Boat and yacht charter Pula

The 10 most beautiful places in the region

The clear blue water lining the coastline contrasts with the green inland, the unspoilt nature, clean beaches and picturesque fishing harbours. Majestic mountains and acropolis towns complete the backdrop. Istria - the largest peninsula in Croatia, which together with Kvarner Bay forms a vast region around the city of Pula, is usually crowd-free even in summer. The distances between the islands are greater and it's quite windy. Experienced sailors can make longer crossings.

Not only in Pula we have boats on offer. Contact me and I will choose one for you.

Denisa Nguyenová

+420 730 188 100 / denisa.nguyenova@yachting.com

Pag, large pebble beach Zrce - Zrce is also a famous party beach compared to Ibiza, a great destination for young people.
Girandella, a pebble beach near Rabac - with a rich nightlife.
Ručica, a romantic pebble beach on Pag near the village of Metanja. It is among the rocks, beautiful snorkeling, excellent for climbers, paths start directly from the sea.
Susak, the island of Susak - the island is formed by about 100 m high layer of sand piled on a limestone rock slab. Thanks to the sand there is a nice beach in the harbour with a very gently sloping bottom, great especially for families with children. Nice walks around the island and to the picturesque hilltop village.
Pula - the old town and the Roman amphitheatre.
Lopar, island of Rab - nice sandy beaches in the coves around the village of Lopar, shallow water depth, warm sea, ideal for parents with children.
Brijuni Islands.
Town of Rab on the island of Rab.
Premantura peninsula near Medulin in Istria - sandy beaches ideal for children.
Theport of Mali Losinj - a nice, very lively port.

Where to sail? Try our tip for an interesting route with anchoring tips!

Where to sail around Istria?

Istria and the Kvarner Bay area is suitable for both families with children and advanced sailors. For families with children we recommend the route along the western coast of Istria (Pula, Brijuni, Rovinj, Vrsar, Poreč, Novigrad). It is an easy, exploratory route with short crossings. There are beautiful ancient towns and beautiful beaches (many of them awarded with the "Blue Flag"). The Kvarner Bay (Punat, beaches on the island of Krk, the east coast of Cres, the island of Rab, Rijeka) is also suitable for family cruising.

More advanced sailors can take a longer crossing from Pula to Kvarner Bay to the islands of Cres, Losinj, Rab and Krk. Each island is different and there is something for everyone. Cres is characterized by high and steep rocks rising from the sea. Lošinj is very specific, the beaches could be compared to a "stone wilderness". Rab is reminiscent of the Caribbean with its turquoise water and white beaches. Krk offers white pebble beaches surrounded by greenery.

Weather and weather conditions

In July and August, temperatures in the area reach 29 °C, with sea temperatures of about 24 °C. In summer, a steady maestral (daily breeze) blows along the western coast of Istria.

In the morning it is mostly from the SW direction and in the evening it turns to the NW or W. It usually starts blowing around 10 o'clock and reaches a force of 3-5 Bf in the afternoon. It dies down again at sunset.

The Maestral is considered a fair-weather wind because it maintains cloudless, blue skies and a pleasant temperature at sea. Occasionally there may be a bora (NE) or jugo (SE) wind. These winds are more common along the west coast of Istria during the winter and spring months.

Kvarner Bay is the windiest area on the Adriatic. Local influences, especially the shape of the coastline and islands and the high mountains, are important. The wind here is mostly along the islands, but in the case of the bora it blows over the mountains and islands. The west side of Cres is famous for its very strong gusts, thanks to the high mountains that give the bora its new energy. Summer boas usually last 1-3 days, sometimes only a few hours, and reach 6-7 Bf. It is strongest in the so-called Velebit Channel, which is the area between the Velebit Mountains and the island of Pag - creating a jet effect for the boron from north to south. In March 2015, boron speeds of up to a staggering 217 km/h were measured here. In summer, the boron reaches 8 - 9 Bf. Both the Bora and the Jugo generally blow more in winter than in summer because the conditions are more favorable for their formation.

