Zizoo Sailing Guide Croatia (1)-pages-deleted

Table of
contents
Welcome
Before your trip
Planning ahead: what to pack
Provisioning your boat
Planning your itinerary
Checking-in at the charter
Day-to-day life on board
Boat etiquette
Sailing vocabulary
Exploring Croatia by boat
Where to start your boat holiday
Where to go
03
04
05
06
07
08
09
10
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WELCOME
Adventurers. Wanderlusters. Sunseekers. Full-time sea
lovers. Welcome to Zizoo. Our guide to your boat holiday
in Croatia is designed to help you make the most of your
experience on board. Inside, you’ll find information and tips
on everything from what to pack in your suitcase and how
to budget for provisioning to which restaurants to try if you
love seafood.
Croatia is one of our favourite boat holiday destinations,
and you’ll find insider tips and recommendations on the best
places to visit during your trip. We’ve spoken to local skippers,
wine and restaurant experts to source the best suggestions
when it comes to things to see, try and do in the Land
of One Thousand Islands.
Welcome on board.
3

BEFORE
YOUR TRIP
There’s plenty to be excited about before your boat holiday
has started. Planning itineraries and creating bucket lists is
all part of the fun - the beauty of boat holidays is that they
are as unique as you are. But before we get to that part,
take a look at the following tips in terms of items you should
remember to take with you.
a 12-v charger for your mobile,
laptop, digital camera and other
electronics. You might also want
to consider investing in a portable
mobile phone charger - so you
never run out of juice regardless
of where you are.
• Some Zizoo boats offer snorkeling
equipment - but check with the
charter and bring your own if not.
• Remember your reading materials:
whether it’s a Kindl, paperback,
magazines or newspapers
- reading on deck with the warm
sun on your face and the waves
splashing around you is a simply
fantastic experience.
When it comes to documents, you
should, of course always remember
your passport or ID card (if you’re an
EU national travelling within the EU),
otherwise your trip might not go much
further than the airport. If you’re going
without a skipper, remember to bring
your license (check in advance whether
you have the right one - our team can
help you with that), sailing logs, VHF
radio license and other certificates.
Depending on the type of holiday you
intend to have, you might also need a
fishing permit, scuba licence and driving
licence - if you’re thinking of renting
a car or a motorbike to explore the
mainland.
If you’re an EU national, remember to
bring your European Health Card - in
case of any accidents or sickness, you’ll
be given free treatment within Croatia
and the rest of the EU.
Zizoo tip:
Don’t worry about seasickness
while sailing - it’s rare, and
usually goes away within a
couple of hours of setting sail.
Planning ahead:
what to pack?
GOOD TO KNOW
Soft bags are generally
easier to stow aboard than
hard suitcases
Boat holidays aren’t too different
from beach holidays when it comes
to packing. Be sure to remember
the essentials: bathing suits (bring a
couple), flip flops, cover-ups, comfortable
walking or hiking shoes (if you’re
planning to get active), sunglasses and
beach towels (if those aren’t already
provided). You’re going to be spending
a lot of time enjoying the warm Croatian
sun, so ensure you come prepared:
bring sunscreen, sunglasses with UV
protection, a hat and aloe vera based
after-sun lotion (thank us later). It’s
better to bring these from home, as
prices in the marina shops can often be
higher than in regular shops, or even
the airport.
Similarly to any other type of trip,
remember chargers and adapters for
your electronics (we’ve all been there
- hanging on to that sweet 2% battery
left).
Boats are generally very comfortable
for overnight stay but you might consider
enhancing your experience further
by bringing the following:
• Earplugs - for those of us who are
light sleepers.
• Flashlight or head-torch for the
times you get home late after a
fantastic time at the konoba.
• Warm and cosy pullovers, windbreakers
or waterproofs - evenings
at sea can get chilly.
• Zip-lock bags to protect items
from water - you never know.
• Depending on the type of boat
you’re renting, you might need
Konoba:
Traditional Croatian restaurant,
offering Dalmatian
specialities, such as grilled
seafood and meats
4 5

PROVISIONING
YOUR BOAT
If planning to use a service
for provisioning your boat,
try to give at least 3 weeks
notice before you check-in.
The costs for provisioning your boat
will vary depending on the amount of
people aboard, how long you will be
sailing and whether you go with your
charter’s provisioning service, use a
delivery service or go shopping on your
own. Either way, you should plan to budget
between 10-30 euros per person
per day.
