Croatia

Croatia

Croatia is a land with a rich and complex history which stretches back over thousands of years. The region has been at the crossroads of many empires and cultures as a result of its strategic position on the shores of the Adriatic Sea.

Historical background

Ancient times: Croatia has been inhabited since the stone age and in ancient times parts of the country were populated by the Illyrian tribes. Some time later, large parts of the coast became a part of the Roman empire, and cities such as Split (site of Diocletian's palace ) date from this period. The middle ages: In the middle ages Croatia developed in to a monarchy and formed a union with Hungary in the 12th century. Trade and culture flourished along the coast and in cities such as Dubrovnik under the Republic of Ragusa, which was an important and independent city state. The Ottoman and Habsburg empires: In the 15th and 16th centuries Croatia faced pressure from both the Ottoman empire and the Habsburg monarchy and this had a significant impact on politics and culture in the region. Modern times: After the first world war Croatia became a part of Yugoslavia. Croatia declared independence in the 1990s, after a period of strife and conflict, and since then it has built a modern democracy and has become a top tourist destination.

Culture and traditions

Croatia has a vibrant culture which combines influences from Mediterranean traditions as well as from Central Europe.

  • Language: The official language is Croatian, a South Slavic language with a Latin alphabet. Many Croatians also speak English, especially those who work with tourism.
  • Music and dance: Traditional Croatian folk music varies by region, from Dalmatian klapa singing in the South to more instrumental music and dances such as kolo. Music festivals and carnivals are an important part of the cultural calendar.
  • Food: Croatian food is a lovely mix of Mediterranean flavours, with plenty of fish and seafood along the coast, olive oil, fresh vegetables and influences from Italian and Austrian gastronomy. Try dishes such as pašticada (marinated beef), black risotto (octopus or cuttlefish ink risotto) and fresh sardines.
  • Wine and olive oil: Croatia is known for its high quality wine, particularly from regions such as Istria and Dalmatia, as well as for its excellent olive oil.
  • Architecture: In many places you will encounter everything from Roman ruins to churches from the middle ages and palaces and buildings in the baroque and renaissance styles. This is particularly true in historical cities such as Dubrovnik, Split and Zadar.
  • Religion: The majority of the population are Catholics and both the church and religious festivals play a large role in local life.

Important cultural highlights

  • Dubrovnik: Known as the "Pearl of the Adriatic”, with its impressive city walls, old town and UNESCO World Heritage status. In recent times the city has also become an important filming location, for Game of Thrones for example.
  • Split and Diocletian's Palace: One of the world’s best preserved Roman palaces, where modern life continues to pulsate within ancient walls and battlements.
  • National Parks: The Plitvice Lakes and Krka are world famous for their waterfalls and for their unique nature and are an important part of the protected natural environment in Croatia.
  • Folk festivals: Festivals such as Dubrovnik Summer Festival and Sinjska Alka (a horse race of medieval origin) demonstrate both local pride and that traditions are alive and well.
  • Art and local handicrafts: Croatia has a strong tradition of producing local handicrafts, including hand woven cloth, ceramics and carpentry, using traditional methods and local materials.

Summary

Croatia is a land where history meets both modern times and the sea. Its culture is a rich mosaic of ancient traditions, medieval heritage and modern influences. When sailing along the Croatian coast you’ll be met by beautiful landscapes and seascapes as well as by a warm and hospitable local population with a strong cultural identity. Croatia is one of the most popular sailing destinations in Europe, thanks to its fantastic archipelago, crystal clear waters, charming coastal cities and over 1000 islands. Here are some of the most popular sailing destinations in Croatia, with some summary information on each one:

1. Split and the Dalmatian archipelago

Why sail here?

Split is a perfect starting point, with good availability of charter yachts. The Dalmatian archipelago offers an excellent combination of nature and lively cities. Highlights:

  • Hvar: An exclusive island known for its nightlife, fields of lavender and historical buildings.
  • Vis: A peaceful and remote island with turquoise waters and charming villages.
  • Brač: Home to the famous Zlatni Rat beach. Also great for windsurfing.
  • Šolta: Less touristy, perfect for nature lovers and for relaxation.

2. Dubrovnik and Southern Dalmatia

Why sail here?

