Itinerary Zadar 1
Zadar – Molat – Sakarun / Veli Rat – Kornat – Žut / Pašman – Sali - Iž – Zadar
Day 1
Zadar - Molat Island
When you arrive at the marina in Zadar, you can either spend the night there or sail to Molat at Lucina Bay. The distance from Zadar to the island of Molat is about 18NM. Molat is an island in the northern part of the Croatian Adriatic Sea. The island is known for its untouched nature and secluded beaches. It is a popular destination for sailing, boating, swimming, diving and fishing. The most famous beach is in Jazi Bay which can be reached in a few minutes on foot from the port of Molat through the pine forests. Molat’s local library has thousands of books and is a rarity worth visiting.
There are a few small villages on the island, usually uninhabited in winter. There are some accommodations, such as apartments or modest campsites and one or two restaurants. The island's main attraction is its natural beauty and tranquility, the perfect place to escape from the busy and touristy areas of the mainland. Check out Restaurant Škrila, Restaurant Papa, and Konoba Vrtlac for an excellent selection of local food.
Day 2
Molat Island - Sakarun/ Veli Rat
A swim stop in Pantera Bay is recommended, when sailing from Molat to Sakarun Bay on Dugi Otok, the following day. Sakarun is 12NM from Molat. It is the most popular anchorage on the northwest of Dugi Otok. North of Pantera Bay, in shallow waters, lies the famous ‘Michele’, the wreck of an Italian merchant ship. Anchor your charter boat and take a break near Vele Lagne Island for a snorkel amidst the sunken ship. Remember to mount your GoPro to capture the underwater scenery.
Visit the Veli Rat Lighthouse on the west coast of the island. It is one of Croatia's largest and most beautiful lighthouses. The 42 meter-tall building was erected in 1849, making it the oldest in Croatia.
Sakarun Beach is a sandy paradise, one of the most famous beaches in Croatia. The island is located near Veli Rat and Bo'ava on the northwest coast of Dugi Otok. You can reach the Sakarun Beach on foot from the marina. The beach is nearly 800m long, and at 250m from the shore, it is 3.5m deep. White sand and clean sea give this beach its prominence. During the summer, pine trees shade the beach. Cave Strašna Peć and Telašćica Nature Park are the other attractions, you can find on this coast.
The bay offers sufficient protection from Bura and Tramuntana. However, it is unprotected when the Jugo blows, so it is best to leave early. Konoba Braska is a quiet place with a beautiful view. Galeb Restaurant offers a wide choice of pizzas and fast-food options on Sakarun Beach.
Day 3
Sakarun / Veli Rat - Kornati Islands
After breakfast and a swim, you will leave beautiful Sakarun and sail along the outer coast of Dugi Otok. The trip from Dugi Otok to Kornati Island is relatively long. The distance can be between 28 and 35NM. About 7 km from Sakarun, in the middle of the island of Dugi Otok, is the Brbišćica Bay. Nearby is the remarkable sea cave of Golubinka. Drop an anchor in the water, next to the cave, in front of the bay, and explore it by kayak or swim, if you are an expert. Consider visiting the cave accompanied by a guide.
Cruise slowly and admire the beautiful scenery. Enjoy the spectacular cliffs of the Telaščica National Park at the southern tip of the island. Avoid mooring on the island's west side of the national park area, as it is prohibited. On the eastern side of the island sits the renowned Salt Lake Mir with its medicinal properties. Swim in these extraordinary waters to rejuvenate your senses.
Kornati Island is the largest among the 89 islands that make up Kornati National Park. The islands in this archipelago are known for their desertic appearance and peculiar stone walls that are noticeable from the sea. The walls dividing the pastures of cattle ranchers and olive farmers were built without mortar, by hand. The vegetation has vanished due to intensive grazing over hundreds of years. Nevertheless, the Kornati Islands have a diverse range of life on land and underwater.
The largest town on the Kornati Islands is Vrulje. The family tavern Ante is the oldest, there. Treat your tastebuds with exquisite Mediterranean seafood in the restaurants. Kravljaica, Strižnja and Modri Bok are some of the bays which are available for mooring. In the beautiful bay of Kravljaica, several buoys are set near Andrija Restaurant. Quattro is another excellent restaurant in the Strižnja Bay.
Day 4
Kornati Islands (Vrulje) - Žut (ACI Marina)
The sailing path you choose will determine how long your cruise will last. Sail from Vrulje for 12 to 24NM to the island of Žut or 14 to 24NM to Pašman. The longest and less strenuous route goes south past Opatska Vrata (between Rt Opat and the Isle of Vela Smokvica). Naturally, you can also take a shorter route that heads north and bypasses the Mala Proversa Strait. Please note that, this is a small area with many shoals and boats and strong winds in this area create unpleasant currents.
