Chartering in Croatia

[kingfisher]

I'm currently based in Zagreb untill the end of April. I'm planning a few days of sailing by mid may.

1) Where to go.
I have a car, but my girlfriend is flying in from Brussels. So option 1 is that she flies in to Zagreb and that we drive to the coast. Rijeka?
Option 2 is that we fly elsewhere, Split or Zadar for instance.

2) Based on the location, what are some of the suggested itinaries? The sailing trip would be about 4 days

3) Any charter companies recommeded? Preferably local.

 

[Metabarca]

Rijeka has the advantage of being closest to you, but it will take you a bit to get to anywhere interesting. Plus no charter there that I know of. I would suggest two options: drive to Punat on Krk and charter there, visiting the eastern and southern side of Cres and the southern end of Krk, both wild and very beautiful, or drive to Cres on Cres (!) and charter there. Actually, option one is probably better as you're not stuck with catching a ferry; Krk has a bridge. From either location, you could comfortably reach Ilovik which has good moorings in the channel and is a nice other-worldly place with a few restaurants. Likewise Susak, the only sandy island in the region, which produces some pretty good wine.
Another option would be to drive down to Zara and charter there; you'd be close to the Kornati islands, but there are no facilities. Don't think Zadar has an airport though, but it's a pleasant town.
Click below for charter options and PM me for more info, if required. When are you planning on going? Don't forget the bora!

 

[gwennols]

zadar does have an airport along with split
was in punat last week all the charter companys were working hard to get their boats ready. the lads really seem to take pride in their work.

 

[MapisM]

I agree with the recommendations from Metabarca.
In addition, if you don't mind driving further, you could arrange to pick up your girlfriend in Split (the airport is near Trogir, a very nice village). There should be a few direct flight from Brussels - but not daily, I guess.
The main advantage is that the southern Croatian islands are really beautiful imho.
The possibility to swim in the underwater cave of Bisevo (just a couple of miles SW of Vis) is already worth the trip.
Can't recommend any charter company, though - never used any.
Fair winds!

 

[Metabarca]

Vis is indeed a beautiful island, and has a strong British link too as it was used as a base during the Napoleonic wars (and in WW2). There are still a couple of British forts there. The only drawback is that it's that little bit further out and if the wind is wrong, it's a long slog back against the weather.
Trogir is well worth a visit too, as is the island of Mljet.
In general terms, the islands further south are 'softer' and greener but there are fewer little bays in which to anchor in isolated splendour, those further north are wilder, more windswept and offer few amenities.