Find out everything about sailing in Zadar: itineraries, ports, yacht rental options & other useful information. We are happy to help! Zadar is a perfect starting point for a sailing holiday rich in amazing experiences. If you choose to visit this Northern-Dalmatian town, you can expect unforgettable sights on the neighbouring islands as well. From this article, you can find out when it is worth sailing in Zadar, and we will also help you with useful tips for a seven-day sailing trip. Explore one of the most wonderful towns in Croatia!
This article gives you an overview of the following topics:
- Weather of Zadar
- Ports and islands around Zadar
- Sail in Zadar! Zadar sailing trips
- 1-week Zadar sailing tour
- 7 Days Zadar yacht itinerary (longer)
- Marine gas near Zadar, boat gas stations around Central-Dalmatia
Weather of Zadar
Visitors of the holiday resort can expect a pleasant Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. The average temperature is 14.1° Celsius, and there is only a little or no rain during the summer period. In July, the average temperature is 23.1° Celsius, and the lowest temperature in January is 5.9° Celsius. In the winters, the wind might be strong though – the Bora may cause some inconvenience. If you like swimming, you will love the fact that the temperature of the sea may even reach 25.6 °C in August. Check the sailing conditions and wind rose diagram of Zadar
Ports and islands around 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 services, groceries and restaurants as well. The port – which has a certificate – also has a fuel station. Read about boat rental in Zadar
Olive Island Marina (Ugljan)
Olive Island Marina is located on the north coast of the island of Ugljan, in the peaceful village of Sutomišćica. In 2014 the marina was awarded the best little marina in Croatia. It has 225 sea berths and 25 land berths for boats and yachts up to 24 m. At the breakwater, it can accommodate boats up to 50 m in length. There is a bar, a restaurant, a maintenance and repair shop, a pool and a private beach on site. Moreover, the marina is pet-friendly, so visitors can bring their dogs.
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. sailing in Sukosan, yacht charter Sukosan
Marina Kornati (Biograd na Moru)
The marina of Biograd, which also has a 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. sailing in Biograd na Moru, boat rental Biograd na Moru
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 five Golden Anchors and a 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. 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. Sibenik sailing, rent a boat Sibenik
Sail in Zadar! Zadar sailing trips
1-week Zadar sailing tour
We are leaving Zadar, and this is where we will return after visiting the wonderful resorts and islands in the area.
Day 1. Zadar (Marina Tankerkomerc) – Sukošan (Marina Dalmacija)
11.17 km (6.94 nm)
One of the most important sights to see in Sukošan is the church of St. Cassian, which only got its final shape in the 17th century. In the town’s bay, you can still see the wall remains of the building which used to serve as a summer residence of the archbishops of Zadar. The church was seriously damaged during the Ottoman-Venetian war, and the ruins were further devastated by earthquakes as well.
Today, there are only three wooden pillars left from the building. Those who are looking for entertainment should visit the event called “Nights of Sukosan”, attracting a lot of tourists in the summer. The town – famous for its hospitality – also has great restaurants offering specialties of Croatian cuisine. Read more about what to do in Sukosan, Sukosan sailing, or rent a boat in Sukosan
Day 2. Sukošan – Biograd na Moru (Marina Kornati – south)
17.68 km (10.99 nm)
Biograd is a fairly quiet destination ideal for families. If you prefer active recreation, you can visit one of the most modern tennis centres of the Adriatic’s here. You can also play handball, basketball, football, and mini-golf. Biograd has a Mediterranean boardwalk where you can admire the fishing boats anchoring every morning.
You can find a “semisubmarine” at the side of the port; it offers an insight into the mysteries of the underwater world. Read more about what to do in Biograd, Biograd sailing, or Biograd yacht charter
Day 3. Biograd na Moru – Kornati National Park
27.86 km (17.31 nm)
The Kornati National Park is among the most beautiful and most frequently visited national parks in Croatia, declared a nature reserve at the beginning of the 1980s. It got its name from its largest island, Kornat. It has a territory of 220 km², and it consists of app. 140 rocky islands that may remind us of whales. There are Illyrian castles and ruins of Roman villas on the archipelago. The park has strict guidelines; for instance, we can only anchor only in the designated areas (it is even forbidden at certain islands).
If you arrive on your own boat, you need to pay an entrance fee, the level of which depends on the dimensions of your vessel. The last opportunity to buy your pass is at the entrance of the national park.
Day 4. Kornati National Park – Sali (Dugi Otok)
10.32 km (6.41 nm)
Sali, located in the southeastern part of the island of Dugi Otok, has a long tradition of fishing. The largest olive-growing area of the island can also be found here – you can admire olive trees of hundreds of years old in the Saljsko Polje botanical reserve. One of the most interesting local sights is the parish church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and it is also worth paying a visit to the churches of St. Roch and St. Nicholas. You can go on a pleasant walk on the narrow streets and alleys of the old town.
The festival “Sali Cultural Summer” offers exhibitions, concerts and gastronomic specialties to the visitors. Another event called “Saljske užance” has a 50-year tradition. It begins with the “Fishermen’s Night” in August, then different sports contests follow, and the last event is the so-called donkey race.
