Discovering Northern Adriatic
Renting a yacht in Pula city will certainly best deliver to a activity charter experience. Choose your place in the sun and sail through the azure-blue waters of divine Kvarner and north Dalmatian Islands. Ride your bike through the aroma filled forests of island Lošinj and enjoy stunning views from lush-green hilltops. Ascend to sky-high cliffs on largest Croatian island Cres, snorkel or swim in sky-blue seas of island Unije and dive from the cliffs of wildlife park Kamenjak. Selected Pula sailing itinerary will uncover one of the richest and well preserved European natural habitats.
Activity Sailing Experience
Beautiful islands with unspoiled pebbled beaches, remarkable biodiversity, scenic ascends and descents, secluded coves and historic Venetian villages are an excellent reason to discover Istrian region at your own pace. Activity sailing vacation in Croatia will allow you to combine leisure with pleasure and stay active at the same time. The sailing dynamics and the itinerary can be arranged with our skipper instructor before and during your trip. Depending on your holiday expectations, he can arrange daily sailing distances and lessons to best suit your needs and make more stops for swimming and relaxation.
Every day he will anchor in typical island villages and harbors where you can join lively town promenades and surrender yourself to finest food exploration. In the morning feel free to ride exclusive bike trails that will reward you with spectacular landscape scenery.
Day 1
Saturday (Kamenjak wildlife park - overnight )
Upon arriving to the base marina, you will probably have some time before your embark on your sailing charter. We recommend you to stroll the vivid streets of Pula, well know of the Roman amphitheater from the 1st. century. You can also use spare time to buy supplies and fill the boat lockers. Maybe have a snack in one of the stylish beach bars near marina Veruda before the departure.
After a quick briefing and some sailing guidelines for your tour we set sail south. In the late afternoon we will pass Istrian peninsula to explore the wildlife park Kamenjak.
This well preserved natural habitat is a home to some rare animals and plants. Inside the park, you will have the chance to swim or snorkel in a completely natural surrounding. If you still have some energy left, take a nice walk to the nearby eco farm and try their local products. Don't miss the dish from the famous istrian white truffles and local Malvazija wine.
Day 2
Sunday (Cres, Valun - overnight)
A nice morning SUP tour around the cove where we anchored will be a good choice before the breakfast. Later, we'll head south to cross the Kvarner channel. A great opportunity to learn some basic sailing skills.
Tonight we anchor in a scenic village Valun on Cres, the largest island in Croatia. We might spot a rare white eagle that only lives around the highest cliffs on the island. Don't miss the opportunity for a nice evening walk along a beautiful beach and a romantic dinner in one of the local restaurants.
The next morning you can ascend to the ancient village Lubenice, built on a high ruins that guard the western part of Cres. You will witness one of the most spectacular views across Kvarner.
TREKKING DISTANCE: 2,5h / ELEVATION: 400m
Day 3
Monday (Mali Lošinj - Overnight)
After the descent from a stony slope of Lubenice, we meet in a secluded cove beneath the hill top. Feel free to take swim in a crystal water and dive into "Blue Cave" - the underwater cavity that with the game of the sea and the sun generates unique blue light. After lunch we set our sails towards the island Losinj - the island of herbs. The name stuck mostly for the unique and dense vegetation. You can take a bike tour from the town of Mali Lošinj and explore it on your own. Best panoramic view is from Providenca hill bar.
This naturally protected harbor was in the past home to many Croatian captains, nowadays favorite tourist attraction with vibrant nightlife. In the evening you can take a stroll between the colorful painted house front, sightsee and have one of the best ice creams around. Live street music is almost traditional in this town.
CYCLING DISTANCE: app. 30 Km
Day 4
Tuseday (Island Ist - Overnight)
Heading south along the coast of Lošinj we will soon reach the northern Dalmatian islands and anchor in a secluded cove on the island of Silba. Before the lunch you can take a 30 minutes stroll to the village before we head south towards the isle Ist.
After docking in the port of Ist, you can ascend to the nice white chappel on the hill top with a rewarding glance across the hundreds of tiny islands that cover this area. In the south you can see the Kornati chain while waiting for the sun to dissapear behind the horizont. A nice dinner in a seaside restaurant should be the perfect ending of a perfect day. Don't forget to try grilled fresh fish, scampi and mussels in a garlic stew.
ELEVATION: 200m / TREKKING DISTANCE: 1 hour
Day 5
Wednesday (Nerezine - overnight)
After the morning coffee in the town square, we'll set sails to the North of the island of Cres we'll take a break to swim in one of many bays of isolated island Olib along our route. Here you will actually see that these islands really have one of the cleanest seas in the planet.
In the afternoon we dock in Nerezine port. A quiet and cozy little town under the highest mountain in Kvarner - Mt. Televrin. You got 2 options. Climb the hill on foot or take a longer cycling tour through the ancient town of Osor. A large seaborne trade post with 20.000 residents in the past, today a genuine city-museum. The mixture of gravel and pave can be a challenge for anyone. Reaching the mountain top opens a majestic view across the area we sailed the past days. Sunset over the water from 600 meters above the sea level is a sight you don't see every day.
CYCLING DISTANCE: 30 km / WALKING DISTANCE: 2,5 Hours, 6 km
Day 6
Thursday (Unije - Overnight)
After purchasing basic supplies for the last 2 days we have to wait for the drawbridge to open. The bridge connecting the islands Lošinj and Cres only opens twice a day for the passing yachts and it is a sight to see. Today we sail towards one of the most isolated islands in the area Unije. This is the place where time stops. As we approach the island, you will soon smell the irresistible scent of rosemary and lavender.
