Islands Galore to Explore, each one Different from the Rest
The Kornati Islands stretch for some 40 miles down the Adriatic, offshore mainland Croatia from Zadar in the north to Sibenik in the south. Some 150 islands make this the densest archipelago in the Mediterranean, and a very popular cruising zone. The Donji (Lower) Kornati predominantly comprise the Nacionalni Park Kornati, while the Gornji (Upper) Kornati group, closer inshore, is home to a number of thriving communities. The mainland coast also holds a lot of scenic and historical interest, with Zadar being the largest city in the region.
The mid-region of Croatia offers all who visit a fine mix of natural splendor and authentic Croatian culture. Most bareboat charterers head for the Kornati Islands, which provide hundreds of miles of coastline to explore. Some of the islands are arid, some well vegetated, some uninhabited, some dotted with small villages that are home to very friendly people.
The Kornatis have a long history of human settlement, and ancient architectural remains are in considerable evidence, with many having become well-blended into the natural landscape. Since the establishment in 1980 of the national park, nature has made a big comeback to the 89 islands that comprise it. They are predominantly limestone islands, on which time and weather have created some amazing caves, cliff faces and other land forms that project an array of intense colours and textures. It's the sheer starkness of some of these outer islands that make them so beautiful. Said by many to have the best underwater life in the Mediterranean, they are a magnet for recreational divers as well as sailors.
In contrast to the outer Kornati Islands, the inner islands are wooded and picturesque in the classical Mediterranean sense. Many small settlements are there mainly to service the local farmers, and are not overrun with tourists. But like on the mainland coast nearby, there are larger towns that thrive in season with their cafes, markets and restaurants - aspects of life in the Adriatic that form an essential part of any sailing trip in Croatia. It is a region with a myriad of waterways through which to sail on an irregular course as time allows, with places at every turn that offer something different, each with its own appeal.
There are many operators with a fine selection of boats moored at a number of well-equipped marinas scattered through the region. Let us work through the options and make sure everything is in place for an enjoyable sailing holiday in the waters of the Kornati Islands and nearby mainland Croatian coast.
Our client reviews about charter sailing in Croatia
Rating: 5 / 5Ultra's 2024 Fountaine Pajot Elba 45 was the ideal catamaran for our party of 4 couples plus a skipper. Excellent living spaces and upper deck lounging areas, well-equipped galley with outdoor barbecue plus good sized cabins each with their own shower and toilet. Even with 9 people on board there were plenty of places to go for quiet time. The galley layout was well thought out for food preparation and cooking plus two fridges and one freezer made the whole eating on board experience a very enjoyable one.
We loved having the use of the tender to explore our various anchorages and the two paddle boards we took as an extra were a great addition to the charter. Initially we had thought to skipper the boat ourselves but decided to pay extra for a local skipper and it was a great decision. Not only did we all get to enjoy the charter equally but Marijan's local knowledge of quiet anchorages and moorings, weather patterns and dealing with marina authorities was invaluable. He was a superb addition to our charter and we would highly recommend anyone chartering for the first time to use a skipper.
Highlights of the destination:
Favourite mooring was on Scedro Island off south coast of Hvar. Mooring buoy in cove in front of Tavern Kod Ive. Tranquil, rustic, beautiful with man in skiff selling local wines and taking orders for fresh croissants from Hvar bakery which he delivered by skiff the next morning.
Borova, Prezba Island (north west of Lastovo) where we anchored with stern lines tied to the rocks. Isolated, crystal clear waters for swimming and paddle boards.
Komiza, Vis - mooring buoy in the harbour in front of village of Komiza. Beautiful village to explore on foot, fresh fish from local fishmonger.
Exceptional service! Sail Connections had been highly recommended by friends who had used their services previously. Robert's vast experience and recommendations on what boat would best suit our needs, tips on a proposed itinerary, practicalities of skippering and provisioning the boat plus explaining the terms and conditions of the contract was invaluable. Thank you to Brian and Sue for their excellent service dealing with the finer details of the contract, plus liaising with the charter company on our behalf.
Paul, New Zealand, Oct 3rd, 2024
Rating: 5 / 5The boat (Fountaine Pajot Saba 50 - crewed) was perfect for our needs. Maintained well.
Vis island (was a hignlight -) day trip on scooters visiting cliff beach, town and winery.
(Your service was) great. Very knowledgeable and good recommendations for us being first timer on a charter.
Daniel, Australia, Sep 25th, 2024
Rating: 5 / 5The boat was excellent. Beautifully maintained great public spaces for our group.
We particularly enjoyed visiting Star Grad and Pocisca. In hindsight we wished we had visited more of these smaller towns. We also very much enjoyed anchoring in little coves and swimming off the boat.
The Captain's “excursions” to masonry school, beach bar and the deer were all enjoyable.
The service. On the boat was impeccable, Susan in particular did a mighty job.
Derek, Australia, Sep 13th, 2024
Rating: 5 / 5The Wave was wonderful! We had 3 couples and the skipper so we each had a berth. We cooked several meals in the kitchen and kept a fresh mint and basil plant in the the window! Our skipper and my husband are both sailors so we sailed the boat as much as the wind and time would allow and very much enjoyed that. Of course the black water issue is not great, but we managed.
All the islands along the coast of Croatia are worth checking out. We had 2 weeks to explore the beautiful towns and coves and recommend hitting the towns during the day to sightsee and pick up supplies then find a quiet cove to anchor for the night. Split was very crowded and might have been better visited in the fall after the cruise ships taper off.
Sail Connections' service was really great! We felt guided through the process, of which we knew nothing about before. We were met in Slano by Cristina, who was so good to help us. Our skipper was excellent even tho we had a bit of a language barrier, He was careful, fun, and joined us on all of our excursions and was willing to explore and find places he had never been. Joyce, USA, Aug 17th, 2019
Excellent internal layout for cruising, spacious living area, opening rear panel made for al-fresco living, closed only when in port, for security. The old cities of Dubrovnik and Trogir and Split with their history and achitecture, the beautiful anchorages in secluded bays, the clear warm water for swimming, the island walks. Your service was very good. Keyran, Australia, Jul 31st, 2016
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