- Sailing Croatia tips
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by Ultra Sailing Team
Choosing Split as a starting point for your sailing vacation in Croatia is never wrong. There are several modern marinas in the vicinity of airport Split. From where you can rent sailboats and catamarans. ACI Marina Split is located in the city port near the old part of Split. There are 3 marinas in Trogir: ACI Marina Trogir, new part of SCT Trogir (service center Trogir) and the most luxurious Marina Baotic.
From Split or Trogir our clients usually go to the islands of Brač, Hvar, Korčula and Vis. If you are eager for change, certainly you will not regret if you choose Kornati as your main sailing destination. This stunning archipelago may consist of bare islands which beauty makes it special. The archipelago is rich with sharp cliffs, crystal clear waters, caves, tunnels…..it is a real paradise for boaters.
Regardless from which marina you are heading towards the Kornati islands another beautiful environment will wait for you every day.
Day 1. Split/Trogir – Primošten
Primosten is a small fishing village with a typical Mediterranean atmosphere. The old part is characterized by old stone houses, narrow streets and interesting architecture with a church and bell tower from 15th century on the highest peak of the place. Old part of Primosten used to be an island, now it is conected with a bridge to the mainland. Do not be disappointed with the countless weekend new houses that spoil this idyll.
Primosten is a good and safe port that provides good shelter. The breakwater is 80m long and it protects boats from the south wind. Inside the breakwater there are berths with moorings that have electricity and water connections. The last third of the pier is reserved for local’s boats.
Beautiful old vineyards (from this area is the famous Croatian wine Babic) on the rocky surrounding hills, beautiful beaches and clear sea are some of the additional features which makes this town famous. The most popular beaches are Velika Radunica and Mala Radunica. There are many other beaches, those which are very crouded in high summer season, as well as those which are hidden and peaceful.
There is the bay Kremik as an alternative next to Primosten. This bay is full of dry stone that adorn the vineyards, and it was an inspiration to many artists. You can see them even today. This bay is clean and beautiful and marina is protected from all winds.
Day 2. Primosten – Šibenik (or Skradin)
Šibenik is located in the bay of river Krka. It is a city of great historical value, we suggest to visit the four fortresses. Each one of them makes a great sightseeing destination. One of them, the Fortress of St. Nikola is located on a small island at the entrance to Šibenik is under UNESCO protection.
This fortress is not the only area of Šibenik that is under the protection of UNESCO. There is also the magnificent Cathedral of St. Jacob, which was built for more than 100 years in the Gothic and Renaissance style. This cathedral is one of the most unique buildings of Europe’s late middle Ages.
Šibenik is also a city where you can see a number of events and concerts that are held every summer. Therefore, if you like good fun or beautiful historical sights Šibenik is a city you should visit while you stay in Croatia.
Šibenik Cathedral is a good landmark for docking. On the waterfront southeast of it, mooring is allowed (depth is 2-3,8m). For larger sailboats or catamarans it is recommended to moor in the Marina Mandalina.
Skradin and National park Krka
Krka National Park is located in central Dalmatia just a few km from Šibenik. Krka has 7 waterfalls with a natural drop of 242 m. It is a pearl of nature where you should visit Skradinski Buk, Roški slaš and the small island Visovac.
Krka waterfalls are not by the sea, but they can be easily reached if you moor in the ACI Marina Skradin which is the closest to Skradinski buk and Roški slap. These are the main attractions of the river Krka. During the summer we suggest to embark on organized boat trips from Skradin.
The price for entrance for the Krka National Park is 30-110,00 HRK and boaters will have to pay the cost for berth in the ACI Marina Skradin. The Marina Skradin provides place for 180 boats.
Did you know? The city of Šibenik was the first that had public electric lightning in 1895. IN Skradinski buk are the remains of the ruins of the first Croatian hydroelectric power plant. The “Krka” hydroelectric power plant (later called “Jaruga 1”, was built and put into operation on August 28,1895, only few days after the first hydroelectric power plant on the Niagara River was put into function. Nikola Tesla is responsible for both hydro-power projects.
Day 3. Skradin – Island Zlarin
Zlarin is generally a small island, but still the third largest island in the Šibenik archipelago, only 2 kilometers away from the mainland, also known as the “guardian of Šibenik”. The island is known for not having cars, and the locals manage on bicycles and electric motorcycles. For this reason, if you are sailing with your family, you can let the children explore the waterfront carefree.