In Croatia, most places don’t accept
credit card, so make sure to bring cash.
Although most establishments take
euro, it will often be at a worse rate
than if you paid with kuna. You don’t
need to prepare for all 7 days in one
shop. Although getting staples such as
pasta, porridge and chopped tomatoes
in the beginning might be a good idea
in terms of budgeting, don’t worry - you
can get fresh ingredients along the
way.
For most of us who have chartered
sailboats, the meals on board are
an important part of the experience.
Tasting the local cuisine while relaxing
on your boat under a starry night sky
is one of the best aspects of a sailing
holiday. Some charter companies
offer to stock your boat with food and
alcohol for a fee. Some offer a variety
of plans: full provisioning, where they
will stock the boat with all the food
and drinks you need for every meal,
or ‘split’ provisioning, where they will
provide breakfasts and lunches, but
only two or three dinners, so you can
sample the local cuisine along the way.
Or, if you want to spend all your time
bathing in the sun and exploring towns
and waterways, you can hire a chef to
take care of everything for you.
Alternatively, you can plan, purchase
and cook all your meals yourself. Just
as it takes careful planning to make the
sailing experience safe and fun, you’ll
need to spend time in advance of your
trip planning your meals, preparing a
shopping list, researching and locating
markets, assigning galley duties to your
crew and working all this into your
sailing itinerary. This sounds like much
more effort, but it can be a lot of fun,
very rewarding and usually a lot cheaper.
Remember, island shops are more
expensive so it’s best to stock up at
stores at or around the marina before
you set sail.
Planning your itinerary
When chartering a sailboat you have
the absolute freedom to design your
trip however you want – from the moment
you wake up to the moment you
lay down at night. The freedom that
comes with having your own boat is an
incredible bonus, but while you now
have the choice to sail wherever you
want, you also have to plan where you
want to go. If you have no knowledge
of the area you’re sailing in, the charter
company can plan an itinerary for you.
And, if you decide to sail with a skipper,
they will even take care of the entire
itinerary. However, you’ve chosen this
destination and so you’ve probably got
some idea of where you want to sail to,
so start doing some research about the
coastline, islands, bays, coves and local
harbours where you can sail to and
anchor in. This can be a lot of work, but
also very rewarding. But there will most
likely always be some issues of the sea
you’re not aware of, such as particular
sailing routes and restricted zones, so
sailing with a skipper is definitely the
easiest way to cruise from place to
place while still taking advantage of the
freedom you have.
6 7

Checking-in at the charter
The check-in takes place at the marina
where the charter offices are located.
The process usually takes around one
hour. You’ll first meet the charter representative,
sign the contract and then
check-out the boat, making sure there
is no damage. Once you’ve been informed
about the boat and its features,
you’re ready to set sail.
Day-to-day life on board
Your day-to-day life on board will differ
depending on whether you’re sailing
with or without a skipper (and other
optional crew members such as a
hostess or a chef). In both cases, your
boat holiday is entirely built around you
and your tastes.
If you’re travelling with a skipper, you
will usually start your day with breakfast
(see section Provisioning your
boat) and then start sailing towards
your desired destination. On a typical
7- or 14-day boat holiday, you won’t
generally do more than 2-3 hours of
sailing per day. Your skipper will have
discussed your holiday preferences
with you, and plan the itinerary based
on your priorities, whether that’s relaxing
in a secluded bay, tasting wines
across the islands or visiting sights and
landmarks on the mainland.
During the sail, you can relax and enjoy
the ride while the skipper takes care of
the rest. Crossings between the most
visited islands (and the mainland) tend
to be around 45 minutes - 1 hour long.
That’s the perfect amount of time to
catch up on the news, read a few chapters
of that Murakami novel you bought
at the airport or play a game of Uno
(because, let’s face it, Uno is awesome).
Once you reach your destination - let’s
say a beautiful bay just off the shore of
Vis island - you will have a few hours to
enjoy yourself: go swimming, paddle
boarding, snorkelling, canoeing, exploring
the nearest village or whatever
else you fancy. Lunch can be taken on
board (depending on the type of boat
holiday you’ve selected, the skipper/
hostess may cook local specialities
for you), or you can grab a bite in the
nearest restaurant. You can also pack
a picnic if you’re planning on spending
the afternoon on the beach.
