Must see's on Croatia north of Split

[truscott]

We enjoyed our time in Croatia last year and are headed back in 2019 with the intention of leaving the boat in Trieste. Given our previous visit, we are keen to focus on the "Must See's" Northwards of Split (which was our turnaround point last year). We also prefer to anchor out as much as possible. Your thoughts and opinions are eagerly solicited.

Cheers PT.

 

[KellysEye]

Kornati islands most are uninhabited.

 

[AndrewB]

We spent much of 2016 cruising northern Croatia, and think that it is very under-rated. Go outside of August, when it is swamped with Italian holiday-makers.

As you are coming from Trieste I'll list places from north to south.

There are some very pretty and historic villages on the Istrian peninsula, which has a strong Italian influence. It is famed for its beaches (some nudist). I specially liked Piran (Slovenia), very picturesque with Venetian architecture; Porec with its ancient basilica; Vrsar, spectacular view from the ancient church steeple; Rovinj, walled old town; Pula, with a well-preserved Roman amphitheatre.

There are anchorages around the peninsula but the above are rather more conveniently visited from their town marina. Prices are a little lower than in the big marinas of southern Croatia.

South of Istria you soon reach an archipelego of islands which stretches 100 miles down the coast nearly as far as Split. Excellent cruising ground with plenty of anchorages, and again very pretty, though not perhaps quite as interesting as the better known islands in the south.

Three other absolute must-sees for a yacht north of Split: the former Italian city of Zadar; the national park of the strange Kornati islands (though there is a charge for sailing into this area); the Sibenik River with the Krka Falls.

 

[RupertW]

Although it’s West rather than south of Trogir one of my favourite anchorages is 90 minutes away - Krknajse on Drvrnik Veli - perfect first night and an isolated restaurant ashore.

Going north Primosten is a beautiful little town on a hill and vast space to anchor on the South side or take a mooring bouy closer in. North of that there are so many islands and bays that you are spoilt for choice but a lot more are full of mooring bouys than South of Split. Some favourites are Kakan, almost any bay on West side of Murter and Sveti Petra.
Harbours in Istria are scenic but a long way up.

The jewel in the crown for me though is the enclosed bay on the Southeastern corner of Pag. But a dogleg and only for totally calm conditions. It’s pefectly sheltered and you could ride out a storm there but it’s mouth opens to the Velebit channel which can turn an exhaled breath into a gale.

The best guide by far is Adriatic anchorages which gives a human and visual feel to the lifeless 777

 

[truscott]

Thanks everyone for the feedback. We are actually sailing up from Greece so will be returning via most of the places we visited last year but it's the parts North of Split that we are keen on, so your recommendations are much appreciated. We plan to haul out in Trieste and leave the boat there for the winter.

Cheers PT.

 

[RupertW]

Thanks everyone for the feedback. We are actually sailing up from Greece so will be returning via most of the places we visited last year but it's the parts North of Split that we are keen on, so your recommendations are much appreciated. We plan to haul out in Trieste and leave the boat there for the winter.

Cheers PT.

If you haven't popped across to Venice then I find it a real highlight of the Northern bit - marina and city break to change the pace of the trip for two or three days.

 

[RichardS]

Susak is worth a visit if you like real sand on your beaches. It's the only Croatian island made from sandstone but it's a bit out of the way.

Rab is certainly worth a visit. It's a mini Trogir but with an excellent 1 mile long anchorage just outside the city.

Medulin is a great anchorage and totally sheltered and only walking distance from the town and restaurants. "Salt and Pepper" on the road into down is great. You can catch a bus from Medulin to Pula if you want to visit the amphitheatre which is better than the one in Rome.

Primosten is excellent but busy. Restaurant Mediterran is one of the best in Croatia but not cheap, obviously.

Kornatis are interesting but expensive.

Skradin and Krka Falls are a must see.

Richard

 

[andrejv]

In addition to the already mentioned places I can suggest a visit to Zrmanja river and Obrovac. It a little known place, off the beaten track. If you have enough time, and the weather is settled, (bora wind blows here with hurrican force!!) it's a place well worth visit. Here is the timelapse of the sailing in the canyon:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqC8y3-RDj8&t=1s&ab_channel=AndrejVodusek

If you don't mind the budget, you could visit also the Brioni island, where Tito had his summer residence. But this is quite expensive.

 

[truscott]

Thanks for these. Have added them to my GE placemarks.

 

[truscott]

Nice video! Will give that some serious consideration.

 

[truscott]

Yes, we are intending to visit Venice before hauling out. Bit of a zag, but has been on the bucket list since our land based visit a few years back.