Sailing in Istria. Istria sailing itineraries

Find out everything about sailing in Istria: itineraries, ports, yacht rental options & other useful information. We are happy to help! Istria is located on the northern Croatian shores between the Kvarner Bay and Triest. The borderline shared by Croatia and Slovenia can be found on the peninsula. Istria is one of the most interesting and beautiful areas on the Croatian waters. You can see ancient towns, romantic fishing villages and uninhabited bays here. Nature is mostly unspoiled, and it is really diverse as well. For further information read our article if you are planning sailing in Istria. Moreover, you will get some tips on how to make a sailing itinerary.

This article gives you an overview of the following topics:

• Climate of Istria
• Cities in Istria
• The best ports around Istria
• Sail in Istria! Istria sailing itineraries:
• Sailing in Istria: one-week-long sailing trip
• 7 days Istria sailing plan from Pula
• Marine gas, boat gas stations around Istria

Climate of Istria

Istria is amongst the most beautiful and interesting places to discover in Croatia. It has a more pleasant, moderate Mediterranean climate than southern regions. There are areas with green forests and beaches here. The average temperature in the summer rises up to 23–28 °C, which warms the seawater to a nice 24 °C. The peninsula can be divided into two parts: inner Istria and the parts on the seaside. The main sailing season lasts from July to August, but visitors of the peninsula can enjoy several opportunities on the beautiful coastline from spring – the Easter period – to October. Thanks to the pleasant winds that are constantly present from spring to autumn, the weather required for sailing is a guarantee during the day. Check the sailing conditions and wind rose diagram of Istria.

Cities in Istria

Umag

Leaving from the northern part of the peninsula, from the direction of the Slovenian border, the first town we encounter is Umag. The city of Umag offers countless sights to visit and many recreational opportunities, both to those looking for entertainment and the ones who would prefer exploring the historic past. The old city is enchanting. We can find many smaller squares and narrow alleys, as well as Gothic and Renaissance buildings. The remains of the old castle wall can be seen in many places. Other interesting sights in the old city include the towers located in the southern and western ends. There is a marina for yachts with 475 moorings; its length is 40 metres, while the depth of the water is 4 metres.

Porec

Porec located barely 24 kilometres from Umag. It is a picturesque town on the beach, most famous for its old fishing port. Once we are here, we should visit the old city of Porec, which can be found on a tiny peninsula. The city has several marinas.

Rovinj

Going further south, after leaving Vrsar we should spend a night in one of the most beautiful Adriatic towns, Rovinj. Rovinj is an authentic, old-fashioned romantic town with narrow streets and marvellous tiny squares. We can admire many crooked alleys, small squares and old houses in the old city. The architecture of Rovinj is rich in houses and small buildings that were built-in a Venetian style.

Vrsar

Vrsar can be found between Rovinj and Porec, and it is a particularly special little town. The old city was established
in a unique way, on a special spot. It was built on top of a hill, and later it started to expand downwards, in the direction of the port. There are further 18 tiny islands directly opposite the city of Vrsar, which are wonderful places to visit by boat.

Pula

The next port city is Pula, the mecca of sailors. We can find monuments from the Roman and Venetian times, such as the Forum and the Fort. The most famous sight is the giant amphitheatre. During the summer, they organise concerts, theatre productions and film festivals here.

The best ports around Istria

ACI Marina Pula

The port of Pula had a significant role in the life of the town as early as in ancient times. It is located in a giant natural bay. They have 200 berths for mega yachts as long as 40 metres. It is perfectly equipped. They have laundry, ATM and currency exchange. There is also a petrol station nearby, and we can rent a car, too. At night, there is a wonderful view of the sea and the wonderfully illuminated dockyard. sailing in Pula, boat rental Pula

ACI Marina Pomer

The port of Pomer can be found in Medulin Bay. They can accept more than 300 yachts. It is a modern port with free Wi-Fi. There is a fine spacious restaurant on the beach. The port offers everything that sailors may need. There is even a storehouse where they can keep their equipment such as bicycles or surfboards. Medulin sailing, rent a boat Medulin

Marina Veruda

This is one of the best bays when it comes to docking. It has been awarded the 15 times. There is always a buzzing life in this newly established port in the summer. The water here is about 4 metres deep, and they have 630 berths for ships up to 40 metres long. They have a wide variety of services. There is even a sailor shop here, as well as bars, pubs and a market. They also offer medical and technical services.

