Croatia by boat: sailing along Istria to discover the treasures of Kvarner aboard a magnificent Kufner
Among the verified reasons that Italians must declare at customs to enter Croatia, tourist purposes are also included.
A good reason to set your boat free next summer (Covid permitting) and sail along the endless Dalmatian coast: over 5,800 kilometers of coastline, including islands, to explore by yacht or sailboat, perhaps aboard a Kufner 54 or a Kufner 50, models produced by the Croatian shipyard Kufner Yachts that are designed as charter boats but fully position themselves in the cruiser market.
We suggest a very scenic route in northern Dalmatia, among fishing villages and solitary bays, starting from Trieste and circumnavigating the Istrian peninsula, continuing into the Gulf of Kvarner to discover the northern Croatian archipelago. All this in one week, covering no less than 200 miles round trip and taking it easy.
It’s undeniable that the eastern Adriatic coast, particularly the part that belongs to Croatia, is the most intriguing from a naturalistic perspective, as it is highly indented and rich with paradise-like coves that rival any maritime views in the rest of the Mediterranean.
Moreover, Istria is dotted with truly characteristic port cities like Poreč and Rovinj, which offer year-round cultural events and nightlife, as well as must-try seafood cuisine. And for those interested in shopping, souvenir shops and artisanal craft stores abound along the waterfront and in the narrow streets of their respective historic centers.
Both in Poreč and Rovinj (which are less than 10 miles apart), you can dock at the berths reserved for passing boats, giving yourself the opportunity to go ashore and visit these two lively and welcoming locations.
After passing the southernmost tip of Istria, traveling about 80 miles from Rovinj, we turn east and enter the large Gulf of Kvarner, characterized by fairly strong currents in the part most exposed to the Adriatic, which tend to dissipate as we approach the inner archipelago, where a true floating paradise begins: Croatia seen from a sailboat will provide you with unforgettable emotions.
The first beautiful islands to welcome us are Unije and Cres, whose white cliffs dropping straight into the sea contrast with the deep blue waters.
We moor in Maracol Bay, protected from the wind and therefore very popular with sailboats. Don’t worry though, there’s room for everyone and the sunset spectacle is guaranteed. If you want to land and relax on the beach instead, stop at Susak, 40 miles from Cres. Susak is an island made entirely of sand, making it look like an atoll.
A must-visit, while staying “in the area,” is Losinj, a colorful village with a small harbor where you can stop for lunch or dinner.
For those who want to push further south before heading back to Trieste, we recommend anchoring in front of the islands of Premuda (25 miles from Susak), Ist, Silba, Olib and Ilovic, ideal for snorkeling enthusiasts, thanks to their seabeds rich in marine species.
The terrestrial flora is equally impressive, particularly on the island of Ilovic, where imposing and lush palm trees dominate the landscape.
Dalmatia has the privilege of having the largest archipelago in the Adriatic, and what we have proposed is just one of the many tours you can take by boat, including sailing towards the famous and picturesque Old Dubrovnik or Molunat, the southernmost maritime location, bordering Montenegro.
So, next summer, set sail and knock on Croatia’s doors by sailboat, preferably aboard a Kufner: you have good reasons to do so.
The editorial staff of Marina Porto Antico informs that boaters intending to reach Croatian coasts must pay a tourist tax online.
