Zadar
via Pag.
Sail a 7-day yacht charter from Zadar to Pag via Molat, Silba, Ilovik, Šimuni & Olib. Discover hidden bays, tranquil islands & the 'Moon Island' charm.
Day-by-day route
Click any pin on the map or any day in the Route summary below to see the daily stop, narrative, and photos.
Zadar → Ždrelac Bay
Depart Zadar’s Roman echoes for the 15 NM sail to Ždrelac Bay. Anchor in crystalline water fringed by pines, swim before dusk, and savour a traditional brudet at a local konoba as the sky ignites.
Distance
10 NM
Sailing
~2h at 5 kn
Route at a glance
Best season
May – mid-October (peak Jun & Sep)
Duration
7 days · Sat – Sat
Departure
Zadar
Sailing area
Zadar
Route summary
Click any day to jump back to the map and see its photos, narrative, and mooring tip.
Day-by-day journey
Named anchorages, restaurants, and route notes for every leg of the week — written by sailors who've actually run this passage.
Zadar → Ždrelac Bay
Cast off from Zadar, a city where Roman Forum ruins whisper tales beside the unique Sea Organ's ephemeral music. The 15-nautical-mile passage north leads to the sheltered embrace of Ždrelac Bay on Pašman island. Here, Aleppo pines crowd the shoreline, their scent mingling with the salt air, leaning over water so clear that the anchor shank is visible in the sandy bottom below. Drop anchor in the bay's western arm, a favoured spot for its calm conditions, and enjoy an early evening swim. For dinner, head ashore to Konoba Trpeza in Ždrelac village, known for its authentic brudet, a rich fish stew best enjoyed as the sunset paints the sky in hues of ochre and rose.
Things to do
Explore Zadar's Roman Forum and Sea Organ before departure
Swim in the pristine, pine-fringed waters of Ždrelac Bay
Dine at Konoba Trpeza for traditional Pašman fish stew
Take a short hike to the nearby viewpoints above the bay
Mooring tip
Anchor in 4-7 metres on sand in the western arm of Ždrelac Bay; holding is excellent. Konoba Trpeza is a short dinghy ride away.
Ždrelac → Molat
Depart Ždrelac mid-morning for the 12-nautical-mile sail west to the island of Molat, a haven of wild sage and unhurried island life. Brgulje Bay, on the island's south coast, offers a sheltered anchorage with good holding in sand and weed, perfect for a lunchtime swim. Later, take the dinghy ashore and follow the cicada-song path towards Zapuntel, perhaps stopping at Konoba Jastreb for a glass of local Maraština. The western side of the island reveals secluded coves, some with pebble beaches that feel like your own private discovery. As dusk settles, Molat's small villages offer a glimpse into traditional life, with simple konobas serving regional specialities and a sky so clear the stars are your only guide.
Things to do
Anchor in Brgulje Bay for a swim
Hike to Zapuntel's quiet pebble beaches
Sample local arancini and Maraština wine
Stargaze from the deck at night
Mooring tip
Anchor in Brgulje Bay in 5-10m sand and weed; holding is generally good. Limited services ashore, so provision before departure.
Molat → Ilovik
Depart Molat after breakfast for the 15-nautical-mile sail south towards Silba, a car-free island known for its artistic community and quiet charm. Drop anchor near the western shore for a swim at Torta Beach, a sheltered cove perfect for a dip before continuing the short hop to Ilovik. This island, often called the "Island of Flowers," welcomes you to anchor in the stunning Paradise Bay. The seabed offers good holding in sand and weed. Dinghy ashore to the village for a traditional lamb peka, slow-cooked under embers, its rosemary aroma a perfect counterpoint to the cicadas' dusk chorus.
Things to do
Explore Silba's car-free paths and hidden art studios
Swim and snorkel at Torta Beach
Anchor in Ilovik's Paradise Bay
Enjoy lamb peka at a local konoba
Mooring tip
Anchor in Paradise Bay, Ilovik, in 5-10m sand/weed; good holding. Dinghy ashore for village amenities.
