Zadar Sailing Itinerary - 7 Day
Zadar - Far From The Madding Crowd - Croatia’s Hidden Treasure
Zadar Sailing Itinerary
With the Zadar Sailing Itinerary, travellers can enjoy the elegant ambience and intriguing history of Croatia’s best-kept secret. A little farther north than Dubrovnik and Split, Zadar's culture remains preserved and undiscovered by the masses.
With plenty of character, Zadar is sure to charm you. Here you can enjoy a blend of Roman ruins, Venetian architecture, alongside modern innovation. You can also see some of Croatia's best beaches, music festivals, and National Parks.
Our Guide To The Zadar Sailing Itinerary
Built in the 9th century, Zadar’s historic town center has been at the center of many civilizations. Part of the Roman, Byzantine, Venetian, and Austrian empires, Zadar has a unique identity as a result of this blend of cultures.
Today you can enjoy the plentiful history, in addition to the modern revival that Zadar has recently undergone. With restored museums and churches, new restaurants, cafes, and bars - Zadar has plenty of attractions to fill your days. In addition to the spectacular architecture, cuisine, and atmosphere, Zadar sits along the beautiful Dalmatian coast. Wander along Zadar’s waterfront promenade for some jaw-dropping ocean views, and if you’re lucky you can catch one a spectacular sunset.
- Getting There The best way to get to Zadar is by flying to the Zadar Airport, which is about 11 km outside the city. You can find flights daily to Zadar from the Europe, Australia and the United States. If you are unable to fly into Zadar directly, travelling through Zagreb or Pula is an easy option. From Zagreb and Pula, it is about a 40 to 45-minute flight. Another option would be to fly into Zagreb, Split, Dubrovnik, Rijeka, or Sibenik, and take a bus into Zadar. You can check out the timetables to and from Zadar online. To learn more about the best ways to reach Zadar, click here.
- Weather The best sailing weather for the Zadar Sailing Itinerary is during the peak season of May to September, with the average high in May being 19°C, and an average high in September of 22°C. August is the best for swimming and water temperatures will reach 25°C. Also, you will find the most sunshine hours in August - 13 hours of daylight!
- Mooring Our Zadar itinerary has plenty of mooring, with a good mix of both marina and free-swing anchorage options. For Vrgada, you will be able to find buoys for an overnight stay. While fewer amenities are available, you can stay here without any fees. In Sali, there is a well-equipped marina with more than 80 berths available. In Kornati and Skradin, the best option is ACI, a larger marina - it has excellent infrastructure and amenities. Daily mooring prices vary by berth and time of the week. You can book ahead and see price lists on the ACI website. In Skradin, if you’d like to avoid the mooring fees, you can free-swing at the anchorage in front of the marina. In Zlarin you can moor in the wharf, or find a buoy by the village and free-swing here as well.
Day by day
- Day 1
Day 1
Zadar → Vrgada
Vrgada
With beaches of golden sand, surrounded by pine trees, Vrgada is a natural beauty. When you come to visit this island you can experience “the Mediterranean as it once was.” Truly a trip back in time, Vrgada still greets tourists on a mule, part of a long-standing tradition. While you’re here relax and enjoy the island’s pace of life, where the nights are blessedly silent and the stars can illuminate the sky.
Recommended Restaurants and Activities:
Hakuna Matata Vrgada, Plaža Podbrizi, 23210, Vrgada, Croatia
Restoran Bracera Vrgada, 23210, Vrgada, Croatia
- Day 2
Day 2
Vrgada → Sali
Sali
Even as the largest village on the Island of Dugi Otok, Sali is still home to less than 2,000 residents. With a long history of agriculture and fishing, Sali has a classic Mediterranean feel. During your stay, you can admire the centuries-old olive groves that add a beautiful layer to Sali’s landscape.
Recommended Restaurants and Activities:
Spageritimo, Sali, Croatia
St. Mary’s Church, Sali, Croatia
- Day 3
Day 3
Sali → Kornati
Kornati
On Day 3, you will head to Kornati Islands National Park. Kornati is the perfect place to spend time in nature. The Kornati archipelago is made up of 140 islands and is home to a national park, which has been described as a “nautical paradise.” Here you can spend some time sailing through the outer side of the archipelago, where the wild open sea will provide some real fun for experienced sailors. Or if you’d prefer a more relaxing day, stay on the inside of the park, where you can drop anchor in a calm bay and soak up some sun.
It is important to note, that you will need a ticket to bring your yacht to this part of the islands. You can buy the ticket upon entering the park, or buy in advance at any of designated ticket sales locations. To find more information on where to buy tickets, click here.
Recommended Restaurants and Activities:
Swimming & Snorkelling on the outer edge of Kornati, Kornati Islands National Park
Konoba Zakan, 22243, Kornati, Croatia
- Day 4
Day 4
Kornati → Kornati
Kornati
Another beautiful day in the Kornati Islands! On your second day, spend some time admiring the local flora and fauna of the Kornati archipelago. In 1980, the Kornati Islands were given national park status because of the unique underwater ecosystem it is home to. The marine life features some interesting algae, coral, and sponges, that you won’t find anywhere else. On land you’ll find many wonderfully fragrant herbs, such as sage, feather grass, and xeranthemum. Around springtime, the air is aromatized by this foliage.
