiful sailing region, especially if you start your trip from Dubrovnik, and if you are not coming from Split on the one-way charter than you have no other starting port but Dubrovnik. Dubrovnik is the pearl of Mediterranean, an exclusive destination, known for its beauty, historical heritage, cultural and entertainment offer. We definitely recommend: once in your lifetime you have to go and see it.

As for sailing, destinations include beautiful islands of Elafiti, an island of Mljet (its west side is the National Park), the town of Korčula, the peninsula of Pelješac, and Natural reserve island of Lastovo and it's archipelago.

 

 

National Parks and Parks of nature in Croatia

 

National Parks in Croatia

 

A variety of magazines offer stories on places 'you must visit'. The greatest beauty of being at sea is that there are no musts, those places are probably not referred to as the ones you must see - after experiencing them, you will probably want to see them again. To sail, to own a boat means enjoying a freedom and regardless what kind of vessel you have, a dinghy or a luxurious yacht it always has the power of moving around and exploring. A vessel offers you freedom of revealing hidden coves and the pleasure of fighting the open sea. The sea is an open road, therefore, lifting up anchor in the morning without knowing where you will drop it in the evening-belongs to one of the greatest pleasures of being at sea.

Nevertheless, this is not a story of a ship taking you somewhere: this is a story about 'ships' that do not sail, but the kind you do not want to get off - this is a story about national parks and nature parks on our Adriatic, a story about 'Adriatic boats made out of stone'. I have no intention whatsoever to diminish the unquestionable beauty of other Adriatic islands. It is just that there are some places at the Adriatic which are simply the best among the equal ones. If for nothing else than for the features which have brought them the title of the marine protected areas. We are referring to the national parks Mljet, Kornati and Brijuni and nature parks Lastovo and TeIascica, the pearls of the Croatian coastline.

 

National Park Mljet - Island of Odysseus

 

Mljet National Park

 

As the legend says, antique hero, Odysseus spent seven years on Mljet as a captive of the sea nymph Calypso. He was stranded on the rock Ogiran (which is still a dangerous rock for seafarers), so he swam into a cave which was named after him. Even though he stayed on Mljet against his own free will, we believe it was not such a bad experience being captured on the greenest island of all Adriatic islands. Besides, Homer's 'gossip' reveals he was beautiful nymph's lover.., therefore be careful not to get stuck on Mljet, especially if your better half waiting for you somewhere. One does not know where to start when speaking of Mljet. The national park is dominated by two seawater lakes (27 and 46 m deep). But the real adventure lies in the depths of the lakes.

Unfortunately, we are not talking about the Loch Ness monster, but 26 million years old giant jellyfish are certain phenomena. The existence of the jellyfish half a meter long is unquestionable what cannot be said for the Nessy and the vague pictures of it. It's their origin that raises doubts because those lakes are actually deep bays connected to the sea, created due to the rising of the sea level which is the consequence of the last ice age 15 thousand years ago, therefore the age of the jellyfish surpasses the age of the lakes for 2000 times. But let's leave that mystery to the scientists.

When speaking of these guys, they actually predict, considering the specific ecological conditions in the lakes, one could find besides jellyfish, also many unknown animal species, primarily snails, and shells. Due to the specific conditions, the lake has grown the largest famous coral stone reef in the Adriatic. A very useful legend that comes handy to any adventurous spirit who wanders off to Mljet says that these jellyfish have to do with more than a hundred missing people in this century. If such was true, then the story of Mljet would be far more interesting; this is actually a 'fairy tale' - people are not missing, neither are jellyfish, even though a man is the biggest threat to the survival of these species.

 

Nature park Lastovo Archipelago

 

Lastovo Park of Nature

 

If we compare Lastovo to a ship, Lastovo is a completely different ship. It holds both mild and wild features; just like the sea it is surrounded by, Lastovo could be referred to as 'sailing ship' out of time and space... Lastovo is a lonely ship at the same time blessed and cursed by its isolation. This archipelago located out in the open sea has managed to survive intact the wild history and different rulers passing through it. The Romans called Lastovo the imperial island. Life on Lastovo has always been a fight against isolation, conquerors, sea...

Lastovo has been declared a new marine protected area in Croatia following intensive advocacy work. The battle is not over yet. The biggest battle for Lastovo natives is the one with mortality. There are less and fewer children on the island, young people having finished schools decide not to return to the island. The proclamation of Lastovo as Nature Park has set grounds for improving living conditions as well as for protecting rich natural and cultural heritage of Lastovo. A dive into the sea opens the door to a world of antique shipwrecks (careful!), rich biodiversity including many rare and endangered species. One of the most significant events on the island is Lastovo Carnival Poklad.

It is a carnival celebration based on the traditional story that celebrates a successful event in Lastovo's history when pirates wanted to attack the island. The Pirates sent a messenger to Lastovo with a request to surrender, meaning to rob the natives and take them away as slaves. Lastovo people captured the messenger, which infuriated the pirates, so they turned their ships towards Lastovo, but a strong storm suddenly struck, so the pirates run away which was a great cause for celebration that takes place even today. Lastovo people were thrilled with joy and happiness, bells were ringing, and people were cheering. And the messenger? They sat him on a donkey with his back racing the front, took him for a walk across the town and burnt him!

