Zadar

From the beginning of June to mid-September, the prevailing wind in the Adriatic is a northwesterly wind called the maestral (daily breeze). It usually starts blowing around 10 o'clock and in the afternoon the wind reaches 3-5 Bf, at sunset the wind dies down again. The maestral is considered a good-weather wind because it maintains cloudless blue skies and a comfortable temperature at sea (it brings refreshment and helps to provide pleasant humidity).

• The months of July to August are particularly suitable for family boat holidays. The winds are mild and the sea is beautifully warm. In the coastal area around Zadar, the prevailing wind in summer is the SSE, which averages around 6-7 knots. The wind is quite stable in summer (lighter winds blow for several hours a day, almost no wind in the evening). In July to August, temperatures in the area reach 26 °C to 29 °C, with a sea temperature of about 24 °C. Beware, in summer the bora can also blow here and reach 7-9 Bf in gusts. If the wind starts to blow, it can last up to 3 days, but there is no danger of dangerous swell caused by the bura in this area.
• In March and April and from mid-September to the end of October the wind is more variable. The average wind strength in these months is 7-8 knots. There may be strong, gusty winds.

The most frequent wind in Kornati is the bora (NE), the strongest is the jugo (SE). The jugo blows with the greatest force from October to May. During this period it sometimes reaches up to 9 Bf. In summer it blows for 2-3 days and almost never reaches more than 7 Bf. It blows offshore and can raise large waves. The dominant wind in summer is the maestral (NW). The prevailing airflow is from sea to land. Usually there are winds of 1-3 Bf. Strong winds above 6 Bf rarely blow in this area. Thunderstorms occur mainly in November.

Zadar is a 3,000-year-old port city surrounded by medieval walls and towers. For centuries it has been the capital of Dalmatia - and no wonder. This ancient city has its own unique charm. Zadar is a city of history, monuments, colours and gastronomy.

The city is also famous for its beautiful sunsets, which offer a different combination of colours every day. Alfred Hitchcock, sipping a glass of maraschino on Zadar's waterfront, once said, "It must be the most beautiful sunset in the world!".

Zadar boasts a number of cultural monuments from the ancient, medieval and Renaissance periods. There are many fine churches with interesting interiors, monasteries, galleries and museums. The city offers more than 600 monuments. Among the greatest jewels is the Church of St. Donatus (Zadar Music Nights are held here every summer), the Romanesque Forum, Kalelarga (the longest and widest street), St. Anastasia, Church of St. Chrysogon, Archaeological Museum, Porta Terraferma city gate, Franciscan Monastery with the Church of St. Francis.

Also worth a visit is Narodni trg (main square), which has been the centre of public life for centuries. The main square is home to the Renaissance town loggia, the town guardhouse, the bell tower and the Old Croatian church of St Lawrence, which is used as a popular café. Near the square is the largest fish market (the best selection of fish in the area), vegetables and fruit (P. Zoraniće Square). The town is built according to Roman urban planning principles from several larger longitudinal streets and a larger number of cross streets, which divided the town into rectangular blocks. The old town is located on a peninsula and is connected to the new construction by a long bridge, which is one of the typical symbols of the town.

Along the waterfront there is a nice promenade where a unique work of art can be seen - the "Sea Organ", or a perfect natural orchestra. The complex system of pipes, for which the Croatian architect Nikola Bašić has won several international awards, transforms the incoming waves into a huge variety of sounds. The whistles play 7 chords of 5 notes each, this beautiful sea symphony can sometimes be heard up to 3 km away. The sea organ is complemented by the "Salute to the Sun" light installation, which consists of glass panels and several solar panels. The play of colours and light always begins after sunset. Both the Sea Organ and the Sun Salutation are located in the westernmost part of the old town (Morske orgulje) and are ideal for romantic relaxation. Along the waterfront you can take a nice walk to the old fishing port of Foša, which is very photogenic due to its picturesque nature.