Day 5. Sali – Brbinj
23.54 km (14.63 nm)
The town is bordered by the beautiful bays of Jaz and Lučina. One of the most protected ports in the area can be found here; the Bora is the only wind present. The most significant attraction in Brbinj is a collection of Glagolitic scripts which are the oldest written records of the region written in Croatian. Brbinjšćica Bay is located southwest of the town; there are giant cliffs and several caves here. We can still see the remains of the salt marshes and salt storage from the 12th century, and there are olive tree plantations in the centre of the village. Read more about what to do in Brbinj, Brbinj sailing, or rent a boat in Brbinj
Day 6. Brbinj – Nin (Seaport Ninski 2)
31.76 km (19.74 nm)
Thanks to its picturesque location, several monuments and the famous healing mud, Nin is a popular tourist attraction. Its most famous symbol is the St. Nicholas Church standing on the field of Prahulja; according to tradition, seven kings were crowned in this church. We can also find the Church of the Holy Cross here, which is the smallest cathedral in the world. Nin offers restaurants like the Branimir and Sentimenti konobas or the Peperoni pizzeria to its visitors.
Day 7. Nin – Sutomišćica (Olive Island Marina) – Zadar (Marina Tankerkomerc)
34.79 km (21.61 nm)
Sutomišćica is located on the eastern coast of the island of Ugljan, opposite Zadar. One of the most significant sights to see in the town is the Church of St. Euphemia, which was reconstructed in a Baroque style during the 17th century. The Baroque castle of the Lantana family is also a very interesting sight. The 238-metre-high Vela Glava lookout is located southwest of Sutomišćicá; it provides a wonderful view of the Kornati archipelago and the channel of Zadar.
After we return our ship, it is definitely worth exploring Zadar if we still have some time. There are must-see sights here such as the Church of St. Donatus and the Cathedral of St. Anastasia. The sea organ and the Monument to the Sun are two amazing works of art, and it is also worth visiting the People’s Square. If you are looking for a delicious meal, you should visit the restaurants 2Ribara and Pet Bunara.
7 Days Zadar yacht itinerary (longer)
Leaving from Zadar, we are now going to head towards the south to visit Šibenik; we can approach the town under the Tisno Bridge from the island of Murter. The bridge is open two times a day: 9:00 am to 9:30 am and 5 pm to 5:30 pm. Šibenik’s most famous monument is St. Jacob’s Cathedral, which is a World Heritage site. We are going to pass by Vis, located on the open Adriatic Sea; Žirje, which has a rich history, and the island of Kaprije, which can be found on the bay with the same name.
Day 1. Zadar (Marina Tankerkomerc) – Sukošan (Marina Dalmacija) 11.17 km (6.94 nm), Day 2. Sukošan – Murter (Marina Hramina) 35.21 km (21.88 nm), Day 3. Murter – Šibenik (Marina Mandalina) 32.40 km (20.13 nm), Day 4. Šibenik – Rogoznica (Marina Frapa) 33.69 km (20.93 nm), Day 5. Rogoznica – Vis (Marina Vis) 58.50 km (36.35 nm), Day 6. Vis – Žirje 92.14 km (57.25 nm), Day 7. Žirje – Kaprije – Zadar (Marina Tankerkomerc) 75.05 km (46.63 nm)
Marine gas near Zadar, boat gas stations around Central-Dalmatia
- ZADAR: Depth: 2.5 m, Working time: 7-22, GPS Coordinates: 44.119839, 15.226764
- SUKOŠAN: Depth: 6 m, Working time: 7-21, GPS Coordinates: 44.055107, 15.300838
- PREKO, UGLJAN: Depth: 2-2, 7 m, Working time: 6-22, GPS Coordinates: 44.080626, 15.188219
- NOVALJA, PAG: Depth: 1.5 m, Working time: 6-22, GPS Coordinates: 44.5568, 14.882164
- BIOGRAD NA MORU, Marina Šangulin: , VHF: 17, Depth: 1.5-4 m, GPS Coordinates: 43.940002, 15.444817
- BIOGRAD NA MORU, Marina Kornati: Depth: 2, 3-3, 3 m, Working time: 6-22, GPS Coordinates: 43.941732, 15.445418
- ZAGLAV, DUGI OTOK: Depth: 2 m, Working time: 0-24, GPS Coordinates: 43.948775, 15.143664
- MURTER: Depth: 2, 3-3, 3 m, Working time: 6-22, GPS Coordinates: 43.824445, 15.593815
- JEZERA, MURTER: Depth: 2.5 m, Working time: 8-20, GPS Coordinates: 43.785188, 15.643681
- TRIBUNJ: Depth: 3, 5-4 m, Working time: 6-21, GPS Coordinates: 43.753809, 15.747321
- VODICE: Depth: 3.3 m, Working time: 8-20, GPS Coordinates: 43.762718, 15.775681
- ŠIBENIK, Marina Mandalina: , VHF: 17, Depth: 5.5 m, GPS Coordinates: 43.71894, 15.900435
- PRIMOSTEN: Depth: 3-4, 5 m, Working time: 6-22, GPS Coordinates: 43.587926, 15.92353
- ROGOZNICA: Depth: 3.7 m, Working time: 8-20, GPS Coordinates: 43.529952, 15.963572
If you sail around Zadar, you can admire dozens of famous sights. There are several islands of different sizes in the area, and it is definitely worth paying a visit to the Kornati National Park. Rent a boat with us! The most wanted Zadar boat rentals:
yacht charter Zadar, sailboat rental Zadar, bareboat yacht charter Zadar, catamaran charter Zadar, motor yacht charter Zadar, Luxury yacht charter Zadar
Find more yacht charter Dalmatia, Dalmatia sailing routes
HELP ME TO CHOOSE THE PERFECT BOAT