Žut is an uninhabited island in the Croatian part of the Adriatic Sea in central Dalmatia. It is the 28th largest island in Croatia and the second largest island in the Kornati archipelago, after Kornat. Although most of the archipelago comprises 89 islands, islets and rocks, the island of Žut is not in the Kornati National Park. It is located between the island of Pašman, on one side, which is connected to the mainland by a ferryboat, in the direction of Ugljan, and the island of Kornat on the other. This island is covered with olives, figs and vine but over the years, various fishermen and shepherds, olive producers and fig pickers, from the island of Murter, occasionally, stayed, there. Konoba Opat is a restaurant incorporated into the natural environment. Konoba Piccolo is a famous steak house and Konoba Žakan is a must visit for all sailors.
For a longer cruise, consider taking a short break in Landin Bay in Pašman and anchoring in the marina for the night. The island of Pašman is known for its beautiful bays and good moorings. Moor there, on a buoy, in Landin Bay, if you consider ACI Marina Žut expensive. The bay has two excellent restaurants; the family tavern Sidro and the slightly larger and more costly tavern Gajeta. Customers receive a complimentary mooring buoy. The bay is protected from all directions except from the strong Juga.
Day 5
Žut / Pašman – Sali
The distance from Žut to Sali depends on the sailing route opted for. However, in general, the distance is between 70-80NM. Alternatively, if you decide to take the direct route via the Strait of Mala Proversa, you will save 12NM from Vrulje to Sali. It is about 28NM from Vrulje, if you sail via Opatske Vrata. Consider keeping your itinerary flexible, to suit your preferences at the time of your trip.
The town of Marina Sali is scenic and well-guarded. It is located on the island of Dugi Otok. There are several facilities such as a medical and dental clinics, a post office, an ATM and a harbor branch that manages the yacht and boat moorings. Historically, Sali has a strong fishing tradition dating back to the 10th century. The 700 year old olive groves surrounding the village testify to the long agricultural activity.
The Sali Promenade and the Marina Sali are among the best locations in the village, to watch a beautiful sunset with the yachts and sailboats floating on the sea. Many of the restaurants in Sali have terraces with sea views, so you can enjoy a meal or a drink while watching the sunset. It also has a rich cultural heritage and various historical churches and chapels, including the Church of Our Lady of Health and the Chapel of St. Roko.
Although Sali is a small town, it has a lively nightlife with several bars, nightclubs and live music venues. Konoba Toni serves Mediterranean cuisine with an emphasis on seafood. Spageritimo Restaurant, Konoba Krsovica and Garoful Cookhouse are other suggestions for a satisfying meal. Many of Sali's restaurants are small, family-run businesses with less of an online presence. Talk to locals for recommendations, or walk around town to find a kanoba that suits your tastes and budget.
Day 6
Sali - Iž
The distance to the island of Iž is about 15NM from Pašman or Žut. Ugljan Island, which is opposite to Iž Island, is the next alternative stop. Ugljan, the 'green' island, is famous for its lush vegetation. There are two marinas, Preko and Olive Island, in Sutomiščica Bay, as well as several beautiful bays. It is a short sail from Sali to Iž.
Iž is a small village known for its beautiful beaches and clear waters, making it a popular place for sailors. It is a quiet and peaceful place with a few restaurants and cafés. St. Nikola is a popular pebble beach with transparent waters, perfect for swimming, snorkeling and sunbathing.
This modest island of Iž is an excellent destination for sailors. It is the perfect place to spend a day away from the hustle and bustle of the capital. Visitors can also explore the island on foot, as there are a number of hiking trails that track through nature and offer relaxing views of the sea. There is also a small church on the island that is worth a trip.
Day 7
Iž - Zadar
Finally, the journey ends where it began. The sailing distance between Iž and Zadar is about 15-25NM, depending on the route. On the way to Zadar, you can make a swimming stop on the island of Ugljan or visit Sestrunj and/or Rivanj.
One of the most visited locations in this region is the city of Zadar. It is a city in the northern part of Croatia, known for its rich cultural heritage and historical landmarks. It is an archipelago with many islands worth visiting. The best time to visit Zadar is the summer. It is the place where you can watch the most magical sunsets in the world. The region is also known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters and picturesque islands, which makes it a perfect destination for sailors.
Popular attractions in Zadar include the Sea Organ, a unique musical instrument that uses the waves of the sea to create music. Be enchanted by this relaxing sound in this remarkable location. The Roman Forum in Zadar is the largest one on the eastern Adriatic Coast, and one of the best preserved in the world. The beautiful St. Anastasia Cathedral is a great example of romanesque architecture and the largest church in Dalmatia. The city walls of Zadar from the 9th century offer a great view of the city and the sea. To better understand Zadar, you should visit the Archeological Museum Zadar. It houses a collection of artifacts from the Roman and Medieval periods, including ceramics, glassware and jewelry.
Families with children, novice sailors and fans of historical and geographical sites will all find something to appreciate here, in Zadar. We are sure that after spending a week in this yachting paradise, you'll want to return.