Marina Nautica port of Novigrad

There are berths for 365 boats overall with a maximum length of 50 metres. The port in Novigrad is world-class, and there is also a 4-star hotel here where we can require maintenance for our boat and charge our batteries in the form of relaxing wellness. rent a boat Novigrad

Marina Porec

The Istrian Peninsula is a perfect starting point from where we can explore the colourful, buzzing towns located along the shores of the Adriatic Sea. Besides the opportunity to walk around the former fishing villages in Croatia, you can also easily get to the wonderful Italian cities. The port of Porec is located in a well-protected bay directly next to the centre. It can accommodate up to 120 boats with a draft of 3.5 metres. Porec sailing, boat rental Porec

ACI Marina Umag

Small towns deserve huge ports – the depth of water here is around 5 metres, and they offer app. 480 berths for ships of all sizes. They can even accept 40-meter-long mega yachts. The port is clean, the staff is friendly and the restaurant is excellent. There is also free Wi-Fi, a charging station and a currency exchanger. rent a boat Umag It is near the centre of Umag. A few minutes from the port there is a railway offering sightseeing tours. It is a wonderful milieu, stranded from the noisy city. rent a boat Umag

Marina of Vrsar

Vrsar is located in a bay perfectly protected by the surrounding islands. It is among the ports in the best condition on the northern shores of Istria. The port, which has 14-metre-deep waters, can accept 200 boats with a length of up to 40 metres. rent a boat Vrsar rent a boat Vrsar

ACI Marina Rovinj

It is a modern and cosy port with a wonderful view. Thanks to a 20-million-euro investment, it is among the largest ports in Croatia. Everything is clean and in very good condition. They have excellent healthcare services. The port is divided into two parts. One of them is reserved for transit vessels, and the other was established for yachts stationing there during the whole year. 416 ships with a maximum length of 50 metres are allowed altogether. Rovinj sailing, yacht charter Rovinj

Marina Porec

The Istrian Peninsula is a perfect starting point from where we can explore the colourful, buzzing towns located along the shores of the Adriatic Sea. Besides the opportunity to walk around the former fishing villages in Croatia, you can also easily get to the wonderful Italian cities. The port of Porec is located in a well-protected bay directly next to the centre. It can accommodate up to 120 boats with a draft of 3.5 metres. Porec sailing, boat rental Porec

Vento di Venezia

There are of course many ports in Venice. Depending on what you need, you will definitely find the right one for you. Vento di Venezia – Venezia Certosa Marina – is a great choice. It is perfectly equipped and has a wonderful atmosphere. The water at this rustic port is 7 metres deep, and they accept 300 ships up to 60 metres long. It is perfect for tourists, as it can be easily accessed from St Mark’s Squareboat rental Venice Italy

Sail in Istria! Istria sailing itineraries:

Sailing in Istria: one-week-long sailing trip

There are wonderful cities around Istria, offering not only sandy and pebbly beaches but breathtaking historical memories as well. These islands have everything you can imagine, from hidden spots accessible only by yachts to local sights and beautiful shore segments.

Day 1. Umag – Vrsar

33, 52 km (20, 83 nm)
Unlike in other towns, they started the building on the hill instead of the port. The main sight there, on the main square, is the Church of Saint Anthony. It is special as you can see Porec and even Rovinj from here in nice weather. There are dozens of tiny islands near the town.

