croatian islands

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A Guide to Sailing Around the Croatian Islands

What makes Croatia one of the most popular sailing destinations in the world is its 1,246 islands. Visiting all of them would be ideal, but it is quite impossible, so we have chosen the best destinations on the islands, from the south to the north of the Croatian coast. We will take you to popular destinations like Hvar and Vis, to hidden gems like Iž and Rava, and to

distant islands of Jabuka and Palagruža. Let’s sail off!

Your favorite Yacht Charter2

1,246 Pieces of Paradise to Explore 3

Dubrovnik Area 4

Steer Your Boat to Elaphiti Islands... 5

South Adriatic Isolated Oasis Is a Paradise for Yachtsmen – Island of Lastovo 6

Playing Hide and Seek in the Adriatic – Skrivena Luka 7

The Place Where Odysseus Took a Seven-Year Break – Mljet Island 8

Moor Your Yacht in Marco Polo’s Neighborhood – ACI Korčula 9

Split Area 11

Maslinica – a Fishing Village Turned into a Sailors’ Paradise 12

An Archipelago Named “The Islands of Hell” 13

Sail to Komiža and Experience an Adventurous Holiday! 14

Vis – the Port That Mighty Empires Have Fought For 15

The Advantages of Chartering in the Island Base of Rogač, Šolta 16

Šibenik Area 18

Sail to Žut, the ‘Yellow’ Island 19

The Beauty of the Kornati Islands 20

Sailing the Šibenik Archipelago 21

Piškera – a Beautiful Marina on the Open Sea 22

Zadar Area 24

Sailing Around the Island of Pag 25

Molat – a Calm and Quiet Spot in the Zadar Archipelago 26

Iž – Where Small Things Are Bigger Than the Large Ones 27

Sailing Dugi Otok 28

Telašćica Nature Park 29

Rava – a Charming Little Island 30

Below Islands 32

The Ultimate Adventure - Sailing Distant Croatian Islands 33

Visit the Distant Island of Biševo 34

Sailing To Palagruža, the Remotest Croatian Island 35

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Contents

Image sources: 3 / SailingEurope archive / 4 / SailingEurope archive / 5 / http://www.lopud.com.hr/slike/08.jpg/http://blog.online-croatia.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/11418648.jpg/http://www.mljet.hr/slike/mljet_1.jpg 6 / http://www.viganj.org/dalmatin/uploads/Lastovo-001-800x600.jpg / https://www.kroati.de/images/uploads/naturpark/lastovo/naturpark-lastovo-otocje_panorama_03.jpg / 7 / http://www.dalmacijabus.hr/images/otkrivena_skrivena_luka_3577.jpg / http://www.plovput-exhibition.com/fotografije/Seric_Struga.jpg / 8 / SailingEurope archive / 9 / http://www.apartmanija.hr/slike/slike_gradovi/korcula.jpg / http://croatia.hr/Images/t900x600-8124/ACI-Korcula007.jpg / 11 / https://adriaticstay.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/hvar-night.jpg / 12 / http://www.maslinica.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/%C5%A0olta-iz-zraka-oto%C4%8Di%C4%87i7.jpg / http://s2.pticica.com/foto/0000589703_l_0_dg4pw7.jpg/http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e2/%C5%A0olta_Maslinica_Hrvatska_Hafen_2012_f.jpg / 13 / http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4137/4884084799_4536dbc8de_z.jpg / http://www.villa-tamara.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Hvar-town-and-Pakleni-Islands.jpg/http://istra-news.com/travel/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/pulp_islands_palmi%C5%BEana_beach-2.jpg / 14 / http://www.stjepantafra.com/pejsazna-fotografija-012.jpg/http://www.dalmatia.hr/images/pressfoto/neutral/modra-72dpi.jpg/http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/cf/Komiza,_Island_of_Vis,_Croatia.JPG / 15 / http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipe-dia/commons/e/e8/Vis_Harbour,_Croatia.JPG / http://www.thestar.com/content/dam/thestar/life/travel/2013/04/04/europe_travel_step_back_in_time_with_a_visit_to_vis_croatia/harbour_at_vis_croa-tia.jpg / 16 / SailingEurope archive / 18 / SailingEurope archive / 19 / http://www.connecto-taxi.com/files/images/croatia-marinas/aci-zut-1.jpg / http://sibenskiportal.hr/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/otok_zut_kornati.jpg/https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/podeli.si/Son%C4%8Dni+zahodi/Otok+Z%CC%8Cut,+Hrvas%CC%8Cka.jpg / 20 / http://www.sunturist.hr/documents/kornati_main.jpg / http://www.aci-marinas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/zut1.jpg / 21 / http://smart-travel.hr/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/13.jpg/http://cdn.sibenik.in/upload/novosti/2014/07/2014-07-23/25645/zlarin.jpg / 22 / http://limun.hr/UserDocsImages/154.jpg/http://www.sailingeurope.com/media/3143161/marina_pi%C5%A1kera.jpg/http://croatia.hr/Images/t900x600-8106/ACI-Piskera-005.jpg / 24 / SailingEurope archive / 25 / http://www.hotel-pagus.hr/wp-content/gallery/otok-pag/pag4.jpg/http://www.pag.hr/images/stories/panorame/02.jpg / 26 / http://croatia.hr/Images/t900x600-274/croatia_dalmacija_brgul-je_molat_0002.jpg/http://www.zadar.travel/images/original/MOLAT_BRGULJE_2_1293788042.jpg / 27 / http://www.lotos-croatia.com/files/image/Kopie_-_Iz12-Veli.JPG / http://www.zadarskilist.hr/media/base/0002_alajo%20reno%204_stipesurac.jpg/http://www.zadarskilist.hr/media/base/veliiz.jpg / 28 / http://www.dugiotok.hr/data/images/image/big/185/panorame-Dugi-otok-261.jpg / http://croatia.hr/Images/t900x600-81/croatia_dalmatia_ribarice_kali.jpg / 29 / http://flexitreks.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Dalmatia-archipelago.jpg / http://www.croatia-sailingholidays.com/images/nautical_guide/telascica1v.jpg / 30 / http://visitdalmatia.com/zadar/images/zadarbeaches6.jpg / http://www.zadar.travel/images/original/Rava_Zadar_Archipelago_A3008_1380900663.jpg / http://www.trazimsmjestaj.com/images/w.800/h.600/c.1/d.guide_photos/sd./i.island-rava_zadarska_croatia_hrvatska_adria_8-20130305.jpg / 32 / https://mysteriouscroatia.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/palagruza-1441-x-900.jpg / 33 / SailingEurope archive / http://s2.pticica.com/foto/0001136094_l_0_7bxrjb.jpg / 34 / http://www.tz-komiza.hr/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/bisevo-plaza-mezuporat-01.jpg / 35 / http://astrogeo.geoinfo.geof.hr/pelagosa_staro/images/Mala%20i%20Kamici.jpg

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1,246 Pieces of Paradise to Explore

The best way to explore the magnificent Croatian islands is to sail around them. The perfect sailing route would be to see all 1,246 islands, islets and rocks but, sadly, it is impossible.

