Croatia, a land of breathtaking landscapes, rich history, boundless adventures, beckons travellers from around the globe and is a stunning location for a sailing holiday charter.
This gem on the Adriatic Sea has earned its reputation as a fantastic destination for a sailing holiday charter, and for good reason. It has everything from ancient cities with storied pasts to pristine islands boasting azure waters and over 2,500 miles (4,500kms) of stunning and varied coastline.
Croatia's history is complex and stunningly rich, a tapestry of various civilisations, empires, and cultures. From the Romans to the Austrian-Hungarian Habsburgs, Ottomans, and Venetians, all have left their mark on this incredible country.
With over 1,200 islands, Croatia offers endless opportunities for exploration. From the historic city of Dubrovnik in the south, the central hotspots of Split and Hvar, to the tranquil Kornati National Park and the undiscovered Istrian islands, each destination has its own distinct charm.
Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, cultural exploration, or a serene sea escape, Croatia's myriad offerings and beautiful coastline make it an exceptional sailing holiday charter destination in the Mediterranean.
Croatia boasts one of the most breathtaking coastlines in Europe, with over 1,000 islands scattered along the Adriatic Sea. The crystal-clear waters, hidden coves, and picturesque villages provide a stunning backdrop for your sailing holiday charter.
With so many islands to explore, each with its own charm and character, Croatia offers unparalleled opportunities for island hopping. From bustling Hvar to tranquil Vis, there's something for every taste.
Steeped in history with ancient cities, medieval towns, and Roman ruins, Croatia is there to be explored. From Dubrovnik's well-preserved city walls to Split's impressive Diocletian Palace, there's no shortage of cultural experiences.
Croatian cuisine is a delightful fusion of Mediterranean and Eastern European flavours, emphasising fresh seafood, olive oil, and locally sourced ingredients. Enjoy mouthwatering seafood dishes, hearty stews, and delectable desserts as you sample the local delicacies.
Croatia offers a vibrant nightlife scene along with its natural beauty and cultural attractions. From beachfront clubs to chic cocktail bars, there are plenty of options for those looking to dance the night away or relax with a drink in hand.
Croatia and the Dalmatian coast are among the world's premier yachting destinations. Boasting stunning landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and numerous picturesque islands, its the perfect backdrop for a memorable sailing holiday charter.
Experience the vibrant nightlife, visit the medieval fortress atop the hill, and relax on the beautiful beaches of Hvar Island.
Discover the charming medieval streets of Korcula Town, believed to be the birthplace of Marco Polo, and enjoy wine tasting at local vineyards.
Explore the UNESCO-listed Diocletian's Palace, wander through the Old Town's narrow streets, and hike up Marjan Hill for panoramic views of the city and surrounding islands.
Visit the secluded island of Vis, known for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and untouched nature.
If you're looking for a day ashore, explore the lush landscapes and tranquil lakes of Mljet National Park, home to dense forests, hiking and biking trails, and the picturesque St. Mary's Monastery on an islet in the middle of a lake.
Explore Krka National Park's cascading waterfalls and emerald pools, swim beneath the waterfalls and hike scenic trails.
Navigate through this archipelago of 89 islands, known for dramatic cliffs and clear waters.
Explore the UNESCO-listed historic Old Town, walk along the ancient city walls, and visit landmarks like the Dubrovnik Cathedral and Rector's Palace. Feel connected to history even when looking down - the stunning marble paving slabs of the old town are polished to a smooth high shine by the countless feet that have walked them over the years.
The season in Croatia runs from April to October, with July and August being the peak months with the highest temperatures and most visitors.
April to June and September to October are less busy, and the temperatures are lower, but they are perfect for those looking to get away for a quieter experience.