In the afternoon, you will typically sail
to the marina or buoy where you will
spend the night. If you’re sailing with
a skipper, they will take care of paying
the associated fees and will then either
take you to land via the dinghy (if you’re
anchoring at a buoy) or you can head
straight out if you’re at the marina. If
you’re on a budget, anchoring at a buoy
is the cheaper option when it comes to
planning your overnight stay.
In the evening, enjoy a delicious meal
and a glass (or two) of wine, celebrating
life at its finest under the starry sky.
8 9

Boat
etiquette
If you’re an experienced sailor, you’re probably well
aware of the rules of the sea, but if you’re a sailing rookie
there are some important things you need to know
before departing for the sailing holiday of a lifetime.
And while common sense is usually a safe method to
follow, there are also many unwritten rules that you’ll
need to know about.
• Driving manners. Make sure you completely
understand the rules of ‘right of way’. Steer clear
of oncoming boats, allow plenty of room for larger
vessels and always be aware of your own wake.
• Be aware of your speed, position and sailing pattern.
There is nothing worse than a speedy motor
yacht passing by and leaving a huge wake, overturning
your entire lunch spread onto the deck.
• Be environmentally aware. When sailing through
crystal clear seas, it’s our duty to preserve their
natural state and ensure we leave them in pristine
condition. Sharing the waterways means taking
care of what we emit into them.
• Use water conservatively. Water conservation is
a big one. Saving water on a yacht is important, as
there is limited fresh water for drinking, cooking
and washing, so make sure you discuss water
usage with your crew.
• Pump-out protocols. There is nothing worse than
boaters who ignore the rules of the pump-out
stations and holding tanks, so be conscious of all
pump-out stations on your route.
• Anchoring etiquette. Never anchor too close to
other boats, because the wind can change quickly
and before you know it you’ll be bumping hulls
and tangling lines with five other yachts. Remember,
the first boat in the anchorage has the right to
decide on the swing radius.
• Mind your neighbors. If you know you’ll be making
some noise, anchor downwind of others and
give enough distance; noise travels far on the sea.
• Always help out a fellow sailor. If you see
another sailor or vessel in trouble, do your best to
help out while still ensuring the safety of your own
vessel and crew.
Sailing
vocabulary
If you’re going on a boat holiday for the first time, the
below list of sailing terms might come in handy.
“Lines” – whatever you do, don’t call the ropes, ‘ropes’.
Call them ‘lines’.
“Bow” – and this is the back.
“Port” – this is the left side of the boat when you’re
facing forward.
“Starboard” – this is the right side of the boat when
facing forward.
“Galley” – the kitchen.
“Below deck” – where the cabins and galley are.
“Anchorage” – a beautiful bay, cove or marina to lower
the anchor for the night.
“Fender” – the cylindrical plastic items used to protect
the sides of the boat when mooring.
“Helm” – the steering wheel, the Captain’s driving area.
Do not get in the way here.
“Mainsail” – the largest sail, set by the stern.
“Telltale” – the little wind indicator on the sails.
“Mast” – the long pole holding the sails and rigging.
“Tacking” – when you turn the bow of the boat through
the wind so the wind switches from one side of the boat
to the other.
“Jibing” – the opposite of tacking, when you turn the
stern of the boat through the wind so the wind switches
to the other side of the boat.
“Luffing” – when the sails begin to flap and lose their
tight stretch, due to changing of direction or loosening
the sheets.
10 11

Exploring
Croatia by boat
The Croatian coast is all about discovery.
You’ll be exploring tiny walled
cities and ageing hilltop towns, running
through bell towers, vineyards and
forests. The pastel coloured terrace
houses make an impressive contrast to
the glorious Venetian mansions, which
hug the harbour of Cres Town. From
Croatian nudist beaches to bathing at
sunset in spectacular waterfalls, there’s
certainly plenty to do between spending
your nights sampling delicious
local food and wine in the taverns of
some of the most beautiful coastal
towns like Dubrovnik, Zadar, Vis or
Pula. Croatia has it all.