That is why we have made a selection of the best

destinations on the Croatian islands and compiled

stories about them into this e-book. All articles are

written by an experienced skipper who has been sailing

the Adriatic for years and visited all these destinations

on numerous occasions.

Join us on a sailing trip from the Elaphiti islands in the

south to Dugi Otok in the north. We take you to the

islands of Mljet, Lastovo, Korčula, Vis, Šolta, Paklinski

otoci archipelago, Kornati archipelago, Žut, Piškera,

Pag, Molat, Iž, and Dugi Otok. Those seeking a real

adventure should visit the distant islands of Palagruža,

Brusnik, Svetac, Jabuka and Biševo.

To learn more about the Croatian islands from a sailor’s

perspective, visit the SailingEurope blog where you will

find more articles on sailing in Croatia, as well as yacht

and gear reviews, sailing stories and news.

We hope you will find this guide interesting and useful

and that it will help you enjoy your sailing vacations in

Croatia and visit as many islands as possible.

YOUR SAILINGEUROPE TEAM



Dubrovnik Area


Steer Your Boat to Elaphiti Islands, but Don’t be Disappointed if You Don’t See Any Deer There…

The Elaphites are a group of islands situated to the west of the Croatian town of Dubrovnik. The islands were first mentioned in the 1st century AD, and their name comes from the Ancient Greek word for deer.

Deer used to inhabit these islands long ago, but nowa-

days there are none. The archipelago consists of several

islands: Šipan, Koločep and Lopud are the biggest islands

of the archipelago, and there are also ten smaller ones:

Daksa, Sv. Andrija, Ruda, Mišnjak, Jakljan, Olipa, Kosmeč,

Goleč, Crkvine and Tajan.

Many tourists from Dubrovnik choose this archipelago

as their daily trip destination. For sailors on sailing boats

or yachts, the Elaphites could provide a whole week of

fun and pleasure. If you sail with your friends on several

boats, it can be especially exciting to use the islands as

a race field and organize private sailing races. You can

enjoy the evenings if you sail to ports or anchorages in

front of Šipanska luka and Suđurađ on the island of Šipan,

or if you use the anchorages on Kalamota, Koločep, and

on one of the many beaches of Lopud. Lopud is located

between Šipan and Koločep and offers a wide variety of

beaches, which is why it is the most visited island in the

archipelago.

The local gastronomy is closely linked to the fruits and veg-

etables that grow almost spontaneously on these islands.

Specialties made of carob, both the liquer and cakes, are

a must to try. As there are many historic sites situated on

the island, cultural heritage lovers will also enjoy in the

archipelago. There are small pre-Romanesque churches,

chapel ruins and remains on the island of Koločep, and a

Franciscan monastery on Lopud. Many summer residences

previously owned by Dubrovnik aristocracy are located on

the islands as well.


South Adriatic Isolated Oasis Is a Paradise for Yachtsmen – Island of Lastovo

The Island of Lastovo belongs to a group of remote and relatively isolated South Adriatic islands that is also referred to as the Lastovo archipelago. Lastovo is located some 7 NM south of the island of Korčula and 16 NM west of the northern cape of the island of Mljet.

Lastovo’s west and northwest coasts are among the most

indented island coasts on the Adriatic, hiding numerous

coves and bays suitable for anchoring, swimming and

snorkeling. However, extra care is needed wherever you

drop the anchor of your charter yacht because this is an

island where winds and surf are stronger than those closer

to the mainland.

The island is actually a part of an archipelago consisting

of 45 islets and rocks. The archipelago was declared a

nature park, which means that an additional fee has to

be paid for anchoring. A great challenge to yachtsmen

is to sail around the entire archipelago and to visit every

one of 45 islands and its bays, fields and churches. Many

yachtsmen cannot resist the challenge, which is why they

come back to this place again and again.

The island’s interior hides the town Lastovo, an ancient

settlement with genuine architecture built in stone. The

special characteristic of the town is the diversity of its

chimneys. No one knows the reason for this, but its citizens

have been competing with each other in building diverse

and imaginative chimneys for generations. It is said that

there are no two chimneys of a kind in Lastovo.

This island will also enchant those yachtsmen who like

to hike and explore the interior of islands. The diversity of

herbs and plants adds value for the visitors, and the entire

island is connected by hiking paths and tracks. It is not

unusual for a yachtsman to leave their boat and the rest

of the crew in order to hike around the island and meet

their companions in another bay at the opposite side of

the island.

While hikers are enjoying the scents and sounds of the

intact nature in the interior of the island, the other part of

the crew can steer the yacht towards Zaklopatica bay on

the north of the island, also known as the bay of good

restaurants. The restaurants Triton and Augusta Insula

confirm that title with their specialties made of fresh sea-

food, especially lobsters. Lastovo is situated 55 NM from

both Split and Dubrovnik, two yacht charter centers in the

Central and South Dalmatia. Charter a yacht in one of those

towns and discover the magic of the Lastovo archipelago!


Playing Hide and Seek in the Adriatic – Skrivena Luka

Skrivena Luka is the biggest and one of the most beautiful bays on Lastovo island in the Adriatic Sea. The place got its name because it cannot be seen from the open sea – “skrivena luka” in Croatian means “hidden port”. It is also known as Porto Rosso in Italian.

The bay is located in the southern part of Lastovo island

and is well protected from strong winds and rough sea,

providing yachtsmen with safe anchoring.

Skrivena Luka is declared a part of Lastovo Natural Park

thanks to its beauty and intact nature rich with terrestrial and

marine fauna and flora. You will not want to go anywhere

but stay anchored and enjoy its turquoise waters forever.

However, if you feel like stretching your legs, do not hesi-

tate to put on your walking shoes or sneakers and take a

walk to Lastovo town 7 km away. There you can find one

of the oldest lighthouses in the Adriatic, called Struga,

keeping a watch over the bay and showing the way to

seafarers since 1839.

Fortunately I got the lighthouse keeper’s cell-phone number

and announced my visit to the lighthouse. He was very

hospitable and invited me to the lunch prepared excel-

lently by his wife Nada. I really cannot say what part of

the visit was more exciting – the view of Skrivena Luka,

Lastovo archipelago and the open seas or the lunch with

the lighthouse keeper’s family…

If you fall desperately in love with this place there is still

hope for you in the fact that the lighthouse keeper provides

accommodation within the lighthouse premises so you can

enjoy the view and isolated life for a while.

Jure Kvinta, the current lighthouse keeper is a successor

of the three-generations-long family tradition of lighthouse

keeping at Struga lighthouse. When not on duty, Mr. Jure

goes fishing with his dinghy and is happy to take you along

if you have deserved it with your approach and behavior.

Besides experiencing the stunning view from the top of a

vertical cliff and learning about the Kvinta family tradition,

you can find more about a legend about a giant lobster

and a coral that were caught in the depths of the sea

below Struga lighthouse. The gigantic lobster weighting

just under 18 kg was caught with a fishing net some time

at the end of the 19th century.

The lobster was sent to Austro-Hungarian Emperor Franz

Joseph who gratefully returned the favor by sending a

chest full of coffee and sugar, precious foodstuffs at that

time. The other story is about a coral weighting some 45

kg that was pulled out by divers at the same location in

the 1950s using special devices. According to existing

data, it is the biggest coral ever pulled out of the Adriatic.