Monthly weather for the area *
| Avg. High Temp | Avg. Low Temp | Avg. Daily Rain (mm) | Avg. Wind Direction | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JAN | 7.0°C (45°F) | 2.4°C (36°F) | 4.4mm |  SE |
| FEB | 7.6°C (46°F) | 0.5°C (33°F) | 1.5mm | SE |
| MAR | 13.2°C (56°F) | 4.9°C (41°F) | 2.4mm | S |
| APR | 13.7°C (57°F) | 6.2°C (43°F) | 2.2mm | E |
| MAY | 19.1°C (66°F) | 12.0°C (54°F) | 2.5mm | NE |
| JUN | 25.0°C (77°F) | 16.1°C (61°F) | 1.7mm | ESE |
| JUL | 28.3°C (83°F) | 18.5°C (65°F) | 3.2mm | S |
| AUG | 26.9°C (80°F) | 18.2°C (65°F) | 1.3mm | E |
| SEP | 24.9°C (77°F) | 16.5°C (62°F) | 0.9mm | ESE |
| OCT | 20.7°C (69°F) | 12.5°C (54°F) | 2.2mm | SSE |
| NOV | 11.1°C (52°F) | 5.4°C (42°F) | 4.8mm | S |
| DEC | 8.2°C (47°F) | 2.8°C (37°F) | 2.7mm | SSE |
For UK visitors, there are regular direct flights to all of the main charter areas.
For US and non-European visitors, direct flights to Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) are starting to become more common. However, they have often limited availability, so it’s worthwhile checking details. Otherwise, it's much more common to go via a European hub, where flights are frequent.
Central Dalmatia: For towns like Split, Hvar and Trogir you fly to Split Airport (SPU) which has direct flights from the UK and European airports.
South Dalmatia: For Dubrovnik and the surrounding areas, you can fly directly from Europe to Dubrovnik Airport (DBV).
Kornati Islands and Northern Dalmatia: To reach the Kornati Islands, you can fly to either Split Airport (SPU) or Zadar Airport (ZAD), with Zadar Airport being closer to Zadar town and surrounding locations like Sibenik and Biograd.
The travel time from Zadar town to the airport is around 15 minutes, and from Split Airport to Zadar is around 70 minutes.
Istria and The Kvarner Gulf: If your charter starts in Pula or Pomer, Pula Airport (PUY) will be the closest. You can also fly to Rijeka Airport (RJK) for locations around the Kvarner Gulf. There are direct flights from the UK to Pula (PUY), though it's worth booking in advance as they do get booked up.
For US and non-European visitors, it’s more common to fly to Zagreb (ZAG) and fly or travel from there, which is about a 40-minute internal flight.
The official language of Croatia is Croatian, and English is widely understood in tourist areas.
Croatia's official currency is the Croatian Kuna, abbreviated as HRK. ATMs are readily available, and major credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted.
Tipping is a common practice in Croatia and is appreciated for good service; typically, you leave 10%.
You can't beat a monohull charter from Croatia on a sailing holiday for an authentic sailing experience and connection with the wind and water. Whether you're looking for a bareboat, skippered or fully crewed charter where you can sit back and relax, we've got all the bases covered.
Discover natural beauty in diverse cruising grounds, and soak up the local atmosphere in a wide variety of anchorages. We‘ll handpick a selection of yachts to suit your needs, so you can start planning a journey to remember.
A catamaran charter from Croatia on a sailing holiday is all about comfort, luxury and convenience, with their twin hulls making them extremely stable. Expansive open decks allow for spacious seating, socialising and sunbathing, while below deck each hull typically contains its own cabins, complete with ensuite bathroom.
This layout is particularly good for couples or families travelling together as it offers more personal space. Our catamarans are available as either bareboat or skippered charters, with a host or hostess if needed, or fully crewed.
A luxury yacht charter on a sailing holiday from Croatia is the epitome of opulence and comfort. Our boats have beautifully designed interiors and state-of-the-art facilities, ensuring a supremely relaxing and luxurious experience.
Customise your itinerary according to the destinations, activities, and experiences you desire; your crew will be on hand to ensure a fully tailored and unique trip. Whether you're looking for gourmet meals prepared by a private chef, wildlife spotting around remote islands, glamorous nightlife, or swimming in secluded coves, contact one of our experts today to create a unique and unforgettable trip.
A sailing holiday allows you to experience the sea, wind, and sky up close, not to mention the chance to spot dolphins or other marine life native to your cruising area.
Looking for a total break from your everyday routine? A sailing holiday provides a truly different experience. Being rocked gently by the sea while surrounded by stunning nature is guaranteed to lower your stress levels.