 

National Park Kornati

 

Kornati National Park

 

If we consider Mljet and Lastovo as 'ships made out of stone', then we can depict the Kornati as an eternally anchored fleet. Kornati archipelago consists of 89 islands, islets, rocks and reefs and as George Bernard Shaw put it nicely 'On the last day of the Creation God desired to crown his work and thus created the Kornati Islands out of tears, stars and breath'. Nothing can depict the beauty of Kornati as this definition can. This archipelago is the largest marine protected area in Croatia. 'Getting lost' in the Kornati is one of the biggest pleasures for yachtsmen. That is exactly what the British king Edward VIII., known as the ruler who finds love more important than the crown itself, did. Just before he gave up the British crown in 1936, he spent his summer sailing across the Adriatic and (supposedly!) in the silence of Kornati archipelago he had managed to hear his heart and solved his doubts - the bellowing Miss Simpson or the crown? While sailing between islands do not be fooled by the view of bare coves.

There are more than 700 plant species on the island. As there have not been any systematic explorations regarding animal world on the island, a little is known on this subject. The underwater world is very precious: almost 60% of all species inhabiting the Adriatic can be found there. It is rich in cultural heritage as well. Two years ago while testing a new underwater robot in only two days we managed to find three unregistered sites of ancient shipwrecks, two from the Antique period and one form the I Ct. We recorded the deepest habitat of some corals. Every yachtsman and underwater explorer dreams of exploring Kornati islands. As one yachtsman once said: 'Even if I had a chance I could not put the islands in a better order.'

 

Nature park Telascica - Dugi Otok

 

Telascica Park of Nature

 

The entrance to the Nature Park Telascica is located north of Kornati exactly where Kornati archipelago reaches towards steep cliffs of Dugi otok. This is the spot where open sea collides with up to 2oo m high cliffs. The spot where one feels the wheel of time cannot be stopped. The spot where one forgets about himself and at least for a moment feels unified with nature with just one question - what part do humans play in space and time. As opposed to the steep cliffs of the other side, Telascica bay stands for the largest and safest natural harbor in the Adriatic. Narrow passages divide the bay into three smaller bays creating three lakes (tre lagus) which provide a safe haven for sailors. First organized fishing fleet in Dalmatia was founded in Telascica.

During the 11 Ct. this fleet was fishing mackerel in the bay, which is an important fact confirming century's long conjoined life between the inhabitants and the sea. Located in the southwest part of the park cliff Taljuri takes a special place in Telascica mythology. This flat limestone plate 6o meters wide and 3 meters above the sea level has no vegetation for when the wind rises the foam of the waves covers it completely... That is the time, according to the local legend when the sea fairies gather and use it as their gathering point. Nevertheless, as the sea is of vertiginous character especially at that spot, we recommend you not to check the reality of that myth. Should you decide to go for a stroll along the seawater lake Mir, a sunken karts phenomena connected to the sea through underwater passages - do not get scared by those Cayman stories, it is only larger eels we are dealing here with, at least that is how local people calm down the tourists. The park itself is so magical that even the existence of such creatures would not be surprising. Even though we are not sure whether predators like Caymans are lurking in the water, a carnivorous sponge has discovered a few years ago in the sea, second of that kind found in the world seas. Nothing to worry about for it feeds only on plankton; therefore the swimmers are not exposed to any danger as opposes to fish living there. Telascica is a marine territory marked by over-fishing, just like the rest of the Adriatic, but this is some other story.

 

National Park Brijuni

 

Brijuni National Park

 

Brijuni can be referred to as Hollywood among marine protected areas in Croatia. Since Roman times this island has been an attraction for high societies and as a proof of this fact we can find there the remaining of Roman villas and Byzantine fortresses, and from the later period the remaining of the Kuppelwieser family residence, who owned Brijuni in the period between the 19th and 20th century, as well as hotels and summer residence built by Josip Broz Tito, who used to spend more than four months a year on Vanga.

Brijuni are oases of peace. Once you experience them you realize why. As the legend says they have been created out of little bits of heaven that have fallen to earth and angels protected them by waves so the devil could not take them away! Tito showed his hospitality to many world statesmen, celebrities and stars like Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. Supposedly he was having an affair with Sophia Loren there and enjoyed preparing food for her. Even today Brijuni stand for a real attraction for celebrities but are also opened for us mortals. More than a 100 million years ago even dinosaurs walked across the Brijuni mud leaving their stone traces behind.