Legend has it that Kornati is a pile of white rocks thrown into the sea by God. When he turned around, he smiled with excitement - he was very pleased with his result. Kornati NP comprises 89 uninhabited islands and reefs, accessible only by boat. Untouched nature, beautiful bays, rock formations and steep cliffs. A true sailor's paradise awaits you!

Beautiful ancient lighthouses will guide you through the labyrinth of islands. The most beautiful lighthouse is Sestrica, which is definitely worth a visit. Some of the islands offer excellent harbours and anchorages (even used by pirates) thanks to their ruggedness and sheltered bays. Beautiful and well protected bays are for example Vrulje bay , Lavsa or the islet of Levnaka with its sandy beach Lojena. There is a marina and several restaurants. However, there is a shortage of drinking water in NP Kornati. Water and electricity are only available for a few hours every day.

Several times a day a boat passes between the islands with food, fruit and vegetables (only in high season). Food can also be bought on the island of Kornat (Vrulje and Opat bays), in the ACI marina Piškera (Vela Panitula island) and on the island of Žut. The largest marinas and yachting bases on Kornati are ACI marina Piškera on Vela Panitula island (in the national park, with a shop, water and electricity, showers and toilets) and ACI marina Žut (outside the national park). On Mana Island there are ruins of houses and towers, which are the remains of film sets built for the filming of the 1961 film Stormy Sea.

Admission to Kornati is not based on the number of people, but on the length of the boat. Tickets can be purchased either on site or in advance at the Kornati NP headquarters or the ABA reception in Murter (we recommend buying tickets in advance, they are considerably cheaper). Other presale points: ACI marina Žut, ACI marina Vodice, marina Kremik Primošten, marina Betina Murter, ACI marina Jezera). Price of tickets to Kornati NP: boat up to 11 m length 250 kn (150 kn), 11-18 m 400 kn (250 kn), over 18 m 750 kn (450 kn), diving 300 kn (150 kn), fishing permit 300 kn (150 kn). Prices in brackets are for tickets purchased in advance.

Kornat is the largest island of Kornati National Park. There are countless bays, anchorages and restaurants. The Vrulje bay is definitely worth a visit (shop, several restaurants, anchorage, pier, buoys, dangerous seaW and NW winds), Strižnja, Kravljačica, Lopatica, Potarac, Opat (restaurants, water, electricity, shop, pier, buoys, moorings, dangerous N and SE winds), Ropotnica, Stivina.

Ugljan is a picturesque island covered with fig trees, vines and olive trees, from which the highest quality olive oil is produced. The island of Ugljan has a long tradition of fishing and is considered the most important fishing centre in the Adriatic Sea. The most beautiful fishing town is considered to be the town of Kali, which is definitely worth a visit!

The eastern part of the island of Ugljan is lower and more rugged, with most of the inhabited towns and villages (Ugljan, Sutomiščica, Poljana, Preko, Kali, Kuklica). The most famous bays on the eastern side of the island are Južna luka (beach), Pavlešina (pier), Kobiljak (nice snorkeling, be careful - there are a lot of rocks), Prtljung (anchor(beach), Želijna Vela (beach), Svitla, Vela Lamjana (fishing harbour, boat building), Mala Lamjana (anchorage, buoys, fish farming), Sabušica (beach suitable for children).

The western part of the island is more difficult to access, rather deserted, uninhabited. However, there are nice, deserted bays and places for swimming.