Is there any better invitation to visit Lastovo and Skrivena

Luka right away?


The Place Where Odysseus Took a Seven-Year Break – Mljet Island

According to a myth and Homer’s masterpiece Odyssey, Odysseus wrecked his ship in the waters of Scylla and Charybdis and found the rescue on the island Ogygia. The latest research suggests that Scylla and Charybdis were ancient names for Veliki and Mali Vratnik southeast of the Croatian island of Mljet, the mythological Ogygia.

Odysseus was rescued by Calypso, the ruler of the island

and the nymph of beauty, nature, peace and silence. After

the rescue, Odysseus enjoyed her company for seven

years, until gods decided that it was time to go home…

I would certainly not advise you to wreck your yacht in

order to visit the island of Mljet in Croatia. Spending sev-

en years there, on the other hand, could be considered.

Homer’s description could also be used as a material for

guidebooks about this island blessed with beautiful nature.

The island of Mljet, located between Korčula island to the

north and Dubrovnik to the south, is nowadays famous

for its forests, natural ports, fresh-water springs, coves,

beaches, lakes and caves, as well as historic sites dating

from ancient times.

The north part of the island was declared a national park in

1960. The shortest way to reach the park would be from

Pomena on the north of the island, where your charter

yacht could be moored in the municipal port or in front of

numerous restaurants along the neighboring bays.

Since the northern part of the island is indented and sur-

rounded by islets, many protected anchorages can be

found in this part of the island, around Polače and Soline

in particular. If you decide to explore the interior of the

island, you can moor at Sobra, Prožura or Okuklje on the

northern coast of the central part of the island, where the

coastline creates natural ports. The southern part of the

island can be explored from the bays around Saplunara.

Thanks to its position in the south Adriatic, the gastronomy

of Mljet is full of Mediterranean delicacies, both from the

land and from the sea. We recommend chartering a yacht

in Dubrovnik area and than sailing towards Mljet, Korčula

and Lastovo, as well stoping by Mali Stone on Pelješac

peninsula. Enjoy your visit to Mljet!


Moor Your Yacht in Marco Polo’s Neighborhood – ACI Korčula

There are several ways to reach Korčula by a chartered yacht. The best way to do it is to moor the boat in ACI marina Korčula, one of the smallest marinas on the Adriatic. It can accommodate as much as 150 yachts in the water and 16 on land. ACI marina Korčula also has a restaurant within the marina that offers a variety of delicious meals.

There are so many reasons to visit the island of Korčula,

especially its capital, which carries the same name – Korčula

town. The town is situated on a small peninsula and is

surrounded by coves and islets, so there are several ways

to reach it by a chartered yacht. The best way to enter the

town is to moor your yacht in ACI marina Korčula.

The marina is located in the very center of the town, with

a stunning view of the medieval city core surrounded by

walls, and of the city of Orebić at Pelješac penninsula,

just across a narrow canal. The marina is equipped with

fresh water and electricity and is able to accommodate as

much as 150 yachts in the water and 16 on a dry berth

throughout the whole year. Aside from basic services, there

is also a small store, a hairdresser, a nautical equipment

shop, a 10 t crane and a mechanic, a laundry and show-

er/toilet facilities. The restaurant within the marina offers

excellent choice of delicious meals for breakfast, as well

as for lunches and dinners.

Bigger yachts are also welcomed to ACI Korčula, but they

should be moored at the outer side of the pier. The moor-

ings on that side are strong, but additional anchoring is

recommended. Since there is a steep slope above Orebić,

extra care is required due to strong gusts coming from

that side, especially when a storm is expected. Additional

care is also required when maneuvering inside the piers

because ACI Korčula is one of the smallest marinas on

the Adriatic.

There is also quite a lot of side wind in Korčula so you

can never be too careful. Furthermore, it is recommended

to announce your approach through VHF channel 17, or

even better, to book your stay if you are chartering during

the high season in July and August. Petrol supplies can

be obtained at a station located some 0.5 NM to the east

of ACI Korčula, near the ferry port. The Captain’s house

within the marina accommodates exhausted sailors in two

luxury apartments.

Although maneuvering in ACI Korčula gets a bit tricky

from time to time, it is a perfect place to take a rest from

exploring southern Dalmatia or to escape the bad weather

and stay the night in the embrace of the legendary ad-

venturer Marco Polo. It is said that Marco Polo was born

on the island of Korčula, so do not miss an opportunity

to visit his house.


More than 2,900 charter yachts await you in Croatia: elegant sailboats, fast and powerful motor yachts, comfortable catamarans and traditional gulets. Explore the Croatian islands in the best possible way – by sailing.

FIND OUT MORE

Sail in Croatia

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Split Area


Maslinica – a Fishing Village Turned into a Sailors’ Paradise

Situated on the island of Šolta, Maslinica is a small village with interesting history. It is a stop for everyone who sails from the towns on the coast to the islands in Central Dalmatia. The village is a calm, yet lively place that offers a truly relaxed holiday.

The official history of this place begins at the end of the

17th century, when three brothers, Ivan Petar, Juraj and

Ivan, the members of the noble family Marchi, requested

the Venetian governor to allow them to build a fortress,

a church and a village on the west coast of the island of

Šolta. After the completion of the Church of St. Nicholas,

the fishing village developed around the bay where the

Marchi castle was later built.

Many centuries later, Maslinica turned into a sailors’ par-

adise after the castle was turned into a luxury hotel, while

the port was rebuilt and constructed as a marina for sailing

and luxury yachts. Marina is now equipped with a decent

berth for around 50 yachts, providing visitors with showers,

electric plugs and fresh water. Within the marina, there is

an amphitheater made from stone, where the spectacular

view of the sunset amazes visitors. The cheerful and funny

mariner Alen is here to welcome sailors with his assistance

and to provide them with the latest news about Maslinica

in several languages. Supplies and fresh fruit and vege-

tables are available in the very center of Maslinica, just a

few steps away from the marina.

Small islands opposite the village provide a nice anchor-

age for those who want to have some privacy and enjoy

a swim in the clear waters until the evening. Šešula bay,

next to Maslinica, is equipped with buoys, while there is a

safe anchorage deeper in the bay that is protected from

all the winds. Šešula bay is isolated from the center of the

village, but there is a beach night bar called «Šišmiš», a

great destination for those who want to party.

Maslinica is a logical stop for sailors who are heading from

Split, Trogir or Kaštela to other islands in Central Dalmatia.

We recommend chartering a yacht in Split or in the small

charter base Rogač on the island of Šolta.


An Archipelago Named “The Islands of Hell”

The Pakleni Islands are a beautiful archipelago that lies in the Croatian Adriatic. Their name suggest that the islands are a hellish place, but they are quite the opposite. Small, peaceful and mainly uninhabited, they attract a lot of visitors over the summer. This text will explain you why.

The Pakleni Islands, or the “Islands of Hell” lie opposite the

Croatian town of Hvar, on the island of the same name. The

archipelago consists of around twenty small and mainly

uninhabited islands. There is a lot of bays and beaches,

and the landscape is filled with indigenous plants, whose

scents linger in the air.

