Croatia can be divided into three Climatic regions, according to the three defining landscape types. In the north are the Pannonian Plains, lowlands, the Adriatic coasts in the south and Central Croatia, consisting of the mountains Dinara Region, which is covered with large forests and has an alpine climate. The north-east and east of the country have a more continental climate, but the typical Mediterranean climate with mild, rainy winters and hot summer months prevails on the Croatian Adriatic coast in the west and south of Croatia. The average during the early summer months from May until autumnal October is up to 30 degrees a day, so you can enjoy the sun for up to 11 hours a day. The water temperatures are between 20 and 24 degrees between the end of May and middle of October. In spring and autumn, temperatures can still be around 20 degrees during the day, but at night it cools down to around 12 degrees.
Istria - beautiful bays and irresistible charm on the Croatian Riviera
A yacht charter in Istria, in the north of the Croatian coast, delights sailors from all over the world. Istria, the largest peninsula in the northern Adriatic with its 445 kilometres of Adriatic coast in the north-west of Croatia is also called 'Terra Magica' or 'Croatia's Tuscany', the diverse landscape excites sailors from all over the world. Which is not surprising, because the beauty of this region of Croatia speaks for itself.
Picturesque port cities, idyllic wineries, Roman buildings, an almost untouched romantic outback and then the crystal clear, turquoise water with the lonely bays which make every sailor’s heart beat faster.
Istria is located between the Gulf of Trieste and the Kvarner Bay in front of Rijeka, a sailing area with the flair of Tuscany in the middle of Croatia. Istria includes the cities of Pula with a great marina and its historic old town and Rovinji, the pearl of the sailing area. Striking, rocky ridges characterise the north, in the west and south there are rather flat headlands with countless bays, inlets extending deep into the country where mountains and large forests predominate. A magnificent water landscape, many bays and numerous islands provide an outstanding visual appearance of the coast.
The infrastructure for a yacht charter in Croatia can be described as really excellent with 3,400 berths and 15 great marinas. The most beautiful feature of this region might be, that we are dealing with the calmest part of Croatia. There are stunning little harbours and beautiful bays on the mainland, as well as on the evergreen offshore islands. Postcard-beautiful places sparkle on the coasts, there, where the wind usually is breezing more gentle for the sailing visitors.
Kvarner Bay - An overwhelming natural paradise with many islands
The Kvarner Bay stretches between the Istrian peninsula in the west and the Croatian mainland in the east. The huge sea bay, protected by steep, densely forested mountain ranges, lined with beautiful beaches and crystal-clear water, offers its very own microcosm. The Kvarner Bay ranges from Rijeka in the north to Pag in the south and with the islands of Cres, Rab, Krk, Mali Losinji, as well as a number of smaller islands, this bay offers everything you could desire for a yacht charter. The gentle beauty of the island of Krk, the cliffs of Cres, Rab's diversity and Losinji's liveliness reveal the hidden soul of every island.
Millennia-old history has shaped this region, you can feel the influences of the many cultures that have left their mark over here. The diverse landscape with its fascinating mountain world, an infinite number of small islands, bays, grottos, gorges, fertile valleys, medieval little towns, picturesque villages, national parks, dense forests, great food and much more make the Kvarner Bay the perfect area for a yacht charter in Croatia . The typical Mediterranean climate prevails in the Kvarner Bay, the perfect time for a yacht charter in the Adriatic is mainly in the period from April to October with 280 days of sunshine a year.
North Dalmatia - the sailing area of the endless possibilities
The sun-kissed east coast of the Adriatic with the approximately 1,200 km long Dalmatian coastline is simply an indescribably diverse experience for a yacht charter in Croatia. Dream bays with turquoise water, lonely beaches, hidden grottos, medieval harbor towns inspire. This sailing area is particularly popular because of its beautiful, diverse islands, there are 942, with 78% of all Croatian islands located in this region.
Simply a sea of infinite possibilities for a yacht charter in Croatia. The region of North Dalmatia consists of the sub-regions of Zadar and Sibenik and extends from the pulsating historical metropolis of Zadar to the beautiful towns of Rogoznica and Marina. The islands of North Dalmatia, Pag, Ugljan, Pasman, Dugi otok, Kornati and Zirje are elongated and run parallel to the coast. It’s a real island paradise for a yacht charter. One of the most beautiful sailing areas in North Dalmatia is the Kornati archipelago, a magnificent national park. The diversity of the landscape in North Dalmatia is just incredible and offers countless natural beauties.
Four large national parks are waiting for us in Dalmatia, the Paklencia National Park, the Velebit National Park, the Kornati Islands and the Krka National Park. Be enchanted by breathtaking waterfalls and overwhelming island landscapes, formed by a unique labyrinth of straits. For the ones who like to be active during their yacht charter, numerous sports offers in the magnificent canyons are waiting for you and our gourmets will happy with the diversity of fresh fish, olives and fantastic wine.
This is Yacht Charter at its finest, reserve an unforgettable adventure in North Dalmatia.
