You have heard about Croatia from many different sides, all complimentary of course – but you have not sailed here yet? Then change that as soon as possible.
We give you five reasons why you should definitely put sailing in Croatia on your bucket list.
Located in the heart of Europe, on the coast of the Adriatic Sea, Croatia is a well-known destination for nautical enthusiasts. It has proven to be a paradise in itself and one of the most popular destinations for sailing enthusiasts and beginners alike.
The rugged Croatian coastline with over 1000 islands is a marvellous destination that offers you extraordinary vistas and new sailing thrills. This coast may be small compared to others, but it has a lot to offer. Perhaps it’s true that sometimes the journey is more important than the destination, and we are sure that’s the case with sailing. But do not miss to visit some of the most beautiful places on the Croatian coast, known all over the world.
1. Great climate
The climate on the Croatian coast can be explained in one simple word – incredible! We will elaborate by saying that the climate here is a true Mediterranean climate, relatively mild and in some rare cases a bit harsh. But that’s reserved for the winter months, which are really mild compared to some other places in Europe. (We will not name names here.) How about the fact that the Croatian Adriatic averages over 2700 hours of sunshine per year?
It may seem that almost every stretch of coastline has different winds that are specific to practically every region you are in, but there are three main winds called Bura, Jugo and Maestral.
Winds like Bura and Jugo are challenging for experienced sailors and the Maestral guarantees pure ocean pleasure. However, make sure to check the weather forecast carefully to get the best wind in your sails. The sailing season here starts as early as April and lasts until the end of October. So you have plenty of time to explore all the beautiful sights and experience all kinds of winds and sea breezes.
2. Natural diversity
The diversity and natural contrasts of the Croatian coast attract sailors from all parts of the world. On the Croatian coast, you can sail from a modern marina to a small fishing village in less than a nautical mile. With over 56 km2 of land area and just over 31 square kilometres of coastal area, Croatia has 8 national parks and 12 nature parks. This information speaks for itself about the beauty and uniqueness of Croatia and its coastline.
Only a few of the national parks can be reached by sea, as they consist of a group of islands. The national parks Kornati, Brijuni and the island of Mljet are said to be a piece of heaven on earth. We are sure that you will not soon forget slalom sailing through the National Park Kornati with its 89 islands and reefs. Or experience it anywhere else. National parks, rich in natural beauties such as endemic plant species and an abundance of marine life, make for an interesting sailing adventure.
With a total of almost 120 Blue Flags, the Croatian coast is at the top of the list of environmental and ecological awareness of the Adriatic. We are sure that this fact says everything about the Croatian Adriatic.
3. Well-known historical destinations
With their rich past and the stories they tell, Croatia’s historical sites are an exceptional place for sightseeing. We are sure you’ll fall in love with the winds and sea currents of the Croatian Adriatic, but do not forget to explore as much as you can. Croatia is not only a prime sailing destination, but also a world famous destination for tourists from all parts of the world.
Some come for the natural beauty, others for the historical sights, but most take the time to visit the Old Town of Dubrovnik as one of the most famous places in Croatia. We will not advise you to visit the city – we will just tell you, do it now! Dubrovnik is one of the most unique sights in the world that you really should not miss, and the area is also great for sailing. Almost all the coastal towns on the Croatian Adriatic are steeped in history and offer exceptional sightseeing with their rich past and the stories they tell.
And if you feel like visiting some of the Croatian islands like Hvar or Pag, which are known for their colourful culture and various music festivals, you will surely have the best time of your life.
4. Modern marinas with excellent infrastructure
We have listed several things so far, but the one that interests you the most, we have intentionally saved almost till the end. But let us start by saying that Croatia, even though it is small compared to other countries, is a trendy sailing destination. The fact that 40% of the entire world charter fleet is based in Croatia says a lot about the nautical popularity of this country. Even though the traffic seems to be extremely dense, you can be sure to find your peace and quiet as the coastline offers over 1000 islands and numerous bays to enjoy.
The choice of sailing yachts is huge, with a wide range of quality and price, and it is so easy to get lost in it. That’s why you should get good advice on where to find all the information you need in Croatia. There are 57 marinas along the Croatian coast, and their prices depend on the season, the length of the vessel type and the location. Sailing yachts with a length of 10 to 12 m have a daily price of 60 to 90 €, but sailing yachts of 14 to 16 m have a daily price of 90 to 130€, also depending on the time and location. During the night your boat can be safe in many bays, with free anchorage or with a fee if you are moored to a buoy.
5. THAT. FOOD.
And yes, we put food in capital letters on purpose, because there is no food like Croatian food. Or to be precise – the food on the Croatian coast. What more could a true sailor ask for than a good wind, a fantastic view and a full plate of local delicacies. We’d love to list all the must-try dishes, but no matter what you choose, you will not go wrong. The fish is fresh, all the ingredients and spices are local. Do not forget to visit the local taverns and restaurants where you will enjoy every bite. Croatia is also known for its wines, which you should definitely try.
***
We are sure you will fall in love with the winds and sea currents of the Croatian Adriatic, but do not forget to discover as many local specialties as possible. But we can not forget about the people and their carefree Mediterranean way of life. Everywhere you go, you will be warmly welcomed and greeted.