The crystal clear waters surrounding this place are your best chance to snorkel. In the evening you can take a roundabout tour to a half an hour distant cliffs, shaped through the millions of years by the forces of the sea and discover this colorful fishermen village on your way back. With its white stone houses and blue window shutters gardens makes it an impressive site. Overnight in a picturesque setting of the densely forested surrounding hills.
ELEVATION: 150m / DISTANCE: 7 km
Day 7
Friday (Pula - Overnight)
If you missed a chance to visit Unije village yesterday, a 20 minute walk along the gravel path should be the perfect chance to strech your limbs. If you don't feel like walking, feel free to explore the cove on your paddleboard.
Our last day aboard we'll sail north to our home port and have one last chance for a quick swim. We'll dock late afternoon in the base marina. Don't miss the opportunity to visit Pula. the larges City in Istria. Check out the 1.st century Roman amphitheater and feel the buzzing nightlife of this amazing Istrian capital.
TREKKING DISTANCE: 50 minutes
Day 8
Saturday
We say farewell before 08:30 and hope to see you next year
Activities During Your Sailing Week
Croatia yacht charter itinerary is entirely flexible and can be adjusted and adequately balanced for various activities during your sailing week. Croatian northern islands are less visited and not as crowded and southern destinations Split or Dubrovnik. Which is a great opportunity for exploring or water sports like snorkelling, swimming or diving.
Daily dynamics is adjustable to your needs so you can select the activity that you prefer and freely decide to increase or increase the level - it is entirely up to you.
Within the summer months, when the daily temperatures are highest is recommended to rather stick to the water activities and balance your energy. It has no sense in overdoing with the activities and enjoy your precious yacht vacation moments.
You will have plenty of time for sightseeing, stroll around stone-walled towns, exploring lively summer ports, visit most beautiful pebbled beaches, so you should spare some energy for the evenings. Tasting superb food delicacies of Istria in top locally-run fisherman's taverns is one of the highlights not to be missed out...
FAQ's
You can rent a small sailing boat in lower season for about 1.500 euros weekly. To that you add the cost for Croatian skipper/instructor 200€ per day, fuel for the boat about 50€ and port fees during your charter week. Food and beverages are excluded from the above prices.
Croatian coast with pleasant sunny climate, low winds and densely scattered islands providing safe sailing conditions is the ultimate destination in Europe for learn to sail vacations.
7 days in the ideal duration for learn to sail holidays in Croatia ensuring you to gain all the needed sailing knowledge for an independent day sailor.
In Greece the sailing distances between the islands are larger and winds stronger with more challenging sailing conditions ideal for experienced crews. Croatia is the perfect location for family sailing vacations, beginners, day sailors and groups that don't want to cover too much cruising distance per day so that they have extra holiday time to explore and make more stops during the day for swimming and snorkelling.
If you are on a budget your best option is to rent sailing yacht in Croatia within the shoulder season June or September. The prices on certain islands are higher then others that is why hiring a Croatian skipper to guide you through your sailing week is recommended. He will also advice you on where to find cheaper ports and moderate priced restaurants where you can eat fresh and tasty local delicacies.
For sailing independently within Croatian territorial waters at least one of the crew on board must poses a valid international nautical certificate of competence (ICC) and a VHF radio station certificate. Check in this article if your licenses are adequate to charter a bareboat yacht in Croatia.
Yacht charter season in Croatia runs from Easter until end of October. That is when the weather at the Croatian coast is pleasant and sunny with low winds assuring safe sailing conditions and easy islandf hopping. Find below what month suits you better for yachting holidays in Croatia
- April - this is the month for enthusiastic sailors and regattas. If your group wishes to learn how to sail, Easter period is your best chance
- May - spring temperatures on Croatian islands are near perfect for various activities. Combine island hopping with trekking or cycling into an exciting activity holiday
- June - fuses the best of a sailing experience in Croatia; warm weather, blooming fragrant landscapes, less marine traffic and affordable sailing vacation prices
- July - best time for a family sailing vacation. Children will love to swim in the warm waters of the Adriatic Sea during the heat of summer
- August - the hottest and driest month is best time for a relaxing care-free sailing holiday at the Adriatic
- September - is the time for a sailing adventure "Croatian style" with moderate winds and less crowds at sea late Spetember is best period for experienced sailors
- October - explore Hvar, Vis, Kornati national park and coastal cities Split or Dubrovnik. Enjoy in a quet autumn atmosphere at the Adriatic.
Tipping a skipper in Croatia is not mandatory but appreciated and mostly depends on the client's general satisfaction at the end of the yacht charter. The sum should be between 15 and 20% from the skipper's weekly fee.
The best spots for activity sailing experince is north Croatian coast. Please follow our recommended Pula Sailing itinerary
- DAY - (Saturday) Pula to Kamenjak wildlife park anchoring
- DAY - (Sunday) Crossing the Kvarner gulf to Mali Lošinj village
- DAY - (Monday) Mali Lošinj to Silba island anchoring
- DAY - (Tuseday) Silba island to Ilovik with stoping on Olib
- DAY - (Wednesday) Ilovik to Cres, punta križa anchoring
- DAY - (Thursday) Cres to Unije island
- DAY - (Friday) Unije to Pula
- DAY - (Saturday) Pula Disembarkation