Your boat serves as both transportation and lodging, offering a total change from the everyday - and a fantastic way to explore a variety of locations.
Whether you're a first-time sailor or an old hand, your skipper will be happy to give tips on sailing techniques and nautical knowledge. Or feel free to sit back, relax and simply enjoy being on board.
On a sailing holiday you can reach tucked away coves, quiet beaches, and small islands which are inaccessible to land-based tourists.
The nature of sailing together means you tend to foster deeper connections with travel companions in a close, shared environment. Special memories are guaranteed.
The weather doesn’t always do what you want, but with a boat charter you can easily adjust your plans based on weather, preferences, or unexpected discoveries.
On a sailing holiday you have the freedom to plan your own itinerary and visit multiple destinations, with the journeys between them being part of the fun.
A bareboat sailing holiday with Pure Yachting gives you the freedom to create your own itinerary and explore Croatia and beyond at your own pace. Tailor your trip to match your preferences, and if you need advice or inspiration our charter experts will always be on hand to suggest areas to explore.
We select our sailing holiday fleet from trusted operators, chosen by us for the quality of their boats and the fact they offer a high level of service. To charter on a sailing holiday you'll typically need a qualification such as the RYA Day Skipper, the AS104 Bareboat Cruising, ICC certification or be able to demonstrate relevant experience.
With a professional skipper at the helm to confidently navigate around Croatia and beyond, you’re free to relax and enjoy every moment. The skipper's expertise ensures smooth sailing, allowing you to immerse yourself in the beautiful surroundings.
However, if you fancy getting more involved, our fully qualified skippers will be more than happy to show you the basics, or help you brush up your sailing skills.
On skippered sailing holiday, there's also the opportunity to add a host or hostess who can prepare meals and help with tasks such as childcare, concierge services and housekeeping.
A crewed sailing holiday from Croatia comes in many shapes and sizes, ranging from sleek superyachts to luxury catamarans, contemporary motor yachts to classic yachts and more, all with crews who are committed to ensuring your comfort, safety and enjoyment.
Each trip offers the opportunity to create a unique journey and our charter experts will guide you through choosing the perfect boat and customising the itinerary to your specification. Whatever your preferences, we take care of all the details, ensuring you and your party have a unique and unforgettable holiday.
Croatia is one of the most popular charter destinations in the Mediterranean. Therefore, booking your dream boat in advance (typically six months ahead) is best to secure your preferred dates in this perfect destination.
You can search for your dream sailing holiday via the link below, or if you want one of our charter experts to do the searching for you, click the link below to get them working on creating the perfect trip.
The long Croatian coastline and over 1,000 islands and islets mean there is something here for everyone.
The Dalmatian Islands, including Split, Hvar and Trogir, offer a heady mix of ancient historical heritage, charming Venitian architecture, powdery white-sand beaches, secluded coves, and vibrant nightlife. In South Dalmatia, you can visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Dubrovnik and cruise the tranquil Elafiti islands and Mljet National Park.
Further to the north, you can sail the mostly uninhabited Kornati Islands and immerse yourself in the untouched beauty of this archipelago. Finally, sample incredible cuisine and natural beauty as you cruise the Istrian coast and the Kvarner Gulf, including the Brijuni National Park, the summer residence of Tito, Yugoslavia's former leader.
The country boasts a rich gastronomic tradition, with a wide variety of fresh seafood, locally sourced ingredients, and delicious local wines. The food scene in Croatia is diverse and rich, offering a blend of traditional dishes influenced by Mediterranean, Central European, and Balkan cuisine, which changes depending on which region you are visiting.
Croatia is an exceptional destination for a sailing holiday charter due to its unparalleled beauty, rich history, favourable climate, delicious cuisine, and welcoming locals. Exploring the stunning coastline and picturesque islands on a sailing holiday allows for an exceptional and unforgettable experience in this charming Mediterranean country.
If you are doing a bareboat charter, you need to consider if you have the relevant sailing licences. If you are on a skippered or crewed charter, it's good to understand the weather conditions for the trip so you can bring the appropriate clothing and think about which locations you would like to visit so as you can let the skipper know.