Day 2. Vrsar – Lim Fjord – Rovinj

29, 08 km (18, 07 nm)
On the road towards the wonderful town of Rovinj, the first sight you may see is Lim Fjord. It can be found the app. 13 kilometres from Rovinj. You can even dock here for a while and go on a nice walk in the beautiful nature. Towards the centre of the channel along the beach, you will find the Jama Piratov bar. You can dive deep into the beauty of the unspoiled nature: there are beautiful forests, mountains and hills to be admired during the trip.
Rovinj is a romantic city with an Italian atmosphere; a cosy and beautiful town built on a cliff. The narrow labyrinth-like streets, alleys, squares and coastal rocks are all enchanting. The port is surrounded by palm trees. We can see a view of the whole city from the hill. We can spend the night in the local marina. Read more about what to do in Rovinj

Day 3. Rovinj – Pula

31, 09 km (19, 32 nm)
The old city is cosy and beautiful. Besides tourism, winery, fishing and yacht building have a long tradition here. It offers many sights to visit and events as well. The city also has a fizzy nightlife. marina. Read more about what to do in Pula or Pula sailing. rent a boat in Pula

Day 4. Pula – Rabac

65, 47 km (40, 68 nm)
Rabac is the of the most popular tourist destinations in Istria. It can be found in a picturesque bay surrounded by pines and oil trees. Its beaches are particularly beautiful, with white pebbles and rocky segments. It is a family resort in the first place. We can spend the night in the local marina. Read more about what to do in Rabac or Rabac sailing. boat rental in Rabac

Day 5. Rabac – Cres

24, 55 km (15, 25 nm)
There are several divided shores, hidden bays and pebbly beaches here. Cres has many scuba diving centres, and we can go jet-skiing or parachuting. An interesting site in Lubenice is the Blue Cave. We can swim in this wonderworld from the beach.

Day 6. Cres – Medulin

46, 22 km (28, 72 nm)
Medulin is located in the western neighbourhood of Pula, at the end of an enormous closed bay. Medulin is mainly famous for its sandy beach. The local beach Bijeca is slowly deepening, so families with small babies often visit. We can spend the night in the local marina. Read more about what to do in Medulin or Medulin sailing. Medulin sailing, rent a boat Medulin” href=”https://boattheglobe.com/destinations/yacht-charter-mediterranean/rent-a-boat-croatia/istria/medulin#rent-a-boat-1″ rel=”noopener noreferrer”>boat rental in Medulin

Day 7. Medulin – Porec – Umag

90, 92 km (56, 49 nm)
Porec is the city with the largest number of beaches in Croatia. We can choose from 22 beaches in a nearly 10 kilometre-long shore segment. Porec is a unique town, as the old city itself is located on a tiny peninsula.

When returning to Umag, it is definitely worth spending a few hours exploring the old city. The country’s most western city is known by the name “The Croatian Gate to Europe”. It is located on a slim peninsula embracing a small bay. The city is a haven of wellness resorts. The rich history of Umag is represented by the crooked streets, Venetian palaces and the old city walls. The city has a small pebble and rocky beaches

Istria sailing itinerary from Rovinj (longer)

Day 1. Rovinj – Umag 43.17 km (26.82 nm), Day 2. Umag – Triest 34.24 km (21.28 nm), Day 3. Triest – Lignano Sabbiadoro 50.09 km (31.12 nm), Day 4. Lignano Sabbiadoro – Venice 71.98 km (44.73 nm), Day 5. Venice – Chioggia 24.97 km (15.52 nm), Day 6. Chioggia – Pula 129.03 km (80.18 nm), Day 7. Pula – Brijuni National Park – Rovinj 6.97 km (4.33 nm) – 21.08 km (13.10 nm)

More Rovinj sailing itineraries

7 days Istria sailing itinerary

Day 1. Medulin – Rabac 45.59 km (28.33 nm) , Day 2. Rabac – Fiume 37.04 km (23.02 nm) , Day 3. Fiume – Omisalj 14.99 km (9.31 nm), Day 4. Omisalj – Krk 38.47 km (23.90 nm), Day 5. Krk – Lopar 24.39 km (15.15 nm), Day 6. Lopar – Ilovik 47.98 km (29.82 nm), Day 7. Ilovik – Susak – Medulin 19.77 km (12.28 nm) – 46.19 km (28.70 nm)

