Sailing in Istria
Istria is a Croatian region known for its many attractions, including authentic Istrian delicacies drawing both sailors and tourists visiting from the mainland. Out of all Croatian regions, Istria is the best when it comes to enjoying life on the sea and on the mainland at the same time, which makes it interesting to sailors. Moreover, the proximity of the European continent and excellent transport connectivity make Istria ideal for year-round mooring of yachts, which is why the marinas in Istria are full of privately-owned vessels, dreaming peacefully. Istria often serves as the home base for summer cruises to the southern coastline of Croatia, but its own shores also offer plenty opportunities for beautiful sailing experiences. The magical picturesque coastal towns are reflected in the interior as well, where tourists can enjoy numerous wine trails and exquisite gastronomy, since these are not exclusive only to the very coast. Sailors who love good food often indulge in Istrian truffles, fish and crustaceans, Istrian cattle, as well as excellent olive oil and wine, which are inextricably linked to the Istrian peninsula. The western coast of Istria, from Kanegra in the north to cape Kamenjak in the south, is dotted with centuries-old towns and very vibrant, while the eastern coast, especially the area from the Tunarica bay to the cliffs of Brseč, is untouched, mystical and sparsely inhabited, thus hiding many secret romantic nooks and crannies. It would be difficult to single out the most beautiful charming town on the Istrian coast, but Rovinj stands out with its state-of-the-art nautical infrastructure (the new ACI marina) and the preserved architecture of this picturesque town. Only 12 nautical miles from Rovinj and just off the coast of Pula lies the Brijuni National Park, whose 14 islands spread over 736 hectares and whose pristine nature, rich archaeological history and unique flora and fauna make it one of the most beautiful Mediterranean archipelagos. The magnificent Pula amphitheater, surrounded by as many as three marinas for a good reason, is located just a stone's throw away.
One of the three marinas in Pula has the largest number of moorings in Istria, while the towns on the western coast of Istria hold their own with a total of nine modern marinas, which speaks volumes about the popularity of the area. It would be difficult to choose the most beautiful town, so we will mention the one with the most modern nautical infrastructure: Rovinj, whose 22 islets form one of the most beautiful summer island oases in the northern Adriatic. The Brijuni archipelago and its eponymous national park are even more fascinating, and their beauty makes them a must-see
attraction included in all nautical routes. The largest city on the Istrian peninsula, Pula, is located near Brijuni. The symbol of this city is its amphitheater built in the 1st century, sixth largest in the world and known locally as the Arena, which is still used for various events. If you are sailing westward, make sure to visit one of the most beautiful natural attractions in Istria - the nearby Lim bay, with its magical landscape, steep green cliffs and exquisite shellfish. Individual sailing through the bay is not allowed, but you can see it from one of the excursion boats that often visit this natural wonder. Feeling happy that you have contributed to the preservation of natural harmony, set your course towards one of the elite Adriatic marinas and the town of Novigrad. Colourful stone houses, the atmosphere of a small fishing village and Novigrad's rich history are a tale in itself, and in case of bad weather, this ancient town can be a perfect starting point for exploring Istria's inland gems. You can also opt to visit Poreč and Umag in the far west of the peninsula.
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Sailors who want to visit less popular destinations should most definitely sail towards the eastern coast of Istria. After leaving behind the imposing Porer lighthouse, the southernmost point of the peninsula, and the famous cape Kamenjak (and its lighthouse), sail towards the Raša bay. It lies outside of the usual sailing routes, so a visit to any of the coves within this indented bay offers the experience of enjoying natural wonders with no crowds, something that is becoming more and more difficult in the Adriatic and across the Mediterranean. Sail along the snakelike bay with its steep cliffs and sporadic dense forests, then moor in the small village of Trget, where you can find what might just be the best tavern in this part of Istria. Another nearby part of the Raša bay is the Blaz cove, which used to be an important port on the nautical route which connected Pula and Trsat in Roman times. Five mills were in operation here, in the close proximity to the sea, which is extremely rare, and their remains are still visible. The route continues towards Rabac and Mošćenička Draga, which separates the regions of Istria and Kvarner. If you are returning by boat to Pula, spend the last moments of your blue Istrian symphony in one of the coves beneath the cape Kamenjak, which hides two large underwater caverns, another attraction of the Istrian archipelago. The entire peninsula is called Premantura, and due to its natural beauty and biodiversity it was declared a nature park, which guarantees an uninterrupted experience of stunning pristine surroundings.
