Novalja sailing itineraries
Explore the fabulous Kvarner Bay!

Find out everything about sailing in Novalja: itineraries, ports, yacht rental options & other useful information. We are happy to help! The Kvarner Bay incorporates numerous unique and awe-inspiring islands with amazing natural beauties. Owing to the indented feature of the bay there are about 200 islands and bays in the vicinity of Zadar. It is a sheer adventure to drive your yacht among the huge cliffs and explore the untouched areas.

This article gives you an overview of the following topics:

• Weather in Novalja
• Marinas and ports around Novalja
• Sail in Novalja! Novalja sailing itineraries
• Sailing in Novalja: A week sailing tour on the best islands of the Kvarner Bay
• 7days Novalja sailing itinerary towards Istria (longer)
• Marine gas around Novalja, boat gas stations around Kvarner bay

Weather in Novalja

Novalja previously served as a haven for boatmen on stormy and windy days. Due to its geographical location, they waited in the marina protected from the winds until the weather turned better. As a matter of fact, the best time to sail the Adriatic is from the beginning of April to the middle of October although the calmest period is in June. The average sea temperature is above 21 C.Check the sailing conditions and wind rose diagram of Novalja

Marinas and ports around Novalja

Marina Novalja (Pag)

The Marina Novalja is located in the northern part of the island of Pag in the Adriatic Sea. The depth of the water in the largest marina of this wondrous tourist centre is 5 m with 100 berths for yachts with a length of up to 20 m. There are countless touristic and leisure activities with an amazing view and many seashore restaurants nearby. boat rental Pag, sailing in Novalja

Marina Mali Losinj

The port can be found on the western shores of Losinj. The bay is protected from northern and eastern winds. There are 80 berths here for transit boats with a length of up to 18 metres. This part of Kvarner Bay is very busy during the main summer season, so it’s a good idea to book tickets in advance just to be sure. They provide water and electricity, and there are many local restaurants and bars offering a wonderful view of the bay. Yacht charter Mali Losinj.

Marina Veli Rat

The Marina Veli Rat is on the North-West side of the Dugi Otok Island by Croatia. It lies about 30 km from Zadar, the Dalmatian capital city. There are 207 berths in the calm marina for yachts with a length of 20 m, the maximum depth is 3.5 m. Although it is a small town the marina is quite modern and clean. You can use free Wi-Fi, clean and modern bathrooms and showers. Moreover, you can book a table in nice bars and restaurants nearby.

Sali Marina

Sali Marina lies on the southeastern part of the Dugi Otok Island, in about 20 km from Zadar. There are 90 berths, all supplied with electricity and water. The maximum length of the yachts is 70 m, the depth of the water is 4 m. Regarding facilities, you can find bathrooms and showers here and emergency services, dentist and post office in the town.

Port of Zadar

The city of Zadar is situated by the Croatian seashore on a larger headland. It is both the capital city of Dalmatia and an important port. There are 300 wet and 200 dry berths in its large port. The maximum draught is 12 m and the top length of yachts can be 50 m. Due to its location, it is an excellent starting-off point for sailing. You can also easily access other nearby islands from here.

ACI Marina Rab

The marina lies on the North of Rab Island. The ACI Marina provides modern and high-quality services in Rab. There is a gas station close to the marina. If your yacht needs repairing or maintenance or you need to purchase any necessary equipment, you can all do these here in one place. There are 142 wet berths. The maximum draught is 5 m and the top length of yachts can be 20 m. There are free Wi-Fi, bathrooms and showers. In the neighbourhood, pleasant restaurants and cafés attract hungry visitors.

Port of Rijeka

During the Austrian-Hungarian Monarchy, it was Hungary’s after it became Croatia’s largest port. Any type of watercraft and cargo are allowed to enter the port. Today it also plays a significant role in the Far East and Middle European markets. The number of available berths is 58 plus 2 oil ports. Of course, it is fully-equipped with diverse services; not to mention its outstanding safety.

Port of Rabac

It lies in a natural bay at the foot of Labin on the Eastern shore of Istria. The Port of Rabac is armed by a 450-metre natural coastal wall that protects it from the northern and eastern winds, unfortunately from the southern winds not. A new shore has just opened in the port and they are constantly improving the infrastructure. Furthermore, the electricity and the water-supply system have also been renewed. Rabac sailing, boat rental Rabac

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 with a length of up to 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.