You definitely have to go downtown and see the old restored and some neglected houses from the past. What we decided to visit is the votive church of Our Lady of Rašelj. The church is located in a field outside the village (10 minutes walking distance from the pier). Its construction site is linked to the legend of the image of the Virgin Mary that appeared on the tree overnight even though it was taken to another location the day before. The church was built in 1458 on the site of that tree. As it was closed, we could not see up close the numerous votive paintings and models of ships hanging from the church ceiling, which were brought by Zlarin sailors for years.
If there are women sailing with you, be sure to visit the Coral Shop “Zlarinka”. Here you can buy beautiful coral jewelry or see how it is made. Zlarin has been known for processing and hunting coral since the 15th century, when it was mostly sold in Italy. Choose red or white coral… This is the best and most beautiful souvenir you can bring from this peaceful and beautiful island. Croatian coral from Zlarin is a specialty.
Day 4. Zlarin – Piškera (Kornati)
The Kornati islands are a beautiful archipelago of over 100 scattered islands, islets and reefs, most of which are National Parks. The shores of the island are steep, rugged and bare, and the sea is crystal clear. Fishing is strictly prohibited. In case you want to dive, we suggest you join an organized diving group as they know the most attractive localities underwater.
The islands are uninhabited, and the largest is the island of Kornat, which shares its name with the archipelago. There are, however, a few private houses that owners come to spend the agricultural season. Also, on the Kornati there are houses that provide accommodation for visitors as well as restaurants / bars that are open during summer season.
To sail through the Kornati National Park you must have a valid ticket. You can buy a ticket:
- in the port of Zakan on the island of Ravni Zakan (NP Kornati)
- in the bay of Vruje on the island of Kornati (NP Kornati)
- in the NP Kornati on one of the boats sailing around and selling tickets
- or you can buy it online on the webshop or on the mySea web portal
ACI marina Piškera is one of the most picturesque marinas. Here you will meet boaters and local fishermen. For those who plan to stay longer on the Kornati, we recommend renting a sailboat with a generator or solar.
If you have rented a sailboat for 14 days, you will have time to visit other beautiful places on the Kornati, like island of Žut & Dugi Otok ( famous bay Telaščica).
Island Žut
Žut is the second largest island of Kornati and it is a part of the southwestern group of islands, located between the island of Pašman and the island of Kornat. However, it is not a part of the National Park. It is separated from the largest island of Kornati by the three kilometers wide canal. Similar to the island of Žirje, Žut is full of steep cliffs.
Interesting indented coastline offers many well-protected bays where you can hide from the rest of the world and enjoy. Again, as on Žirje, there is no permanent local population on this island, but only landowners and fishermen (usually from the island of Murter) who visit Žut during the agricultural season (vineyards, olive groves, figs).
The most popular bay for anchoring on Žut is the port of Žut whose specific appearance provides protection from all winds. The concrete pier of the marina is about 450m long, and the depth is between 1m-4m. You can also spend the night in the ACI Marina Žut, located at the western end oft he the island.
Telašćica bay
Telašćica is a bay and a Nature Park in the southern part of the island of Dugi otok. The bay has many facilities to attract visitors:wild, rocky coast in some parts, but also idyllic, not so steep coast in other parts; cultivated and, on the other hand, barren land, interesting hiking and walking trails, spectacular beaches, extremely rich flora and fauna, interesting underwater life, valuable archaeological heritage that testifies to ancient times, and above all, a salt lake called “Mir” (eng. “peace”) in the middle of the island.
The most of the sailboats are moored in a Bay of Mir where you can find buoys and restaurant. It is usually very crowded due to daily tours that bring visitors to see two phenomenon, a salt lake that looks like a pond and 166m high cliffs from where you can see the entire area.
Visitors enjoy swimming in the lake which is always a few degrees warmer than the sea. In addition to all that, the beautiful Telašćica is also a large and safe natural harbor, which is a one more reason why boaters love it.
Day 5. Piškera – Island Žirje
The island of Žirje is the farthest inhabited island ( 11 NM from the town of Šibenik ) and it is the largest in the Šibenik archipelago. When sailing from the Kornati to Žirje or vice versa, you should sail carefully, during the day, avoiding islets, reefs, cliffs and shallows.
What the island consists of are the reefs, rocky beaches and fertile soil in the central part of the island. Inhabitants are few and the locals are mainly engaged in fishing ( the sea around Žirje is rich in fish ), vineyards and olives (Mediterranean culture). Those who like to spend time in nature can enjoy the beautiful bike and hiking trails.