Adding to these naturally gorgeous
assets of the Croatian coastline is, of
course, the party scene. The best Croatian
festivals and bars attract gorgeous
guests from all over Europe. You’ll meet
wonderful people, party under a starry
night sky and maybe even experience a
summer fling! And the best part of this
social scene is the one element that
ties it all together – the yachts. The Sail
Croatia experience is what people wait
for all year. From Split to Hvar, Korčula
to Dubrovnik, and Trstenik to Makarska,
you’ll see thousands of bikini-clad
people on rows of yachts all anchored
up and enjoying one of the world’s best
island paradises. They sail from town to
town, island to island, meeting up and
living it up. The salty summer breeze
and echoing festive music entwine to
create an atmosphere unlike no other.
There’s plenty to discover in the surrounding
area, with the Kornati Islands
National Park located just offshore. The
archipelago consists of over a hundred
islands only accessible by boat, all the
more reason to rent a boat in Zadar.
So whether you’re looking to charter
a yacht in Zadar, or something a little
more rustic, the stunning beauty, sailing
conditions, and easy accessibility
make it perfect for a holiday at sea.
In terms of getting there, Croatia is
an easy country to reach for most
travellers flying or driving from within
Europe. Croatia is easily accessible
by the many European flights which
serve the three principal airports of
Dubrovnik, Split, and Zagreb. There are
minimal trans-continental services, but
connections in major hub airports are
readily available. All Croatian airports
are located within a reasonable 15km
distance to their respective city and are
easily reached by public transportation
(normally bus), taxi or rental car.
We recommend visiting the Nation of
One Thousand Islands between May
and September, with July and August
being the busiest times for visitors.
12 13

ZIZOO RECOMMENDS
ZADAR
Visit the little-known bay at Stiniva, which is
a 2-hour sail from Zadar. There is a charming
restaurant with only 4 tables there, run by
two brothers who keep a pet raven and pet
eels. We recommend trying the lamb peka -
the meat comes from locally bred sheep, who
feed on a special diet of regional herbs.
Zadar is located in northern Dalmatia along the Adriatic Sea.
While there is plenty to see and do, it is blissfully free of the
party crowd–who are busy partying hard in nearby Pag. The
Zadar area is home to several beaches and also serves as
an access point to Kornati Islands - a definite must-visit for
anyone doing island hopping in Croatia. Located just south
of Zadar, the archipelago consists of almost 100 islands.
Situated roughly an hour away from the mainland, the park
is the perfect place for a day trip, though staying overnight
and exploring several of the islands at your leisure is recommended
- especially Levrnaka and Mana.
Where to
start your
boat holiday
Croatia boasts several nautical hubs when it
comes to well-equipped marinas and number
of charters. Most of our customers start
their sailing holidays in either Zadar, Sibenik
or Split. Dubrovnik is also becoming popular,
with a few marinas along its coast and one
large marina currently being developed.
ZIZOO RECOMMENDS
Ask for Skradin veal risotto, which is traditionally
cooked overnight - make sure to order
it at least a day in advance (your skipper can
do this for you if you’re travelling with one).
Another delicious dish is brodet, which contains
a minimum of three different types of
fish and seafood (including lobsters, shrimp,
scampi, cooked with tomatoes). It is simply
mouthwatering so make sure to watch for the
name when you check out a local konoba’s
menu.
There is an archipelago of islands around Sibenik. If you’re
sailing from one of the main marinas, the best two islands
to visit first are Zlarin and Skradin: both are scattered with
well-preserved and virtually unknown traditional Dalmatian
villages along their coasts.
Skradin, located at the delta of the river Krka where river
and sea meet, is a great culinary destination for this reason.
Sea bass caught there is especially delicious - we recommend
trying it grilled or in a Dalmatian stew.
SIBENIK
When visiting local konobas, keep your eyes
peeled for gregada - a traditional fish and potato
stew (this is the official dish of the island of Hvar,
although it is widely served elsewhere).
14 15

SPLIT
Dubrovnik
Split is a commonly-chosen starting point for boat holidays
in Croatia. The main marina is located in one of the city’s
best spots, near the Split Lungomare promenade, which is
just a short walk from the Split’s main attractions - and is indeed
an attraction in its own right. From there you’ll be able
to go on shore to eat or drink in one of the many waterfront
cafes and restaurants, which come complete with terrific
views of the peninsula. You’ll also be nearby to Split’s superb
beaches, many of which have been awarded the Blue Flag
distinction, including the family-friendly Bačvice beach.
There are many day trips available from Split, with islands
and other great destinations along the coast to visit. Solta
is the closest island to Split, but is surprisingly not as heavily
visited as others in the area, even though it’s full of charm
and intrigue. Admittedly, the port doesn’t look like much,
but don’t let that fool you - venture inland a little bit and
you’ll find the summit of the island, which offers terrific
views of the surrounding area.
