Are you planning a sailing trip in Kvarner bay? We help with itineraries, ports, yacht rental options & other useful information. The coast of the Adriatic Sea ranging from the western point of the Istrian peninsula to the southernmost point of Dalmatia hides many miracles of nature due to its specific location. This beauty with a thousand faces is a favourite destination for lovers of the sea. The 54 marinas offer you the safest mooring and protection. As they are located proportionally, they are only a few hours from each other, and they lie in a wonderful Mediterranean environment and a direct neighbourhood of towns full of historical and cultural values. It can also be attractive that you can meet sailors from all around the world here. This is a destination you should not miss if you are a sailor who wants versatility and adventures.
The main points of the article are the following:
- Sailing season, winds and weather
- Ports and islands of Kvarner bay
- Sail in Kvarner-bay! Kvarner-bay sailing tours:
- Kvarner-bay sailing: A week route proposal for Kvarner bay
- Sailing in Kvarner bay: 14 days sailing plan
- 1 week Pag sailing tour
Sailing season, winds and weather
The sailing season of the Adriatic Sea lasts from April to October. During the hot days of August, you often have calm periods with no wind, but the coastal wind (burin) may ease the heat in the evening and the sea wind (mistral) during the day. There are three kinds of major winds on the Adriatic Sea.
Bora arrives from north-northeast and it is of Arctic origin. It is a cold and immediately strong wind coming from the Dinaric Alps with a speed of min. 30 knots. Yugo is a warm southern wind originally from Africa that gets stronger for several days and finally sweeps along the whole Adriatic region making great waves. The longer it lasts, the stronger it becomes. Mistral originates from the Atlantic Ocean and blows from the northwest on the Adriatic Sea with an average speed of 15-25 knots. Check the sailing conditions and wind rose diagram of Kvarner bay
Tips for sailing
Locals say that a Yugo is always followed by a bora and it lasts half the period of the Yugo before it. Both Yugo and bora can create great waves in the wide Kvarner Bay. However, when you plan a one-week journey, you can easily plan it to catch the wind always in the right direction. Kvarner region is touched by weather fronts still in June and already in September. You can have thunderstorms and refreshing showers more often in those months, than in more southern regions of Croatia. The high mountains surrounding the bay will hold the Cyclones back. Bora is more frequent in Kvarner Bay than mistral.
Geographical features
The Adriatic Sea is one of the calmest and cleanest seas of the Mediterranean with a pleasant climate. It is the favourite of sailors who prefer weaker winds. The coast is a karst region, the most broken shoreline of the world. There is a wide range of islands, reefs, and bays. There are plenty of mooring opportunities, which makes it possible to do longer and shorter routes, thus offering a safe sailing area also for beginners. Even in case of a spontaneous route change they can choose from countless mooring spots.
Kvarner Bay is Croatia’s largest internal sea with a 40-mile wide sea surface. Its islands are the most beautiful in the Adriatic region. Compared to other regions the distances between islands are smaller and you have more sandy beaches too.
Ports and islands of Kvarner Bay
Without aiming to be perfect, here are some islands of the region of the bay that we think you shouldn’t miss.
Unije island
Unije is an external island of the Kvarner region, a silent village without cars and tourists with reasonably priced restaurants. You can bind your yacht to the pier or get moored in the wide bay. The coast is covered by fine sand. It is only suitable for daytime swimming because it is completely open from the west and north. But if you are caught by a bora or Yugo, you can find temporary shelter there. The Great and Small Srakane Islands lie under Unije.
Mali Losinj island
Losinj Island is 15 miles long. The largest town of Losinj Mali Losinj can be found in the bay that you find about in the middle of it. You can moor your boat at the piers starting from the main square or in Losinj Marina, which is at the Losinj bridge. It is open twice a day, at 9 am and 6 pm, but you must count on the channel’s stream when you pass through. The pleasant inner city is only a 15-minute walk from the port. You can see middle-class villas on the coast and colourful houses on the hill.
You get a beautiful view towards Rab and Pag islands and the Dinaric Alps from the top of the town. Mooring is forbidden on the northern edge of the Losinj Bay and in neighbouring Cikat Bay, in other bays you are free to do so. Artaturi Bay and the dents of the island’s southwestern end are popular bays.
The light of a red lateral buoy will lead you into the fjord-like Bay of Veli Losinj after darkness, while its separately standing church tower will guide you during the daytime. This small town has a picturesque view. The houses at the little bay show various colours. On small islands like this, you can have ice cream during the day in the shadow of a park with the noise of cicadas. The 100m high Susak sand island is a geological miracle. It is covered by freshwater reed. You can walk from its tiny port (or ride on a mule) to the huge lighthouse on top of the island. This is one of the highest elevated lighthouses in Croatia. The sandy beaches and shallow waters of the island are suitable for mooring and swimming during the day.
