- Sailing Croatia tips
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by Ultra Sailing Team
Embarking on a sailing adventure along the Croatian Adriatic coast is a dream for many, offering a perfect bl end of stunning landscapes, rich history and vibrant culture. While the standard 7-day itinerary is popular among our charter guests, those seeking more immersive experience often plan and book a 14-day sailing vacation.
A two weeks sailing vacation offers much easier approach to explore the beautiful islands. Setting sail from the bustling Marina Split or charming Trogir a world of possibilities unfolds. To the north lie the enchanting Kornati islands and to the south leads to the captivating islands such as Hvar and Vis.
In this blog we chart our course from Marina Split (or Trogir) and take you on a 14 days sailing vacation from must-visit attractions to hidden gems. We’ll also share insider tips on finding the perfect berth or idyllic anchorage for the night. And of course, we’ll remind you that while the itinerary may be meticulously planned, Mother Nature always has the final say – so flexibility and a spirit of adventure are essential companions on any sailing holiday.
So, hoist the sails, and lets start a 14-day sailing escapade through the breathtaking beauty of Croatia’s North and Central Dalmatia.
Saturday: Boat Pick-up and sailing to Drvenik Veliki
Depending on your arrival time at the marina and the readiness of your charter boat, you have the flexibility to set sail for the nearby islands of Drvenik Veliki or Drvenik Mali on Saturday.
Arriving at Drvenik Veliki offers the perfect opportunity to acquaint yourself with your charter boat and its equipment. It’s advisable to sail to one of the nearby islands on the first day as a “test run” to ensure everything is in working order your boat. If any issues arise, being close to the charter base allows for swift resolution, ensuring a smooth start to your sailing adventure.
Drvenik Veliki welcomes sailors with its serene ambiance and charming harbor town. You have two options for overnight stay:
Town Harbor: Mooring at the town harbor pier, where around 15 boats can find berth (mooring fees apply). The harbor offers one restaurant and a tranquil setting, even amidst the bustling summer months.
Mala Luka Bay: If you prefer anchoring for the night, Mala Luka Bay, located just 1 nautical mile to the south and provides a peaceful anchorage option adjacent to the city harbor of Drvenik Veliki.
Sunday: Drvenik Veliki to Primosten
We set sail along the coastline towards the charming town of Primosten. While reminiscent of Istrian towns like Novigrad, Porec or Rovinj at first glance, Primosten boasts its own unique Dalmatian charm upon closer inspection.
Primosten is a vibrant seaside resort bustling with life. Originally an isolated island, Primosten is now connected to the mainland by a bridge and a causeway. Indeed, the name Primosten means „brought closer by a bridge“. The top of the town is dominated by the Church of St. George, built in the late 15th century and enlarged around 1760. Primosten is famous for its vineyards and a red wine called Babić.
Many charter guests opt to moor at the breakwater, offering convenient access to the bathing beach and adjacent quay (Riva). Alternatively, there are 20 mooring buoys available in front of the Riva for additional berth options.
Should berths in Primosten be unavailable, Marina Kremik serves as an excellent alternative. Boasting modern facilities and 390 berths, Marina Kremik offers a well-protected haven for sailors. Here, you’ll find all the necessary amenities, including a supermarket and restaurant. During the summer months, a bus connection runs from Kremik to Primosten. Alternatively, you can enjoy a leisurely 2 km walk along a scenic path from the marina to the coastal road leading to Primosten.
Primošten berths: 00385 91 795 7620 or Marina Kremik: 00385 22 570 068
Monday: Primosten to Marina Piskera or Lavsa Anchorage (Kornati)
From Primosten we set our course for the mesmerizing Kornati Islands. Renowned among boaters, the Kornati Islands constitute the most visited Croatian national park.
Stretching approximately 16 nautical miles from northwest to southeast, the Kornati archipelago is characterized by the narrow and elongated island of Kornat, accompanied by a seemingly endless chain of small islands and islets. Covering over 300 square kilometers, the Kornati archipelago stands as the largest collection of islands in the Adriatic.