City of Pula

Pula is a three thousand year old city located on the southwestern coast of Istria. It has a long tradition in winemaking, fishing and shipbuilding. Like any important Roman city, Pula was thoroughly fortified, equipped with a Roman urban structure, (several major longitudinal streets and mostcross streets that divided the city into rectangular blocks) and important buildings (temples, triumphal arch and theatres). At the very heart of the city is the Roman Amphitheatre (nicknamed the Arena) - one of the six largest Roman amphitheatres in the world! It was primarily used for gladiatorial fights, in which many convicts, prisoners of war, and Christians lost their lives, including the city's patron saint, St. Germanus. Today, the amphitheatre is used for annual cultural events (a film festival with a 50-year tradition, performances by famous opera singers, rock and pop concerts, ballet and theatre).

Other interesting sights to see include the Augustus Cathedralm, the Arch of Triumph of the Sergius family, the Roman mosaics, the Gate of Hercules, the Church and Monastery of St. The St. Francis Church (magnificent frescoes) and the remains of the Roman theatre. The local marine aquarium is also worth seeing. It's not as big as the one in Geneva, but the kids will love it. You can also take a trip inland and visit the beautiful Acropolis town of Motovun or relax in the Monte Ghiro Forest Park (workshops and a show of old folk crafts). Pula will tell you stories about the mythical Argonauts, Romans, Venetians and Franks.

Tips for nice beaches around Pula: Valbandon's beach (a playground for children), San Lorenzo or Marlera (near Medulin, a very nice and relatively quiet beach).

In Pula, don't miss a visit to the well-preserved Roman arena. You can either stay in the city, where there is a shortage of free seats, or in the Veruda marina. Visiting the arena is best at night. There are no tourists and you can best enjoy the atmosphere of the place.
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Medulin

A charming fishing town. The marina is located in the Medulin bay, 1,5 NM from the marina Pomer. Many fishing boats are moored in the port of Medulin and space is very scarce here. Yachts can moor in the bay in front of the marina on buoys (sand bottom, about 25 buoys) or in the marina Puntica.

There is a nice promenade, many excellent restaurants and two nice beaches. Most of them are a short walk from the promenade. The restaurants offer fresh fish and sea delicacies such as mussels or oysters, as well as other traditional Istrian specialties. If you like seafood, you will definitely enjoy it. Children will appreciate the amusement park, which is close to the marina.

Be careful when entering Medulin Bay! The area is quite difficult to navigate. There are several small islands and shoals, and in strong southerly winds the entrance to the inner bay may be impassable. There are many shoals on the west side of Fenera.

Kostel sv. Agnes ve městě Medulin

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The village of Pomer is located in the northwestern part of the protected Medulin Bay. The bay is ideal for windsurfing and fishing, and there are also many species of shellfish (especially crawfish), mussels and oysters. Local restaurants have all these delicacies (guaranteed fresh) on their menu.

ACI marina Pomer - quite a large marina, it offers about 290 berths, water and electricity connection, WIFI connection, toilets and showers, technical service, yachting equipment shop, there is also a taxi rank. Near the marina there is a grocery store, laundry, ATM and several restaurants (we recommend Miramare, Boccaporta and Konoba Istriana). In the village there is a bakery and a farmers' market where fresh fish is also available.

islands in the area of Istria

Brijuni

Brijuni is a group of islands located northwest of Pula (distance about 17 NM). These islands and the sea around them form a National Park. You can only anchor in the harbour of Veli Brijun or in the bay of Mikula on the island of Mali Brijun (there are moorings). Parking is also tolerated at the islet of Kotež in the east of the island. The other bays and islands are closed to sailors and the western side of the archipelago is not passable. The most interesting island is Veli Brijun, which was the summer residence of President Tito (there is an exhibition hall with a collection ofwith fascinating photographs, lamps and bizarre animals), and was long inaccessible to the public.

