Sailing
Zadar Region
Zadar Sailing Holidays
Zadar, the fifth largest Croatian city, sits right in the middle of the Croatian coast. It is smaller than Split and less crowded than Dubrovnik but is just as interesting as those two towns. With its highly indented coast, filled with hidden bays, coves and beaches, it will definitely satisfy your inquisitive nautical spirit. Discover all the most beautiful bays, coves and beaches via SailingEurope Zadar region sailing guide.
Yacht Charter in Zadar
Charter a yacht in Zadar and go on a quick island-hopping tour, from Silba and Olib in the north to Dugi otok and Pašman in the south. If you're looking for a quiet vacation, book a bareboat charter and fully explore Premuda and Ist islands. At the southern end of Dugi otok lies Nature park Telašćica. Right across Telašćica, you'll see Kornati National Park.
Kornati is the densest archipelago in the Mediterranean. Take your catamaran on a cruise around the islands and they will impress you with their stark and naked beauty. Ugljan and Pašman islands are ideal for those who like to catch their own food while sailing. However, it gets very crowded in ports and marinas during summer so book a berth in advance.


Sailing routes - Zadar

Zadar route

Sukošan route

Biograd route


Sakarun Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the area. This white sand beach is situated in the Sakarun Bay on the NW side of Dugi otok Island. Getting there from Muline includes rounding the islets of Rivanj, Sestrunj, Tun and Zverinac before passing the strait between the islets of Golac and Bršćak, which are located N from the NW cape of Dugi otok Island. It is possible to round the islets from both north and south side, depending on current winds and personal choice.
If southerlies are forecasted, Sakarun should be replaced by Solišćica, Pantera or Cuna bays. Those places are well sheltered from southerlies, and they abound with safe anchorages and buoys for an overnight stay. Safe docking is possible on the pontoons of Marina Veli Rat. If there is no danger from the south, buoys or anchoring in the Sakarun Bay will do.





We suggest contacting your charter company about the possible time of embarkation when coming to Sukošan. This information will give you the chance to do the paperwork for your boat and plan your supplies. It is advisable to supply the boat for several days without visiting shops or grocery stores. Most probably, your boat will be ready to set off sometime in the afternoon, so we suggest using the southwest sea breeze to your advantage.
Sailing downwind through the channel between the mainland and the island of Pašman gives you the opportunity to get used to the boat and onboard living. Stay the night in the Lanđin Bay on the SW side of Pašman Island. This bay is usually calm and the anchor is holding well. One can also rely on few buoys owned by local taverns where local food is served at a fair price.

The distance between Lanđin and Kornati National Park is shorter than 20 miles. Therefore, the amount of sailing is measured to the central point of the Kornati archipelago. The suggested route to get there leads S, to the southernmost part of Kornat Island, the largest one in the archipelago. A good spot to enter the Park is through the strait between the island of Kornat and Smokvica Vela Islet. The archipelago then spreads to the NW.
Once in the park, it is important to respect the regulations regarding the nature protection and navigate carefully due to numerous shallows and underwater rocks. Kornati National Park abounds with anchorages and swim break opportunities while overnight stay is suggested at one of the local taverns. A safe marina-like berth is organized at Ravni Žakan Island, and it is reserved for the restaurant visitors. Docking here is not recommended in case of strong southerlies.
Those who prefer marina accommodation can stay in ACI Marina Piškera on the W border of the Park. Besides safe berth, one can expect electric current and fresh water from 8 PM to midnight and from 8 to 10 AM. Visitors of the ACI marina Piškera are granted a free 24-hour ticket to Kornati National Park.

