Skim along Europe’s most sunny coastline and discover an eclectic blend of history, culture, and gastronomy – you’re bound to encounter everything from UNESCO World Heritage sites and charming towns to UNESCO World Heritage sites and delicious foods!
Croatia is known for its beautiful marinas and harbors that reflect its long, rich history. Sailors with experience can opt for a bareboat charter to experience Croatia’s idyllic islands at their own pace.
The best time to go
To make sure that you can experience all that Croatia has to offer on a sailing holiday, the ideal time is during summer months. When temperatures peak along its stunning Adriatic coastline and create lively surroundings – not to mention it being the driest time of year!
April is an early pre-season month and you will find sailing trips running at this time. Not only can you experience Dalmatia more fully but there will be great savings as well as strong winds for an authentic sailing trip around these magnificent islands!
May marks the true start of Croatia’s summer season as temperatures begin to warm and the sea breezes pick up, welcoming flotillas and bareboating crews out onto its expansive waters to explore Croatia’s offshore islands and shoreline. Additionally, towns become lively places replete with waterfront restaurants and street cafes reflecting Croatia’s vibrant culture and sophisticated cafe society.
July and August are peak sailing holiday months in Croatia, meaning beaches and cities alike can get very crowded during this time. Dubrovnik hosts its music and DJ festival at Kamerlengo Castle while Trogir hosts its Summer Festival featuring various performances set within its 15th-century walls of an ancient fortress town.
At this time of year, many towns charge higher mooring fees and become bustling hubs full of locals as well as visitors. Luckily, most tours operate with tab systems so you can pay for drinks and dinner without carrying around large sums of cash.
September is still an excellent month to take your trip, with yacht and flight prices being significantly less expensive than during peak season. Additionally, Vis Regatta marks the close of sailing season on Vis with 150 high-performance boats zipping around between the island of Vis and Split in spectacular fashion.
The weather
As with any sailing holiday, Croatia weather conditions must be carefully considered when planning a sailing vacation. Sudden changes in temperature or precipitation may occur suddenly and unexpectedly when exploring an unfamiliar region; for this reason it is crucial to check weather forecasts prior to embarking, particularly if travelling during shoulder seasons such as spring or autumn.
Springtime in Croatia is an excellent time to visit, with temperatures being comfortable yet not overheating, flowers in bloom and reduced crowds on beaches and ports compared to during the summer season. Watersport enthusiasts will also appreciate this time as kayaking or paddle boarding will offer great experiences – don’t forget the thrills and spills!
Croatia’s sailing season runs from July to August, when temperatures range between 25-35degC and sea temperatures reach their apex. This period offers ideal conditions for enjoying beach and sun activities but may become extremely crowded in popular tourist spots; our experienced skippers know exactly how to navigate around them for maximum crowd avoidance!
By mid-September, temperatures have started to moderate while the waters remain warm enough for swimming, making this an excellent time to sail Croatia with reduced yacht charter prices than during peak summer season.
As well, spring is an ideal time to visit Croatia’s mountains, with weather that tends to be clear and dry – just remember to pack a waterproof jacket as well as warm clothing for evening.
Croatia’s typical winds come from the northeast, reaching up to Force 4 or 5 during afternoon sailing sessions and providing some amazing sailing! But keep an eye on your forecast; unpredictable ‘Bora’ (north easterlies) could suddenly appear out of nowhere and bring some unexpected excitement!
The islands
Croatia is an ideal sailing destination, regardless of skill level, offering stunning waters, breathtaking islands to discover, and various ports to call. But to ensure an enjoyable sailing holiday experience in Croatia it’s important to keep some tips in mind; here are a few things you should keep in mind when planning your sailing vacation in Croatia:
Before you make a boat and itinerary choice, take some time to determine your goals for visiting Croatia – do you wish to see all its hotspots or spend more time exploring one region? Once this decision has been made, set your desired sail date and book the yacht that meets these criteria so that your routes may unfold while discovering all that it offers.
Your vessel selection will have a major effect on your sailing experience in Croatia. Lower-end vessels tend to feature cramped cabins and shared bathrooms, while top-class catamarans offer ample deck space and luxury amenities. Select the vessel best suited to meet your sailing goals; be sure to communicate clearly with your skipper!
Plan at least two nights at each stop to allow yourself the maximum enjoyment. Don’t forget to include time for rest and relaxation; no one wants their holiday to end exhausted!
If you are just starting out or don’t have much sailing experience, hiring an experienced skipper is highly recommended. They will assist with safely sailing around Croatia’s islands while recommending the ideal itinerary based on both your sailing abilities and weather conditions.
Spring and early summer offer ideal sailing holidays in Croatia, when winds tend to be light to moderate and perfect for experiencing its stunning islands leisurely. If you prefer adventure over leisurely sailing experiences, November/early winter could offer more sheltered seas – though these times of year might still offer scenic sights!
The routes
Sailing holidays Croatia offer a spectacular way to explore its stunning islands, clear Adriatic waters and uncharted coves. Sailing is also the only way to access Croatia’s spectacular coastline as well as bustling island cities from Pula to Rovinj – you don’t want to miss this magnificent experience!
Croatia offers ideal sailing conditions between May and October, when temperatures remain comfortably warm but not excessively so. At this time of year, islands tend to be less crowded and less populated compared with high season.
If you want a memorable sailing adventure that also provides educational value, consider booking a tour that includes a skippers course. Skippers are experts in their fields and possess valuable local knowledge that will ensure that you make the most out of your Croatian sailing holiday experience.
With both private skipper and group sail options available, there’s sure to be something suitable for every traveler. To maximize the enjoyment of your sailing vacation, pack all necessary safety equipment – non-slip deck shoes, sun hat, sunglasses and lightweight clothing are essential, along with first aid kits and water.
An itinerary lasting two weeks is ideal for exploring Croatia by sea, providing ample time to experience a range of islands and cities. Boasting over 1185 islands (though only 50 of these are inhabited), Croatia boasts diverse experiences for any kind of sailor: from modern marinas to century-old town quays; metropolitan meccas to national marine parks.
Beginning in cosmopolitan Split, this journey will take you across some of the most beautiful islands in Dalmatia on your way to Dubrovnik – Hvar, Brac and Korcula will all make appearances along with many hidden beaches and idyllic coves along the way.
After spending a week exploring the southern Dalmatian islands, you will sail to Mljet lakes to experience their beautiful surroundings before moving onto Peljesac peninsula with its legendary winemaking. Additionally, Dubrovnik will be on your agenda alongside ancient coastal towns, world-famous Mediterranean cuisine, and handpicked local wines will provide plenty of sightseeing opportunities along your journey.