The Brijuni National Park is one of the gems of Croatian tourist offer, and it is easily accessible to sailors thanks to the local marina
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UNESCO / CULTURE
The Euphrasian Basilica in Poreč, dating back to the 6th century, and the baroque church of St. Euphemia in Rovinj are a testament to the abundance of Istrian cultural heritage
The Pula amphitheater is the sixth largest Roman amphitheater in the world, as well as one of the best-preserved. Built in the 1st century A.D., it originally served as an arena for gladiator games, but today it is a popular venue for musical and film events
Known for its film festival, Motovun is a romantic Istrian town located on the top of a hill above the Motovun forest and the river Mirna
Grožnjan, home to the International cultural center of JM Croatia (youth music NGO), is equally magical
The Brijuni National Park is the principal natural heritage landmark in Istria, an archipelago comprising 14 islands which are home to rare plant and animal species, and a perfect spot for fans of golfing and polo. The abundant prehistoric remains and well-
NATURE / CUISINE
preserved remains from the classical era make Brijuni one of the most attractive Mediterranean archipelagos
The Lim bay reaches deep into the western part of the Istrian mainland, and due to its vegetation it has been protected as a special marine reserve, where visitors can enjoy delicious locally sourced oysters
Istria is known for its excellent wine and virgin olive oil, so it is well worth taking a walk through its wine roads and olive-oil trails
Delicacies include Istrian truffles, boškarin (local cattle) meat, wild asparagus, maneštra (vegetable stew), ombolo (loin roast) and sausages with sauerkraut, as well as sole, crab and shellfish from the Lim bay, all accompanied by a glass of Malvasia and Teran wine
ACI MARINA UMAG
The ACI Marina Umag, located in the northern part of the city port, is open year-round and provides utmost comfort for sailors. The marina can receive yachts up to 40 meters in length, and it also provides additional boat services, such as two Tesla Only charging stations with power of up to 22 kW, and one Tesla Universal charging station with power of up to 22 kW. Umag is well connected by road with the rest of Europe, while within a hundred kilometres there are three international airports - Pula, Trieste and Ljubljana.
MARINA NAUTICA
The Marina Nautica is a unique structure that includes a first-class marina with all the necessary repair services, plus an exclusive 4-star hotel that offers guests supreme accommodation in 42 spacious rooms and apartments. Guests have at their disposal additional services such as a wellness center with a covered pool, saunas, Jacuzzi, massages and the excellent Navigare restaurant and a wine and lounge bar.
HR-52466 NOVIGRAD, Sv. Antona 15 +385 (0)52 600 480 • +385 (0)52 600 450 www.nauticahotels.com • 45° 9' N; 13° 34' E [email protected]
HR-52470 UMAG, Šetalište Vladimira Gortana 7 +385 (0)52 741 066 • +385 (0)52 741 166 www.aci-marinas.com • [email protected] 45° 26,3' N; 13° 31,2' E
MARINA ČERVAR PORAT
HR-52449 ČERVAR PORAT, Riva amfora 8 +385 (0)52 436 661 • +385 (0)52 436 320 www.lagunaporec.com • 45° 16' 30" N; 13° 35' 4" E [email protected]
The Marina Červar Porat is located in the samenamed tourist resort, six kilometres north of the town of Poreč. The marina is excellently equipped and has its own technical repair service, which includes the services of mechanics, electronics, electricians, plastic moulders, carpenters, cranes and spare parts trade. Nearby the marina are also other amenities - a restaurant, shop, tourist agency and a souvenir shop.
MARINA POREČ
The Marina Poreč is a small marina situated in the center of the town, i.e. in the southern part of the town port of Poreč. In the immediate vicinity of the marina are various catering establishments and shops. In the marina's waters is a petrol station, and nearby is a 5 tonne crane for the needs of the marina. There are no repair services in the marina, although expert assistance is offered by the company Fereli.