Sail in Novalja! Novalja sailing itineraries

Sailing in Novalja: A week sailing tour on the best islands of the Kvarner Bay

Day 1. Novalja – Mali Losinj

34, 78 km (21, 61 nm)

The island of Losinj is located on the western side of Kvarner Bay, directly under the island of Cres. The island is long and narrow with a coastline of 112 kilometres. It is a real holiday paradise. The main income of the locals is tourism. The island has breathtaking flora that was planted by sailors arriving from all over the world. There are over 1, 000 plants here; 230 herbs and 80 exotic ones. If you would like to admire the blooming landscape, March and May are the ideal months for visiting. You must definitely try scuba-diving here! Thanks to its geographical characteristics, the sea is protected very well. You can also find the clearest waters on the entire Adriatic here. We might get to see 20-25 metres far in the water.

This is the reason why the place is a great favourite among dolphins and provides a home for around 100 types of fish. They have been organising the Dolphin Day every year since 1993. There is also a dolphin reservation at the bay of Veli Losinj. We can even adopt one if we want to support the centre. Another interesting sight is the underwater historic park. The main establishment on the island is Mali Losinj, which is an Adriatic town built on the most populated island. We can see spectacular renovated manors from the era of the Monarch and breathtaking luxury yachts here. Read more about what to do in Mali Losinj or Mali Losinj sailing. boat rental in Mali Losinj.

Day 2. Mali Losinj – Veli Rat (Dugi Otok)

62, 95 km (39, 12 nm)

Dugi Otok is, actually, the largest island of the Zadar and the northernmost point of Dalmatia. The island has 12 main settlements. All welcome their visitors with various programmes, traditional music and food festivals. Veli Rat lies on the northernmost edge of the island in the Čuna Bay. The parish church of St. Anthony, one of its most popular sites, was erected in the 14th century. Nevertheless, the most famous point is the Punta Bjanka lighthouse that is not just the largest one on the island but in the whole Adriatic. Its height is 42 m, whereas the light range is 40 km. Based on a legend the building reaching up to the sky was painted with 100, 000 eggs.

Next to the lighthouse, there are two cosy beaches. The Saint Michael Church named after the patron saint of sailors also stands on the court. The Sakarun coastline is on the South from Veli Rat. This is a wide fabulous shore that is regarded as the most beautiful one in the Adriatic. It is an amazing sandy shore that deepens very slowly. Many sailing boats and luxurious yachts sway in the water, about 2 km from the shore.

Day 3.Veli Rat – Sali (Dugi Otok)

43, 42 km (26, 98 nm)

Sali is on the southeastern part of Dugi Otok, approximately 20 km from Zadar. This is, by the way, the island’s economic and cultural centre. The main tourist sights of the town are the gothic St. Mary’s Church, St. Roch Church on the main square and St. Michael Church in the port. Nevertheless, the main attraction of the town is the Telašćica Nature park. This unique natural wonder lies southwest from Sali. The protected park has a rich flora and three other main attractions. First, the Telašćica Bay is the largest and most secure in the whole Adriatic. It hides 25 smaller bays and 5 smaller islands too. The second is the huge mountain range by the bay; its highest point is 160 m.

The third is the salt lake Mir that is surrounded by curative mud on the southeast. Although the fauna of the lake is not too rich due to its high salt content.

Day 4. Sali – Zadar

23, 90 km (14, 85 nm)

Zadar is Dalmatia’s wonderful and pleasant historic capital city. The first Croatian university was actually built here in 1396. The sightseeing tour starts by the City Gate. This is a Renaissance gate; next to it, you can see the ruins of the town’s old wall. Going through the gate we arrive at the famous Forum of Zadar. This is the Adriatic’s most beautifully excavated Roman main square. Here we can admire the ruins of the old marble columns, the base of the former Roman public buildings and the original pavement. The Church of Saint Donatus is home to classical music concerts every summer. Another amazing building is the Cathedral of St. Anastasia. It is, by the way, Dalmatia’s largest cathedral. You can have a magnificent view of the whole vicinity from its 56-metre high bell tower.

After leaving the old town the miracles do not disappear. The Sea Organ and Sun Salutation architectural art objects are a must. The Sea Organ is a staircase that plays music by 35 pipes located underneath the water. Just sit down for a moment, listen to the wonderful symphony of the sea and enjoy the breath-taking sunset painting the whole promenade gold. The Sun Salutation consists of a 22-meter diameter circle, with photovoltaic solar modules underneath. The monument collecting the energy of the Sun provides a spectacular light show with 10, 000 lights. So the best time to watch it is around 10 pm. It has a wonderful atmosphere, indeed. Of course, the list of programs and sites are endless in Zadar, definitely visit as many as you can!