The third day’s route gives you the opportunity to see the NW part of the archipelago. We suggest taking the route W from the border of the Park, and continuing to the shores of Dugi otok Island. This path offers stunning views of famous cliffs of Kornati islands and Dugi otok Island. The south part of Dugi otok Island belongs to Nature Park Telašćica. It is a deep bay with numerous bays suitable for anchoring while some places are equipped with buoys. This is a good spot for a swim break or even a short hiking tour to the viewpoints over the cliffs and to a salt lake called Mir (Peace). Beware of the numerous tour boats cruising these waters.
The only tavern in Telašćica is located in Magrovica Bay on the NW end of the Park. Visiting, and especially the overnight stay in Nature Park Telašćica requires a ticket. One may spend the night within the Park, but the route suggests overnight stay in the city port of Sali. In order to get there one has to sail through Proversa Mala strait and head NW following the shores of Dugi otok Island. The Port of Sali offers electric current and fresh water while the supplies can be bought in a well-equipped store in the port. Here you can find numerous taverns and pizza bars, but “Maritimo bar” is the most popular among yachtsmen.


The first part of day 5 includes heading NNE, passing the islets of Golac and Bršćak, turning E and passing the strait between the islands of Tun and Molat and the NW cape of Sestrunj Island. The other way to reach Muline Bay on the NW cape of Ugljan Island leads south from the islands of Tun, Molat and Sestrunj, after leaving Dugi otok’s NW cape. Muline Bay is a safe and calm anchorage while a cluster of buoys is offered at a fair price. Besides a calm overnight stay, you can have a simple meal in a tavern ashore.
Some 6 miles SE from the NW cape of Ugljan Island lies Sutomišćica, where the Olive Island Marina is located. It is one of the best ‘boutique’ marinas in the Adriatic. Apart from safe berth, this marina offers all sorts of additional facilities such as a hair salon, beauty center, laundry service, outdoor swimming pool, fine restaurant and a cocktail bar.




Continue sailing south, along the coast of Dugi otok Island, aiming its SE cape and the Nature Park Telašćica. On your way to the Park you will have the opportunity to enjoy stunning views of the open sea on one side and rough rocky landscape on the other. Use the opportunity to take some great photos of these breathtaking cliffs.
Once you steer into the Bay of Telašćica you will find yourself in the Nature Park and a completely different environment. In a dense pine-tree forest, there are hidden footpaths wich lead to a salt water lake and bay called Mir (Peace). On the other side of the bay, you can walk to the top of the cliffs you just passed by on your boat. You can again count on numerous buoys or just walk deeper into the Park and find a nice tavern called GO-RO. The entrance fee is charged by the rangers who will visit you in the afternoon or later in the evening. The price is determined according to the length of the yacht and is valid for 24 hours.

Not many miles southward from Telašćica lies a cluster of many small islands and islets around a big one – the island of Kornat. This place is also known as Kornati National Park . The name comes from the Italian language – the word coronati (eng. crowned) means that small islands make a kind of a crown around the big island. Either way, the legend says that these islands are made from God’s tears he shed, struck by emotions, when he saw what he did during the Creation. Discover these usnpoilt islands with their stunning coves, bays and beaches. They offer numerous anchorages but still, one has to be careful about shallows and underwater rocks.
There is one high class restaurant with a belonging marina on Ravni Žakan Island while the regular ACI Marina Piškera is located on the W side of the Park. Apart from safe berths and beautiful sunsets, ACI Piškera offers fresh water supplies and electric current. You can enjoy a good meal at almost any tavern (konoba) within the Park, which offer fresh seafood and well-known Kornati’s lamb. The entrance is also charged at Kornati National Park, but the tickets are also available at the office in Biograd or online. Tickets bought at the park are the most expensive.
If you run out of water, go to Sali at the east Side of Dugi otok and load your tanks. A well-equipped supermarket can be found there too, while the crew members who are not in charge for supplies can enjoy a refreshing drink at Maritimo bar.


Best time to sail
April - October
Number of boat bases
-
Closest airports
Zadar (ZAD)
Currency
Kuna (HRK)
Languages spoken
Croatian
Tips
Zadar Sea Organ and Greeting to the Sun, Telašćica Nature Park, Kornati Islands National Park, Biograd, Zrće Beach