Sailing in Kvarner: Hidden Routes and Natural Attractions
HIDDEN ROUTES
Sailors interested in natural attractions will enjoy swimming in the sea surrounding the Unije and Srakane islands (when the weather allows it), while the isle of Susak is indeed special in every sense. It is the only completely sandy island in the Adriatic, and it has maintained the spirit and charm of the olden days, thanks to its relatively isolated position. The unique dialect spoken on the island and the fantastic, vibrant folk costume form part of the Susak tradition, which makes it famous far and wide. You can moor your boat in a small port, and then walk all over the island, visiting the old lighthouse and the village, where you simply must taste local wines - the trojšćina and the pleskunac. During your stay in Kvarner, you should spend at least one night in the pristine nature, listening to its undisturbed sounds. The perfect spot for this may be one of the uninhabited coves of Punta Križa on Cres, a dreamy des-
The area is full of hidden corners, accessible only by boat, in which you can find genuine tranquillity and privacy
tination where you can still encounter deer in their early morning search for water. If you are looking for something really special, you should visit two islands that used to serve as prisons: Grgur and Goli otok. Grgur is located between Rab, Krk, Prvić and Goli otok, and it can be accessed by sailing along the southwestern coast of Krk, and then docking into the Sveti Grgur cove on the north-western side of the island. The island is lush with greenery, gorgeous coves and beaches, with alternating areas of rocky landscapes and forests. This used to be the site of a women's prison, whose remains can still be seen today. The infamous Goli otok is located a few hours of sailing away from Grgur, and it houses the remains of what was once the most famous prison in Europe. Nowadays, the island is not permanently inhabited, but during the summer months you can moor in the Vela Draga cove and start exploring the island.
Tourism and Natural Attractions in Kvarner
The Opatija riviera is full of villas and parks, and thanks to its hotel and restaurant offer it is a favourite destination for many visitors throughout the year
A small tourist village of Ičići is situated in the very heart of the Kvarner bay, and its ACI marina makes it a central spot in the local area when it comes to sailing
The small isle of Košljun is located in the vicinity of the island of Krk, and in its Franciscan monastery you can see a crucifix from the 16th century, while the isle itself is a green paradise
The stony village of Lubenice, "hanging off" a 378-metre cliff above the sea and a beautiful sandy beach, is a particularly attractive area of Cres
The griffon vulture is a protected bird of prey, whose habitat are the steep coasts of the island of Cres
A special attraction in the Cres-Lošinj area are dolphins. You can observe them playing and feeding
Heritage and Culinary Delights of Kvarner
The Risnjak National Park is located at one of the junctions of the European eco-systems, which is why it abounds in a variety of flora and fauna, as well as karst phenomena
The bora, a strong northern wind, descends from Velebit towards the sea, and its powerful gusts are the reason why the northern parts of Pag, Krk and Rab are virtually desolate. However, windsurfers enjoy it
The island of Rab is home to Lopar and its gorgeous 1500-metre long sandy beach
The Baška tablet (Bašćanska ploča), dating from the 12th century, is the largest Croatian monument written in the Glagolitic script, and it was discovered on the island of Krk
Gastronomic delicacies include the famous Kvarner shrimp, lamb from the islands, wild game, wild berries and numerous varieties of edible mushrooms, as well as the Rab cake, Lovran chestnuts, and the Vrbnik Žlahtina wine
Soon after the ACI Marina Rovinj became the first ACI marina of the highest category, its success was duplicated by the ACI Marina Cres, which became the second marina in the ACI system to receive a 5-anchor rating. For years, Cres has been a favourite destination among nature lovers and environmental activists, as well as numerous boaters from Europe and around the world, and the ACI marina is located in the very center of the island. The Mistral restaurant is furnished in accordance with current ACI standards and offers a selection of excellent traditional food and drink. ACI Marina Cres also includes two 22 kW Tesla Only charging stations and one 22 kW Tesla Universal charging station.
Marina Brodogradilište, Cres
The marina is located within the shipyard, south-west from the Cres port and the city center, and is very well protected from strong winds and waves. The island of Cres, and the shipyard as well, are very well connected to the mainland. Two ferry lines connect the island - Merag-Valbiska and Brestova-Porozina, as well as the fast catamaran ferry line Cres-Rijeka.