The islands have magnificent oak, cedar and pine forests, beautiful parks, avenues and resting places. The air is scented with eucalyptus and exotic flowers that have been imported here. There are also very remarkable Roman buildings (a huge complex of buildings for various purposes, temples, a Roman villa and a country house). At the westernmost tip of the Great Brijun is a zoo and safari (wild zebras, llamas, giraffes, deer, etc.). Cars are not allowed on the island. A tour of the island is possible by miniature train, it is a nice experience for children. The track is 3 km long. On the island there is an ecological golf course with 18 holes. Besides golf, visitors can try windsurfing or horse riding. Notable personalities who have visited the island include Queen Elizabeth II and Gina Lollobrigida.

Brijuni harbour - offers about 50 moorings, mooring is possible on the north-east side of the harbour, there is water and electricity connection, there are two restaurants near the harbour. The mooring fee for boats up to 15 m is 200 EUR/day (July - August), 130 EUR/day (May, June, September). 098 490792.

Attractions in brief: beautiful nature, very diverse flora, clean sea, safari and zoo, miniature island tourm train, ecological golf course, remarkable Roman buildings, high parking fees.

Cres

A beautiful island with wild and untouched nature. Along the entire western and eastern coast you will find countless romantic coves and beautiful beaches. We definitely recommend visiting the bays of Žanja (blue cave), Meli (there are two bays of the same name, both beautiful, surrounded by nature), Kolorat (tall game), Koromačna (romantic beaches embedded in a high cliff) and Beli (a nice bay and harbour), the beach at the Kovačine campsite (a beautiful beach awarded the Blue Flag). A really fabulous and not very well known beach is the one near Osor called Mali Bok (GPS coordinates 44 52' 30.78''N 14 26' 43.68'' E). Inland is the excellent konoba Bukaleta (the village of Loznati). Lake Vrana in the interior of the island is also worth a visit. The island is famous for its long eco-trails (e.g. the Beli eco-centre and reserve in the north of the island). These trails offer a nice walk and you can also spot the rare Griffon Vulture. The sea around the islands of Cres and Losinj is home to bottlenose dolphins (this stretch of sea is protected and aimed at protecting dolphins).

In the north of Cres is a pleasant ancient port town bearing the same name. Along the west coast of Cres there are small coves and in one of them, Žanja, there is a "Blue Cave" about 30 m long, which is worth a visit.
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The most interesting towns on the island are Cres and Osor. The small port of Beli on the northeast of Cres is also charming and captivating. Cres is an ancient, very pleasant fishing town. It is fortified with walls and intertwined with narrow streets and miniature squares. The chambered old town offers many interesting historical sights, such as the beautiful Renaissance city gate, the remains of a Roman village, old stone houses and palaces. The Franciscan monastery and church are definitely worth a visit. The inner harbour is very picturesque and photogenic. It is crowded with fishing boats. The old colourful houses complete the scenery. The stone staircases are also very pretty, with pots of colourful flowers. A promenade lined with cafés and restaurants runs along the waterfront. Cres is a romantic town that is definitely worth a visit.