The Kornati Islands have become a popular destination for scuba divers and sailors. The marine life is varied, with around 350 plant species and 300 animals. Fishing is prohibited throughout the entire National Park and scuba diving is limited to a few sites.
Marina Piskera 
Entrance and stay within the Kornati National Park are subject to fees, with entry tickets required for each day of stay and tailored to the size of the vessel. It’s advisable to purchase entrance tickets in advance, either online through the NP Kornati website or at designated sales points, such as Marina Kremik.
Upon arrival, berthing options include the ACI Marina Piskera, offering 120 berths equipped with mooring lines, water, and electricity on the jetties. While the marina provides excellent protection against the Bora wind, strong swells may be experienced during Jugo. Facilities at the marina ensure a comfortable stay, with restaurants conveniently located opposite the jetties on Piskera.
Alternatively, you may choose to anchor in one of the most breathtaking bays within the Kornati archipelago, situated on the island of Lavsa adjacent to Piskera. The bay, bearing the same name as the island, offers a picturesque retreat, with lush greenery adorning its shores—a rare sight within the Kornati archipelago.
Contact ACI Marina Piskera: +385 98 398845
Tuesday: Marina Piskera to Telascica Nature Park (Dugi Otok)
The Telascica Nature Park bay, nestled in the southern tip of Dugi Otok, widely acclaimed as one of the most famous anchorage bays in the Adriatic.
Situated south of the Kornati archipelago, Telascica Bay is separated by the passages of Mala and Vela Proversa, creating a distinct allure that sets it apart from its neighboring islands. While often mistaken for part of the Kornati National Park, Telascica Bay stands as a nature park in its own right.
Covering an area of 124 sq km, Dugi Otok is the largest island in the Zadar archipelago.
Spanning 4.5 nautical miles in length, Telascica Bay ranks among the safest, most picturesque, and largest natural bays in the Adriatic. Boasting buoy spots scattered across its inner bays—Mir, Tripuljak, Krusevica, and Kucnimul—the bay provides ample opportunities for mooring. However, as a nature park, entry fees apply regardless of whether you opt for buoy mooring or anchoring. Additionally, it’s essential to adhere to the park’s regulations, including rules governing prohibited zones and anchoring practices. Of the bay’s inner bays, Mir Bay is a popular choice for mooring, offering breathtaking views of the salt lake and towering cliffs—a magnet for summer vacationers.
Wednesday: Telascica (Dugi Otok) to Zut Harbor (Zut Island)
Telascica will be the northernmost point on this 14-day itinerary before we sail back south. As mentioned previously, Telascica Nature Park is separated from Kornati Islands by the Proversa Mala and Proversa Vela passages. Of the two, Proversa Mala offers deeper waters and is suitable for sailing boats with a draft of up to 4 meters, allowing for smooth passage as we navigate towards Zut Island and reenter the Kornati archipelago.
Zut Island, the second largest in the Kornati archipelago, lies outside the boundaries of the national park, thus exempt from entrance fees. Our destination is the renowned ACI Marina Zut, nestled within the expansive harbor of Zut. Boasting 113 berths, the marina ensures safe mooring, with the southern part ideal during Jugo winds and the northern part preferred during Bora winds.
Beyond offering comfort and security, the marina serves as an excellent starting point for hiking trails leading to the island’s three peaks—Gubavac (174m), Tvrdomesnjak (163m), and Veli vrh (153m). From Tvrdomesnjak, breathtaking vistas await, offering panoramic views of neighboring islands such as Kornat, Proversa, Sit and Pasman. Nearby, several restaurants beckon with tantalizing flavors, providing a taste of local cuisine and hospitality.
