Sailing in Mediterranean (Croatia)
Complete Guide 2026
overview
3 expert articles about sailing in Mediterranean (Croatia). Explore guides, routes, and tips from verified yachting industry suppliers.
best routes
Kornati Islands Loop from Zadar: 5 Days Wild
89 uninhabited islands, no roads, no hotels. A 5-day, 80 NM loop from Zadar through Croatia's wildest archipelago.
Split to Dubrovnik in 7 Days: The Day-by-Day Route
A 120 NM one-way route through Croatia's southern Dalmatian islands, with daily distances, anchorages, and honest planning advice for each stop.
when to go
The Mediterranean sailing season typically runs from May to October, with peak season in July and August.
costs
Contact charter companies directly for current pricing. Use the inquiry form below to get personalized offers.
Get offers from companies in Mediterranean (Croatia)
Tell us your dates and preferences, and verified suppliers will send you personalized proposals.
Browse Suppliersdestination guides
frequently asked questions
How do you visit the Kornati Islands by yacht?
Charter a sailing yacht from Zadar and follow a 5-day loop covering roughly 80 NM. The route passes through Telašćica Nature Park and Kornati National Park, with anchorages and mooring buoys replacing traditional marinas. You need to be self-sufficient with water, fuel, and provisions for at least 3 days.
Do you need a permit for Kornati National Park?
Yes. Every vessel entering the park must purchase a daily ticket costing €35 per boat (under 15 m, 2025 pricing). Buy tickets online at np-kornati.hr or at the park office in Murter before entering. Rangers check receipts inside the park, and fines for entering without a ticket start at €150.
What is the best base for sailing to Kornati?
Zadar is the closest major charter base, with three marinas: Marina Tankerkomerc, Marina Sukošan (8 NM south), and D-Marin Borik. Zadar puts you 18 NM from Telašćica, the gateway to Kornati. Murter and Biograd na Moru are alternative bases that are slightly closer to the park but have fewer charter options.
How many days do you need for Kornati?
A minimum of 5 days allows you to cover the main highlights at a comfortable pace with daily legs of 10 to 25 NM. With 7 days, you can add stops at Žirje, explore more of Dugi Otok, or spend a second night inside the national park to reach the southern Kornati islands.
Is the Kornati sailing route suitable for beginners?
Not as a bareboat trip. The route involves remote anchorages with rocky bottoms, open-water crossings, no fuel or water resupply for 48-hour stretches, and limited mobile signal. Beginners should either hire a professional skipper (€180 to €250 per day) or choose a more sheltered route along the Dalmatian mainland coast.
How far is it from Split to Dubrovnik by sailboat?
The direct distance is about 80 NM, but the island-hopping route via Hvar, Vis, Korčula, Lastovo, and Mljet covers approximately 120 NM over 7 days, with daily passages of 15–30 NM.
What does the one-way relocation fee cover?
The fee (typically €200–500) compensates the charter company for repositioning the yacht back to its home base in Split. It's a fixed cost per booking, not per person, so splitting it among 6 crew members brings it to €35–85 each.
Is the Split to Dubrovnik route suitable for beginners?
With a skipper, yes. The route includes two open-water crossings of 25–30 NM that require confidence in reading weather forecasts. A skippered charter (€150–250/day extra) handles the navigation while the crew handles the swimming and sightseeing.