Croatia Sailing Guide: Top Destinations, Itineraries & Tips

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If you want to set sail in Croatia, this guide is here to lead the way. Croatia has so much to offer visitors, and exploring from the Adriatic Sea is the best possible way to experience this wonderful country. 

From when to go, the types of boat available, and must-see destinations to suggested itineraries, top tips, and FAQs, this is your complete Croatia sailing guide. 

Best Time of Year To Sail in Croatia

The sailing season in Croatia commences in April and lasts until October. July and August, followed by June, are the most popular months, and offer the hottest temperatures of the year. High summer is also the most expensive time to sail in Croatia, due to supply and demand. 

If you can set sail outside of the main summer season, May and September offer good weather and sailing conditions. April and October are a little cooler, but can also be quieter, and therefore cheaper. 

Top Boat Picks for Croatia

Borrow a Boat has almost 3,850 boats for rent in Croatia – so how do you choose just one? To give you a taste of what’s available, here are three of the best rental boats for Croatia.

Catamaran Bali Catsmart · 2024 · First Whisper

  • Type: Catamaran 
  • Sleeps: up to 10
  • Cabins: 4
  • Location: Skradin
  • Captain: Yourself (with a licence) or hire a captain
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If you fancy setting sail on a slick catamaran, this one can accommodate up to 10 people for overnight stays. It’s brand new, and has two bathrooms. The boat is very well equipped indeed, with solar panels for green energy generation. 

There is a freezer for storing more food on board, autopilot and a GPS plotter to simplify sailing, plus binoculars so you can keep an eye on the distance or spot marine life. A USB MP3 player, outdoor speakers, and snorkelling kit, can also keep you well fed and entertained. Optional extras are available too, including a kayak, a stand-up paddleboard, a barbecue, and even a chef. Pets are also welcome, for an additional fee. 

Sailboat Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 410 · 2021 · PRES- 410-21-CR

  • Type: Sailing boat
  • Sleeps: up to 8
  • Cabins: 3
  • Location: Zadar
  • Captain: Yourself (with a licence) or hire a captain
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Sleeping up to eight in comfort, this 2021 sailing boat is ideal for families and small groups. It comes with all the safety equipment you’ll need, plus bed linen and a dinghy included in the price. It’s located in Zadar, a popular starting point for sailing in Croatia.

On-board facilities include a GPS chartplotter, autopilot, a USB charger, outdoor speakers, a fridge, hot water, an electric toilet, and a teak deck with shower. You can also add optional extras to enhance your holiday, such as an outboard engine, a barbecue, a kayak, or an electric scooter. 

Motorboat Beneteau Gran Turismo 40 · 2018 · Lomar – Beneteau GT40

  • Type: Motorboat
  • Sleeps: 2 (+ 2 crew)
  • Cabins: 2
  • Location: Dubrovnik
  • Captain: Captain and crew included
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As a skipper and crew are thrown in with this motorboat, you can simply sit back and relax while someone else takes care of navigation. It’s ideal for couples, with two cabins: the other will be occupied by the captain and the other crew member. By day, up to 10 people in total can be accommodated on board, giving you scope to invite friends along for the ride. 

The motorboat is located in Dubrovnik, an ideal place to begin your Croatian sailing adventure. It’s also perfect for soaking up the sun and swimming in the sea, with a sundeck, sunroof, sunbeds, and a swimming platform with a shower.

Also covered by the hire cost are towels and linens, snorkelling equipment and a stand-up paddleboard, WiFi, and drinks and snacks. 

Must-See Sailing Destinations in Croatia

Dubrovnik

As a very popular city break destination, Dubrovnik barely needs an introduction. The old town here is enclosed by city walls, and the setting is stunning. There’s also great shopping and dining, and lots of history to delve into. 

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Best bar: Cave Bar More – unique bar in a cave by the beach, under Hotel More.

Best restaurant: Soul Kitchen – a fun menu featuring plant and meat-based dishes.

Best beach: Sveti Jakov – close to the old town with small pebbles and great views.

Split

Split is ideal for rookie sailors, as it has reliable weather conditions and shallow waters. Croatia’s second-biggest city is great for history fans, with sites like Diocletian’s Palace to discover.

Other local attractions in and around the coastal city include the Eye of the Earth natural spring, and hikes at Krka National Park and Marjan’s loop. 

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Best bar: Teraca Vidilica – views over the Old Town and coastline.