- HR-51557 CRES, Peškera
- +385 (0)51 571 544 • +385 (0)51 571 544 www.brodogradiliste-cres.hr
- [email protected] • 44° 57' 48" N; 14° 24' 61" E
HR-51557 CRES, Obala sv. Benedikta 3 +385 (0)51 571 622 • +385 (0)51 571 125 www.aci-marinas.com • [email protected] 44° 56,9' N; 14° 25' E
ACI MARINA OPATIJA
The ACI Marina Opatija, located in the town of Ičići on the Opatija Riviera, is an ideal place to start or end an Adriatic cruise, or for taking a walk along the famous promenade Lungomare from Lovran to Volosko. There are five international airports (Rijeka, Pula, Zagreb, Trieste, Ljubljana) within 150 kilometres, and the marina is also extremely well connected by road with all of Europe. It can receive yachts up to 40 meters in length, and along with numerous additional services for sailors and visitors, the marina is equipped with 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. In addition, a universal Etral 2*22 kW type charging station was installed.
MARINA ADMIRAL
Situated in the heart of the Kvarner Bay, in beautiful Opatija, the Marina Admiral represents the perfect starting point for beginning a cruise of the Adriatic. The marina is located in the center of the town in front of the Hotel Admiral whose facilities and services are available to all the users of the marina. It is open all year-round, so boaters can use all the benefits of the rich tourist attractions of the Opatija Riviera.
HR-51410 OPATIJA, Maršala Tita 139 +385 (0)51 710 444 • +385 (0)51 710 399 www.marina-opatija.com [email protected] 45° 19' 6" N; 14° 18' 4" E
MARINA NOVI
Marina Novi, located in the very center of the town of Novi Vinodolski, is open all year-round and offers a complete service to boaters. This new and unique top-quality marina has been designed to offer 5-anchor marina services and can accommodate mega yachts of up to 70 m in length. Guests can also use various other services, such as the conference room that can accommodate 80 people, a jacuzzi, beauty salon, and the wonderful Admiral restaurant, wine and lounge bar, and snack bar.
MITAN MARINA
Mitan Marina is the first commercial marina in the Vinodol Channel, while the proximity of the highways and the Rijeka airport make it easily accessible. It is protected by a 240 metre long breakwater and has 180 moorings. The marina complex includes a restaurant, lounge bar and nautical shop, while the marina also offers the possibility of renting ZAR vessels as well as winter storage and vessel servicing.
HR-51250 NOVI VINODOLSKI, Obala dr. Josipa Sokolića 1A +385 (0)51 627 762 • +385 (0)51 627 763 www.mitanmarina.com [email protected] 45°07' 18.4"N; 14°48' 28.9"E
HR-51250 NOVI VINODOLSKI, Mel 1b +385 (0)51 569 180 • +385 (0)51 569 188 www.marinanovi.hr • 45° 08' N; 14° 78' E [email protected]
MARINA PUNAT
HR-51521 PUNAT, Puntica 7 +385 (0)51 654 111 • +385 (0)51 654 110 www.marina-punat.hr • 45° 1,3' N; 14° 37,6' E [email protected]
Located in a bay offering natural wind shelter, it is easily accessible and the ideal starting point for sailing. It offers a high level of security and all manner of services necessary for the vessel and its crew, including certified repairmen for a complete refitting, maintenance and repairs on yachts up to 50m in length. The Punat marina has been highly awarded, and it has been certified according to the ISO 9001 standard for quality and ISO 14001 for environmental protection. The marina also houses the first Croatian houseboat (4+2).
ACI MARINA RAB
The ACI Marina Rab is located alongside the town itself in the town's harbour. Visitors to the marina can use all the benefits provided by accommodation in the marina in the heart of the town, so nearby they are offered restaurants, shops, art galleries, and during the summer areas with rich cultural and entertainment events. The island of Rab is connected to the mainland by the Stinica - Mišnjak ferry line. A fast catamaran service also travels from Rijeka - Rab everyday.