Dubrovnik is one of the most beautiful historical cities in Europe and offers fantastic sailing along a dramatic coastline. Highlights:

  • Mljet: National Park with salt water lakes and dense forests – fantastic for nature lovers.
  • Korčula: Birthplace of Marco Polo (according to some sources). Medieval city centre and vineyards.
  • The Elaphiti islands: A group of small islands off Dubrovnik – tranquil, green and picturesque.

3. Zadar and Northern Dalmatia

Why sail here?

A little less crowded than Split or Dubrovnik. Zadar has a mix of history and access to unique islands. Highlights:

  • The Kornati islands: A National Park comprised of over 80 uninhabited islands – a paradise for sailors.
  • Dugi Otok: A remote island with dramatic cliffs and calm bays.
  • Sali: A charming fishing port and a great location from which to explore Kornati.

4. Istria and the Kvarner Gulf

Why sail here?

Further North and with fewer islands, interesting for its culture and its food. Better suited to more experienced sailors. Highlights:

  • Pula: An ancient city with a very well preserved Roman amphitheatre.
  • Krk, Cres and Lošinj: Larger islands with small villages, great beaches and the possibility to see dolphins.
  • Rab: Known for its old town with its four clock towers and its beaches – these are unusual in Croatia.

Tips for sailing in Croatia:

  • The best time to sail: May to October (The high season is July to August).
  • Wind: The Mistral (a light summer wind) is normal in the afternoons – this is perfect for sailing.
  • Harbour fees: These vary according to the season and the mooring; some marinas are more expensive than others.
  • Navigation: The sheer number of islands and channels requires sailors to pay close attention when navigating. Sailing routes can be considered generally safe and they are well marked.

Here are four sailing routes in Croatia. These routes are designed for a week of sailing and embark from popular coastal harbours. A short description of each route is included.

General information about sailing in Croatia

Geography and the main sailing regions:

  • The Dalmatian coast: A long stretch of coastline with over 1000 islands, known for its chalk cliffs, crystal clear waters and historical cities.
  • Istria: The Northern Adriatic Sea, verdant landscapes and charming medieval cities.
  • The Kvarner Gulf: Between Dalmatia and Istria, offers a combination of island and mainland sailing, with moderate winds.

Wind and weather:

  • The best sailing season: May to October.
  • Wind:
    • Bura: A strong North Easterly wind, usually in the autumn and winter.
    • Jugo: A South Easterly wind, humid and warm.
    • Maestral: A daily, Westerly wind in summer, 10–20 knots, perfect for sailing.
  • Temperature: Summer 25–30°C, sea temperatures approximately 22–26°C.

Sailing regions and suggested itineraries

1. The Dalmatian coast – Split and the islands – 7 days

Wind and weather:

  • Season: May to September.
  • Wind: Maestral, 10–20 knots in the afternoons.
  • Temperature: 25–30°C.
Day Route Distance (nm) Highlights
1 Split → Brač (Bol) 15 nm The beach at Zlatni Rat, watersports.
2 Brač → Hvar 20 nm Lively nightlife, historical sites.
3 Hvar → Vis 25 nm Pristine nature, the blue grotto at Biševo.
4 Vis → Korčula 30 nm Medieval city and vineyards.
5 Korčula → Mljet 20 nm National Park, lakes and forests.
6 Mljet → Šipan (Elaphiti islands) 25 nm Lush, green islands and a calm atmosphere.
7 Šipan → Dubrovnik 15 nm A historical city, World Heritage.

Total distance: ca 150 nm

2. Istria – 5 days

Wind and weather:

  • Season: May to September.
  • Wind: Lighter winds, 5–15 knots.
  • Temperature: 22–28°C.
Day Route Distance (nm) Highlights
1 Pula → Rovinj 25 nm Charming city with Venetian architecture.
2 Rovinj → Poreč 15 nm Historical churches, museums.
3 Poreč → Novigrad 10 nm Small town feeling and local gastronomy.
4 Novigrad → Umag 15 nm Sport and nature experiences.
5 Umag → Pula 20 nm Return to base.