The islands are a favorite destination for the visitors from

Hvar, who travel there for daily swim and sunbathing trips. It

is also a destination highly favored by modern sea-nomads,

who cruise the Adriatic on their sailing yachts, as well as

by celebrities on their luxurious motor yachts.

Marina Palmižana is situated in Palmižana Bay on Sveti

Klement, the biggest of the Pakleni Islands. The marina

is equipped with 160 berths for both luxurious motor

yachts and sailing yachts. There are toilets and showers,

electricity and fresh water. Opposite to Palmižana is Vi-

nogradišće Cove, which serves as a shelter to those who

prefer anchoring.

Some of the best restaurants are also located in the same

cove. Novak lounge bar offers tasty ice-cold cocktails under

the trees, only a few steps away from the clear turquoise

water, while the chill-out music is playing all day long.

All of this indicates that the Pakleni Islands are something

like a paradise, so why are they called the “islands of hell”?

The local name for the islands is etymologically very similar

to the ancient Croatian word for “resin”, which used to be

collected in the archipelago, and was used to repair old

wooden ships on Hvar. The foreign rulers of this area were

the first to make maps of the islands, but they did not

understand the slight difference in spelling, which turned

out to be the difference between the paradise and hell.


Sail to Komiža and Experience an Adventurous Holiday!

The island of Vis lies to the southeast of the major Croatian town Split. Just like its neighbors Brač and Hvar, the island is famous for its number of sunny days. On the western side of the island, there is Komiža, once an important fishing town, now a popular tourist destination.

Thanks to its position in a deep bay on the western

coast of the island of Vis, Komiža became the birthplace

of fishery on the eastern Adriatic coast. Throughout his-

tory, its citizens were famous fishermen. Moreover, they

were founders of large fisherman’s fleets wherever they

emigrated - from Canada, California and Chile to New

Zealand and Australia. The famous history is explained

in the oldest fishermen museum, situated in a fortress

in Komiža. Nowadays, Komiža offers probably the best

choice of traditionally prepared seafood. The restaurant

Jastožera is at the same time a tavern and a traditional

storage for lobsters.

The visitors who sail their yachts to Komiža can count on

around 25 berths in the town port and on around 80 buoys

anchored in the bay. Komiža also welcomes a famous big

game fishing competition in July, when some of the biggest

tuna fish can be caught in the waters around the town.

On the opposite side of the port, south east of the bay,

there is the famous Kamenica beach. During the day, it

is a favorite destination for tourists who enjoy sunbathing

and swimming. During the night, the beach turns into one

of the hottest party places on the island.

Komiža is also a perfect destination for those who seek

adventure. You can raise your levels of adrenalin by scuba

diving, paragliding, mountain biking and free-climbing.

Scuba divers, with or without license, can experience the

best of the Komiža underwater world. Become acquainted

with the underwater flora and fauna by cliff diving and wreck

diving! The mystic water world can also be experienced

by sailing to Biševo and visiting the magnificent Modra

špilja. There is enough for everyone in the town of Komiža!


Vis – the Port That Mighty Empires Have Fought For

Vis is a Croatian island that lies in the Adriatic sea. It is located southwest of the islands of Brač and Hvar. The island was an important interception of sailing routes throughout history. Nowadays, it is a popular destination for tourists and people with yachts.

According to historical records, the island of Vis, together

with its port, has been an intersection of seafarers’ routes

and a meeting point for people of different origins and

cultures since the earliest of times. The position of the

port deep in a bay on the northeastern side of the island

made Vis an important place.

Numerous artifacts and historical documents testify about

the rich history of Vis. Many powerful empires have fought

for this island. Vis was governed by Greeks, Romans, the

Republic of Venice, and the Austro-Hungarian Empire, while

both the British and French Empires tried to take control

over the island. At the end of the Second World War, the

island was used as a headquarters of the Yugoslavian

Army, and the field in the heart of the island was used as

a runway for the Allies’ air forces.

Nowadays, Vis is one of the favorite sailing destinations in

the Central Adriatic for people who charter a yacht. People

with boats can moor along the promenade of the town of

Vis, where electric power and fresh water are available for

around a hundred yachts. Another recommended berth

is located in Kut, the eastern part of the town, where

moorings with power and water can receive around 40

yachts. Those who do not get a place there can use one

of around 80 buoys moored in the bay. Yachts can be

anchored in the western part of the bay, just above the

church and the graveyard on Prirovo Peninsula.

Vis is connected to other islands and the mainland by fer-

ries and catamarans, so extra care is recommended when

approaching Vis. Furthermore, there is a large ferryboat

connecting Vis and Split, which operates twice a day.

Yachtsmen should know that the arrival of this ferry creates

large waves, so all yachts should be moored accordingly,

with an extra space between the stern and the pier!

Vis and its cheerful atmosphere very often enchant yachts-

men, so they have to change their route plans and stay

there longer than they originally intended. There is a story

about some British visitors who arrived to Vis as yachtsmen

and left it 5 days later as the owners of a property.


The Advantages of Chartering in the Island Base of Rogač, Šolta

There are numerous advantages of chartering in SailingEurope Charter base: there is no crowd, the clients get a free parking, a nice pebble beach is just next to the charter base and the check in/check out procedure is faster. Choosing a charter base on an island is an excellent way to discover nearby sailing destinations and to have a relaxing holiday.

The most important advantage of every yacht charter base

is its vicinity to a large transport hub, most commonly an

airport. Everybody wants their sailing holidays to start as

soon as they arrive to the base, and they want to arrive

in the smoothest way possible. Is there any advantage

of chartering in an island base at all, especially if we take

into consideration that islands can most often be reached

only by ferries? The answer is: yes. There are plenty of

advantages of chartering in an island base. I will explain this

on the example of SailingEurope Charter base in Rogač,

on the island of Šolta in Croatia.

Let us start with the airport. There is an international airport

in Split, which is well connected by shuttles and buses with

Split port. During high season, ferries to Šolta leave several

times a day. The ferry arrives to the main port of Šolta,

Rogač, just a few meters from SailingEurope Charter base.

If you are a driver and decide to take your car all the way

to your chartered yacht, you will be provided with free

parking in the base area, which is a much cheaper and

safer option than to leave it on the mainland. Furthermore,

once you arrive to Rogač, your holiday starts immediately.

In Rogač, there are no crowds, waiting and unnecessary

stress. Everything is done quickly and effectively. There is

also free Wi-Fi for the clients of SailingEurope Charter base.

There is only one charter fleet in Rogač so every

SailingEurope customer can expect an individual approach

and plenty of time to prepare the best sailing holidays

they have experienced. Even if you do wait a little bit for

your yacht to get completely ready, there is a nice pebble

beach just a few steps away from the wharf. You can

refresh yourself there by swimming in the clear waters

of the Adriatic. Once you get aboard your yacht, you will

be able to reach Dalmatia’s top sailing destinations in no

time, because they are very close to the port in Rogač.

If you feel tired after arriving to Rogač and decide to spend

the first night there, you will be amazed with its pinewood

shades, terraces and picturesque scenery. At the end of

the week, you should not worry about finding a gas sta-

tion and queuing endlessly, because a gas station is also

located in Rogač port. It is probably going to be very busy

on Fridays, but you again do not need to worry because

the queue will be moving quickly.