HR-51280 RAB, Šetalište kap. I. Dominisa 101 +385 (0)51 724 023 • +385 (0)51 724 229 www.aci-marinas.com • [email protected] 44° 45,4' N; 14° 46' E
ACI MARINA SUPETARSKA DRAGA
Supetarska Draga is the name of the town and the cove which is the extension of the most fertile and largest Rab field. Three small islands with beautiful sand beaches, located right off the coast, make this a little tourist paradise. This environment is home to an ACI marina, where numerous sailors can directly engage with nature. In the vicinity of the marina's reception are three Tesla charging stations with 22KW power, two of them Tesla Only and one Tesla Universal.
- HR-51280 RAB
- +385 (0)51 776 268 • +385 (0)51 776 222 www.aci-marinas.com • [email protected]
- 44° 48,2' N; 14° 43,7' E
HR-51550 MALI LOŠINJ, Runjica 5 +385 (0)51 234 081 • +385 (0)51 520 334 www.marinalosinj.com • [email protected] 44° 32' 42" N; 14° 27' 29" E
MARINA LOŠINJ
The hundred year old tradition of tourism, outstanding natural beauty and the excellent traffic connection of Mali Lošinj - the airport, road and ferry links - were the prerequisite for the development of a new nautical center in the Adriatic. The Marina Lošinj, with the latest services tailored for boaters, also has a spectacular view of the Mali Lošinj bay and heart of the old town.
Y/C MARINA MALI LOŠINJ
The Y/C Marina Mali Lošinj is located right in front of the entrance to the town of Mali Lošinj on the perennially green island of Lošinj in the heart of the Northern Adriatic. The island of Lošinj is a paradise for boaters due to its greatly indented coastline which is decorated with many coves, bays and the surrounding islets. The marina's guests have at their disposal an excellent restaurant, grocery shop and a sailing equipment shop. The marina is open all year-round.
- HR-51550 MALI LOŠINJ, Privlaka
- +385 (0)51 231 626 https://losinia.hr/hr/losinia-marina-losinj
- [email protected]
- 44˚ 32,6' N; 14˚ 28' E
The city of Zadar and its surrounding areas boast a very well-developed nautical infrastructure. They are located in the heart of the Croatian Adriatic, and the marinas in Zadar and its surroundings allow you to sail to all four corners of the world. If you head west, you will discover a bunch of little islands with tiny villages which still preserve the spirit of old times with their untouched natural coves. The best part: Silba, Olib, Premuda, Ist and Molat aren't included in the most popular sailing routes so you will be able to enjoy some tranquillity and privacy, which is so rare at the height of the tourist season. The situation is similar if you head south, where you will find the magnificent Dugi Otok and lots of lovely little isles such as Veli and Mali Iž or Rave, with their lake-like appearance thanks to long sea canals characteristic for sailing in the sea around Zadar. Heading east, the most obvious choices are the Kornati National Park and Telašćica nature park, with their unparalleled beauty and distinctive landscapes, which make them particularly popular in the summer season. If you decide to head north, you will sail into the Novigrad waters, Velebit channel, and even the river Zrmanja: a journey only a few will opt for, but it will reward you with unique landscapes that you won't be able to find in any other part of the Adriatic. This entire area is a true challenge for sailors who want to explore and discover new nooks and crannies, all the while sailing in well-sheltered seas. Its center is the city of Zadar, with its rich historical heritage, vibrant urban atmosphere and many modern attractions such as the Sea Organ and the most beautiful sunset on the Adriatic.