Day 5. Zadar – Pag

62, 79 km (39, 02 nm)

Pag lies in the Adriatic Sea, in the middle of the Pag island, on the southeast part of the Pag Bay. As a matter of fact, it is one of Croatia’s most barren islands with unique natural values. If we happen to sail from Zadar among winding coastlines an awe-inspiring landscape awaits us. The whole coastline is surrounded by huge mountains. The island’s native animal, the sheep, can be seen in many meadows. Similar to other Croatian towns, Pag has a rich and action-packed history. The main attractions are a piece of the old castle wall and the northern bastion called Skrivanat. In the past 9 such bastions armed the castle. Unfortunately, this is the only one which remained. St. Mary’s Church is also famous in the old town. Its peculiarity derives from its 15th-century style and the famous lace motives of Pag.

Although the town’s real luring power lies in gastronomy. The cheese made from the local sheep’s milk is world-famous. There is high salt content here that the plants also absorb, so sheep consume them with pleasure. As a consequence, the sheep cheese has a special salty flavour and fairly delicious. Not to mention the local wine and olive oil. The beaches around the town are rather pebbly although a bit far away you can find sandy ones as well.

Day 6. Pag – Rab

48, 17 km (29, 93 nm)

The wonderful town of Rab lies on a small peninsula, in the middle of Rab Island. Nowadays it is the island’s touristic and cultural centre. History lovers can accidentally fall into love with it since its history dates back to 360 BC. The most spectacular suites are the four high Roman bell towers. Moreover, there are numerous Gothic and Renaissance churches and palaces. The most famous one is the 13th-century old Church of Holy Maria. A museum holds exhibitions within the cathedral. Anywhere we walk in the town, we can take a glimpse of brick buildings and Mediterranean-style streets. The ruins of the old fortress, for instance, are worth a visit. After walking in the town, head towards Komrcar Park. The park stretching along the northern part of the town is one of the most beautiful parks here.

In summer Rab is usually crammed with tourists. We can visit the famous Medieval St. Christophe Festival. This is a tournament dedicated to the patron saint of Rab. But there are other ones held as well. There are also music, folk and art exhibitions. We should check the actual programmes before departing.

Day 7. Rab – Lun – Novalja

8.24 km (5.12 nm)

Lun is the northernmost village of the Pag Island. It is a popular stop on the Rab-Novalja route. The village with its 400 inhabitants welcomes tourists with excellent services and delicious meals. Therefore, you can try fine sheep cheese, olive oil and wines. The world’s largest wild olive tree collection can be seen in the Olive Garden of Lun. Allegedly there is a tree which is 2, 000 years old.

At the end of our cruise do not miss out the nightlife of Novalja. The main attraction of this town does not lie in the exploration of the history and the Roman heritage. The summer festivals are quite similar to the ones in Ibiza. In addition, you can have a party on the Zrce beach on the South from sunrise to sunset. This is a perfect end to a perfect cruise. Read more about what to do in Novalja

7 days Novalja sailing itinerary towards Istria (longer)

Day 1. Novalja – Rab 26, 41 km (16, 41 nm), Day 2. Rab – Krk 38, 64 km (24, 01 nm), Day 3. Krk – Rijeka 43, 85 km (27, 25 nm), Day 4. Rijeka – Rabac 36, 36 km (22, 59 nm), Day 5. Rabac – Pula 65, 13 km (40, 47 nm), Day 6. Pula – Mali Losinj 72, 26 km (44, 90 nm), Day 7. Mali Losinj – Ilovik – Novalja 14, 76 km (9, 17 nm) – 29, 07 km (18, 06 nm)

More Kvarner bay sailing itineraries

Marine gas around Novalja boat gas stations around Kvarner bay

• NOVALJA: Depth: 2 m, Working time: 0-24, GPS Coordinates: 43.948775, 15.143664
• ZAGLAV: Depth: 2, 5m, Working time: 6-22, GPS Coordinates: 45.227658, 13.589683
• PREKO: Depth: 2-2, 7 m, Working time: 6-22, GPS Coordinates: 44.080626, 15.188219
• ZADAR: Depth: 2, 5 m, Working time: 6-24, GPS Coordinates: 44.119839, 15.226764
• 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
• MALI LOSINJ: Depth: 7 m, Working time: 6-24, GPS Coordinates: 44.531932, 14.46868
• ACI Marina CRES: , VHF: 17, Depth: 5 m, Working time: 6-22, GPS Coordinates: 44.947991, 14.416325
• KRK: Depth: 2, 2 – 3, 5 m, Working time: 6-22, GPS Coordinates: 45.025306, 14.575191
• RAB: Depth: 2, 5 m, Working time: 0-24, GPS Coordinates: 44.75828, 14.762634

If your next destination is the Adriatic Sea, do not miss out Novalja. Cosy beaches, hot parties and interesting supernatural energy are waiting you. You won’t deceive, for sure! Find more Kvarner bay sailing destinations.