Where to anchor on Ugljan

• Port Ugljan - a small harbour in a fishing village, mostly occupied by fishing boats. There is a berth for sailing boats at the pier with a depth of 3 m, but it is only sporadically free. There are three restaurants (Kaleta, Apolo, Trapula) and cafes in the harbour. Local food can be bought at the fish market. There is also a post office, an ATM and two supermarkets. North of the harbour there is the church of St. Jerome and a nice beach. The approach should be from the south-east direction, because of the shallow water (we recommend to study the Pilot or the 888 guide), watch out for the current! In the nearby Batalaza bay, north of the harbour, we recommend snorkelling (there is a pier, anchorage and beach.
• Olive Island marina (Sutomišćica) - a modern clean family marina offering 200 berths and easily accessible even at night thanks to the lighthouse at the entrance to the bay and marina). The marina is well protected and is rarely crowded. There are showers and toilets, a technical service, a yacht shop and a car and scooter rental service. For weather updates, you'll appreciate WiFi and a good restaurant, Olive Garden, to fill your stomach.
• Port Poljana - a small, often busy marina.
• Marina Preko - a nice marina in the attractive town of Preko. The marina offers 85 berths and is often full in summer. In addition to showers, technical service and WiFi, there is a diving center, doctor and dentist. There are countless bars and restaurants on the waterfront. Behind the marina is a nice beach.

Kali is a beautiful fishing town that is definitely worth a visit. There are three small harbours full of fishing boats and fishermen repairing their nets. Old stone houses, narrow streets, dry walls and olive groves complete the atmosphere. Above the town is a hill with the baroque church of St. Lawrence and a magnificent view of the surrounding area. Every year in July/August, various festivals and fishing festivals are held here. In the old fishing port of Kali, the depth is 3 m and you can usually only stand in the fishing boat. If you ask and land with permission, you will be able to go overboard the fishing boat to the shore and visit the local brine factory, a fish processing factory. For really little money, you can taste herring in all sorts of ways here, and you can buy delicious canned herring to go at the factory. It's an experience that you definitely don't want to miss and you'll be smelling it for a long time.

• You can also anchor at the pier in the next bay, Batalaža, from where you can take a nice walk to the old fishing port of Kali and the centre. In the bay, however, be careful of the rocks under the water. Study the Pilot well.
• Theport of Kuklica is located in the eponymous, rather lively village of Kuklica. Finding a post office, ATM or doctor here is no problem. For parking there is a small marina with a pier and muring. Take advantage of Pier B, which is for guests. In the marina you will find water and electricity connection, showers and toilets. However, the idyllic atmosphere can be compromised by the unpleasant jugo wind. On the waterfront, in addition to restaurants and a few cafes, you'll find St. Paul's Church and a small local disco.

There are many nice swimming spots in the area. The coastline of the Zaglav peninsula is worth exploring. There are several pebble beaches with a gradual entrance to the sea and pine forests. There is also a nice beach in Sabušica bay on the southwest side of the island. The beach is suitable for the smallest children (the shore is paved with concrete with a gradual entry into the sea, with fine sand on the bottom).

A small island, surrounded by dozens of smaller islands. The eastern coast of the island is rugged and there are countless small bays. The western side of the island is rougher, steep and not very rugged, facing the open sea. Windier and popular among yachtsmen are the pretty harbour of Molat (Lucina), Brgulje in the well-protected Brgulje Bay (dangerous wind and swell from the N, SE) and Zapuntel. Grocery stores here are quite expensive. The island is a paradise for recreational fishermen (beware, you need a permit!).

• Molat Harbour - a picturesque harbour, offers mooring with muring, several water and electricity connections, showers and toilets. Water can only be pumped in sometimes (100 litres for 30 kuna). There are several restaurants, a cafe and a shop. In the morning it is possible to buy fresh bread from the baker. A walk to the nearby hill is also pleasant. North of the harbour is a nice bay and anchorage Podgarbe.
• Brgulje harbour - there is a mooring, water (not always available) and electricity connections, a shop and two restaurants. There are buoys between the harbour and Brgulje island. North of the harbour there is a mooring (sand and pebbles on the bottom, the anchor holds fairly well). Dangerous wind is jugo, there is also a risk of swell!
• Zapuntel - a small harbour, there is a pier, buoys and several muring stands (depth up to 4 metres), a shop and a bakery.

