How does the image of a country with turquoise waters, verdant forests, pristine islands, spectacular cliffs and fairytale cities sound to you? Sounds like a dream right? The good news is that such a place really exists and it’s called Croatia. This gem is located on the coast of the Adriatic Sea and offers many incredible areas to explore, both on land and at sea. With a rich past and unparalleled natural beauty, Croatia offers many reasons to visit. The people are friendly, the food is delicious, and many places are not yet on the radar of tourists. Cities like Dubrovnik and Split offer lively nightlife scenes, including beach bars, discos, and festivals. You can find something to do at almost any time of day.
Sailing holidays in Dubrovnik Croatia offer lively nightlife scenes, including beach bars, discos, and festivals
But one thing above all else, Croatia has plenty of coastline and is also one of the world’s best sailing destinations, whether you’re a beginner or a pro. Sailing vacations in Croatia could be the experience of a lifetime. You’ll find beautiful islands, quiet bays, and unique wildlife, and you’ll realize that photos, no matter how beautiful, don’t do it justice. For centuries, many of Croatia’s islands were only accessible by boat, so sailing gives you the chance to discover the area in the most authentic way. Boats have certainly changed over the years, but the timeless beauty and charm of Croatia remains.
What are the destinations for sailing vacations in Croatia
Let’s start with Split: Croatia’s second largest city, it’s where most Croatia sailing vacations begin and end. You might be tempted to stay in Split only on the way out and back, but this historic city definitely deserves a few days to visit. The city is hundreds of years old, and at its center is the 4th century Diocletian’s Palace, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Moreover, it is beautiful to get lost in the narrow streets and quaint buildings, which remind us that the city was designed for people and horses, not cars. It’s the perfect place to learn about Croatia’s culture and history before setting sail.
Sailing in Sibenik in Croatia
We can then continue yacht charter on to Krka National Park, known for its outrageously scenic waterfalls. Krka is a short drive from Zadar and Split, but we’re doing Croatia sailing vacations and prefer to get there by boat. Sail past the town of Sibenik to the fairy tale-style village of Skradin, where you can dock or drop anchor and spend a few hours wandering around the town. Krka’s wild landscape is characterized by lush trees, vibrant colors, and calm waters.
Chances are you’ll try to capture its beauty in a photo, but it’s the kind of place you have to see to believe. For a bit of history, head to Visovac Island in the middle of the Krka River, which is home to a monastery dating back to 1455. In addition to offering spectacular views, the monastery was used as a hiding place for books during periods of unrest in Croatia’s history, so it’s as important as it is beautiful.
Islands to visit on sailing vacations in Croatia
About 30 km off the coast of Zadar is Dugi Otok, translated as “long island” because of its long, thin shape. The entire island is beautiful, but perhaps the most beautiful area is at the southern end of the island: the Telašćica National Park. Drop anchor in a nearby bay and take a walk to the beautiful Telašćica Salt Lake for an out-of-this-world view. Then, head back to the western side of the island (towards the ocean), where the cliffs are perfect for an epic cliff dive. Once you are tired of the beautiful sea you can continue on to Vis.
Video: Sailing in Croatia 2020 – Kornati and Dugi otok
We could spend hours recounting the legendary past of the island of Vis, but the stories only come to life when you see the island firsthand. It’s an essential component of any Croatia sailing vacation, and not just because of the magnificent caves and pristine beaches, though Silver Moon Beach and Stoncica should definitely be on your wish list of things to see in Croatia.
These are just a few recommendations for your sailing vacations in Croatia, but the country is so beautiful and full of things to see that choosing was really hard.