Even without dinosaurs today Brijuni, with their extravagant features, really reminds us of Jurassic Park. As Marshal Tito was given many exotic animals, elephants, parrots, you can, while driving around in an electrical car, enjoy the wild scenery of zebras, antelopes, ostriches, llamas and similar animal species which fit into Mediterranean surroundings as much as snow fits in the tropical forest contributing at the same time to the surreal experience of your visit. Brijuni are islands abounding in flora and fauna (we do not refer to tropical and subtropical animals), rich in history and cultural heritage which shall certainly touch your soul.

 

Codes of behavior in marine protected areas

All the species have their roles in nature, particularly in sensitive areas like national parks and nature parks. An animal or a plant you might stumble upon during your strolls, swimming or diving might be the last one of its kind. Therefore it is essential to show responsible behavior in nature in order to preserve these pearls of the Mediterranean - while taking into consideration the fact that in the protected areas, besides respecting the regular sea behavior codex, one should also follow some extra rules:

  • Do not pick, disturb or destroy plants
  • Do not destroy or take away any mineral or cave structures
  • Camping outside camping zone boundaries is prohibited
  • Do not light an open fire
  • Do not throw litter in nature; it takes 450 years for a plastic bottle to dissolve on land and in the sea
  • Do not throw around cigarette butts
  • Do not destroy, damage or take away items from archaeological sites (on land and at sea), the remaining of different cultures and cultural monuments
  • Do not disturb animals

If you go diving, please behave responsibly. If the situation allows, please berth your vessel instead of anchoring it, make sure you do not anchor on possession meadows. While diving makes sure you do not damage or disturb marine organisms - leave the sea only with what you took with before taking a dive. It is far more difficult to preserve a certain area than to proclaim it a protected area: proclaiming it is just a first step - but the effective protection comes as a result of creating and implementing management plans. Therefore it is unbelievable that marine protected areas in Croatia have not had these plans so far, although National Park Mljet was proclaimed marine protected area back in 1960. But this problem has not struck only on Croatia; therefore under the guidance of WWF (World Wildlife Fund) in 2008 project Med Pan South was launched. In the territory of the Republic of Croatia, this project has been coordinated by Association for Nature, Environment and Sustainable Development Sunce from Split. The activities of this association are primarily directed towards supporting public institutions, involved in this project, in managing marine protected areas, enhancement of the existing outline of the management plan activities and goals.

 

 

Gastronomy in Croatia

 

Gastronomy in Croatia

 

Fantastic food, Wonderful wine

 

We offer it all, gourmet meals, exquisite and beautifully presented specialties, fine wines, and incredible restaurants, clubs, and bars. Enjoy dining indoors or al fresco. And make sure that you do not miss out on the Istrian truffles.

Fantastic food is at the heart of our holidays. The most amazing Mediterranean cuisine, and traditional flavors, in the most stunning settings.

Every Port we call at offers a wide choice of excellent restaurants and eatery’s, we’ll direct you to those hidden gems that will make your experience with us a truly memorable one.

We are proud to share our intimate knowledge of Croatia’s hidden culinary delights with you. Explore Maslinica, Split, Makarska, Hvar or any of our other towns and find your own special place.

Part of the magic of Croatia is its food. In the coastal regions of Croatia, the cuisine has a rather Mediterranean flavor, as you would expect, with lots of olive oil used in the preparation. However, Croatian cuisine does have its own distinct identity, especially in regards to the cooking of fish. Many Croatian fish restaurants have their own fishing boats, so you can be assured of the freshness of the fish. Also, it is not uncommon to choose your own fish from a selection of different species kept on ice in the center of the restaurant. Generally, the gastronomic offer includes all kinds of food, from meat and steaks, pasta, etc., but here we want to recommend a few dishes that are Croatia's specialties and that you should not miss during your cruise.

Dalmatian ham - 'Pršut', a smoked ham, dried in the 'bura' wind best served with sheep cheese from island Pag

Cheese from Pag - Paški sir, a Croatian specialty

Grilled fish - Fish "na gradele" are grilled fish where particular attention is paid to the type of wood used to make the fire and to the adding of aromatic herbs

Brudet - a Dalmatian way of cooking the fish, served with corn flour paste, with various types of fish

Peka - a Dalmatian way of preparing the meat and octopus, made under an iron bell, so the meat and octopus become soft as butter. Peka is best when used to prepare veal, lamb, or octopus served with potatoes

Buzara - dalmatian way of preparing shells and scampi. U must try Scampi Alla buzara

Oysters - one of the best oysters of the world come from the peninsula of Pelješac, Mali Ston bay

Wines - Dalmatian wines are produced from autonomous sorts of grapes. Our personal favorites include Dingač and Postup from peninsula Pelješac, Zlatan Plavac and Ivan Dolac from Hvar as red wines. Pošip from Korčula, and Malvazija from Istria as white wines. 

Whether you’re a wine expert or an enthusiastic amateur, an excursion to one of our selected winery’s will introduce you to some of the finest vineyards. By the end of this trip, you will be in no doubt as to why Croatian wine is being touted as a “must buy” for the discerning wine connoisseur. Choose a visit that suits you best, whether it's a quick lunch stop or an evening event with extra-ordinary wining and dining in a fantastic environment...