Zadar is an ancient Mediterranean city of rich history and exceptional cultural heritage and a prime yacht charter destination, located in the heart of the Adriatic. It is the urban centre of northern Dalmatia, surrounded by four National parks: Plitvice Lakes, Paklenica, Krka and Kornati for a fulfilled yacht charter Zadar experience. Additionally, the coast around Zadar is particularly indented - there are more than 300 islands, islets and rocks. Zadar sailing region is a wonderful place to enjoy a peaceful yacht charter vacation away from the ultra-touristy parts of Dalmatia.
Find Your Ideal Yacht in Zadar Sailing Region
Why is Zadar Popular Among Sailors?
The town of Zadar is centrally located on the Dalmatian Coast, and it is the perfect place to rent a boat and embark on a sailing adventure because of its proximity to many amazing Croatian islands. The unspoiled nature, very indented coast filled with hidden bays, beaches and coves, excellent weather and pleasant winds allure many sailors to opt for a yacht charter in Zadar sailing region. Lovely marinas and moorings, charter fleets and experienced skippers will satisfy any boater.
Be sure to put yacht charter in Zadar on your itinerary if you want to enjoy the adventure of island-hopping and explore stunning national parks and nature parks.
Yacht Charter in Zadar Sailing Region
Opt for a yacht charter in Zadar, the fifth largest Croatian city. Zadar sits right in the centre of the Croatian coast, it is smaller than Split and less crowded than Dubrovnik, but just as interesting. Its highly indented coast, filled with hidden bays, coves and beaches, will satisfy your inquisitive nautical spirit.
Rent a boat 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 the islands of Premuda and Ist. At the southern end of Dugi otok lies Nature Park Telašćica. Right across Telašćica, you'll see Kornati National Park.
Yacht charter in Zadar gives you the opportunity to explore Kornati, the densest archipelago in the Mediterranean. Take your catamaran on a cruise around the islands and they will impress you with their stark and nude 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.
Best Places to Visit in Zadar Region
Zadar is the home of the “most beautiful sunset in the world” according to the famous director Alfred Hitchcock. After you strolled through the city and explored Zadar’s most popular attractions - Sea organ and Sun Salutation, two artistic installations, which utilise the power of nature to create beautiful sounds and sights, The surrounding islands and towns will also leave you speechless. We recommend you include the following places on your Zadar yacht charter itinerary:
Biograd, once the town of the coronation of Croatian kings is now a strong and modern tourist centre providing excellent marine tourism and sailing possibilities. This town, located 30 kilometres south of Zadar, is an ideal spot for people who prefer a dynamic and interesting vacation. Biograd has a modern marina with 1,000 sea berths and 200 land berths. During summer, numerous manifestations and festivities are organized in Biograd.
Zrće Beach is one of today's most popular summer festival and party destinations situated in Novalja, on the rocky island of Pag, which is famous for 4 things: delicious lamb, cheese, salt pans and lace production. The hottest clubs in the Adriatic region are located on Ibiza-like Zrće Beach, as well as sports, recreation and entertainment facilities and excellent restaurants.
Rent a boat in Zadar and visit Kornati National Park is a breath-taking archipelago, home to 89 islands, islets and reefs which will leave you breathless. It is a must for sailors, divers and anyone who appreciates the beauty of unspoilt nature and crystal-clear sea.
Dugi otok Island (Long Island) is, as the name suggest, the longest Croatian island. It is located west from Zadar. Dugi Otok home to Telašćica Nature Park, which is one of the most popular places to visit among sailors. Dugi Otok boasts amazing landscapes and it is an ideal spot for a quiet vacation. Do not miss the opportunity to visit the Sakarun Beach, the most popular sandy beach in the region of Zadar. Telašćica Bay is in the south-eastern part of the island of Dugi Otok. It was proclaimed a Nature Park in 1988 and it is the safest, largest, and most beautiful natural port of the Adriatic.
Yacht charter in Zadar region also offers you the opportunity to explore the unspoilt and peaceful islands of Ugljan and Pašman, which will amaze all nature lovers. Ugljan and Pašman are connected by a bridge called Ždrelac. The passage under this 210 m long and 16, 5 m high bridge is 4,5 m deep, and only boats with a max beam of 6 m are allowed to pass. Ugljan and Pašman are the ideal sailing destination for those who like to catch their own fresh seafood while sailing.
Galešnjak is a heart-shaped island, also called the Island of Love. It is in the Zadar Channel, between Zadar and the island of Pašman, which is the ideal area for sailing. This romantic island is currently a very popular destination for couples and the go-to place for wedding proposals.
Put the islands of Olib and Silba on your Zadar sailing itinerary. They are islands with no traffic, no hotels, and no stress. Olib was once inhabited by Romans and has many historic buildings and ruins. Silba, covered in Mediterranean black oak, has a lot of small beaches and bays where one can swim in crystal clear water.
To complement your yacht charter Zadar experience, visit Lake Vrana, the largest lake in Croatia and a designated Nature Park. The dominant feature of the park is a unique Ornithological Reserve. The Park offers peace and leisure to bird watchers, anglers, bikers and hikers.
Important Info for Sailing in Zadar Sailing Region
Best time to sail
April – October
Most popular marinas
Marina Zadar, Marina D-Marin Borik, Marina D-Marin Dalmacija, Marina Kornati, Marina Olive Island, Marina Preko, ACI Marina Piškera, Marina Veli Rat
Nearest airports
Zadar (ZAD)
Number of charter yachts
800+
Popular regattas
The Zadarska Koka Regatta, Kornati Cup Regatta
Top attractions
Sea organ and Sun Salutation, Kornati National Park, Telašćica Nature Park, Dugi Otok Island, Lake Vrana, Zrće Beach
Gastronomy Highlights of Zadar Sailing Region
Zadar region enjoys a lot of olive oil and seafood and fresh fish, as well as lamb and veal, prosciutto, goat and sheep cheese. Meals are accompanied by a lot of vegetables and wine. Fruit is essential, especially citrus fruit, marasca cherries, grapes, figs, and almonds. Sailing in the Zadar area and eating in restaurants, taverns and inns will get you acquainted with delicious Croatian cuisine. While on your Zadar yacht charter vacation, we recommend you try some of the Dalmatian cuisine classics.
Peka is a traditional meat or seafood dish prepared under a steel bell with hot charcoal on top. Brudet is a seafood stew popular in the Croatian regions of Dalmatia, Kvarner and Istria. It is normally prepared of several types of fish stewed with spices, vegetables and red or white wine, or even vinegar to keep the flesh of the fish whole. Crni rižot is a distinctive black risotto cooked with fresh cuttlefish or squid. The risotto's intimidatingly dark hue is derived from cuttlefish ink, and it is frequently flavoured with mussels, clams, and other shellfish.