Marina Mali Losinj
This marina is located on the West of Losinj island. The bay is protected by the North and East winds. 80 transit ships have free space here in total with a maximum length of 18 metres. If you want to rent a berth, book it well in advance because this part of the Kvarner bay is quite popular in the summer season. There are water and electricity supply and many local restaurants and bars nearby with astonishing views of the bay. Mali Losinj sailing, yacht charter Mali Losinj
Two beautiful islands around Mali Losinj
Ilovik is the island of flowers because the main road of the village and the road leading to the cistern and well are all decorated with flowers. It is separated from Losinj by a half-mile wide channel. The Saint Peter ruins fortress covered by palm trees is very spectacular. You have a baker, shops, and romantic restaurants, but no crowd. Premuda is a small island with 50 residents in the winter and 350 in the summer. It is bordered by reefs in the west and you can also sleep on the set of buoys. The islands of the reefs are excellent for swimming, snorkelling, and scuba diving. There is also a restaurant on the coast and the top of the hill.
Pag island
Pag island’s major town Pag is only accessible through the infamous Velebit channel that can be hit by boras in four months of the year. On the western side of Pag, only Novalja is suitable for mooring. You have a party life in Novalja, it is a favourite place of young people. Those who love scuba diving could find the peak of Pag interesting. The delicious Pag cheese can perhaps not only be enjoyed on Pag, but roast lamb may be the best on this island.
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 tourist and leisure activities with an amazing view and many seashore restaurants nearby. boat rental Pag, sailing in Novalja
Rab island
The capital of Rab island is more beautiful from the sea than when you arrive from the mainland. But this yacht port will fill up soon. You must arrive on time or reserve a place on the Internet. The rubble stone walls from the Middle Ages, the multi-ranged pedestrian streets, the renaissance bell towers, wide squares and parks of the peninsula are all amazing. From four towers you can climb into two to admire the fantastic view. The silent port Supetarska Draga in the north of Rab and the sandy beach of Lopar are both worth mentioning.
Port of Lopar
Lopar is located on the northern tip of the island of Rab. The port is small, but it has the essential equipment you might need. The port is protected from winds. The depth of the seabed is 5 metres, the maximum length is 60 metres.
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.
Krk island
Krk Island and its capital share the same name. You can moor in the heart of the town and eventually walk among its walls dating back to the Middle Ages and in cool alleys. In Punat Bay, you also find a port with a shower and toilet for the night. You can take a taxi to Krk town from the marina. If you take a water taxi, you can visit Kosljun Island in the middle of the bay. You can visit a special collection in the monastery that is almost a thousand years old. The town of Baska in the southeastern Bay of Krk is a holiday resort with palm trees and an excellent beach. If you have no bora, you can sail under Krk bridge (1.5 km long, internal heights: 54m and 67m) that connects the island with the mainland. sailboat charter Krk, catamaran charter Krk, boat rental Krk
Marina Punat
Nearly 50 years ago a port developed from the local heritage of boat manufacturing. It was the first port on the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea. First, it could only host 10 boats along a short pier. However, today it’s a modern yachting centre and a port for more than 1200 boats. Marina Punat was the first Croatian port that achieve a blue flag rating for its high-quality service and preserved the natural environment. It has won the award every year since 1998. Marina Punat has 850 places for boats on the sea and 500 on the coast.
The port offers a wide variety of boats for sailors, with reparation and rental opportunities and culinary specialities. It has earned several important awards. For example, it won the title of the best port in Croatia multiple times, and the recognition of the Croatian Chamber of Commerce in 2014. Punat sailing
Opatija
Opatija is Croatia’s Riviera. Mediterranean plants, palm, lavender and laurel parks, posh aristocratic villas. The town was built on a hill, which gives you a nice view, but if you don’t like climbing up, you can also opt for the long beach promenade Lungomare. The neighbouring Volosko is also worth visiting. If you moor in Medveja bay, you can water slide from the beach.
Marina Admiral of Opatija
The Marina Admiral on the North of the Adriatic Sea is one of the best starting points for an unforgettable sailing tour. The Marina Admiral is, actually, a part of the Admiral hotel complex; therefore, all equipment and facilities of the hotel are available for boatmen. There are 160 berths in the marina with a maximum length of 20 m and 40 dry docks. Smaller yachts should go to the Abbazia Port. The hotel received four anchors which by this means is a five-star hotel. Every berth has its own electricity and water supply. Other services are healthcare, 24-hour surveillance and safety, rent a warehouse, welcome service, ecological waste management, and laundry. The marina is also accessible to handicapped people. Opatija sailing, yacht charter Opatija
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.
Cres island
Cres is the largest island of the Adriatic Sea (just like Krk), but its coastline is less broken. You can moor on the external pier of the main square of Cres’s capital Cres which has many colourful houses. The town of Osor is an artistic place with artists who paint in the streets. They also have music festivals in July and August. The bridge of Osor connects the islands of Cres and Losinj. The bridge is opened at 9 am and 5 pm every day. You can cut your journey through this bridge when you discover the islands.