Contact ACI Marina Zut at: 00385 22 7860 278 or m.zut@aci-club.hr
Thursday: Zut Island – Pasman Island (Zaklopica Bay)
After departing from ACI Marina Zut, it’s time to anchor for another night. Zaklopica Bay is situated in the southern part of Pasman Island. This small anchorage features a sandy bottom and provides reliable protection from all wind directions except for the Bora. Depths in the bay range from 5 to 10 meters.
Should you prefer, you can also opt to moor at one of the 12 available buoys. In the event of storms or strong Bora winds, we recommend seeking refuge at Marina Kornati, located just 3 nautical miles away.
Wild and unspoiled, Pašman has a population of 3,500 living in villages on the coast facing the mainland. The western side is given over to vineyards, the eastern to thick maquis right down to the coastline, where there are also some pebble beaches.
Contact Bay Zaklopica: 00385 91 539 7086
Friday: Pasman Island (Zaklopica) to Zirje Island (Koromasna Bay)
Our journey continues southward toward Zirje Island, nestled within the remote reaches of the Sibenik archipelago. Zirje stands as one of the most secluded islands in the region, boasting a total of 29 bays to explore. Buoy spots are available in bays such as Velika and Mala Stupica, Tratinska, Muna, Koromasna, Mikavica, and Pecenja, offering ample opportunities for mooring.
Throughout the island, you’ll discover excellent diving and fishing spots, perfect for underwater exploration and angling enthusiasts alike. Don’t miss the chance to visit the Roman fortress perched atop the hill overlooking Velika Stupica Bay—a fascinating glimpse into the island’s rich history. Zirje is also renowned for its quality wine and delectable lamb dishes, adding to the island’s allure.
Contact Tratinska Bay: 00385 99 853 3300
Saturday: Zirje Island to Zlarin Island
Zlarin is a tranquil gem nestled off the coast of Sibenik. Known for its car-free streets and historical ties to coral diving, Zlarin offers a peaceful retreat steeped in natural beauty and tradition.
Upon arrival, it’s recommended to moor at the port of Zlarin, where a 100-meter-long pier awaits with mooring facilities. All 42 berths are equipped with electricity and water connections, ensuring a comfortable stay for visiting sailors. In the event that moorings are unavailable on both sides of the pier, mooring buoys are available in the southwest part of the bay.
Within the village, you’ll find a selection of restaurants, a small supermarket and an ATM. While the bay offers shelter from winds originating from the north, northwest, west and southwest, it’s advisable to remain vigilant of changing weather conditions.
Contact port of Zlarin: 00385 22 553 755
Sunday: Zlarin Island to Krka National Park (ACI Skradin)
From Zlarin we continue towards Krka National Park and the town of Skradin. Alongside the Kornati Islands, Skradin stands as one of the most coveted destinations for boaters in North Dalmatia.
As we sail past the fortress of St. Nicholas, we navigate through the 1 nautical mile-long channel of Sv. Ante, offering a splendid panoramic view of the city of Sibenik. Continuing our course northward, we pass beneath the road bridge, with a clearance height of 28 meters. The narrowest points span approximately 100 meters, with currents ranging between 0.5 and 1.5 knots. Following these narrow passages, we encounter a lake-like expansion known as Prokljansko Jezero, before the Krka River resumes its natural flow. Proceeding under the second bridge, which spans the coastal highway, we arrive at Skradin, characterized by its distinctive church tower illuminated at night.
Skradin 
Krka National Park 
Sibenik Bridge 
Second Bridge 
Sibenik 
Marina Skradin
Upon reaching Skradin, visitors have various options to explore the National Park, including on foot, by bicycle or via taxi boat. During the summer months, it’s essential to account for potential wait times. Don’t forget to pack your swimwear, as swimming is permitted at designated areas. Additionally, consider taking an excursion boat within the National Park to visit the small island of Visovac, home to a Franciscan monastery.