ACI marina Cres - very nice, clean and well protected marina, offers 473 berths, water and electricity connections, nice showers and toilets, technical service, yacht equipment shop. There is also a taxi rank and waste containers. There is a gas station near the marina and gas cylinders can be refilled. On the waterfront there are several very good restaurants, cafes, bars, a couple of well-stocked supermarkets and smaller shops, a fish market and a children's playground. In summer the town is quite busy. If you want quiet and privacy, you can anchor in the nearby port of Valun, about 3 NM away.
Valun - a picturesque village, there are a few moorings with water and electricity, but mostly it is anchored in the bay. There is a nice beach, showers and toilets, a small shop and a few restaurants. The harbor and anchorage is not safe if the winds are NW or NE. There are four nice white pebble beaches in close proximity to Valun, (in the SW part of Valun Bay, at a distance of about 0.75 NM). Na Moru (excellent restaurant), MamaLu, Gostionica San Marco and konoba Tos Juna.
Martinscica - a quiet town with a small harbour, there are several muring sites (for recreational yachts there is a west pier) with water and electricity connection, ATM, showers and toilets, a small shop and several restaurants. The dangerous wind and waves are from the N and SE - the yugo that blows along the island. Swimming is possible in the bays of Tiha and Vele Slatine (both about 1 NM NW) or in the bays of Miholašćica or Merašćica(1-2 NM to the S). Gostionica Sidro, konoba Mali raj.
Osor - a very old village, you can stand by the north quay (unsafe at the buoy) or across the canal (there are buoysThere are several restaurants, a shop and a beautiful church. The annual Osor Music Festival is held here (mostly in August) - a pleasant experience. The Osor Canal is 12 m wide and at least 2.5 m deep, with an underpass height of about 1.5 m when the bridge is closed. The bridge is open daily at 9 am and 5 pm. Ships arriving from the south have priority. For details about the canal, see guide 888. At the end of the Osor Canal is the Tifon filling station (there is a small café and several stands with electricity and water).

A tip for a good restaurant in Osor: konoba Bonifacic.

Losinj

A natural island that resembles a forgotten paradise. The rocky coastline, the inaccessible white beaches that can only be accessed from the sea and the captivating scent of pine, macchia and oleander speak of the incredible charm of this place. The sea is clean, clear and full of life. The sight of its turquoise light blue colour will take your breath away and make you feel as if you are suddenly in another world. Even in high season, you'll find beaches where you'll be all alone. There is a walking trail that runs along the waterfront all along the island, which offers nice views. There are many species of fish in the sea around the island and bottlenose dolphins are often found here. The island is mainly fed by fishing. The small towns have retained their fishing atmosphere. The island of Lošinj is divided into two tourist centres: the island of Mali and Veli Lošinj. The northern part of the island is mountainous, the southern part is green and hides many literally fabulous bays and beaches. The most beautiful beaches often don't have names and are not commonly found in guidebooks. Only locals and a lucky few know about them. The cooking on the island is excellent, especially in Mali Lošinj.

Marina Mali Lošinj - offers 150 berths on the water (depth of 1.5 - 10 meters) and 100 on the shore, withwater and electricity connection, showers and toilets, WI-FI connection, laundry, grocery store, technical service and yachting equipment shop. A short walk from the marina is also the town marina Mali Losinj.

Mali Lošinj marina - offers 120 tents (4 pontoons for yachts with a draft of up to 4 meters), water and electricity, showers and toilets, there is also an ATM and a gas station. There are many restaurants and cafes near the marina. There is also a farmer's and fish market, bakeries, a butcher's shop, several supermarkets and a pharmacy. It is better to stand in the harbour as you will be closer to the historic centre.

Veli Žal, Borik, Čikat, Valdarke, Kadin, Bojćic, St. Martin, Uvala Zagazine, Silver Bay, Golden Bay, Punta beach, Timi, Rovenska, Vale Scura, Javorna, Kriška, Krivica, Balvanida.

Silvana (Mali Lošinj), Bocca Vera (Mali Lošinj, Italian cuisine), konoba Dišpet (Mali Lošinj - Martin harbour bay, excellent but rather expensive, Croatian specialities).