Dubrovnik is located in far southern Croatia on the Adriatic
Coast. The UNESCO city is the most iconic in Croatia because
of its brilliantly preserved medieval walls, as well as
the original architecture that defines it. Though it’s a much
visited city, Dubrovnik has managed to preserve its heritage
without being overly touristy. The best time for a Dubrovnik
yacht charter is late spring and late summer, when the
temperature is pleasant, the water warm, and the crowds
kept to a minimum.
Sailing in and around Dubrovnik is special because the city
and surrounding waters offer a little bit of everything. Great
weather? Check. Sublime views? Check. A fascinating city
with bags of history? Double check. When you dock your
yacht in Dubrovnik marina (which has been Blue Flag for
cleanliness for too many years in a row to count), you’ll be
close to a string of excellent Dubrovnik attractions. Tourists
come from all over the world to see the old city walls, the
Dubrovnik city gates, and to walk the splendid, beautiful
streets. At Dubrovnik marina you’ll be just a few minutes
from these attractions and exciting water sports in the clear
waters of the Adriatic. When you’re not strolling the ancient
streets, you can be partying on the beach on nearby Lopud
island or sampling the area’s fresh seafood and regional
wines.
Where
TO GO
There are many ways to explore Croatia
by boat. See some of our suggested
routes, islands and activities summarising
the best of what the Adriatic
country has to offer.
16 17

The ‘one-way Split to Dubrovnik’
sailing route
Start by spending your day in Split,
exploring the delights hidden among
the ancient walls and streets, where
you’ll find boutique bars, fantastic
restaurants and modern cafes. Some
highlights include the Diocletian’s
Palace and relaxing on the waterfront
until it’s time to sail.
On your second day, continue to the
island of Brac: we recommend ancho-
ZIZOO RECOMMENDS
ring in either Bol, Milna or Bobovisca
Bay. The small town of Bol sits on the
southern end of the island, and is the
oldest town on this coast. Here, you
can visit Croatia’s most beautiful beach
– Zlatni rat. The crystal clear water and
stunning white sand draw travellers
from all over the world. For this reason
it can be quite busy, but it is definitely a
beach to check out. Another place worth
a visit is the town of Milna: a small
While in Brac, make sure to visit the family-owned restaurants Raniak.
Set in an olive grove, the restaurant offers the best homemade bruschetta
we’ve ever tried - made with home-grown tomatoes, of course.
Try the slow roasted lamb and the small fried pastries, filled with
goat’s cheese and proscuitto ham.
fishing village with a lovely harbour
perfect for an overnight anchorage.
Brac is great for the outdoorsy type;
there is plenty of hiking and you can
explore the Illyrian Fortress and the
Vidova gora not far from Bol, the
highest point of all the Adriatic Islands.
Brac also has many ancient churches
and Baroque-style palaces to explore.
On your fourth day, visit Vis - perhaps
our favourite Croatian island. Full of
beautiful hidden bays and coves, you’re
sure to discover a secret slice of serenity.
Here, you can stay in the town of Vis
(a safe harbour with plenty of mooring
lines and buoys) or the small fishing
village of Komiza.
Vis is full of excellent beaches; some of
our favourites are Stiniva (one of the
most famous Croatian bays), Budikovac
and Zaglav. For a great stop-off
on your way out, visit the beautiful
Stoncica Bay, with its bright blue water
and peaceful coves.
Next, head to the beautiful island of
Korcula: the second most populous
Adriatic island, full of Venetian influence.
Its historical old town is charming
and its marina is perfect for an overnight
stop. The city of Korcula loves
to charm its visitors with vibrant folk
festivals and hospitable locals. It is also
Croatia’s fishing capital - so make sure
to try as much seafood as possible during
your stay. The beaches on Korcula
are, as you’ve probably noticed with
the Croatian islands, fantastic. Przina
and Bili za are our favourite secret
swimming spots. If you are a wine
enthusiast, you’ll find excellent local
wine on beautiful vineyards and plenty
of olive groves. Be sure to check out the
Bire winery in Lumbarda and the Cara
winery in the village of Cara.
ZIZOO RECOMMENDS
While in Korcula, visit a bakery and
ask for the traditional almond strudel
typically only sold on the island.