Contact for ACI Marina Skradin: 00385 22 771 365 or m.skradin@aci-club.hr
Monday: Skradin (Krka National Park) to Rogoznica
From Skradin we sail to the charming town of Rogoznica. Along the way, we pass the picturesque island of Zlarin to starboard. Approximately 10 nautical miles southeast of Kremik, nestled in a bay carved deep into the coastline, lies the small town and marina of Rogoznica.
Rogoznica embodies the essence of a tranquil fishing village, offering a serene atmosphere against the backdrop of crystal-clear blue waters and lush green hillsides. Upon arrival, Marina Frapa emerges as the ideal choice for mooring. With its comprehensive amenities, including three restaurants, a supermarket, a boutique, a hairdresser, a beach and entertainment venues like a disco and nightclub, Marina Frapa ensures a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Boasting approximately 450 berths, the marina provides ample space for visiting sailors.
Contact Marina Frapa at: 00385 22 559 900 or frapa@marinafrapa.hr
Tuesday: Rogoznica to Vis Island (Komiza)
We continue south towards the captivating fishing town of Komiza on the island of Vis. Regarded as one of the most beautiful and picturesque destinations in the Croatian Adriatic.
Nestled by the sea, the village extends gently up the hillside into the hinterland, benefitting from natural protection against northerly winds provided by the surrounding hills. The harbor, sheltered by a lengthy breakwater, offers defense against the waves generated by westerly and southwesterly winds.
Visitors to Komiza can avail themselves of berths along the breakwater, each equipped with moorings boasting electricity and water connections. Alternatively, there are 70 mooring buoys available both north and south of the breakwater for docking. Exploring Komiza reveals cultural treasures such as the old Fisherman’s Museum and the hilltop St. Nicholas Church.For those with time to spare, a trip to the Blue Cave via liner or excursion boat presents an enticing opportunity to further explore the wonders of the area.
Berths contact in Komiza: 00385 91 271 3000 or 00385 21 713 215
Wednesday:Komiza to Stoncica Bay (Vis Island)
From Komiza, you have two options for reaching Stoncica Bay: you can sail along the north side or the south side of the island.
Stoncica Bay sits in the northeast part of Vis Island and is well-known as a lovely seaside spot and a great anchorage for sailors. While most charter guests usually choose Vis for their evening berth, those seeking solitude might prefer spending the night anchored or at a mooring buoy in Stoncica.
Stoncica Lighthouse 
Harbor of Vis
The bay extends nearly half a mile inland, offering protection from all winds except the Bora. For the best anchoring, head to the southern part of the bay, where depths range from 5 to 15 meters.
Thursday:Stoncica Bay to Hvar (Pakleni Islands)
Our next destination is Hvar, the final stop before we return to our home port in Split. Thanks to its wonderfully preserved Renaissance centre, Hvar Town is one of the most visited on the Dalmatian coast.
During the high season, it’s challenging to find mooring space in Hvar city harbor. Instead, you can opt for mooring in Marina Palmizana or securing a mooring buoy in Vinogradisce bay.
Hvar town is renowned as a party hotspot during peak season. If you’re seeking vibrant nightlife, head to ACI Marina Palmizana on the island of Sv. Klement or Vinogradisce bay, offering approximately 70 mooring buoys. Both locations provide convenient water taxi access to Hvar town.
Hvar Town 
Hvar Town 
Španjola Fortress 
Marina Palmizana
International DJs descend on the island to play here where the dancing continues till the early hours of the morning. Most popular are clubs are Carpe Diem Beach and Hula Hula. For those preferring a quieter atmosphere away from the crowds, consider mooring in Vlaka Bay or opposite Soline, depending on wind direction. Here, you can indulge in peace and tranquility, swim, dive and dine at local taverns in the evenings.
Friday: Hvar (Pakleni Islands) to Split
As our sailing journey draws to a close, it’s time to sail back to Split for check-out. On your way back, you might want to take a break for a swim at Livka or Stracinska anchorage on the south side of Solta island.