HR-52440 POREČ, Turističko šetalište 9 +385 (0)52 451 913 • +385 (0)52 451 913 [email protected] 45° 13' 3" N; 13° 36' E • www.marinaporec.com
MARINA PARENTIUM
The Marina Parentium is located in the tourist resort of Zelena Laguna, in the cove of Molindrio, right next to the hotel Laguna Parentium, and 6 km from the town of Poreč. The marina has a technical repair service for all boaters' needs, a restaurant and a shop. Boaters can use all the services as well as the guests of the neighbouring hotels, and they are hotel or apartment accommodation, a post office, a doctor, souvenir shop, tourist agency, and entertainment and sports facilities.
MARINA FUNTANA
The Marina Funtana is situated on the west coast of Istria near the village of Funtana. The marina is open all year-round, and boaters have at their disposal technical services with a crane, nautical equipment shop, diving services and WLAN Internet whilst it is worth sailing 1.5 nautical miles south to the marina of Vrsar for fuel supplies. In the place itself are restaurants, a supermarket, shops, a clinic, a post office, a cash machine, an engine repair service, cafes and numerous entertainment and sports facilities.
HR-52452 FUNTANA, Ribarska 11 +385 (0)52 428 500 • +385 (0)52 428 501 www.montraker.hr • [email protected] 45° 10' 59" N; 13° 35' 85" E
HR-52440 POREČ, Zelena laguna b.b. +385 (0)52 452 210 • +385 (0)52 452 221 www.lagunaporec.com • 45° 12' 30" N; 13° 35' 40" E [email protected]
HR-52450 VRSAR, Obala Maršala Tita 1a +385 (0)52 441 052 • +385 (0)52 441 062 www.montraker.hr • [email protected] 45° 8' 93" N; 13° 35' 94" E
MARINA VRSAR
The well-known tourist resort and port of Vrsar are located on the west coast of Istria. The Marina Vrsar is situated right there and so guests have at their disposal various amenities, and the rich catering-tourist offers of the town. The marina is natural protected by the island of Sv. Juraj (St. George) and is surrounded by 18 uninhabited little islands which give it extra beauty. The marina also offers its guest free Wi-Fi Internet access.
MARINA VALALTA
The Marina Valalta is the first and only little harbour for naturists in the Adriatic. The marina is ideal for smaller vessels, although it can provide for and accept large yachts, and besides securely accommodating vessels in the water and on land, it also offers its guests repair services and the lifting and lowering of vessels. In the resort of Valalta there are restaurants, snack bars, shops, a kiosk and many sports grounds.
HR-52210 ROVINJ, Cesta za Valaltu - Lim 7 +385 (0)52 804 800 • +385 (0)52 811 461 www.valalta.hr • [email protected] 45° 7' 6" N; 13° 37' 7" E
ACI MARINA ROVINJ
After a complete renovation, in April 2019 the ACI Marina Rovinj, which many consider to be the most beautiful on the Adriatic, was once again opened for business. With its superior service and wide array of facilities, it offers a whole range of functional services to meet the needs of even those who are difficult to please. There are 196 berths in two spacious pools that provide annual berthing for boats of up to 35 m in length, and daily berthing for boats of up to 100 m in length, guaranteeing a safe harbour for mega yachts.
ACI MARINA PULA
Since it is located in the very heart of Pula, the ACI Marina Pula is a true urban marina. The marina provides mooring for yachts up to 25 meters in length, and port authority and customs offices are situated nearby. Thanks to the modern road infrastructure, as well as the international airport (5 km away), Pula is well connected with all of Europe.
- HR-52100 PULA, Riva 1 +385 (0)52 219 142 • +385 (0)52 211 850 www.aci-marinas.com • [email protected]
- 44° 52,4' N; 13° 51' E
HR-52210 ROVINJ, Šetalište Vijeća Europe 1 +385 (0)52 813 133 • +385 (0)52 842 366 www.aci-marinas.com • [email protected] 45° 4,6' N; 13° 38,4' E
With its position in the spacious bay of Veruda which extends southwards from the city of Pula, Marina Veruda offers secure shelter from all winds, and is lively throughout the whole year. Located in the marine are a restaurant and the panoramic skipper-bar Volaria. Nautical services include the lifting and lowering of vessels, and the maintenance and repairs of vessels and engines. The marina also offers its own charter with eight vessels for investigating the beauties of the Adriatic.