Central Dalmatia - island hopping and historic harbour towns
The coast of Central Dalmatia is considered one of the most beautiful coasts throughout Europe. Central Dalmatia extends from the city of Marina to Gradac in the south. An offshore chain of islands, kilometers of pebble beaches with crystal clear water, a lush green outback and the rivers Jadro and Cetina characterise this sailing area of Croatia. Picturesque nature and impressive culture tempt you to go on extensive shore excursions.
The coastline is very different from the coastline in North Dalmatia. Over here you will find larger, elongated islands such as Brac with its beautiful sandy beach. The open coast of Ploce is the invisible border between North Dalmatia and Central Dalmatia. The central Dalmatian islands of Hvar, Brac, Solta, Korcula, Vis, Lastovo and Ciovo are larger and have an east-west orientation in contrast to the islands in the north, which are situated north-west and south-east.
The two Roman cities of Trogir and Split are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the island of Hvar lures with lavender scent in spring and summer and is considered the sunniest island in the Adriatic. Very impressive is the hospitality of the Croatians and their gastronomy is just outstanding. In addition to numerous water sports such as diving, windsurfing or kite surfing, Central Dalmatia also offers a wonderful panorama for hikers or cyclists, here you will find captivating nature with dream beaches in front of exorbitant mountain scenery, a shore excursion is worthwhile during your yacht charter in Central Dalmatia.
South Dalmatia - Countless hours of sunshine and the pearl of the Adriatic
The peninsula of Peljesac with the coastal area around Dubrovnik and the Konavle forms southern Dalmatia. The region extends from the city of Gradac to Kotor before Montenegro in the south. Countless hours of sunshine and natural, often uninhabited small islands and the most important city of Dubrovnik make South Dalmatia a real paradise for a yacht charter.
Extensive pebble and sandy beaches, the Makara Riviera with golden yellow beaches, eternally blue sky and turquoise water will tempt you to have a swim in this area. The area is a true adventure park of the nature, especially for water sports enthusiasts. The offshore islands of Korcula, Pljesac and Hvar lure with fascinating landscapes. And it is a bit calmer in the south and also warmer than in the north, like for example in Istria. The wind gets a little calmer the further we get to the south.
Dubrovnik is the largest and most important city in South Dalmatia, the historic center has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sometimes Dubrovnik is even becoming a film set, e.g. for the worldwide successful series ,Games of Thrones‘. Dubrovnik is called 'the pearl of the Adriatic'. Culturally interested vacationers will fall in love with the picturesque fishing villages such as Orebic or Korcula, the island of Mljet is a truly mystical place for the Croatians. Great gastronomy, fantastic wines, fine oils, stunning national parks, amazing islands and simply the absolutely beautiful nature make the region of South Dalmatia a magnificent area for a yacht charter in Croatia.
The typical Croatian cuisine is a mix and has been shaped in the past by the geographical location, as well as by historical influences. Many claim that the cuisine in the north and northwest is influenced by Austro-Hungarian influences, but Ottoman influences can also be tasted in the east and inland of Croatia. In the coastal areas, nowadays the Croatian gastronomy is characterised by the strong influences of Roman, Greek and Illyrian cuisine, paired with modern French and Italian gastronomy.
The specialties in Istria and in the Kvarner Bay are a good mix of the inland and the coastal regions. Freshly caught fish and seafood dishes that are prepared with many different herbs should not be missing while visiting these regions. Also particularly recommended are the freshly caught calamari and scampi from the crystal-clear waters of the northern Adriatic. During your yacht charter you definitely should have a stop in the Limski Canal to try the famous mussels, a real delicacy. In addition to the seafood risotto, the various stews and soups made from fish and seafood are tasty dishes from these regions.
But not only seafood, grouper, sea bream and sardines are the typical specialties in these regions of Croatia. High-quality meat from Istrian cattle, Istrian raw ham, tasty products made from cow and sheep's milk and the wild truffles growing in this region are also served together with local vegetables.
The Dalmatian cuisine is also a rather Mediterranean and light cuisine, characterised by Italian influences. The specialties include a variety of freshly caught fish such as mackerel, tooth bream and sardines. These are grilled or lightly marinated and served with steamed vegetables and wild herbs. Squid, mussels and lobster as well as a large selection of other seafood are also steamed in this region and always prepared with olive oil. A real treat are scampi and mussels, prepared in a bowl warmed with olive oil. These are then served with white wine, breadcrumbs, fresh parsley, garlic and pepper "na buzaru", i.e. briefly cooked in their own juice and then served with polenta or bread. Simply a poem!
The Adriatic Sea is the natural habitat of the sea urchin, so in addition to the right clothing and the right sun protection, bathing shoes are also recommended for your yacht charter in Croatia.
We also recommend the following must-haves during your yacht charter:
- Sun hat & sunglasses
- Swimwear, if necessary, bathing shoes
- Light summer clothing
- A scarf or sweater as protection against the wind
- Light shoes, sandals or flip flops
Please keep in mind that wearing shoes is not allowed on board a yacht.