The warm touch of light breeze and sun on your skin and the relaxing feeling as waves are rocking your boat. Could there be a better way to spend your time far from the noise and busyness of workdays? Stop daydreaming about your favorite summer pastimes. Choose the most suitable destination: the city of Zadar and the Adriatic Sea.
Location
Zadar is the Croatian name of Dalmatia’s capital. It’s on a neck of land on the Adriatic Seacoast next to a canal, sheltered by the sea through the islands of Ugljan and Pasman.
History
Zadar is an ancient city at the center of the Croat Adriatic coast, full of historical and cultural memories. The three-thousand-year-old city was often damaged, despoiled, and destroyed by the thunderous centuries of its dynamic history. These hardyachts, however, made it stronger, richer, and more beautiful. Zadar’s first appearance was in the 4th century. The Illyrian tribes of Liburnians called the city Jader, but it had several different names throughout history. After 59, Zadar became a Roman municipium, a colony of Roman residents. At these times they built the city’s characteristics: the road network, the main square, and a church next to it. In the 7th century, Zadar became the Byzantine center and capital of Dalmatia. The Croat settlement is estimated at the 10th century. Austrians occupied Zadar in 1797, whom the French followed. After a short period of French domination, Zadar was ruled by Austria until 1918. Then it belonged to Italy based on the Treaty of Rapallo. It became a part of Croatia only after World War II. Thanks to the independence of the Croat Republic and Serbian aggression, they attacked Zadar and its vicinity. The goal of Serbian residents was to occupy and destroy the city and its surroundings. The attack seriously injured Zadar and its cultural heritage.
Beaches
Zadar is a place of many cultural, historical, and modern sights. Thanks to the exciting programs, it’s indeed one of the best travel destinations in Croatia. You have many options for great beaches, either if you wish for peace and silence, or activity.
Saharun beach:
Saharun beach grants an excellent summer day for all generations. The famous Veli Rat lighthouse is also quite near. The beach is in one of the most picturesque gulfs, with crystal clear water and white sand. This 800 m long section of the shore shaded by pine trees is a perfect place for relaxation. When night comes, you can see the lights of the party on the other side. Start exploring, and sail to the northwestern side of Dugi Otok island. With a boat or ferry, it takes only a few hours to reach the island.
Ninska lagoon:
Not far from Zadar, near to the historical town of Nin, the Nin lagoon includes kilometers of sandy beaches and hidden gulfs. In the warm, shallow water you can try the traditional ball game called pikigin. Those who look for some sport can enjoy volleyball, badminton, and else. If you don’t mind getting dirty you can take a bath in the medicinal mud at Queen’s beach. Low sand dunes with Mt. Velebit in the background create gorgeous scenery.
Zaton beach:
Zaton is among the best beaches in Croatia. It has won Blue Flag rating, which certifies the quality of water, security, environmental management, and excellence of services. In the hot summer months, pine trees serve as sunshades over the sandy, pebbly beach surrounded by Mediterranean plants. This section of the amazing Adriatic shore meets every visitors’ expectations. If you’re adventurous, take a chance to ride the waves. Discover the area on the board of a yacht. Zaton beach is a perfect spot for spending a careless day only a few kilometers from Zadar.
Major sights
Zadar, a city with three thousand years long history, is a highly valuable cultural inheritance of its region. The beauty of the past with the convenience of modern travel offers several touristic sights in the heart of the Adriatic. One of the most popular destinations is the Guardian’s “new cool former capital”. The turbulent history of the city left many scars, along with a significant cultural heritage. Numerous churches and monuments remained from different eras. There’s a building, where you can view historical objects, and it’s open all year. The church of St. Donatus and St. Stephen are the most famous ones. Besides that, the walls, fortresses, and gates in Francis city are all worth visiting. And don’t forget about St. Grisogono and Grisogono Vovo palaces, as well as the palace of Providurovu Ducal. It’s also the place of the St. Anastasia cathedral’s base from the 20th century.
Weather
The Adriatic shore has the traits of a Mediterranean climate. The sun shines a lot. Summers are dry and hot, winters are mild and rainy. In September the usual amount of rain is about 160 mm in only a month. At the 11th of Septeber in 2017, 323 mm of rain fell in just 24 hours, which caused a flood in the city and its surroundings.
Yacht charter Zadar
Marina Zadar
You will find the town’s port in the central part of the shores of the Adriatic, in the centre of Zadar. They have 200 berths and 100 on-land facilities. They offer access to water, electricity, and they have shower cabins, laundry service, groceries and restaurants as well. The port – which has a Blue Flag certificate – also has a fuel station. Read about Zadar sailing
Marina Preko (Ugljan)
This marina, accommodating 95 boats, can also be found on the island of Ugljan, only 4.8 kilometres from Zadar. Only yachts with a maximum length of 20 metres are allowed. The depth of water is 2 metres. You can find a laundry, restaurants as well as a fuel station here.
D-Marin Dalmacija (Sukošan)
Croatia’s largest marina has 1200 sea berths and 300 land berths for ships. The marina can accommodate ships up to 40 m in length, and superyachts in transit up to 80 m. D-Marin Dalmacija is one of the best-equipped marinas in the Adriatic. There is a café, a bar, restaurants, a beach club, a maintenance and repair shop, and a grocery store on site. Also, there is a fuel station available. Information about sailing in Sukosan, or yachtcharter Sukosan
Marina Kornati (Biograd na Moru)
The marina of Biograd, which also has a Blue Flag certificate, can accommodate 705 boats with a length of up to 23 metres. The entrance is 40 metres wide, and the maximum depth is 6.5 metres. They have a 24-hour security service, boat maintenance and a fuel station. There is also a restaurant with a capacity of 370 guests.
Marina Veli Rat (Dugi Otok)
The idyllic marina is located in Panthera Bay, in the northern part of Dugi Otok. They can accommodate 200 boats, and they provide protection against the wind and flows. You can acquire services such as currency exchange, there is a small shop, and you can also rent a car or a bicycle.
ACI Marina Žut (Kornati)
The marina, located in the northeastern part of the Kornati archipelago, offers 120 berths for boats up to 40 metres long. They are open between April 1st and October 31st. In case the Bora is strong, it is recommended to anchor in the northern dock or use the mooring buoys. If the other strong wind, the Jugo is present, it is much more pleasant to anchor on the southern dock.
D-Marin Mandalina (Šibenik)
One of the biggest advantages of this beautiful marina is its convenient location. It is only a few km away from the historic centre of Šibenik. Moreover, it is protected against winds and waves. D-Marin Mandalina is awarded with five Golden Anchors and a Blue Flag Certification. It has 429 seas and 50 land berths. Of these, 79 are designed specifically for superyachts. This is the only port in Croatia that can accommodate superyachts up to 140 m. The depth of the seabed is 5, 5 m. Refuelling is among the quality services of the port.If you get hungry, there is a bar, a restaurant, and a grocery store on site. Information about sailing in Sibenik, or yachtcharter Sibenik. Find sailing routes in Croatia or choose another Croatia sailing charter.