ZADAR, ŠIBENIK REGION

This sailing region is also called Dalmatia, named after ancient tribes that inhabited this area. Nowadays Dalmatia basically spreads from N of Zadar alongside the coastline to Dubrovnik, including numerous islands at the eastern Adriatic. Northern Dalmatia begins with islands Silba, Olib and Pag; continues with Zadar archipelago including Kornati archipelago; Šibenik archipelago and the coast to the cape Planka (between Rogoznica and Trogir) which is also the meteorological and climatologic border between N and S Adriatic. This sailing region is ideal for those who seek untouched nature such as in Kornati national park – the archipelago consisting of some 100 mostly deserted islands abounding with hidden coves, bays, beaches, inlets and islets. Small isolated bays and villages among the islands such as Dugi otok, Rava, Veli Iž and Mali Iž, Ugljan and Pašman in the Zadar archipelago attract yachtsmen who also like to taste some genuine cuisine and wine, a part of stunning scenery. Islands Murter, Kaprije, Tijat, Prvić and others in the Šibenik archipelago would seduce you with their tranquility and peace. It the backgrounds of Šibenik there is the canyon of the river Krka which descends into its mouth in Krka National Park, attracting visitors by breathtaking waterfalls and the diversity of flora and fauna. Urban and administrative centers of this region are cities Zadar and Šibenik. These two cities refer to perfect starting points of your sailing experience of this region because major charter company fleets are situated in Zadar, Šibenik and their surroundings.

Prevailing summer winds in this sailing region would be westerly and north-westerly maestral – daily thermal wind that starts in the late morning and dies at the sunset. Maestral could get stronger in the straits and channels between the islands. Sudden and unpredictable bura gusts from NE and mainland could surprise yachtsmen even in the summertime. South-easterly cloud bringing jugo should be taken into consideration because of its long and high waves, especially unpleasant at the open seas.

Zadar/Marina Zadar

Zadar is the second-largest city of the region of Dalmatia, the fifth-largest city in the country and the oldest continuously inhabited Croatian city. Zadar is a historic old town of the Roman ruins, medieval churches, cosmopolitan cafes, fortified city walls and gates set on a small peninsula. Zadar's fortified city walls and gates are listed under the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list. The walls of Zadar were originally built in order to keep out the invading forces from Turkey, which allowed the city to maintain its independence, with walls never being breached. There are several entrances into the walls but nowadays only eight of these are open.

The most popular tourist attractions in Zadar are the Sea Organ and the Greeting to the Sun, the two of the world's unique sights of the modern art. The Sea Organ is an architectural sound art object which produces music. Under the set of large marble steps are 35 pipes which play 7 accords of 5 tones and exude unique music of the movement of the sea and the wind. The Greeting to the Sun is made out of 300 multi-layered glass plates in 22m wide circle set which collect the energy of the sun during the day and create a playful game of lights. The Sea Organ and the Greeting to the Sun together form the most beautiful sunset experience in the world.

Suggested route

Disclaimer: The following text is just a suggestion for your sailing trip and does not oblige you to sail suggested route. Every route planning should be done by the skipper, in line with current weather forecast, sea state and restrictions by official meteorological and maritime services. Distances stated in the following text refer to approximate ideal line while real distance sailed would rely on actual weather conditions, sailing style and skills of each skipper and his/her crew. For more information on local waters please refer to local waters pilot (onboard) or ask your charter agency’s base manager.