Ilovik → Šimuni (Pag)
Depart Ilovik after morning coffee for the 20-nautical-mile run west towards Pag island, its lunar landscape a stark contrast to the green archipelago. The approach to Šimuni is marked by salt pans and low scrub, hinting at the island’s hardy character. Šimuni village, nestled in a deep bay, is home to fishing families and the island’s famous lamb. Secure stern-to moorings within the harbour, mindful of the prevailing maestral. Explore the nearby Lun olive groves, a UNESCO Tentative List site, where gnarled trees, some over 1,000 years old, stand sentinel. The air here carries the scent of pine and dry earth. For dinner, seek out a local konoba in Šimuni for their signature Paski janjeći, slow-roasted to perfection and best enjoyed with a glass of local Vrbnik Žlahtina.
Things to do
Sail 20 NM west to the island of Pag
Explore the ancient olive groves of Lun
Enjoy Paski janjeći (Pag lamb) for dinner
Visit the Šimuni fishing harbour
Mooring tip
Šimuni harbour offers stern-to moorings with good holding in sand; arrive early in season as space is limited.
Šimuni → Olib
Make the 15-nautical-mile passage north to the island of Olib, a refreshing change from Croatia's typical rocky coastline. Slatina Bay on the island's southern side offers sandy coves perfect for anchoring in four metres of clear water over sand. Wade ashore to discover remnants of Roman villas and abandoned stone houses slowly being reclaimed by nature, their fig trees heavy with fruit. The air is thick with the scent of wild herbs. For a taste of local life, seek out a farmhouse for their famous honey-drenched fritule, a sweet treat best enjoyed as dusk brings out the fireflies. The island offers a quiet escape, a chance to reconnect with simple pleasures before the week's adventures continue.
Things to do
Anchor in Slatina Bay's sandy bottom
Explore Roman villa ruins and abandoned houses
Seek out local fritule and honey at a farmhouse
Wade ashore in the shallow, sandy bay
Mooring tip
Anchor in Slatina Bay in sand, 4m depth. Holding is good. No services available, bring all provisions.
Olib → Iž
Depart Olib mid-morning for the 15-nautical-mile sail south to the island of Iž, a place where the ancient craft of pottery continues to thrive. Land in the harbour of Veli Iž, known for its distinctive peka bells, and spend the afternoon exploring the workshops of master potters. Later, take your dinghy or cycle to Koromačna Bay on the island's western side; the water here is exceptionally still, mirroring the sky above. As dusk settles, seek out a local fjera, a traditional village feast. Tables laden with local smoked ham, robust sheep cheese, and wine poured from dusty jugs are often accompanied by the sound of live mandolin music, creating an unforgettable evening.
Things to do
Visit Veli Iž pottery workshops and see peka bells made
Cycle or dinghy to the tranquil Koromačna Bay
Experience a traditional Iž fjera feast with local delicacies
Swim in the exceptionally clear waters of Koromačna Bay
Mooring tip
Veli Iž offers stern-to mooring along the quay; holding is good in sand and mud. Arrive early in season as space is limited.
Iž → Zadar
Cast off from Iž for the final 18-nautical-mile passage north to Zadar, a gentle reach across the channel. Consider a stop at the island of Ugljan, just south of the city, for a final Adriatic plunge. Veli Školj beach offers crystal-clear aquamarine waters perfect for a refreshing dip before the final approach. Arrive in Zadar's harbour as the sun dips below the horizon, synchronising your arrival with the nightly 'Greeting to the Sun' light installation on the Riva. The promenade pulses with colour, a fitting end to your voyage. Secure your stern-to mooring in the modern marina, then explore the historic Roman Forum nearby. Conclude the evening with a toast of Maraschino liqueur, a local cherry brandy, at a waterfront bar, reflecting on the week's adventures.
Things to do
Anchor at Ugljan for a swim at Veli Školj
Witness the Greeting to the Sun light show
Explore the ancient Roman Forum
Taste local Maraschino liqueur
Mooring tip
Zadar Marina offers stern-to moorings with lazy-lines; book ahead in peak season, especially if requiring fuel.
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