If you plan on exploring Croatia on your next charter, then you’ll want to read our guide to Zadar written by one of our partners and local fleet, Navigo Yachting. There’s nothing like local knowledge and we’ve got some great tips and advice for you.
Planning your charter from Zadar
The ancient port town of Zadar, with its central position on the Croatian coast, is the perfect starting point for your charter, as you can explore many hidden gems venturing north or south.
The biggest marina in the whole Adriatic is D-Marin Dalmacija, just 7 km south of Zadar in Bibinje-Sukošan villages, where you will find more than 300 sailing boats to choose for your yacht charter. The marina is only 12 km from Zadar airport, which has direct Ryanair connection to London, Manchester, Dublin and Glasgow.
The new owners of D-Marin are continuously investing in the marina to make it one of the most attractive marinas in the Adriatic Sea, and its becoming known for elegance and a magical atmosphere. The beach in a unique setting on the peninsula is an ideal location to relax and enjoy the beauty of this stunning coast.
The beauty of Vrgada
As beautiful as Zadar is, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing your charter route. We recommend starting your tour on a Sunday morning and setting sail towards the south to enjoy a couple of hours sailing and then stop for swimming and snorkeling at the south side of Vrgada. This is a small island opposite the city of Biograd na Moru. Here you can anchor and swim on the red sand beach and take a walk to explore this small and picturesque island.
Heading to Murter to enjoy fresh fish suppers
In the afternoon, continue your charter towards Murter where you will have several options for mooring, such as a marina, restaurant pier at Konoba Fabro (don’t forget to book a reservation in advance to avoid disappointment ) or drop your anchor. We recommend you taste some local fish here and take an evening walk in the village, visiting some of the local pubs such as Beer Bar Kantun.
Find crystal clear waters at Kaprije and Žirje
On Monday, sail further south and stop between Kaprije and Kakanj islands for lunch break on one of many buoys. In the afternoon you have two options. You can stay at Kaprije, a sleepy Adriatic island with crystal clear sea, marvelous sunsets and a small port with mooring and electricity. Or you can head Žirje and Stupica Bay, where you can anchor or grab a buoy.
Kornati National Park’s nautical paradise
On Tuesday, set your sails t across Murter’s sea towards the Kornati National Park, an archipelago of 152 islands, often called a ‘nautical paradise’. We suggest staying in Opat Bay, where you will find one of the best seafood restaurants on the coast and free mooring.
Spend Wednesday exploring the Kornati Passage (Kornatski Kanal), where you can sail through the islands easily and visit the many crystal clear bays. Don’t miss our highlight, Lojena. And just on the other side of the island is the perfect place for the evening – restaurant Konoba Levrnaka, where you have moorings and delicious food specialties.
To find ticket prices to enter the park, visit https://www.np-kornati.hr/en/. It’s worth noting if you purchase tickets outside of the national park you get a 50% discount, so worth buying in the charter office during your check in. Or have dinner at any of the restaurants mentioned in this blog and you can either get national park ticket or your mooring free of charge!
Provisioning before heading to Sali
On Thursday, you will need to fill up with water again and probably do some provisioning. Head to Sali, a fishermen’s village on the southern part of Dugi Otok (Long Island) where there are many restaurants, bars and shops in this small lively village.
Heading back to Sukošan
On Friday it’s time to plan your return to Sukošan where you have two options, north around Ugljan or south around Pasman. Both options provide many bays for a quick stop for a dip or snorkelling. We recommended Vodenjak Bay on Iž island, or, if you like sandy beaches, Sabuša on Ugljan if you want to go north. There is also Barotul on the south side of Pašman, or Kostanj on the south side of Ugljan. As you can see, there is so much to choose from and there is still the north route to be discovered, Sakarun Bay with white sand, Veli Rat lighthouse with a stunning view of the islands, Telašćica with salt lake, Long Island cliffs and plenty of dolphins to be spotted. But don’t worry if you can’t fit it all in, it just gives you a reason to come back, don’t you think?
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