ACI MARINA POMER
ACI Marina Pomer has been totally refitted in line with ACI's modern visual identity - new buildings and facilities, a pool, promenade, car park, hygiene facilities, LED lighting, the latest Wi-Fi system - and as such it delights guests, old and new as before. Its offer is also complemented by the new 'Sopravento' restaurant equipped to ACI's highest standards of hospitality, with a rich choice of fresh fish, homemade Mediterranean delicacies, local olive oils and selected wines. Within the restaurant is an unmissable attraction, a pool with a wet bar, where guests can enjoy exotic refreshing drinks whilst sitting on underwater chairs.
HR-52100 PULA, Pomer 26 A +385 (0)52 573 162 • +385 (0)52 573 266 www.aci-marinas.com • 44° 49' N; 13° 54' E m. [email protected]
Sailing in Istria
The area of Kvarner is often said to possess two faces, i.e. two different landscapes intertwined and overlapping on a small area, one dominated by the land, and the other by the sea, separated from the coastline by the islands. However, it is impossible to generalise the beautiful attractions offered by this maritime area stretching from Opatija in the north to Karlobag in the south. Virtually all micro-locations have their own special features and a specific beauty, and their diversity is mostly due to the mountains in the hinterland of Rijeka, which extend towards the highest peak in Croatia, Velebit, rising near Senj as if from the sea. Its effects on the weather conditions create unique areas you won't be able to find anywhere else in the Croatian Adriatic. Pebbled beaches in coves resembling the surface of the Moon, with no vegetation, plenty of steep cliffs plummeting into the sea, mildly indented coast and protected areas with numerous inlets perfect for mooring and offering a lake-like environment - all of this awaits you in Kvarner, depending only on where you set your course. Just like Istria, this area is also very well connected to central Europe, so it offers many marinas that can be used as a home base for privately owned ships. As of recent, this also includes the "capital" of Kvarner, Rijeka, thus promoting it from a transportation hub to a nautical hub as well. The Kvarner shrimps and lamb from Cres may be the best-known Kvarner delicacies, and sailing this area you are sure to find tasty local gastronomic offer. Birdwatching in Cres, local customs on the isle of Susak, tranquillity of the western coast of the island of Pag, crystal clear sea surrounding the island of Rab, luxurious amenities available in Mali Lošinj, or picturesque towns like Vrbnik on Krk and Lubenice on Cres are additional reasons for sailing through Kvarner, discovering the magical world offered by diverse landscapes characteristic for the region.
POPULARROUTES
The most popular route lasts for 7 days and covers the islands of Unije, Cres, Krk, Rab, Lošinj, Ilovik and Susak. If you can spare some extra time, make sure to explore Cres. This pearl of Kvarner will provide you with genuine tranquillity, never-ending sage fields, beautiful olive groves, pastures full of freeroaming sheep throughout the year, and steep cliffs which are home to griffon vultures. Sailors can also enjoy magical coves perfect for daily excursions, and the nearby Blue Cave, while the ACI marina in Cres is one of the most beautiful and pleasant in the Adriatic. Practically abandoned, the old fortified stone town of Lubenice on Cres is located almost 400 metres above sea level, overlooking the open sea and a beautiful must-see beach. Mali Lošinj is another excellent port, and it is drawing in ever more sailors. In its vicinity, there are numerous gorgeous coves where you can swim, and it has recently added luxurious hotel amenities to its offer, available to sailors as well, thanks to the natural cove. The artificial passage between Cres and Lošinj is home to Osor, a town with a rich history, since it used to be the starting point for sailing towards the Dalmatian islands. Nowadays, the entire town of Osor is a museum, boasting historical artefacts dating back to the 9th century B.C. Rab is a must-see destination when sailing around the Kvarner islands. The mediaeval town on the eponymous island captivates with its magical walls, long promenade, and numerous beautiful pristine sand beaches nearby.
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