The eight most beautiful bays on the island of Molat

Vodina Trata (beware, near the rocks under the water, details in Navionics), Zadarljan, Vodomarka (beach, anchorage, protected N and NW winds), Karstulj (anchorage, protected from N and N winds), Lipic (beach and anchorage, protected from N and N winds), Jazi (nice anchorage, small pier, bakery, sheltered from N and NW winds, dangerous N and NW winds or bura, nearby nice nature, hiking trail to Molat), Konopljika bay (anchorage) and Uvala Sabusa anchorage (SW of the island).

Beautiful harbour Ist definitely worth a visit. It is located in a picturesque bay. There are piers with muring (depth 1-5 m), water and electricity connections, showers and toilets, about four restaurants, a supermarket and a diving centre. A nice walk to the chapel. At night there are occasional strong gusts of the bora. The harbour is not safe if the yugo is blowing.

There is a nice beach in the northern part of the bay. Caution! Be careful of isolated dangers when coming into the bay (we recommend studying 888). Other bays on the island of Ist are Turtula (anchorage), Mjake (buoy) and Kosirača (pier).

If you want to spend a few days in a place forgotten by the world, surrounded by nature, crystal clear water and the ever-present scent of oleanders, anchor at Premuda Island. This magical island is definitely worth a visit! The island has low forests, olive groves, fig trees and vineyards. On the south-west coast there are wonderful diving and snorkelling spots (the underwater caves known as the "Cathedral" at Cape Lopata - the southernmost tip of the island, a colourful underwater wall with rich fauna in front of Široka Bay, the sunken wreck of the Istvan and many colourful rocks).

Fishing enthusiasts will also find something to enjoy! The port of Krijal is nice (mostly occupied). There are piers for boats up to 10 meters and buoys, about 6 restaurants and a shop. In strong westerly winds and southerly winds there is a swell in front of the harbour. North of the harbour there is a nice beach.

Seven of the most beautiful bays on Premuda:

Dobra (beach, anchorage, must go ashore, steep rocky shores), Letnja (anchorage, little room to anchor, steep rocky shores), Široka (anchorage(anchorage, beach, nice diving and snorkelling - coloured wall), Zaporat (anchorageZaporat (anchorage and beach), Premuda bay (two anchorages and beach), Nozdre (anchorage), Loza (pier). The Istvan shipwreck is only accessible to experienced divers. It is located 8 NM west of the island of Premuda (exact GPS position: 44°08'55.7 "N 14°15'45.4 "E) at a depth of 30-40 m.

The largest island of the Zadar archipelago, also known as the island full of colours and contrasts. Towards the open sea the coastline is rugged, while in the south of the island there are deserted bays and fascinating steep cliffs. Worth a visit are Lučica Bay, where there is a sunken shipwreck (1 m deep), Mir Bay in the Telaš Nature Parkćica (salt lake, very pleasant walk and beautiful sunset), the picturesque harbour and the underwater caves of Brbinj. The most beautiful beaches (suitable for small children) are in Sakarun Bay, in the northern part of Pantera Bay and near Bozava. There are also several nice bays with beaches on the east coast (beware, if the wind blows yugo, there are big waves). There are also nice hiking and cycling trails on the island.

Marina Veli Rat (Cuna bay) - located on the northeast of Dugi Otok in Cuna bay and offers about 100 berths. Services: water and electricity connections (only available for a few hours in the morning and evening, tokens at the harbour master), clean and well maintained, showers and toilets, restaurants (TIM, Lanterna, Verunic), supermarket, farmers market. Opposite the harbour there are two more restaurants (Verona and DiM) with a pier (for boats up to 2 m deep). There are buoys in Cuna bay (fee 17 kn/m). The approach to Cuna Bay is quite challenging in terms of navigation. Sailors who are unfamiliar with the area should arrive during daylight hours. About 5 km northwest of the harbour is the tallest lighthouse on the Adriatic coast, dating from 1849. 100,000 egg whites were added to the concrete mix to make the lighthouse more resistant to wind and sea. It's a magical place and definitely worth a walk!