Susak - the only sandy island on the Adriatic - is easily accessible from the island of Lošinj. There is only one port on this island, but it is definitely worth a visit. It is different from all the other islands. Through the action of the wind, sand has been deposited on a low limestone bench in the sea over the ages, and the island has risen from the sea to a great height. Now the sand layer is up to 60 metres high. The sandy beach by the harbour is very nice and gently sloping, which is especially appreciated by families with small children. I recommend a walk to the lighthouse at the northwest end of the island. All the paths run in the sand and some of them are so trodden over the centuries that they look more like tunnels covered with lush vegetation. An Italian winemaker grows wine on the island and it is possible to buy local, very good, red wine. If you stop on the island of Union, it's best to land in Maracol Bay on the east side, where there are buoys and it's about a 15-minute walk to the village.
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Rab

An island in the middle of Kvarner Bay, where mountains, beautiful white sand beaches and turquoise sea reminiscent of the Caribbean meet. The eastern coast is desolate, rough and inhospitable. From the mainland, the east coast looks like an impregnable fortress with four-metre-high walls rising straight out of the sea. It is a vivid image of how strong and ruthless the bora can be. The west coast is protected from the destructive boron by the Kamenjak Mountains and Mount Straža. The south is characterised by sharp rocks leading to the sea rather than white beaches.

The west coast is beautifully green and offers many fabulous coves. At times you will feel like you are in paradise. Here lies the romantic town of Rab, the biggest pearl of the island, which will absolutely captivate you with its amazing atmosphere. It feels a little mysterious, like a town from another century. It hides precious treasures from antiquity and the Middle Ages. The regular stone streets resembling a chessboard, the walls from the 12th century. century surrounding the intact medieval centre, the preserved sea gates, the steep steps leading from the walls to the sea, and the silhouettes of the four church towers. The Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary (the most valuable building of its time on the Adriatic) towers above the town, next to the 26-metre high bell tower. The best experience is if you climb the cathedral tower at night. Through the city centre runs the so-called "central street", where there are many cafes, galleries and restaurants. A local speciality is the Rab cake, which has a tradition since 1977, when it was prepared by nuns for Pope Alexander III. Only a few women on the island know the secret recipe, which has been passed down from generation to generation.

Next to the walls is the Church of St. Christopher (the town's patron saint), which is the gateway to the protected Komrčar Nature Park (definitely worth a visit). In the park you will be pleasantly refreshed by the pine forest and views of the sea. It is the perfect place for a walk or a morning jog. But the sporting opportunities don't end there. From Rab, there is a nice cycle path leading north-west to the Kalifront peninsula (approx. 20 km), the way back winds along the coast with beautiful bays and beaches. You can also take a bike trip to the Kamenjak ridge. There is a nice view of the island and the bays. You can also rent a kayak (we recommend the company Sea Kayak Avanture, owner Joško Matušan) - it is a very pleasant experience. Lovers of diving (you can use one of the five bases and nice diving sites) and fishing will also enjoy it.

Other picturesque towns and villages on the island of Rab are: Lopar (a very nice ancient town), Mundanije, Supetarska Draga, Kampor, Barbat and Banjol (there is an excellent The owners Joško Matušan and Davor Mlacovic are knowledgeable and very friendly, you will take home a great experience). Approximately 2 NM from the Lopar peninsula (Rt. Saramic) lies the interesting island of Goli - a reputed prison island until 1988.

The island of Rab has the most white sand beaches on the Adriatic! Most of them are in the northern part of the island on the Lopar peninsula (there is also a nice eco trail). However, there is something for everyone. Apart from sandy beaches, there are also rocky or pebble beaches (mostly in the west and south of the island). The most beautiful beaches on the island: Suha Punta-Karolin beach (awarded with the "Blue Flag"), Kandalora (beautiful beach), Kandalora (beautiful beach).Frkanj peninsula), sandy beaches on the Lopar peninsula (long beaches suitable for small children).

The town of Rab is interesting and the coves on the west coast are also nice. But they tend to be very crowded in summer.
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Tips for good restaurants: Velum (Rab), Nada restaurant (Palit) and konoba Borik in the town (Palit), konoba Marenda and restaurant Gonar (bay and anchorage Kamporska Draga, konoba with sea view and beautiful sunset, nice beach nearby).

