Zadar Region

The central place of this sailing area is Zadar, a mesmerizing coastal town with a whimsical mix of history, culture, and contemporary art. The city centre is simply stunning and is located on a charming peninsula packed with historical sites. City strolls here include ancient Roman ruins, Venetian city walls and fortresses, and lots of fun and interesting museums. Needless to say, a coffee break in one of the picturesque cafés under the bell tower of St Anastasia’s beautiful Cathedral is a must. Zadar is also known for having the most spectacular sunsets ever, and the best way to enjoy them is to head to Zadar’s waterfront promenade with a beautiful view of the nearby islands. As the sun sets, it casts the most amazing golden-pink hues of light with the backdrop of shimmering sea and the islands as the perfect canvas. Interacting with the sun, sea, and the wind, the city’s two contemporary art installations; the Sea Organ and Greeting to the Sun will make this whole experience even better.
Right opposite Zadar is the island of Ugljan, which isn’t named “The Green Island” for nothing. Covered in pine forest, vines, olive, and fig trees, Ugljan is relatively small but adorable and wonderfully peaceful.
The Zadar sailing region has many gorgeous holiday destinations for those in love, but nothing beats the island of Galešnjak. As the most perfectly heart-shaped island in the world, Galešnjak is right in the middle of the Zadar archipelago and is completely uninhabited, which makes it a perfect setting for a peaceful, romantic getaway. Not even the tides change the island’s contours, so the island’s shape and pristine surroundings have piqued the interest of many, including some celebrities.
You can continue island-hopping by sailing to Dugi Otok, the largest island in the Zadar archipelago. This beautiful island has a lot to offer to its visitors, including its superstar beach, Sakarun, located on the northern side of the island. Consistently ranked as one of the most beautiful sandy beaches in Croatia, the paradise vibes of Sakarun bay attract many yachtsmen. This flawless, pine-fringed beach offers a long stretch of blindingly white sand and translucent cerulean sea, perfect for idling away a lazy summer day. Besides the ever-popular Sakarun beach, there are many other lovely beaches on the island which can be reached only by boat and are therefore more secluded. Nearby is also the small fishing town of Sali, where you can try local seafood dishes in one of the charming, family-owned restaurants. The southern side of the island, though, is no less interesting for a sailing cruise. Stunning Telašćica Bay was proclaimed a nature park along with 13 neighboring islands and 6 islets in the bay. As one of the safest and most staggeringly beautiful bays on the Adriatic, Telašćica is a must-see sailing destination with 25 beaches, diverse flora and fauna, crystal-clear sea rich in marine life, and many interesting archaeological findings. It is a perfect place to try different water sports, go diving, or take a swim in salty Lake Mir, known for its therapeutic qualities.

Once sailing in the area, don’t miss the chance to visit the adjacent National Park Kornati, a truly unique destination. This string of mostly uninhabited, almost barren-looking islands unfolds a unique and extraordinary scenery, perfect for exploring on a yacht. If the Kornati archipelago leaves you pining for more, you can head toward the northern Zadar archipelago where you can spend a relaxing day on the island of Molat. A small, yet distinctly beautiful Croatian island, Molat is perfect for boaters looking for some downtime surrounded by unspoiled nature.
Sailing from Zadar, Pag is among the islands that offer a completely different scenery. Characterized by lunar, deserted landscapes, Pag’s southern shores offer an array of quiet, hidden bays and glistening coves, whereas the north of the island is a world-known party destination. Despite its strange shape and landscape, the island of Pag is full of life and artisanal traditions such as lace making and salt extraction. It’s a great holiday destination for foodies too, so make sure you try some authentic local cheese and lamb.

A yacht cruise from Zadar is perfect for visiting two utterly adorable small islands with the most incredible lagoons and sandy beaches, the islands of Olib and Silba. Cobblestone villages, magnificent nature, and no hustle and bustle – these two islands elevate holiday fantasies to a whole new level. Delicious local cheese, olive oil, and wine are a welcoming bonus. Rounding up your Zadar yacht cruise with some mainland sailing destinations is always a good idea. One of the popular yacht charter hotspots is definitely Sukošan, a small coastal town with a lovely marina and a private beach. Further southeast lies Biograd na Moru, a gorgeous sailing destination with nice beaches and a marina with state-of-the-art facilities including a nautical equipment store, repair shops, and several dining venues. Since it’s a place deeply steeped in history, you can make the most out of your stay by doing some sightseeing, or if you prefer outdoor activities in nature, going trekking, birdwatching, or cycling in the nearby Vransko Lake Nature Park is a must. If you want a sailing vacation that is genuinely and undeniably Croatian, look no further. A yacht charter area of stark contrasts and exceptional landscapes, the Zadar sailing region is steadily becoming one of the most distinct sailing destinations in Croatia.