In front of Pantera Bay is the sunken wreck of an Italian merchant ship from 1984 and a shoal (we recommend studying 888). Next to it is Lučica Bay, where there is also a shipwreck about 1 m below the surface (there is also a diving base). In the northern part of Pantera bay (there are buoys) there is a nice sandy beach.

Other nice marinas on Dugi Otok

• Sali harbour - a picturesque harbour with muringas, there are about 80 berths, the harbour is very well stocked with food. The inner harbour is full of colourful fishing boats. In summer the main harbour is also quite crowded. Nearby is the bay of Sašćica.
• Port of Zaglav - there is a pier offering mooring with muring, moorings in Triluke bay, petrol station (fuel is about 10% morethan on the mainland, so you almost never wait here), water and electricity connection, you can buy gas bottles, there is a shop and restaurant Roko on the waterfront.
• Žman harbour - muring berth with water and electricity, mooring in Žmanćica bay (if the wind blows, the mooring is not safe). Dangerous wind from NE. There is nice snorkeling here.
• Luka harbour - harbour in a small quiet village, it is possible to moor on the quay (there are several muring, fee 15 kn/m), anchor in the bay (depth 6-7 m) or moor on a buoy. On the shore there is a water and electricity connection, a cafe restaurant and bar (we recommend Alen restaurant and bar).
• Brbinj harbour - really very nice, picturesque harbour and nice bay Bok, there is a very good restaurant Antonio, a farmers market where you can buy vegetables, fruit and fish. In the harbour you can connect to WIFI. There is a pier with several muringas and water and electricity connection. Just around the corner (towards the north) is the bay of Lucina with a nice restaurant. There are a lot of buoys. Beware, if the wind is blowing yugo, there are strong gusts in both bays!
• Bozava harbour - a picturesque harbour surrounded by nature and pine forests. Originally a fishing town, nowadays quite a busy resort with several hotels. Definitely worth a visit. One of the most beautiful beaches on the island is located here. The beach has pebbles, sand in places and a gradual entrance to the sea and crystal clear water. The beach is suitable for small children. There is a harbour with a pier and muringes. Nice walk along the seafront, in the shade of pine trees. There is a nice stone church in the town.

The six most beautiful bays on Dugi Otok

Telašćica bay (nature park) - not part of NP Kornati, since 2013 fees apply (up to 11 m 200 kn, 11-18 m 350 kn, 18-25 m 700 kn). In summer there are dangerous wind gusts from the NE. Beware of shallows and rocks (must be studied in Navionics or 888)! flows, frequented anchorage, strong gusts from the north and east in summer, no swell), Ćuška Duboka, Kruševica, Magrovica. In each bay there are buoys and restaurants. The eastern part of the island can be reached via the Mala Proversa canal between Dugi Otok and Katina Island. This fairway is 40 m wide and the maximum speed is 5 knots. In front of the canal there is a pier (mostly occupied, you can land with dinghy) and buoys (60 kn per person).

The marina IŽ Veli is worth a visit - very nice, small marina, offers 130 berths, water and electricity connection, showers and toilets and technical service. There are three supermarkets, two bakeries and several really good restaurants and konob (traditional Croatian restaurants mostly with local specialties).

Early in the morning you can buy fresh fish at the local farmer's market. The locals also sell homemade wine and olive oil or local ceramics (made in the traditional Iža way). The workshop and ceramics shop is run by the Petrovic family. An interesting place on the island of Iž is the battlefield in the bay of Knež, which is set in beautiful nature. The bay has a pier, buoys, water, electricity, a shop and several restaurants. In the next bay there is the IŽ Mali ferry port (shop, cafes and playground).