Islands Galore to Explore, each one Different from the Rest
The Kornati Islands stretch for approximately 40 miles down the Adriatic Sea just offshore mainland Croatia, from Zadar in the north to Šibenik in the south. With around 150 islands this archipelago is the densest in the Mediterranean, making it a popular cruising zone. The Donji (Lower) Kornati are primarily part of Kornati National Park, while the Gornji (Upper) Kornati group, closer to the mainland, is home to thriving communities. The coastline also boasts significant scenic and historical interest, with Zadar being the largest city in the region.
The mid-region of Croatia offers visitors a perfect blend of natural beauty and authentic Croatian culture to be experienced at both mainland and island ports. The islands are the main feaure, with between them hundreds of miles of coastline to explore. The islands vary greatly—some are arid, some lushly vegetated and some uninhabited, while others are dotted with small villages home to friendly locals.
The Kornatis have a long history of human settlement, with ancient architectural remains blending seamlessly into the natural landscape. Since the establishment of Kornati National Park in 1980, nature has flourished across the 89 islands that make up the park. The islands are mostly limestone, shaped by time and weather into stunning caves, cliffs, and other landforms, showcasing vibrant colors and textures. The starkness of the outer islands, with their rugged beauty, adds to their charm. The Kornati waters are renowned for having the best underwater life in the Mediterranean, attracting both divers and sailors.
In contrast to the rugged outer islands, the inner islands are lush and picturesque in the traditional Mediterranean style. Small settlements on these islands mostly cater to local farmers and remain free from mass tourism. However, larger towns nearby, like those on the mainland, thrive in the tourist season with cafes, markets, and restaurants, offering a glimpse into Adriatic life—a vital part of any sailing journey in Croatia.
This region offers a vast network of waterways, perfect for leisurely sailing along an irregular course. At every turn there are unique places to discover, each with its own appeal. Many operators offer a wide range of boats, moored in well-equipped marinas throughout the area. Explore the options and get set for a memorable sailing holiday in the Kornati Islands and the nearby Croatian mainland.
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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