Recommended Restaurants and Activities:
Hiking on Kornati Island, Kornati, Croatia
Restoran Trabakul Kornati, Island Žut E 15 32/ N 43 86 Murter, Šibensko-Kninska, Croatia 22440
- Day 5
Day 5
Kornati → Skradin
Skradin
Another quaint Mediterranean village, Skradin delights with narrow streets, fascinating history and exquisite cuisine. With a history dating back to the Neolithic period, you can explore ancient ruins and medieval fortresses on this island. If you’d like to catch the most beautiful view of Skradin, seek out the Belvedere and the bridge located on autoroute A1 heading towards Split. This Belvedere was nominated for the “Most Beautiful Belvedere on European Auto Routes,” Golden Flower of Europe Award.
Recommended Restaurants and Activities:
Skradin Tower Clock, Square of Blessed Virgin, Skradin, Croatia
Bibich Winery, Zapadna Ulica 63, 22222, Plastovo, Croatia
- Day 6
Day 6
Skradin → Zlarin
Zlarin
Often called “the golden island,” Zlarin is best known for its natural beauty and unique tradition of harvesting coral. While you’re here, take time to explore the forests of pine, fig and cypress trees, the golden sand beaches, and stunning coves. And don’t forget to pick up some coral souvenirs from the local galleries and shops.
Recommended Restaurants and Activities:
Prslika Restaurant, Ruže put 19, 22232, Zlarin, Croatia
Museum of Corals, 22232, Zlarin, Croatia
- Day 7
Day 7
Zlarin → Zadar
Zadar
On the last day, it is time to return to Zadar to check out. Once you’ve delivered your charter to the marina, you can spend some time exploring. Dubbed Croatia’s “coolest city,” there’s plenty to see and do in this up and coming cosmopolitan centre. With a distinct blend of modern and antiquarian allure, Zadar pairs cool new attractions like the solar powered light floor “Monument to the Sun,” next to classic landmarks like the Land Gate, built in 1543 and once serving as the main entrance to Zadar.
Recommended Restaurants and Activities:
Sea Organ, 23000, Zadar, Croatia
Restaurant Groppo, Široka ul. 22, 23000, Zadar, Croatia
8. Indicative Yachts And Prices
Zadar Sailing Itinerary
*All prices are per boat, for one week. For more yacht options and exact prices, please contact us info@sailchecker.com
Bavaria 31 Cruiser: Prices from 720 €
Elan 354 Impression: Prices from 903 €
Dufour 380 Grand' Large: Prices from 1,114 €
Dufour 412 Grand Large: Prices from 1,200 €
Got A Burning Question About Zadar Sailing Itinerary?
Where Charters Went From Zadar
Charter TripsZadar, Sukošan and Biograd Departures
Top Stop: Hramina, 14% of tripsShow Trip DetailsHide Trip Details© OpenFreeMap © OpenMapTiles © OpenStreetMap
Hramina appeared on 14% of trips, Luka Sali on 13% and Uvala Lojena on 11%. Vrgada was the most common first night, while Hramina led last nights at 7%. The furthest straight-line point from base was 20 to 40 nm on 48% of trips, with 23% staying under 20 nm.
Past trips from Zadar, Sukošan and Biograd can help you weigh up where to sail.
Where trips from Zadar, Sukošan and Biograd went
- 1 Hramina 14
- 2 Luka Sali 13
- 3 Uvala Lojena 11
- 4 ACI Žut 10
- 5 Uvala Raduča Mala 10
- 6 Vrgada* 9
- 7 Uvala Sakarun* 9
- 8 Veli Iž 9
- 9 Triluke* 8
- 10 Uvala Mir* 7
* Marked places have limited evidence. Their figures may change as more trips are recorded.
2026 season to 8 October (not finished).
Destination Groups
Furthest From Base
The furthest point reached on each trip, measured in a straight line from base in nautical miles. This is not the distance sailed.
First Night Stops
- Vrgada
- Triluke
- Uvala Skrača
Last Night Stops
- Hramina
- ACI Žut
- Triluke
Boats at sea broadcast their position through AIS, a ship-tracking system. We combine the overnight stops of many charter boats based in Zadar, Sukošan and Biograd, so the figures describe the whole area and never one boat. Distances are measured in a straight line from base.
Aggregated AIS ship-tracking data for the sailing area. No individual boat is shown, and these patterns do not predict future routes.
Your Zadar sailing itinerary can be compared here with overnight stays recorded on past charter round trips from Zadar, Sukošan and Biograd. The map combines records from yachts transmitting AIS during the summer season so far, which is still running. It helps put possible yacht charter stops in context when you are deciding where to spend your nights away from base.
Mark the overnight places that appeal to you, then look at the sailing needed to connect them and return to base. Compare the busier parts of the Zadar map with quieter areas. Our itinerary above gives you a route to work from, and we can help find a boat for your plans.
52 charter yachts tracked by AIS made 410 round trips in the unfinished 2026 season to 8 October, bringing together overnight stops from Zadar, Sukošan and Biograd departures. This shows past trips, not a forecast, and only includes yachts transmitting AIS.
Other Croatia routes
Croatia Dubrovnik
The Pearl of the Adriatic — Elafiti Islands, Mljet National Park, Korčula, and limestone walls glowing at sunset.
Croatia Split — South Dalmatian Route
Hvar, Vis, Korčula, and the most-photographed islands in the Mediterranean. The classic week-long route.
Croatia Split — North Dalmatian Route
Kornati National Park, the quieter sister to the south — 89 uninhabited islets and the sailing of crystal lagoons.
Croatia Northern Adriatic
Istrian peninsula, Pula's Roman arena, truffle hunting in Motovun, and Venetian fishing villages.
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