Total distance: ca 85 nm

3. The Kvarner Gulf – 6 days

Wind and weather:

  • Season: May to September.
  • Wind: Maestral, 10–15 knots, relatively stable winds.
  • Temperature: 24–29°C.
Day Route Distance (nm) Highlights
1 Rijeka → Krk 15 nm A large island with plenty of beaches for swimming.
2 Krk → Rab 20 nm Beautiful old town and beaches.
3 Rab → Pag 25 nm Arid, desert landscapes, salt production.
4 Pag → Cres 15 nm Unspoilt nature and great places for swimming.
5 Cres → Lošinj 10 nm An island with great hiking trails and dolphin watching.
6 Lošinj → Rijeka 30 nm Back to port.

Total distance: ca 115 nm

4. The Elaphiti islands – 4 days

Wind and weather:

  • Season: May to September.
  • Wind: Maestral, 10–15 knots, perfect for comfortable sailing.
  • Temperature: 25–30°C.
Day Route Distance (nm) Highlights
1 Dubrovnik → Koločep 10 nm A tranquil island with great hiking trails and small beaches.
2 Koločep → Lopud 8 nm Beaches and picturesque villages.
3 Lopud → Šipan 8 nm Olive groves and a calm atmosphere.
4 Šipan → Dubrovnik 15 nm Return to Dubrovnik and its culture and charm.

Total distance: ca 41 nm

5. Pakleni islands (close to Hvar) – 3 days

Wind and weather:

  • Season: June to September.
  • Wind: Maestral, 10–20 knots, often perfect for short day stages.
  • Temperature: 25–30°C.
Day Route Distance (nm) Highlights
1 Hvar → Stipanska 3 nm A sheltered bay with restaurants and swimming.
2 Stipanska → Palmižana 2 nm A popular anchorage with restaurants and nightlife.
3 Palmižana → Hvar 4 nm Return to Hvar town.

Total distance: ca 9 nm

6. The Šibenik archipelago – 5 days

Wind and weather:

  • Season: May to September.
  • Wind: Maestral, 10–15 knots.
  • Temperature: 24–29°C.
Day Route Distance (nm) Highlights
1 Šibenik → Zlarin 10 nm Car-free, relaxed island with swimming opportunities.
2 Zlarin → Prvić 15 nm Beautiful nature and crystal clear water.
3 Prvić → Krapanj 5 nm One of Europe’s smallest inhabited islands.
4 Krapanj → Žirje 15 nm Scenic surroundings and few tourists.
5 Žirje → Šibenik 18 nm Return to town, UNESCO listed cathedral.

Total distance: ca 63 nm

7. The Korčula archipelago – 5 days

Wind and weather:

  • Season: May to September.
  • Wind: Maestral, 10–18 knots, often very stable conditions.
  • Temperature: 25–30°C.
Day Route Distance (nm) Highlights
1 Korčula → Badija 3 nm Peaceful monastery island near Korčula town.
2 Badija → Vrnik 4 nm A small island with great places to swim.
3 Vrnik → Smokvica Vela 6 nm A small island with opportunities for walking and hiking.
4 Smokvica Vela → Šćedro 12 nm A nature reserve, perfect för snorkelling and relaxation.
5 Šćedro → Korčula 15 nm Return to Korčula old town and some great wine.

Total distance: ca 40 nm

8. The Lastovo archipelago – 5 days

Wind and weather:

  • Season: June to September.
  • Wind: Light to moderate, 5–15 knots.
  • Temperature: 24–29°C.
Day Route Distance (nm) Highlights
1 Lastovo → Zaklopatica 5 nm Natural bays and small villages.
2 Zaklopatica → Skrivena Luka 6 nm A sheltered harbour with good opportunities for anchoring.
3 Skrivena Luka → Sušac 12 nm A pristine island, fantastic nature.
4 Sušac → Lastovo 15 nm A beautiful island with historical sites.
5 Lastovo → Lastovo (around the island) 10 nm Sailing a loop, with swimming and walking.

Total distance: ca 48 nm

9. Rab region – 4 days

Wind and weather:

  • Season: May to September.
  • Wind: Maestral, 8–15 knots.
  • Temperature: 24–29°C.
Day Route Distance (nm) Highlights
1 Rab → Lopar 10 nm Beaches and calm waters.
2 Lopar → Barbat 6 nm Fishing village with a traditional feel.
3 Barbat → Kampor 5 nm Beautiful nature and beaches.
4 Kampor → Rab 8 nm Return to Rab town, medieval architecture.

Total distance: ca 29 nm

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