Corporate Sailing EventsSailing is widely recognized as a great way to strengthen team connections between people of different backgrounds and different profiles. That is why it is a perfect activity for team building - in a competitive environment your team will learn how to communicate and work better together, while, at the same time, they will have fun. The result is a stron-ger team capable of achieving ambitious business results! The same goes for building a relationship with your partner company.

For more than a decade, the SailingEurope Group has been providing you with perfect corporate sailing events, whether short gatherings, or full 7-day private regattas.

ProgramsCompany Success Celebrate your company’s milestone in a unique setting surrounded by the sea and the amazing Adriatic coast and islands.

Short Team Building Regatta Bring your employees to a challenging team building event with the purpose of improving their collaboration, whether in the form of a leadership training or simply as a reward.

7 Day Private Regatta Take your employees or business partners on an unforgettable tour of the Adriatic coast, where you can enjoy the sea, indulge yourselves in great gastronomical delights, or simply relax.

Tailor-Made Regatta Sailing event designed according to your wishes - short or long, easygoing or competitive; whatever your idea is, we can turn it into reality and deliver a high quality program.

Partner Incentive Program Good communication and cooperation with your partners are crucial for the success of your business, so award them with a sailing event that will be fun and valuable for both sides.

On-Site Education Programs Whether you are looking to improve specific areas, introduce trending topics or simply develop new skills, this powerful educational experience will make it all easier and more impactful.

FIND OUT MORE

http://www.sailingeurope.com/en/routes-flotillas/corporate-sailing-events


Šibenik Area


Sail to Žut, the ‘Yellow’ Island

The Kornati archipelago is the most striking collection of islands on the Croatian coast. Barren and empty, these islands radiate an otherworldly atmosphere. The island of Žut is the second largest island in the archipelago, with the coastline of 44 km. Geographically, it belongs to the Kornati archipelago, but not to Kornati National Park.

Some call the island of Žut a sailing paradise for its well-in-

dented coastline and the position close to Kornati. Aside

from numerous bays, coves and beaches, there is an ACI

marina situated on the southeast coast of the island. The

marina is well protected from western and northwestern

winds, although bura (the local northeastern wind) can

cause problems while maneuvering.

The highest point of the island is a 155-meter high summit

called Gubavac, which provides an incredible view of the

Kornati Archipelago. Many visitors do not want to miss the

opportunity to climb the hill and, following an old tradition,

build a little pyramid of stones, wishing themselves good

luck. It is best to climb the summit towards the evening

because the view of the sunset above Kornati is absolutely

breathtaking.

After climbing the hill and building a pyramid, it is strongly

recommended to descend to one of the restaurants in Pod

Ražanj bay next to the marina. The exquisite Dalmatian

traditional cuisine with a touch of modern imagination is

served in the restaurant Fešta, with an offer of more than

300 wines and homemade extra-virgin olive oil. Together

with grapes and figs, olive oil from Žut is considered the

best in the Kornati archipelago.

At the end of the day, it is possible to hear the sounds of

sheep wondering around the island, searching for water

and tasty herbs. From this, it is obvious that tasty lamb

will also be offered in springtime.


The Beauty of the Kornati Islands

The Kornati archipelago are the most unique collection of islands in the Adriatic Sea. Set in the area of more than 220 sq km, the islands seem like a landscape of another planet. Sailing Kornati National Park is an exceptional, once in a lifetime experience.

Situated in the central part of the Eastern Adriatic, at the

juncture of Zadar and Šibenik archipelagos, Kornati National

Park welcomes sailing boats and yachts from all directions.

It really does not matter from which place you have started

your sailing route because every part of this natural treasure

equally attracts attention. The archipelago consists of 89

islands and covers the area of 220 sq km. One part of the

archipelago was declared a national park in 1980 due to

the exceptional beauty of the landscape, geomorphological

diversity of its coastline as well as of the sea floor, and the

marine flora and fauna.

Two marinas are situated in the area - Marina Piškera in

the western part, and Marina Žut on Žut Island. Nature

Park Telašćica, located north of the park, provides a safe

anchorage for sailing yachts and is equipped with strong

buoys.

In many coves and bays, there are small houses that were

used as shelters for fishermen, as well as for keeping fish-

ermen’s tools. Many of them were turned into restaurants

which offer exquisite local and traditional food. Some also

provide a safe anchorage for sailing boats and yachts.

Don’t get scared when you notice a speedboat with uni-

formed crew heading very fast towards you. You didn’t

do anything wrong - they are just national park rangers

who collect entrance fees every afternoon and provide

relevant information about the park. They can also inform

you about the upcoming weather conditions as well as

about the rules and regulations of the national park.

Thanks to their natural diversity and richness, you can

spend a whole week discovering the secrets of the Kornati

archipelago, sailing tiny passages and channels, enjoying

beaches and coves, snorkeling and tasting fresh seafood

prepared in a traditional way. Enjoy your sailing experience

on the Kornati islands!


Sailing the Šibenik Archipelago

What can you visit on a sailing trip around the Šibenik archipelago and Šibenik area? Two national parks are a must-see: Kornati and Krka. Eat in Prvić Luka, and visit the islands of Smokvica, Kaprije, Tijat and Žirje.

As Šibenik becomes the inevitable nautical center thanks

to the development of its marina Mandalina, I have de-

cided to introduce an interesting sailing route through the

Šibenik archipelago.

You will probably be able to take off on Saturday afternoon

because almost all charter companies schedule their

check-ins at that time. It would be excellent to choose

Skradin as your first destination. It is a city deep in the

mainland, in the mouth of the river Krka, which makes its

way through karst, creating amazing cascades and wa-

terfalls. The following morning you can visit Krka National

Park and then sail back through the Krka estuary until you

reach the open sea.

Just a few miles from Šibenik, you are about to reach Prvić

Island. Since “prvi” in Croatian means “the first”, this island

would literally be the first one from Šibenik towards the

sea. In Prvić Luka, there are around ten moorings along

with approximately twenty buoys. The calm night can be

spent in one of the restaurants offering mainly seafood.

Depending on the wind, take either the north or south

direction, make a turn around the island of Tijat and

continue your way towards the island of Kaprije. You will

find a safe berth in the harbor of the same name on the

western coast of the island.

The next day can be reserved for a longer leg of sailing

all the way to Smokvica Island, at the south entrance to

Kornati National Park. There is a safe cove Lojena, with

moorings belonging to a few restaurants which serve local

Kornati specialties.

Another day of sailing is reserved for approximately 11

miles of sailing southeast to the island of Žirje. A bay under

the name Vela Stupica is a safe anchorage that offers you

a peaceful and calm night.

It would be nice to spend the final night under the stars

before you return to your base. The best possible place

to do that is in Tijašćica bay on the island of Tijat. Around

twenty buoys are waiting for you, along with the best tuna

steaks ever, at Neno’s bar on the northeastern shore of

the bay.

I wish you a calm sea, a fine wind and a strong mast!


Piškera – a Beautiful Marina on the Open Sea

The Kornati archipelago is considered by many to be the most unique collection of islands in the Adriatic Sea. They are declared a national park and have no permanent residents. There are, however, some facilities for visitors.

Marina Piškera is an excellent stop on your sailing journey.

