Summer Day In Croatia

Sailing Holidays
Croatia

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.

Destinations

What Makes Croatia Special?

Unique Destinations

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.

Diverse Offering

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.

Stunning Coastline

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.

Island Hopping

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.

Rich History And Culture

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.

Delicious Cuisine

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.

Vibrant Nightlife

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.

Flexible Itineraries

Whether you prefer a relaxed cruise along the coast or an adventurous journey exploring remote islands, Croatia offers a range of itineraries to suit every preference.

Mediterranean Climate

The Mediterranean climate of Croatia is pleasant for sailing holiday charter much of the year, with warm temperatures and sunny skies from April through to mid-October.

Croatia - Kornati Islands - Boat and ruins aerial shot

Natural Beauty

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.

Not To Be Missed When Visiting Croatia

Hvar Island

Experience the vibrant nightlife, visit the medieval fortress atop the hill, and relax on the beautiful beaches of Hvar Island.

Korcula Town

Discover the charming medieval streets of Korcula Town, believed to be the birthplace of Marco Polo, and enjoy wine tasting at local vineyards.

Split Town

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.

Vis Island

Visit the secluded island of Vis, known for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and untouched nature.

Mljet National Park

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.

Krka National Park

Explore Krka National Park's cascading waterfalls and emerald pools, swim beneath the waterfalls and hike scenic trails.

Kornati National Park

Navigate through this archipelago of 89 islands, known for dramatic cliffs and clear waters.

Rovinj Town

Admire this picturesque Istrian town with its colourful houses and St. Euphemia's Church.

Pula Town

Be wowed by the stunning and well-preserved Roman amphitheater and other ancient ruins in this Istrian city.

Croatia - Dubrovnik - View of the Old City of of Dubrovnik, Croatia, as Seen from St Lawrence Fortress (Lovrijenac) By Rolf - AdobeStock_631717140

Dubrovnik Town

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.

Best Times To Visit Croatia On A Sailing Holiday Charter

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.

Weather

Monthly weather for the area *

Avg. High Temp Avg. Low Temp Avg. Wind
JAN 7.0°C (45°F) 2.4°C (36°F) wind direction 137degSE
FEB 7.6°C (46°F) 0.5°C (33°F) wind direction 132degSE
MAR 13.2°C (56°F) 4.9°C (41°F) wind direction 185degS
APR 13.7°C (57°F) 6.2°C (43°F) wind direction 96degE
MAY 19.1°C (66°F) 12.0°C (54°F) wind direction 56degNE
JUN 25.0°C (77°F) 16.1°C (61°F) wind direction 111degESE
JUL 28.3°C (83°F) 18.5°C (65°F) wind direction 170degS
AUG 26.9°C (80°F) 18.2°C (65°F) wind direction 94degE
SEP 24.9°C (77°F) 16.5°C (62°F) wind direction 102degESE
OCT 20.7°C (69°F) 12.5°C (54°F) wind direction 157degSSE
NOV 11.1°C (52°F) 5.4°C (42°F) wind direction 190degS
DEC 8.2°C (47°F) 2.8°C (37°F) wind direction 149degSSE
* Weather information is based on the previous year's records at local weather stations.

How To Get To Croatia?

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.

Local Essentials

Language

The official language of Croatia is Croatian, and English is widely understood in tourist areas.

Currency

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

Tipping is a common practice in Croatia and is appreciated for good service; typically, you leave 10%.

Boat Types In Croatia

Is A Sailing Holiday Right For You

Connect with Nature

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.

Wellbeing

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.

Unique Accommodation

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.

Skill Development

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.

Amazing Access

On a sailing holiday you can reach tucked away coves, quiet beaches, and small islands which are inaccessible to land-based tourists.

Quality Time with Friends and Family

The nature of sailing together means you tend to foster deeper connections with travel companions in a close, shared environment. Special memories are guaranteed.

Customisable Itinerary

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.

Cultural Immersion

On a sailing holiday you tend to visit multiple ports and interact with locals, which is great for experiencing the cultural life of your destination country in more depth.

Sunsets and Stargazing

There’s nothing quite like a night under the stars, and the deck of a boat is the perfect spot for gazing at breath-taking sunsets or clear night skies, far away from light pollution.

Family - Happy Young Family Resting On A Yacht

Freedom to Explore

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.

Charter Types In Croatia

Bareboat Sailing Holiday

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.

Skippered Sailing Holiday

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.

Crewed Sailing Holiday

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.

How To Book

How To Book Your Sailing Holiday Charter From Croatia

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.

Pure Thoughts

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.

Also Discover

FAQ's

What Are The Main Things To Consider Before I Charter A Sailing Holiday?

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.