ACI marina Rab - very nice modern marina, located in the western part of the island near the town of the same name. It offers 140 berths, water and electricity connection, well maintained showers and toilets, a small, well stocked shop, WIFI connection, technical service and yachting equipment shop, laundry and ATM. There is also a gas station and gas bottle shop near the marina. In Rab there are several larger supermarkets, a farmer's market (fresh fish is also sold in the morning), a bakery, many cafesrestaurants (we recommend Velum, Labirint, Gardens and Konoba Rab) and a famous nightclub (disco).

ACI marina Supetarska Draga - offers 270 berths, water and electricity connection, showers and toilets, WIFI connection, well-stocked shop and laundry. On the waterfront there are cafes, bars and restaurants (we recommend Marenda tavern and Gonar restaurant). Dangerous winds are N, NW and W.

Pičuljan dock (Barbat) - offers 40 berths (depth 1-4 m), water and electricity connection, showers and toilets and restaurants (we recommend Hotel Villa and Leut restaurant).

Krk

The largest island in Croatia. There are forests, vineyards, olive groves and sun-bleached villages (west and centre). Untouched nature, mostly small white pebble beaches nestled in highraw and inhospitable eastern coastline often facing the bora - this is Krk. The island rightly nicknamed "the golden island" hides many treasures. Apart from the beautiful beaches (most of the beaches awarded with the "Blue Flag" are on Krk), Krk also abounds in cultural and historical richness. There are many precious buildings, churches, monasteries (Franciscan church and monastery) and remains of the Roman Empire (e.g. rare Roman mosaics). Around the town of Krk there are remains of fortifications and a watchtower from the 13th century. In summer, folklore festivals are held here. The north and south are very rocky. Soline bay - healing mud. There is a nice bicycle path through the island.

For a family holiday it is most convenient to sail from Krk from the marina Punat. You will be captivated by the beauty of the enclosed bay with a marina, where there are only a few charter companies. All of them are of very high quality. I recommend Garant Charter for sailboat charter and Koro Charter for motorboat charter.
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Marina Punat - a very popular marina (awarded the "Blue Flag") and yachting port, offers 760 berths, water, electricity, showers and toilets, laundry, technical service, waste containers and taxi rank. There is a yachting equipment shop, several restaurants and supermarkets.

Recommended cruise route

The following map shows the route in the area of Istria and Kvarner. Click on the icon in the upper left corner of the map for more information on the route and individual locations.

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Transport to Pula and Punat

The drive from Prague to Pula is about 910 km long and takes 9 hours. The motorway section is 760 km long (the motorway goes almost to Koper). You can take the D1 motorway, then go via Vienna or Bratislava (depending on the traffic situation) and then via Graz, Maribor and Ljubljana to Koper. From Koper, the slowest 90 km stretch is through Istria to Pula. The Slovenian motorway is good but expensive. A 7-day motorway vignette costs €15 and a 60-day vignette costs €30. Travelling by regular car will cost you around 7,100 CZK including motorway tolls (€10 Austrian vignette for 10 days, €30 Slovenian vignette for 2 months and €10.7 Croatian road tolls).

In Slovenia, watch out for checks at the Slovenian-Austrian border. They check if you have a valid vignette. Definitely don't take any chances if you are approaching the border 10 minutes after midnight and your vignette stopped 10 minutes ago. You can be pretty sure that they almost always check shortly after midnight. The fine is €200 and it's a very painful farewell to Slovenia.

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The drive from Prague to Punat on Krk is about 880 km long and takes 9 hours. The motorway section is 770 km long. You can take the D1 motorway, then via Vienna or Bratislava (depending on the traffic situation) and then via Graz, Maribor and Zagreb. From Zagreb, keep heading towards Rijeka and when you get down to the sea, you will see signs for the island of Krk. The trip will cost about 7,600 CZK by regular car, including motorway tolls (10 EUR Austrian stamp for 10 days, 30 EUR Slovenian stamp for 2 months, 38 EUR Croatian motorways and the bridge to Krk).