Marina Piškera has found its place in the middle of the

Kornati archipelago, between the islands of Jadra and

Panitula and the open sea. It is equipped with around 120

berths for boats up to 30 m LOA and the draft between

2.5 and 3.5 m.

Since it stretches into the open sea, there is a lot of wind

that sometimes causes problems when landing. Still,

despite the winds, nights at Piškera are usually calm and

pleasant. Water and electricity are supplied between 8

a.m. and 10 a.m.and 6 p.m. and 12 p.m.

There is also a store in the marina, but do not expect

anything more than basic groceries. On the other hand,

there is an excellent restaurant within the marina, while

more sophisticated visitors can take a short ride by tender

to Jadra restaurant on the opposite side of the bay.

Since Piškera has been the most developed remote fishing

settlement on Kornati since the ancient times, there are

some historical monuments at Jadra, along with a church

which is still in function. The church becomes alive on the

last Sunday in July when the inhabitants of Sali and other

islands of the Zadar archipelago sail to this place to give

honor to St. Mary.

Just a few steps to the west of the marina, there is a

footpath leading towards cliffs which provide one of the

most interesting sunsets in the entire Adriatic. It is a spe-

cial sensation to spend a night on the yacht in Kornati

National Park, but an overnight stay in Piškera also has its

advantages, especially in case of unstable weather. The

visitors to Marina Piškera also have to pay the entrance

fee to Kornati National Park.


Recommended Sailing Programs in Croatia

Sometimes you simply want more from you sailing trip. You want to learn something and discover places and experiences you would not encounter if you were just sailing with your family and friends.

Sailing Programs – Something for EveryoneThat is why we have prepared a number of sailing programs that will fit your needs, whether you are culture-savvy or an adrenaline junkie. All our programs are guided by an experienced skipper, guides and instructors, and they will show you and teach you all about the Croatian islands.

UNESCO Sailing Trail This guided sailing program is perfect for those who love culture and heritage. Aboard our comfortable sail-ing boats, you will discover cultural and natural heritage of the Dubrovnik area. A professional tourist guide will be with you and introduce you to the history of the sites. On your trip, you will visit UNESCO heritage sites such as Dubrovnik, Split and Trogir, and Ager on the island of Hvar. The trail will also take you to the medie-val towns of Korčula, Hvar and Ston, while the beauty of Mljet National Park will take your breath away.

Gastronomic Sailing Week The rich cultural heritage of Croatia is reflected in its cuisine, in the wines from the autochthonous grape varieties and the aromatic and unique liquors. Sail away with us towards the finest restaurants and wineries of the Dubrovnik area, both on the coast and on the islands. One of the mandatory stops on our epicurean journey are the vineyards with the autochthonous variety of plavac mali on the southern slopes of Pelješac peninsula, the home of the world-renowned red wines Dingač and Postup. Another must-see destination for gourmands is the town of Mali Ston, where you will enjoy oysters and mussels grown in the waters of the surrounding bays.

Adventure Sailing Our Adventure Sailing program allows you to go from sailing to rafting and from kayaking to free climbing in just a few hours. The program is perfect for those who enjoy sailing, but also always seek new experiences. It will also take you to the hidden corners of the Croatian coast and hinterland.

Speargun Fishing Sailing Week Discover a truly hidden side of the Adriatic Sea – its underwater world. First, a skipper will take you to the is-lands of Lastovo, Sušac, Svetac and Palagruža. Those are remote islands, away from the usual tourist routes, but that is where the fish is. Accompanied by a spear-gun fishing instructor, you will then dive into the deep blue and learn all the tricks of the trade.

FIND OUT MORE

http://www.sailingeurope.com/en/routes-flotillas


Zadar Area


Sailing Around the Island of Pag

The Croatian coast is rich with numerous islands and inlets. Each and every one of them offers something unique. One of the most popular islands, and the one with the longest coastline, is Pag. Situated in the northern Adriatic, and set against the magnificent Velebit mountain, the island is rich with culture, history, nightlife and natural wonders.

There are so many things characteristic of Pag. First of

all, throughout history, the island has been known for salt

production. This history can be witnessed in the muse-

um of salt on the island. The most famous symbol of the

island is pramenka, the autochthonous breed of sheep,

whose milk gives the extra tasty sheep cheese. Pag is

also famous for its production of olive oil. Olive trees more

than a thousand years old grow in Lun, the northernmost

village on Pag. Characteristic for the island is suhozid, dry

stone walls built as a natural border between pastures.

Pag lace and lacemaking has been included in UNESCO’s

Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of

Humanity, and is the finest souvenir you can find on Pag.

Pag is the fifth largest island in Croatia, and the one with

the longest coastline. A bridge connects the southern part

of the island to the mainland. The Prizna-Žigljen ferry line

connects the northern part of the island and the Croatian

coast. There are two larger towns on the island, Pag and

Novalja, and numerous villages, including Lun and Povljana,

most of which are easily accessible by boat.

The island of Pag has rich culture and history. Its sights

include the Church of the Assumption of Mary, the Church

of St. George, Duke’s Palace, the high stone city walls of

Pag Town with the tower of Skrivanat, etc. Places you

should definitely visit on your yacht holiday include Caska

Bay, next to what is probably the most famous beach in

the Adriatic – Zrće, and calmer but beautiful Ručica and

Zaglava beaches. You can anchor your yacht in ACI Ma-

rina Šimuni, or in any of the numerous bays and coves

on the island.

The northernmost point of the island is Tovarnele. There is

the famous Bistro Tovarnele, only 20 meters from the sea,

where you can try over 60 different specialties, including

homemade cheese, fish, seafood and lamb specialties,

homemade olive oil, etc. In Novalja, do not miss Konoba

Boškinac, another excellent restaurant. If you want to try

exotic dishes, visit Mali Raj in Marina Šimuni, where you can

order Indian, Chinese, Thai, Mexican, Italian and Spanish

food, along with domestic specialties.

There are many miles to go before your next stopover, so

make sure to fill the tank of your motor yacht at the gas

station in the heart of Novalja. Enjoy your sailing experience

on the island of Pag!


Molat – a Calm and Quiet Spot in the Zadar Archipelago

The town of Zadar is the second largest town in the Croatian coastal region of Dalmatia. The town is rich with history and culture, and offers a lot for its visitors. Moreover, it is an excellent starting base for your sailing trip around the neighboring islands, the Zadar archipelago. One of the islands that is worth a visit is Molat, a calm and quiet island that will provide a break in your journey.

The island of Molat is situated between the so-called Vir-

sko more (the Vir Sea) and the open seas of the eastern

Adriatic, and belongs to the Zadar archipelago. Although

continuously inhabited since the Stone Age, it is not very

inhabited nowadays. Since there are no children on the

island, its school was shut down several years ago. How-

ever, thanks to its well-indented coast, Molat provides

yachtsmen and sailors on charter yachts with a fine shelter

when sailing the archipelago.

The village of Molat has a ferry port and a marina that can

receive around twenty yachts, and is equipped with moor-

ings, toilet/shower facilities, electric plugs and fresh water.

There is a store in the center, near the church, while a bar

and a fast food restaurant are located on the waterfront.

