If you are seeking beautiful architecture, interesting history, spectacular coastlines, lovely villages, and good sailing conditions, then Croatia is the perfect place for you.
Many sailors have given up sailing in beautiful places to go to Croatia because they have found everything in this incredible country.
If you plan to bareboat charter in Croatia, it will be helpful to get some great information to make your sailing trip easier, especially if it’s the first time.
About Croatia
Croatia is renowned for being one of the most fantastic sailing grounds in the Mediterranean, which is located between the Slovenia coast and Montenegro and is also bordered by Bosnia, Hungary, and Serbia. This beautiful country has about 1800 kilometers of fantastic coastlines and more than 1200 lovely islands that are mainly mountainously surrounded by beautiful medieval villages and incredible national parks.
Sailing Conditions
Croatia has a Pleasant Mediterranean climate; the temperatures usually vary between 6 to 11 degrees in January and 21 to 27 degrees in August.
South Croatia is a wonderful area if you are a beginner in bareboating; the winds are generally light in the summer. If you are an experimented sailor, you rather sail in North Croatia, the weather conditions are great, and the winds are more challenging in this region.
But if you want to enjoy the best sailing conditions, July, August, September, and October will be awesome. Don’t forget that the peak season is in July and August, and it is usually crowded. There are plenty of travelers in the summer, and since Italy is only one-day sailing to Croatia, you will probably meet many Italian tourists.
Certificate Required in Croatia
Croatia has become a very popular sailing ground; each year, more enthusiasts make the decision to get a skipper license to navigate their own boats throughout Croatia. In order to bareboat charter in Croatia, you’ll need an ICC and a VHF radio license. Yes, they are very strict about this; it is different from the BVI, which usually doesn’t require these certificates.
Navigation & Tax Fees
Be aware that there are new rules for the navigation, safety, and pollution fees since 1 January 2014 in Croatia. These fees replace the former”vignette,” and apart from that, each yacht will have to pay a ” Sojourn tax” as well as EU-registered, foreign, or Croatian according to the boat length. In addition to these fees, you will have to pay for mooring in marinas; some of them can be more expensive. For example, if you anchor at a popular harbor, they can charge you 50 percent more than the regular price. So, take precautions!
Itinerary
There are so many beautiful places to discover while sailing in Croatia, and sometimes it can be difficult to decide where to sail.
Here is a sample Croatia itinerary to help you plan your trip.
Rijeka
If you are an experienced sailor, you will enjoy sailing from Rijeka to Zadar; the sailing conditions are excellent. You can expect to have an exciting sailing trip, especially when you’ll get through the impressive mountains of Velebit. Maybe you will be a little exhausted, and if you want to fill up the batteries, make some stops at protected harbors around these beautiful islands. Rijeka is a great place to start your sailing vacation; this island is really worth exploring. However, If you decide to go there, do spend time ashore to visit fantastic castles, incredible Roman ruins, and beautiful Cathedrals.
Zadar
When you get to Zadar, don’t miss the National Park of Kornati, it’s a nice quiet place to visit. On this Island, you will find only private residences surrounded by isolated bays and beautiful tiny villages.
Split
Split is one of the biggest towns on the Adriatic coast and possesses some excellent marinas. This city offers plenty of activities to do, such as exploring historical monuments, museums, and the famous Diocletian Palace. There are many bars, cafes, and great restaurants to be found on the waterfront.
While you are in Split, if you have the time, sail to Vis, Korcula, Mljet, Brac, and Hvar. These islands are beautiful as well, and very popular with plenty of attractions to enjoy all water sports.
Dubrovnik
If you are in Croatia, you must sail to Dubrovnik!
Dubrovnik is renowned for being the jewel of the Adriatic and one the most popular haven for sailing. If you want to enrich your history and discover new cultures and spectacular nature while being on vacation, then Dubrovnik is the perfect place to be.
Sailing in Croatia will make you discover one of the most fantastic coastlines in Europe and will offer you to experience the best sailing ground in the world. To make your Croatia sailing holiday dream a reality, send your inquiry now!
Have you already sailed in Croatia? Feel free to share your experience in the comments below.
Daniella has been passionate about travel, the sea, and nature for many years. As a child, she frequently traveled throughout the Mediterranean and continued with her journeys throughout her adult life.
Her experiences have created the desire within her to share her love for traveling with other passionate and adventurers who want to discover beautiful horizons and new cultures.