Best restaurant: Portofino – Croatian and Mediterranean cuisine, plus seafood.

Best beach: Bacvice beach – only a few minutes’ walk from Diocletian’s Palace.

Zadar

With great marinas and safe waters, Zadar is well set up for sailors of all levels. It’s good for explorers, couples, and families. Local sights include the Roman Forum, the Sea Organ, and Five Wells Square. 

Best bar: Yachting Bar – aptly named, this bar is a Tripadvisor traveller favourite.

Best restaurant: Butler Gourmet Garden – Dalmatian cuisine, seafood, grills and cocktails.

Best beach: Kolovare beach – fine sands within walking distance of the Old Town.

Trogir

Trogir is good for beginners, as it has calm waters. It’s popular with families, and those in search of sun. Top sights to see in the area include Kamerlengo Castle, the Blue Cave, and the Clock Tower. 

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Best bar: Corte – centrally located with good music and a great atmosphere.

Best restaurant: Konoba Fortin – generous portions of Croatian and barbecue food.

Best beach: Okrug Gornji – aka Okrug Copacabana; just 2 miles (3 km) from Trogir.

Croatia Sailing Itineraries & Routes

Split to Dubrovnik 7-Day Itinerary

This Split to Dubrovnik – or Dubrovnik to Split – itinerary offers charming villages, untouched islands, and local restaurants, as well as active pursuits such as hiking, kayaking, and cycling. 

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Day 1

  • Split: Croatia’s second city with Diocletian’s Palace, coastal views, and seafood restaurants, plus surrounding hikes.

Day 2

  • Milna: Village on Brac island offering a pretty port, picture-postcard views, a traditional port, and stunning sunsets.

Day 3

  • Palmizana: Untouched spot on Sveti Klement island, with a boho hotel set among botanical gardens.

Day 4

  • Badija: Uninhabited island in the Skoiji archipelago with a Franciscan monastery, forests, and pebble beaches.

Day 5

  • Lastovo: Sparsely populated island with some facilities and a remote feel, forming part of the Lastovo Islands Nature Park.

Day 6

  • Polace: Hiking, cycling, kayaking, sheltered coves, and local restaurants at this former fishing settlement.

Day 7

  • Dubrovnik: Incredibly popular walled, coastal city with lots of dining and shopping options, and an absorbing history.

Zadar & Islands 7-Day itinerary

This one week sailing itinerary for Croatia offers historic sites, island life, unspoiled landscapes, traditional villages, delicious dining, stunning scenery, and much more.  

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Day 1

  • Kornati Islands: More than 140 untouched islands offering lunar landscapes, reefs, bays, and narrow passages.
  • Zadar: Popular and historic city with delicious dining, stunning scenery, and famous works of art.

Day 2

  • Molat Island: Fishing, kayaking, diving, and hiking, plus tiny alleys lined with traditional stone houses. 

Day 3

  • Veli Rat: Attractions include a lighthouse and marina, plus rugged coastal views, shipwrecks, and spear fishing.

Day 4

  • Sakarun: Also known as Dugi Island, with Caribbean vibes and warm, shallow waters ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkelling.
  • Katina: Deserted Dalmatian island home to Mare-Katina, an incredible local restaurant.

Day 5

  • Lavsa Island: Part of Kornati National Park, with a history of salt production, Roman habitation, and folk architecture.
  • Pasman: Azure seas lapping white sands, traditional villages, historic buildings, and seafood restaurants await.

Day 6

  • Iz: Small, tranquil, unspoiled island offering a slow pace of life, a warm welcome, and superb diving.

Day 7

  • Muline: Pretty village on Losinj island with historic sites, lush green landscapes, and clear waters.
  • Zadar: Return to this appealing city offering art, great food, Roman history, and a charming old town.

Trogir to Split 4-Day Itinerary

Ths four day Croatia sailing itinerary allows you to experience local food and wine, lovely islands and villages, beach life, interesting historical sites, diving, snorkelling, swimming and spectacular sunsets. 

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Day 1

  • Trogir: Sun-soaked, walled mediaeval town with historic and natural attractions.
  • Solta: Traditional Croatia without the tourists; discover charming villages plus local food and wine.

Day 2

  • Hvar: Croatia’s sunkissed island offering beach-hopping, drinking and dining, and panoramic views.
  • Jerolim: Island close to Hvar town with peaceful beaches, tropical flowers, and fragrant pine forests.