Head to Hvar on your third day. Hvar
is the most popular island in Croatia.
Known as the place to be if you’re
looking for a good party, Hvar draws
travellers and party-goers all summer
long. Carpe Diem, a nightclub on its
own island, is one of the best venues if
you’re looking to dance the night away.
However, Hvar is not only to party
on; it’s also full of beautiful vineyards,
hidden bays and coves, as well as great
hiking grounds.
ZIZOO RECOMMENDS
Mooring in the Hvar marina is sought after, so we suggest
anchoring in the stunning marina on the island of Palmizana,
in a nature park just a five-minute water taxi away.
ZIZOO RECOMMENDS
Dubovitsa, located on the south
side of the island is our favourite
beach on Hvar.
Sail to Mljet on your sixth day - discover Croatia’s greenest
island, with its crystal clear sea, beautiful beaches, Mediterranean
vegetation and unusual wildlife. The island of Mljet
is one of Croatia’s most popular national parks. You’ll find
plenty of fantastic wineries, olive groves and the island’s
local speciality – goat’s cheese. In the north, you’ll find
Okuklje, which has plenty of berths and buoys to anchor in.
Sail to Dubrovnik on your last day. Dubrovnik is the most
visited destination in Croatia for a reason. Looking down
upon the city’s ancient architecture and medieval walls will
leave you speechless. Dubrovnik’s history is fascinating, and
this enchanting city will act as the perfect last stop – and
possibly even the highlight – of your 7-day sailing holiday.
Read more about Dubrovnik above.
18 19

Croatia’s
World
Heritage
Sites
Historic City
of Trogir
Trogir has been recognised as an exceptional medieval town
that has remarkably retained its original street layout that
dates back to the Hellenistic and Roman eras. Follow the
charming streets of Trogir to discover incredible examples
of Medieval, Baroque and Renaissance architecture, including
the famous cathedral. You’ll find that Trogir comes to
life in the summer months as a host to many festivals and
cultural events.
Croatia is home to 7 extraordinary World Heritage Sites, 6 of
which are located right along the coast - perfect to explore
by boat. These fascinating ancient manmade and natural
sites serve as testimony to Croatia’s grand past as a meeting
place between East and West, a significant Roman settlement,
an important center for art and literature as well as its
great gastronomic heritage.
SPLIT
Split is Croatia’s second major city and
was founded over 17 centuries ago
when Emperor Diocletian decided to
retire near the Roman city of Salona,
the ruins of which you can still discover
today. Diocletian’s royal palace was
constructed between 300-400 A.D., yet,
due to turbulent years in the region
following the fall of the Roman Empire,
the palace remarkably transformed
into the dynamic city you see today.
Diocletian’s Palace and the old city contained
within its walls were inscribed
on the UNESCO List of World Heritage
Sites in 1979. Split retains many important
cultural sites including several
churches from the Romanesque,
Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque periods,
impressive medieval fortifications
and an abundance of lovely palaces. It
is also a terrific place to start a sailing
trip along the Dalmatian Coast.
Dubrovnik
The Irish poet, George Bernard Shaw declared, “if you
want to see heaven on Earth, come to Dubrovnik”. We
think that Shaw was right. The stunning walled-city that’s
surrounded by the shimmering sea has served to inspire
artists, writers and rulers for centuries. Haven risen into a
major sea power in the 13th century, Dubrovnik flourished
as an important center of culture and industry. The wealth
and prominence of the city translated into its architecture
which features numerous splendid churches, palaces and
fountains from the Medieval times through the Baroque
era. The Old City has remained virtually unchanged despite
a major earthquake in the 17th century and having suffered
destruction caused by armed conflicts in the 20th century.
Stari Grad
Plain, Hvar
The Stari Grad Plain, which includes several vineyards and
olive groves was inscribed on the World Heritage List in
2008 as the best preserved ancient Greek landscape
in the entire Mediterranean. The landscape serves as
testimony to the relationship between man and nature over
a span of 24000 years. Even today you can still find traces
of ancient elements including stone walls and shelters that
were used to divide the land since ancient times. In addition
to the impressive state of preservation Croatians continue
to cultivate the same crops that have been on the island
since the 4th century BC adding to Hvar’s famous wines and
olive oils.
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Sailing around the
Kornati Islands
Bare, rugged and scattered along the Dalmatian Coast, the
Kornati provide an exciting and challenging sailing ground.
