Sailing holidays in Croatia with a local skipper

Where to visit on during your sailing holiday in Croatia:

There are opportunities allowing you to experience the magic of Croatia. Whether you are planning a family sailing holiday, an adventurous expedition, a sunbathing regeneration or a boat party trip. Croatia boasts thousands of kilometres of coastline and over 1000 islands, the area brings together all of the different elements that one could wish for from a sailing holiday.Crystal clear waters, impressive cliffs and charming ancient cities - Croatia inspires thousands of sailing travellers year after year. Below, we discuss some of the highlights and must-see locations to help you to make the most of your future holiday. Plan your route according to your taste and enjoy sailing in Croatia to the fullest.

Croatia now has 8 attractions that have been declared as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Each of them is well worth a visit, but also attracts masses of other tourists. Like any popular tourist destinations, visiting these spots by land requires much planning and organisation. Discovering these spots via sailboat or catamaran, and coming ashore when necessary offers an alternative way to see the different treasures of the region.

Plitvice National Park

Our first tip is by no means an insider tip: The Plitvice National Park is almost a must on your sailing trip to Croatia and for good reason. Lakes shimmering alternately in emerald green and sapphire blue, waterfalls and wooden paths meandering through the park. The National Park and its natural beauty will delight you. It is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and almost every corner can be used as a postcard inspiration. Plan a day trip from Zadar to Plitvice during your sailing trip in Croatia. Anchor while sailing around Zadar in the historic port city, from here you can reach Plitvice in about an hour and a half.

Europe's most beautiful beach in 2019: Pasjača

What you should not miss when sailing in Croatia is the Pasjača beach, which won "most beautiful beach in Europe" of 2019, and rightly so. The title holding beach is situated close to the historic city of Dubrovnik. Plan Dubrovnik on your sail route and ask your skipper to take you to Pasjača beach. A narrow path leads down a steep cliff and ends in a rock tunnel through which you reach the remote beach. At the other end a small rocky beach with crystal clear water awaits you.

Blue cave of the island Biševo

If you plan on sailing around Dalmatia, it is well worth visiting the island of Biševo. Here, you find the famous "blue cave", located in Balun bay. Originally the cave was only accessible for divers. However, in 1884, an entrance above sea level was created. Thanks to the sunlight flowing through the underwater entrance of the cave, a light effect is created that makes the entire cave shimmer blue. The perfect time to visit the cave is between 11am and noon. At this time sunlight showers the whole cave in deep blue, this creates an effect meaning that underwater appear silver.

Watch playful dolphins around Lošinj

Sails in the turquoise blue water around the island Lošinj and (with a little luck) observe a group of dolphins playfully swimming. The clean waters of Kvarner are home to a group of around 200 dolphins. Come aboard a sailing holiday in Croatia, and you try your luck encountering extraordinary marine wildlife.

Discovering Dugi Otok

Sailing off from Dubrovnik and Zadar you can visit the island of Dugi Otok. Majestic cliffs, charming fishing villages, and pristine beaches await you. Plan a trip to this unspoilt and quiet paradise on your Croatian sailing trip. Dugi Otok is known for its decelerated atmosphere and untouched nature, which come together to offer complete relaxation.

Tips to help you to better plan for your next sailing holidays in Croatia:

All you need to know about your next cruise in Croatia aboard a sailboat.

• The best months for a sailing holiday in Croatia are between May and October.
• You can set sail on a week-long sailing holiday in Croatia from €450 and approximately €50 to €150 in extra costs.
• Many connections are provided throughout the year to the various airports of Croatia, including a host of low-cost options.

The best sailing itineraries for your next holiday with a skipper in Croatia

One week sailing in Split:

A very popular sailing route in Croatia, often starting in Trogir, a beautiful ancient small town. As a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site and home to some of the best preserved Romanesque-Gothic architecture. From Trogir you can then sail to Brac - the island awaits you with the beautiful Zlatni Rat beach and stunning vineyards. The next destination on this route is the island of Vis, here is the beach of Stiniva. It is famous worldwide for its unique location, tucked between two cliff edges. To avoid crowds of tourists you should visit the bay early in the morning, late in the evening, or in the low season. Afterwards you and your crew will sail back to Lastovo, the most remote inhabited island in Croatia. Here you will find untouched nature and peace. Perfect to relax and unwind. Then you can continue to Korcula, this island in southern Dalmatia covered by olive groves, vineyards and pine forests is known for its crystal clear waters. The next sailing route leads to Hvar, also known as Lavender Island. Here the luxury is in the air and you can admire the yachts in the harbour. You finish your Croatia sailing trip on the island of Solta, a lesser known spot and far less touristic. Solta offers a change of scenery, and the perfect opportunity to recharge your batteries with nature. You will then return to Split, where you will finish your unforgettable trip.

Swim with dolphins while sailing in Istria:

Start your sailing trip in Croatia from the beautiful Rovinj. Closer to Germany, sailing in Istria is especially popular with families and for shorter trips. You can sail the route from Rovinj to Brijuni National Park with your experienced skipper. Discover the park's charming bays and olive groves and enjoy the peace and quiet. Then you can continue to Pula, to explore the historical ruins of the city and enjoy a great dinner on the beach promenade. Next up onto Lošinj, home to around 120 dolphins. With a little luck you can watch dolphins while sailing. Then you will return to Pula, where the sailing adventure in Croatia comes to an end.

Sailing the Kornati Islands:

Another popular sailing route in Croatia leads you through the Kornati islands. The archipelago offers countless remote places and a paradise for Konoba lovers. Here these traditional restaurants can be found easily. A possible route starts in the historic port of Šibenik and continues on to the island of Prvic. There you have the opportunity to taste the delicious wine of the region. Afterwards you can go over the island of Kakan to discover the hidden jewel of Dugi Otok - marvel at the impressive cliffs and island's saltwater lake.

Sailing holidays in Croatia - why you should travel with a local skipper

If you want to fully enjoy your sailing holiday in Croatia in the best conditions, we recommend that you go choose a trip with a local skipper. Travelling with a skipper who has insider knowledge on the area, allows travellers to fully immerse in the pleasure and relaxation of the holiday. Where individuals on the trip wish to learn or practice their sailing skills, skippers will be there to integrate travellers into the responsibilities onboard.