The attractions of the island are also the walls and fortresses from the 12th and 13th centuries that testify to the past of the island. During Yugoslavia, some parts of Žirje were closed to both, residents and visitors for almost 50 years (similar to the islands of Vis and Lastovo). Žirje is quite peaceful because tourism has not developed as much as on other Dalmatian islands. Therefore, Žirje is one of the best choices for an idyllic sailing holiday.
Day 6. Island Žirje – Island Kaprije
The island of Kaprije is located in the center of the Šibenik archipelago and it is an unavoidable destination for sailing from Split to Kornati. The island has been inhabited since the 15th century. Today, the only place on the island of Karpije is Kaprije, placed in the southern part of the island.
The port of the place of Kaprije is in a deep bay and provides a good shelter from the winds Bura and Jugo. It is open only to the Mistral and Tramontana. Kaprije is nice to take a walk, and here you can also find small shops, restaurants, post office, ATMs and an ambulance.
Day 7. Kaprije – Drvenik Veliki or Mali
Drvenik Veliki
Drvenik Veli ( Veli means “big”) is not really a big island, but it is called “Veli” because it is bigger from two “Drvenik” islands. It is located near the town of Trogir and it is quite quiet, with only about 160 inhabitants. The island boasts its indented coastline and numerous beautiful pebble and sandy beaches. There is a beautiful bay on the south side of the island, the Solin Bay. On the east side is the beautiful bay “Blue Lagoon” with the islets of Krknjaši. Here the color of the sea is so enchanting that it mesmerizes you. There is also a good restaurant where you can try some of the best seafood.
Drvenik Mali
Drvenik Mali ( Mali means “small”), as we can already conclude from the name, is a small island, also located near the town of Trogir, near Drvenik Veli. The island is very quiet, with only about 50 inhabitants, without traffic or buildings. The only attractions are the charm of the island itself, its untouched nature and the unspeakable beauty of the sea that surrounds it. On Drvenik Mali you can find white, sandy beaches with a clean shining sea, and even just because of it is worth a visit! In a sandy bay “Vela Rina” you can find a restaurant that offers a selection of typical Mediterranean dishes and restore energy after a day of swimming.
Return to Trogir or Split
In front of the entrance to the Trogir Bay there are a lot of shallows, cliffs and islets, but in this labyrinth there is enough space for passage, especially between the coast and the islet of Kluda.
There are 3 large marinas in the bay, which are home bases to a large number of charter boats in Croatia. The first and newest marina, Marina Baotić, is located in Seget Donji, at the entrance to the bay. Marina Baotić is a modern and organized marina with all the facilities that a boater may need. Ultra sailing in this marina keeps its catamaran fleet from the famous French brand Fountaine Pajot. Great guest reviews can be seen on Tripadvisor or on social media.
The other two marinas are located at the bottom of the bay next to each other, SCT (newer and modern) and ACI marina Trogir. When docking at these marinas, keep in mind that the current, mostly from the west, reaches up to 3 knots in the port and is strongest in the strong south. The landmark when entering is the Kamerlengo tower.
After disembarkation be sure to walk through the old narrow streets, visit the Cathedral of St. Lawrence, in front of the Cathedral is the main town square where you can see the town hall from the 15th century. The little streets are full of people in the summer and have many shops, restaurants and bars to offer. Trogir is certainly one of the most popular starting points for boaters.
Split has only one official marina open to boaters, and that is the ACI marina Split. Next to the ACI marina Split there is a mooring on the West Coast. The nearest official charter marina is Marina Kaštela and marinas in Trogir.
If you are entering the port of Split, the right side of the green lighthouse is intended for the “white fleet”. All ferries and fast catamarans that connect the islands with Split dock there. As the traffic there is extremely strong and frequent, this part of the port should not be approached. Anchoring in the port of Split is is strictly prohibited.
On the west side there is an extended breakwater of the ACI marina Split. When you sail around the northern tip of the first pier, where there is another port light, it is safest to sail as close as possible to the long pier. The entrance to the ACI marina is to the left of the lighthouse. If you continue straight, you will end up in the part of the bay where the oldest sailing club in Croatia is located – Labud and the Mornar club right next to it.
Split is a 1700 years old city, famous of its Diocletian’s Palace in the old-town. From the ACI marina Split to the Palace (old-town Split) you will need no more than 8-10 minutes on foot along a pleasant promenade on the West Coast. Take a walk around the city center, visit the fish market, main square, climb the bell tower of St Duje, drink coffee,…