With hundreds of islands and islets to explore, sailing the
Kornati is an interesting and busy sailing route. Located
just south of Zadar, the archipelago consists of almost 100
islands. Located roughly an hour away from the mainland,
the park is the perfect place for a day trip, though staying
overnight and exploring several of the islands at your leisure
is recommended.
Dugi Otok, Mali Losinj, Pag and Vir are some of the most
popular Kornati islands to sail around. We also suggest
visiting Levrnaka and Mana for stunning beaches and an
opportunity for some secluded relaxation away from the
crowds of the mainland. This really is the perfect destination
for some exquisite Croatia island hopping.
Hvar
Hvar has a great vibe and a fantastic selection of bars and
clubs. It’s far less crowded than places like established party
capital Ibiza but at the same there are enough people from
around the world and enough truly spectacular clubs to
make Hvar any partygoer’s dream.
For a somewhat meta experience, try island-within-theisland
bar Carpe Diem. Head over to the harbour for midnight
and sip some bubbly until you get ferried to the bar
island after 1am. DJs, swimming pools (!), campfires, palm
trees, dancers, and cocktails out of this world – Carpe Diem
has it all.
Other notable venues include Hula Hula – by far the best
place to mingle and have a drink as the sun sets behind
the waves of the Adriatic. The bar is located right in the
rocks over the water – and it’s the place to be for drinks and
pre-party mingling.
The most present winds are the ‘Jugo’ and the ‘Mistral’,
but the ‘Bora’ winds bring more powerful wind during the
off-season period and sometimes even thunderstorms
during July and August. Care should also be taken when
navigating the islands, as underwater rock formations and
unexpected rock beds can arise when sailing from island to
island.
Pag
PARTY
ISLANDS
Pag is the fifth-largest Croatian island and sits in the northern
Adriatic Sea. Pag is home to the legendary Hideout
Festival and, as of 2007, the bars and clubs of Zrce beach,
near Novalja, were granted 24-hour licences, so Pag is now
known as one of Croatia’s hottest party destinations. Openair
clubs like Papaya and Aquarius are famous throughout
Europe and, if you like big summer parties with famous DJs,
you’ll probably get hooked dancing the night away at one of
these. Anchor in the port of Mandre, then hit the famous
Zrce beach, known around the world as one of the best
beaches for summer parties. This bustling beach is surrounded
by a thick pine forest, giving pleasant shade even on
the hottest of summer days. In the clubs, bars and chill-out
areas, you can turn night into day and dance until sunrise.
If you’re after partying, you’re in luck.
The best Croatian festivals and bars
attract gorgeous guests from all over
Europe. You’ll meet wonderful people,
party under a starry night sky and maybe
even experience a summer fling.
And the best part of this social scene is
the one element that ties it all together
– the yachts.
BRAC
While its party scene is not as famous
as that of Hvar or Pag, Brac offers
partygoers and sun worshipers one of
Europe’s best beaches, Zlatni rat. The
crystal clear water and stunning white
sand draw travellers from all over the
world. You’ll find many great cocktail
bars and nightclubs that’ll keep you
entertained dusk till dawn. We suggest
anchoring in either Bol, Milna or Bobovisca
Bay.
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ROMANTIC
GATAWAYS
Mljet
If you’re looking for breathtaking nature
and peaceful settings off the beaten
track, you’re sailing in the right place,
with over 1000 islands to explore. Secluded
beaches, lagoons and bays can
be found on most islands in Croatia,
but those on the island of Mljet are
particularly outstanding. Our top tip:
sail over to Saplunara beach, to the
south of the island. Here, you can relax,
swim in crystal clear water and stroll
the often-deserted stretches of sand.
Sibenik
Sibenik is the ideal location for a
romantic getaway. For lovebirds who
want to escape the tourist hot spots
and reconnect in a gorgeous seaside
village full of Croatian character, Sibenik
is the place for you.
Sibenik is situated on the north Dalmatian
coast, about 80km north of Split.
The city centre sits deep inside a stunning,
naturally protected bay where
the Adriatic Sea and Krka River meet,
allowing you to cruise in and navigate
every inch of calm water surrounding
this serene Croatian holiday hotspot.
Sibenik has an excellent marina and a
charming old town, and you’ll no doubt
lose yourselves among the romantic
Renaissance-era alleyways and gorgeous
architecture.
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TIPS FOR
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