Sail in Kvarner-bay! Kvarner-bay sailing tours
Kvarner-bay sailing: A week route suggestion from Opatija
Day 1. Opatija – Rijeka
10.24 km (6.36 nm)
Rijeka lies on the coast of the Kvarner Bay on the East from Rabac. This is Croatia’s third-biggest city. It is not a well-known destination for tourists; therefore, this is a perfect place for a summer holiday. The town’s heart is the Corso which is a long and wide promenade. During your stroll here you can marvel at the fascinating Baroque buildings, exclusive restaurants and the buzzing nightlife. There are Neoclassical palaces and theatres too. It resembles a Central European city that is full of boutiques and coffee shops. Another interesting program is when you go to the central market. The Fish Hall is another marvellous Art Nouveau building. The farmers always sell fresh products to the customers. If you want to go to the beach, choose the Blue beaches, Ploce or Kostanj.
Day 2. Rijeka – Cres
50.73 km (31.52 nm)
It’s a long-spreading mountainous geographical formation. The coast is very indented here with many hidden gulfs and pebbly beaches. It has several diving centres, and you can rent a jet-ski or go skydiving as well. The main sight of Lubenice is the Blue Cave. You can swim in wonderland from the seaside.
Day 3. Cres – Unije
44.54 km (27.68 nm)
The largest inhabited island around Mali Losinj is a world of silence, calmness, and sunlight. Unije is known for the Vnetak lighthouse. It’s worth renting diving equipment since the water is very clean in the gulfs. You’ll find a huge, long pebbly beach on the island, which is the most known section.
Day 4. Unije – Mali Losinj
24.40 km (15.16 nm)
Explore astonishing wonders of nature in the Gulf of Kvarner. Lovers of the sea and sailing can engage in their passion in a safe environment. Meanwhile, wherever you land you can enjoy the Mediterranean atmosphere and vegetation, gastronomy, historical towns, and cultural treasures.
Day 5. Mali Losinj – Susak
14.78 km (9.18 nm)
The island only has one small village, Susak. Here you’ll find a beautiful smooth sandy shore just like all over the island. Since Susak is a sand island, the wine here has a completely different flavour compared to the ones raised in stony soil. Islanders speak their own dialect, which other Croats might not understand. They also wear a unique traditional costume at the time of festivities. Many don’t even know about the existence of the island, so don’t miss the discovery of this hidden gem!
Day.6 Susak – Rab
66.71 km (41.45 nm)
Many call it the most beautiful island in the Gulf of Kvarner. It’s full of picturesque gulfs and gorgeous beaches. Try diving near the Cape of Sorinj, where you can view the cargo of a sunk ancient amfore boat. Enjoy the charming, rich greenery and pine forests of the island. You can meet deer and muflons as well. Several small islands are near to Rab such as the Golits and Grgur. It’s a huge experience to discover them.
Day 7. Rab – the island of Krk – Opatija
66.55 km (41.35 nm)
Krk is the second-largest settlement on the island. It has a charming view with little houses built closely together. It’s a Mecca for lovers of water sports and sailors. They usually explore other sights of Krk island from here.
More Opatija sailing itineraries
Sailing in Kvarner bay: 14 days sailing plan
Day 1. Punat – Lopar (Rab)23.59 km (14.66 nm), Day 2. Lopar – Opatija (Pag island) 42.52 km (26.42 nm), Day 3. Novalja – Susak 47.25 km (29.36 nm) Day 4. Susak – Mali Losinj 14.33 km (8.90 nm), Day 5. Mali Losinj – Unije 25.68 km (15.96 nm), Day 6. Unije – Pula 50.72 km (31.51 nm), Day 7. Pula – Medulin 27.90 km (17.34 nm), Day 8. Medulin – Rabac 41.84 km (26.00 nm), Day 9. Rabac – Opatija 33.26 km (20.66 nm), Day 10. Opatija – Rijeka 10.25 km (6.37 nm), Day 11. Rijeka – Crikvenica 29.77 km (18.50 nm), Day 12. Crikvenica – Senj 26.64 km (16.55 nm), Day 13. Senj – Baska 12.09 km (7.51 nm), Day 14. Baska – Island of Rab – Punat 38.29 km (23.79 nm).
More Punat sailing itineraries
1-week Pag sailing tour
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)
Kvarner Bay is not only perfect for sailing from a nautical perspective but its islands and towns offer an amazing view from the sea. It is a great adventure to discover them all from the sea. Opatija is an excellent choice if you want to admire nature’s beauties, but also feel safe near the coast and relax by enjoying the wonderful dishes of Croatian cuisine. Stop every day in a fishermen’s village in a hidden bay or on a tiny uninhabited island to discover hidden gems of the region.
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