Day 3

  • Vis: Rich in culture and history, plus churches, cobbled streets, and charming places to eat.
  • Komiza: Historic harbour town at the base of Hum Mountain, offering outstanding diving and snorkelling.

Day 4

  • Maslinica: Port village with a wonderful castle, plus swimming, snorkelling, and stunning sunsets.
  • Split: Croatia’s second city with a UNESCO listed old town, plus beaches and islands within easy reach.

Tips For Sailing Croatia

Don’t set sail in Croatia without checking out this list of helpful tips, to make your sailing adventure run smoothly.

Consider shoulder season

While the summer months of July and August are a lovely time to be in Croatia, they’re also the busiest. If you’re not tied to certain dates, such as school holidays, think about sailing in April, May, September or October instead. You’re likely to get better value for money and a more peaceful sailing experience. 

Book early

If you want the best boat – and perhaps wish to hire a skipper – then you need to secure them early. This applies in particular for popular dates like summer. Booking early also gives you the best chance of paying the lowest possible price. 

Check what’s included

Unpleasant surprises don’t make for a happy holiday, so check carefully what’s covered by the rental cost – and what isn’t. You can often pay for optional extras too, which may be worthwhile if you’ll make good use of them. 

Pack properly

Using soft luggage is ideal for a sailing holiday, where there is limited storage space. Backpacks, duffel bags and the like are far easier to squeeze into tight cupboards, lockers, and gaps than rigid suitcases. 

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For the same reason, you should also pack as lightly as you possibly can. In terms of provisions, bring at least enough to last until your first port of call. Plus some non-perishable supplies as a back-up. 

Don’t overdo it

When planning your itinerary, don’t be tempted to cram too much in. Sailing times may always vary depending on the weather and other factors, such as how busy it is at each port. You’re on holiday and you want to be relaxing, not rushing around. 

Think about hiring a skipper

If you want to sail the boat yourself, then you may need certain certification. Even if you have this, think carefully about whether you want to be in charge of the boat. You’d be responsible for everyone on board, and if there was an accident it may also involve other vessels, and people. 

It’s not only safety you should think about. Would you enjoy your sailing holiday if you’re stressing about navigation? Or if you’re stuck at the wheel, away from your friends or family, who have nothing to do but have a good time? 

Hiring a skipper can ensure everyone’s safety, and also make your sailing adventure far more enjoyable. 

Sailing conditions

It’s also worth knowing about sailing conditions in Croatia before setting off. The Adriatic Sea tends to have calm waters, minimal tides, and mild waves. The prevailing winds of the area are also ideal for sailing throughout the summer season. 

Rocky regions can be hazardous. So if you’re skippering yourself, do heed any local advice and use nautical charts. Any coastline with cliffs or rocks should be navigated with great care. 

FAQs

How Much to Rent a Boat in Croatia?

How much it costs to rent a coat in Croatia depends on the type and size of boat, as well as the season. RIBS or speedboat costs per day, per person, can be as little as 30 €. A motorboat costs around 62 € per person, per day, while a gulet charter costs around 75 € per person, per day. The price for larger, more luxurious vessels, like catamarans, is about 460 € per day for each person. 

How Much to Charter a Yacht in Croatia?

Bigger, luxury boats like yachts cost from around 460 € per day, per person. The price you’ll pay depends on the time of year, and also the size and facilities of the boat, so it can vary widely. 

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Can You Rent a Boat in Croatia Without a Licence?

You can rent a boat in Croatia without a licence, if you want to hire a skipper. If you want to sail the vessel yourself, though, both a valid licence like an International Certificate of Competence (ICC) and a VHF radio licence are required.

Can You Take a Boat from Croatia to Italy?

Many local charter boat companies don’t allow you to take vessels outside of Croatian waters. If you do want to take your boat to Italy, you can request this when enquiring about boat hire. The boat owner can then advise regarding whether or not this is possible. 

Is There a Good Party Scene in Croatia?

Croatia is renowned for its lively party scene, where some of Europe’s top festivals and concerts light up both the mainland and islands. For a touch of glitz and glamour, head to Hvar’s marina, which is a hotspot for superyachts and celebs frequenting the lively bars. We’d recommend joining in the fun with your own glamorous yacht charter!

Now that you have all the information you need about sailing in Croatia, browse available boats and yachts for rent, and start planning your getaway.