The neighboring Brgulje bay is equipped with buoys, while

numerous coves provide a decent anchorage. Since Molat

is not very developed as a tourist destination, visiting the

island represents a fine break from fuss and noise of busier

tourist destinations.

If you take a walk to the village center, you may visit the

local church and the picturesque cemetery. Continuing

the walk to the opposite side of Molat, you will find the

remains of a fascist concentration camp, in which around

20,000 people were captured during World War II. The

path continues to a sandy beach, where fresh bread is

available at the only bakery on the island.

Even though Molat is not a fancy yachting destination, it

is worth paying a visit in case you want to take a rest from

an exhausting sailing trip. A warm meal prepared on your

yacht with a breathtaking sunset in the background will

make your sailing trip to Molat unforgettable. If you are not

a fan of cooking on board, a cold beer and tasty pizza on

the waterfront could be a good excuse to abandon the

yacht for a while.


Iž – Where Small Things Are Bigger Than the Large Ones

Zadar is one of the largest towns in Dalmatia, the historic coastal region of Croatia. It is a tourist and cultural center, and a great starting point for a sailing trip. One of the islands in its proximity that is definitely worth visiting is Iž. This small island with an unusual name comfortably lies between the larger Ugljan and Dugi Otok, and is one of the most interesting places in the region.

This interesting island is situated in the middle of the Zadar

archipelago, one of the most popular sailing regions in

Croatia. It lies between the island of Ugljan in the east and

the island of Dugi Otok in the west, and is surrounded by

ten little islands. Its well-indented coastline offers many

opportunities to drop the anchor and enjoy the nature.

The heart of the island is a village called Veli Iž, set in the

middle of the east coast, just across the island of Ugljan,

an administrative, commercial ant tourist center. There

is also Mali Iž, situated on the south-eastern side of the

island. The adjectives “mali” and “veli” can be translated as

“the little one” and “the big one”, and indicate the historic

size of the villages. Nowadays, Mali Iž, the little one, has

extended its borders, merged with surrounding villages

and has actually become bigger than Veli Iž.

Despite this word play, both villages are worth visiting

during your sailing trip, especially at the end of July. The

traditional Iška Fešta (the Feast of Iž) takes place on 29

July. It is an occasion when all immigrants from Iž Island

come from abroad to their birthplace and restore the spirit

of traditional life by wearing traditional clothes, singing and

dancing traditional dances and preparing traditional food.

They also elect the King of Iž, that will rule the island for

a year. This old tradition used to be common all over the

Dalmatian coast and islands, but is not preserved that well

in other places as it is on Iž.

The marina in Veli Iž is very well-organized, and is equipped

with moorings, electricity, fresh water and public facilities.

Those who have had to eat dry or canned food aboard

their yacht for days will have an opportunity to recover

their proteins by ordering the best T-bone steak in the

Adriatic, in the very center of the village. Enjoy your sailing

trip around the island of Iž!


Sailing Dugi Otok

Zadar is one of the biggest towns on the Croatian coast. It is an excellent starting base for your sailing journey around the nearby islands, which are all worth visiting. One of those islands is Dugi Otok, situated in the western part of the Zadar archipelago. The island is famous for its long coastline. Visit the island and discover its charm!

If you choose Zadar or Sukošan as your yacht charter base,

you can spend the week sailing the Zadar archipelago,

with its numerous and interesting islands and islets. The

islands of Ugljan and Pašman are located just across the

canal and are a great starting point for your journey. If you

sail northwest and steer your yacht to the northern end

of Dugi Otok (“long island”), you will reach Uvala Pantera

(Pantera Bay).

Uvala Pantera offers you several locations to moor your

yacht. There are some berths in the small port and proper

moorings in the marina. Safe anchoring is provided in the

entire bay, in which you can also take a swim break. There

are also excellent spots to swim along the eastern coast.

You can end that day in Sali, the administrative center of

the island, situated on the southeastern coast, or Telašćica

Bay, nature park on the southern side of the island. There

are moorings in Sali and around 30 buoys at Telašćica,

in uvala Mir (Mir Cove). You can safely anchor on other

locations as well.

The conquest of Kornati National Park begins as soon as

you cross the passage Proversa Mala. Enjoy your sailing

experience along the dozens of islands and rocks, and

find a lonely cove for your afternoon swim. You can anchor

in one of the numerous bays, or in Marina Piškera, where

you will be able to renew your supplies and have a bite in

one of the two restaurants.

Piškera is located in the middle of the Kornati archipelago,

so you will continue sailing these paradise islands for at

least one more day, leaving the Park on its southeast side,

near the island of Smokvica. On your way back to your

charter base, you can steer the yacht towards the islet of

Vrgada, southeast of Pašman, or visit the island of Žut,

between the islands of Pašman and Kornat. To conclude

this journey, it is recommended to take a swim break on

the islands between the town of Biograd and the island of

Pašman, before returning to your charter base.


Telašćica Nature Park

Among numerous Croatian islands, Dugi Otok has one of the longest coastlines. After all, its name, when translated, means “long island”. There are many places to visit on this interesting island, and one of the most beautiful is Telašćica Bay. To discover what makes this nature park worth visiting, read the rest of the article!

Telašćica Nature Park is situated in Telašćica Bay in the

southeastern part of Dugi Otok island. It borders the famous

Kornati archipelago on its south southern side, an inevitable

destination on any sailing trip across the Adriatic. The bay

of Telašćica is very indented, with 25 coves and capes

and 5 islands. Thanks to its position, it is protected from

the northeastern winds that blow from the mainland and

from the southern winds that come from the open sea.

Because of these features, Telašćica is one of the largest

and best protected natural harbors in the eastern Adriatic.

Lake Mir is located in the southwestern part of Telašćica

Nature Park and is a favorite destination for visitors due to

its natural beauty and the peaceful environment, which is

also indicated by its name. “Mir” in Croatian mean “peace”.

In Mir bay, there are around 30 buoys moored. As soon

as you tie your yacht to a buoy, you will be greeted by

cheerful rangers, who will charge the entrance fee and

take your garbage bags.

Once you buy a ticket for the park, feel free to visit lake Mir

and take a walk to the sea along the designated path. You

will be able to see the famous Stene, the most prominent

cliffs in the Adriatic. The breathtaking cliffs spread along the

nature park, and fit perfectly against a sunset background

on Dugi Otok. After an eventful day in Telašćica, you will

sure learn how to pronounce its name!


Rava – a Charming Little Island

The island of Rava has a surface of only 3.63 km2, but is an inevitable spot to visit when sailing and exploring the Zadar archipelago. The island is situated between the islands of Iž and Dugi Otok. Even though it is small and practically uninhabited, the island will charm you with its authentic Mediterranean atmosphere.

Administratively, this small pearl belongs to the City of Zadar,

but is actually an independent and a very adorable piece

of land between the bigger islands in the area. Despite

the island’s small size, there are two settlements, Vela

Rava and Mala Rava (Great and Small Rava), but there

are no more than some 90 inhabitants on the entire island,

which is connected to Zadar by a ferry line. In fact, most

inhabitants are people who at some point left Rava and

are coming back only in summer, either for holidays or to

work in tourism.