CROATIA Full of sailing
The most popular mooring point in the Zadar archipelago is a bay that forms its western border: the Pantera bay on Dugi Otok, the largest mooring point in the Adriatic. The 800-metre-long beautiful Sakarun beach is located on the southern side of Dugi Otok, and it has been named one of the 20 most beautiful beaches in the world. If you decide to spend some time in the four-mile-deep Telašćica bay, you will be able to enjoy a lake-like tranquillity, as well as an actual lake located between the cliffs on its south-eastern parts. Your sailing journey through the Zadar archipelago continues in the gorgeous north of Dugi Otok, visiting islands such as Rava, Iž, Zverinac and Sestrunj. The western part of the Zadar archipelago is located further in the high seas and comprises islands Olib, Silba,
Premuda, Škarda, Ist and Molat. Its dazzling sandy beaches make Olib one of the most beautiful islands in this area of the Adriatic. Premuda is another location popular among sailors, thanks to its pleasant mooring area on the southern side of the island. The isle of Molat is a little closer to the mainland, and it would be a shame not to visit Silba, boasting good mooring possibilities, gorgeous nature and excellent local food. The almost connected islands of Ugljan and Pašman (they are divided by a narrow passage called Ždrilac) are located south of Zadar. The city of Zadar is a must on any sailor's route, and it boasts the largest marina in the Adriatic, located in the nearby Sukošan, which is one of the most frequently used nautical points in the Adriatic, together with Biograd.
CROATIA Full of sailing
The isle of Mežanj is located on the southern side of Dugi Otok, and it hides the beautiful pebbled beach of Veli Žal, while the Golubinka cave is also located nearby (next to the Bribinjšica cove). Impressive cliffs mark the southern sides of this island, rising over a hundred metres tall and dropping steeply into the sea, adding a mystical touch to your sailing experience. If you are sailing in a smaller vessel, you will find an excellent port on the island of Vrgada. This small island, completely car-free, is the first stop on your route out of Biograd. It offers a peaceful and welcoming atmosphere, but sailors rarely stop to spend the night there. The more adventurous sailor might enjoy sailing through the Velebit channel, the narrow passage between the island of Vir and the mainland, as well as under the Pag bridge (if you the height of your mast allows it). Sandy beaches, complete isolation, and the possibility of sailing into the Zrmanja river canyon are a unique experience, only attempted by the bravest of sailors. If you continue sailing towards the town of Pag, you will be able to enjoy the beautiful wilderness, the surreal rocky capes hiding lovely empty beaches and coves, overlooked by the 1700-metre-tall cliffs of Velebit. The island of Pag is nowadays a popular destination for electronic music fans where they can party in Zrće, a beach famous for the fact that you can enjoy never-ending parties there all summer long, hosted by worldfamous musicians.
CROATIA Full of sailing
Nature and Historical Sites in Kvarner
The Paklenica National Park abounds in flora and fauna, as well as unique karst rocks and caverns. The Velika and Mala Paklenica canyons are particularly impressive
Zrmanja is a karstic river known for its rapids and waterfalls, while the view of its canyon leaves all visitors speechless
The Velebit nature park is famous for its biological diversity, karst phenomena, as well as cultural heritage in the form of sacral architecture and historical trails that bear witness to life on this austere but remarkably beautiful mountain
The Telašćica nature park is another natural gem of this area, and thanks to its location it is one of the largest and best-protected natural ports on the Adriatic, with a salt lake only a short walk from the bay
Remains of sunken Liburnian ships were discovered in the ancient port of Zaton near Zadar. The Liburnians were skilled sailors who applied a special ship-building technique of joining elements together by sewing. It is believed that the Romans adopted their ship-building techniques and named their rowing galleys after them
The church of St. Donatus, dating from the 9th century, is the symbol of Zadar and the most monumental Croatian building from the Early Middle Ages
Heritage and Culinary Delights of Kvarner
The Sea Organ, an architectural installation on the Zadar promenade, is a particularly impressive feature: it composes unique melodies with the help of waves
Nin, one of the oldest Adriatic towns, is home to Nin Saltworks, where salt has been produced in a traditional way for over 1,500 years
Pag lace is an intangible cultural heritage of Croatia, handmade by hard-working and skilful women from the town of Pag
Pag cheese is Croatia's most famous dairy product, manufactured according to traditional methods, from the milk of the autochthonous Pag sheep
Zrće is a pebbled beach located on the island of Pag, frequented in the summer by young people interested in partying
The maritime area around Biograd annually hosts over 40 national and international sailing regattas in all classes
Another gastronomical specialty of this area is the lamb, and visitors definitely must taste the Maraschino, a liqueur made from the famous maraschino cherries