7 days Istria sailing plan from Pula

Day 1. Pula – Medulin 32.41 km (20.14 nm), Day 2. Medulin – Unije 33.34 km (20.72 nm), Day 3. Unije- Vele Srakane 11.65 km (7.24 nm), Day 4. Vele Srakane – Martinscica 27.22 km (16.91 nm), Day 5. Martinscica – Cres 27.05 km (16.81 nm), Day 6. Cres – Rabac 24, 28 km (15, 09 nm), Day 7. Rabac – Trget – Pula 90.16 km (56.02 nm)
More Pula sailing itineraries or Croatia sailing tours.

Marine gas, boat gas stations around Istria

Croatia

• UMAG: Depth: 3m, Working time: 6-22, GPS Coordinates: 45.440123, 13.518894
• NOVIGRAD: Depth: 4.5 m, Working time: 01.10.-31.03.: 7-21; 01.04.-30.09.: 0-24, GPS Coordinates: 45.317846, 13.560966
• POREC: Depth: 2.5m, Working time: 6-22, GPS Coordinates: 45.227658, 13.589683
• ROVINJ: Depth: 7 m, Working time: 6-22, GPS Coordinates: 45.079886, 13.636453
• ACI Marina PULA: VHF: 17, GPS Coordinates: 44.872863, 13.845137
• PULA – Marina Veruda: Depth: 2.5 m, Working time: 6-22, GPS Coordinates: 44.8749, 13.84651
• MARINA DI SANT’ELENA: Depth: 6 m, Working time: All year round Berths: 150, GPS Coordinates: 44.8749, 13.84651
• CRES: Depth: 5 m, Working time: 6-22, GPS Coordinates: 44.947991, 14.417269
• MALI LOSINJ: Depth: 7 m, Working time: 6-24, GPS Coordinates: 44.531932, 14.46868

Italy

• MARINA DEL CAVALLINO: Depth: 3-6 m, Working time: 0-24, Berths: 400, GPS Coordinates:45.4843674, 12.5816574,
• PORTO BARRICATA: Depth: 2-3 m, Working time:8:30-18, GPS Coordinates: 44.847704431019594, 12.463708417445675,
• MARINA DI LIO GRANDO: Depth: 1.5 – 5 m, Working time:0-23:30, GPS Coordinates:45.450481481140855, 12.42957559286725
• MARINA DI CORTELLAZZO: Depth: 3 – 6 m, Working time: Monday: 10:00–12:30, Tuesday: closed, Wednesday-Saturday: 10:00–12:30 & 14:30–17:00, Sunday: closed, GPS Coordinates:45.53710115110771, 12.721850171074832
• CHIOGGIA: Depth: 2-4 m, Working time: Monday-Friday: 8:00–12:30 & 14:30–18:00, Saturday: 8-12, Sunday: closed GPS Coordinates: 45.21897382383504, 12.275168694299717
• MARINA 4: Depth: 3.5 m, Working time: Monday: closed, Tuesday – Friday: 9:00–12:00 & 14:30–18:30, Saturday – Sunday: 9:00–12:00 & 15:00–18:30 GPS Coordinates:45.5911407, 12.8540821

Regardless of when you sail these waters during the period between spring to autumn, you will definitely remember the charm of the Istrian peninsula. This northern region serves as a perfect starting point for exploring the southern areas.The most popular Istria boat rentals: catamaran charter Pula, sailboat charter Pula, motor yacht charter Pula, bareboat yacht charter Pula, rent a boat Medulin , yacht charter Rovinj

Find more Istria sailing routes,boat rental Istria

Istria

Istria is a peninsula of the Adriatic Sea, which belongs to Croatia and it is [...]