The prevailing winds in this area are bura (north-eastern

wind), jugo (south-eastern wind) and maestral (west-north-

west wind), but most bays are well protected against them.

In most of those bays, there are buoys that are moored, and

there is a small berth in Vela Rava, next to the ferry port.

Thanks to its well-indented coastline, which is almost 16

km long, there are numerous bays, coves and beaches on

Rava, which are worth visiting for their untouched beauty

and peaceful environment. You can find a few fine small

family restaurants in all bays with moored buoys. Fresh

seafood and local wines are all you can get there, but what

else could you want in such surroundings? Fresh fruits,

vegetables, wine, figs, and fish for your supplies can be

purchased in a store or from the locals at Vela Rava.

As seen above, there are many reasons for visiting Rava, a

peaceful pearl surrounded by bigger islands. If you are in a

hurry to catch your place at some fancier sailing destination,

I recommend you to stop here at least for an afternoon

lunch and swim break. You will not regret it for sure!


If You would like to enjoy thrills of Sailing Yacht ownership without large expenses and operational hassle, this is a program designed just for You: RELAX Yacht Management Program is the most worry-free Yacht Management Program in Croatia!

Own a Sailing Yachtin Croatia

FIND OUT MORE

http://www.sailingeurope.com/en/yacht-catalogue/own-a-yacht


Below Islands


The Ultimate Adventure - Sailing Distant Croatian Islands

Croatia is a land of numerous islands that vary in size, customs, number of inhabitants, etc. However, almost all of them have one thing in common - they lie very close to the mainland. The exception to this rule is the collection of islands in the south part of the Croatian Adriatic.

The island of Sušac is a pearl in the group of Croatian

offshore islands that lie in the southern part of the Croa-

tian Adriatic. It is situated between the islands of Vis and

Lastovo, and can be easily recognized and reached. There

is a shallow bay on its south coast, where an anchorage is

protected from northerly winds. Establishing communication

with the lighthouse keeper and providing him with fresh

vegetables and recent newspapers could be rewarded

with a nice lamb roasted on a spit.

If you decide to sail west from Vis, you will reach the islands

of Brusnik and Svetac. Brusnik is a unique island in the

Adriatic because it is of volcanic origin. It is possible to

drop the anchor on the western side of the island, but be

careful with underwater rocks. Rocks and pebbles shaped

as bowls will attract your attention, but keep in mind that

it is strictly forbidden to take them as souvenirs.

Sailing further towards northwest will take you to Svetac

- the exception among these offshore islands, since it is

inhabited throughout the whole year. The Zanki family has

lived there for generations, growing grapes and fishing in

the area.

If you sail further towards the northwest, you will reach

Jabuka, This legendary island will fool your magnetic

compass because its rocks contain magnetic materials.

There is an endemic species of lizard and some endemic

plants. Jabuka is worth paying a visit, but do not try to

set your foot there, because it is impossible to anchor

around the island. The land is very steep and the waters

are extremely deep around the island.

To sail distant islands in the Adriatic, you have to check

the weather forecast in advance and plan your route to

the tiniest detail. However, when you sail them and return

to your charter base, you will for sure receive recognition

and respect!


Visit the Distant Island of Biševo

Most Croatian islands are situated close to the mainland. There are a few, however, which lie more towards the open sea. They are mostly uninhabited and offer a welcoming break from the liveliness of the Croatian coast. One of such islands is Biševo. Small, quiet and hiding a unique natural phenomenon, this is a must visit destination.

The island of Biševo is located around 5 NM southwest

from Komiža on the island of Vis. It was profiled as a favor-

ite sailing destination soon after the amazing Modra špilja

(the Blue Cave) was discovered and opened for visitors.

Modra špilja was once home to the Mediterranean monk

seal (Monachus monachus), a cheerful and very rare spe-

cies of seal. However, fishermen from Komiža intensively

hunted this animal because it caused damage to their

fishing nets. When fishermen discovered the Blue Cave,

they decided to make an overground entrance by dyna-

mite, which meant that the animal was banished for good.

The cave is specific because every sunny day, from 9

a.m. to 1 p.m., there is a spectacular light show created

by the turquoise water that is reflected on the cave walls,

making an illusion that the cave itself is blue. The cave

can be accessed by a yacht from the nearby Mezoporat

bay. Your skipper has to maneuver the yacht in front of

the cave, while visitors have to use a tender to enter it

because it is prohibited to use an outboard engine while

accessing the cave.

For those who would like to spend more time on Biševo,

Mezoporat would be a perfect spot to take a break. There

are around eight berths with moorings, while the bay is

appropriate for anchoring and is protected from northerly

winds.

Biševo is famous for its Bišovski plovac, red wine pro-

duced by the Zaberlin family. During the day, this wine is

available at Mezoporat, while a visit to the family’s wine

cellar is recommended for those who are willing to take

a hike to a village situated on a hill a few kilometers into

the island’s interior.

While you are sailing around Biševo, it would be a shame

not to visit other islands in its surroundings. Enjoy your

journey around the distant Croatian islands!


Sailing To Palagruža, the Remotest Croatian Island

If there is any Croatian island that could be caller “remote”, then it definitely is Palagruža. It is situated in the middle of the Adriatic Sea, between the southernmost point of Croatia and Italy. The island represents an interesting sailing destination, and reaching it is a proof of your sailing skills.

First of all, this adventure requires a bit of courage as well

as the skill, which will allow you a safe journey through

the open sea of the Adriatic. Palagruža is situated in the

heart of the Adriatic, and if you climb the island, you will

be able to see both Adriatic coasts.

The island’s archipelago is the remotest Croatian territory,

consisting of two larger islands, three smaller ones and 15

rocks around them. The biggest island is Palagruža Vela

(Great Palagruža), also known as the “island of Diomedes”,

an ancient Greek hero from the Trojan War. Archaeological

artifacts found on the island show that there was a temple

dedicated to Diomedes dating from the 5th century BC.

When approaching Palagruža, it is recommended to an-

nounce your approach to the lighthouse keeper using radio

channel 16. When you establish communication, he will

suggest you a working channel and explain how to safely

drop the anchor, according to weather conditions. Over-

night stay is not recommended due to unstable weather

conditions and the rocky sea floor on Palagruža’s north

and south beaches.

When planning a journey to Palagruža, keep in mind that

the closest Croatian land is the island of Sušac, 23 NM

away. The island of Lastovo and the town of Komiža (Vis

Island) are 32 NM and 40 NM away, respectively. The

biggest Croatian town in the Adriatic, Split, is 66 NM away.

Reaching Palagruža during summer months requires a lot of

courage and sailing skills, but the journey can be extremely

pleasant if you make a detailed route and pay attention

to weather forecast. Enjoy your adventure on Palagruža!

Your favorite Yacht Charterwww.sailingeurope.com 36Your favorite Yacht Charter

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10 000 Zagreb, CroatiaTel: +385 1 488 22 00Tel: + 385 1 488 22 02Fax: +385 1 488 22 09

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©2015Although the author and publisher have made every effort to ensure that the information in this book was correct at press time, the author and publisher do not assume and hereby disclaim any

liability to any party for any loss, damage, or disruption caused by errors or omissions, whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause.

A Guide to Sailing Around the Croatian Islands

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