Zadar
via Vis & Hvar.
Sail a 7-day yacht charter from Zadar via Ždrelac Bay, Primošten & Komiža to Hvar. Discover the Blue Cave, historic towns & Adriatic 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, passing the Kornati’s stark beauty for Ždrelac Bay. Anchor in the clear, pine-fringed cove, swim before dusk, and savour a traditional pašticada at a local konoba as the sun dips.
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 forums meet the sea organ's song, for a 20 NM passage southeast towards the Kornati archipelago. Your destination is Ždrelac Bay on the island of Pašman, a sheltered horseshoe bay fringed with Aleppo pines leaning towards the turquoise water. Drop anchor in the sandy bottom, visible in the clear depths, before enjoying a refreshing swim. As dusk approaches, dinghy ashore to Konoba Stari Dvor, known for its authentic pašticada slow-cooked in red wine, a dish steeped in Dalmatian tradition. The scent of pine resin hangs in the air as cicadas begin their evening chorus.
Things to do
Anchor in the clear, sandy depths of Ždrelac Bay
Swim in the sheltered turquoise waters
Dine at Konoba Stari Dvor for traditional pašticada
Explore the local village on Pašman island
Mooring tip
Anchor in 4-7 metres of sand on the bay's western side; holding is excellent. Konoba Stari Dvor is a short dinghy ride from most anchorages.
Ždrelac Bay → Primošten
Depart Ždrelac Bay mid-morning for the 20-nautical-mile reach south along the Dalmatian coast. The approach to Primošten offers views of Šibenik's UNESCO-listed fortresses, St. Michael and St. John, guarding the entrance to the Krka River estuary. Primošten itself is a postcard-perfect peninsula, its cluster of stone houses crowned by the Church of St. George. Drop anchor in the clear waters beneath the Kamenar vineyard island, a UNESCO site itself, its steep terraces glowing with the afternoon sun. The town offers excellent shelter, with stern-to moorings available along the waterfront promenade, though arriving before 17:00 is advised in high season. Enjoy a swim before heading ashore to explore the narrow, winding streets and perhaps sample the local Babić red wine at a konoba overlooking the harbour, the scent of pine resin hanging in the air.
Things to do
Swim below the Kamenar vineyard island
Explore Primošten's old town and hilltop church
Sample Babić wine at a waterfront konoba
Admire Šibenik's fortress skyline on approach
Mooring tip
Primošten waterfront offers stern-to moorings; arrive early for best spots or anchor off and dinghy ashore.
Primošten → Komiža
Depart Primošten mid-morning for the 30-nautical-mile passage west to the island of Vis, a journey across open water that often rewards with playful dolphins. Komiža, a picturesque fishing village on the island’s western side, offers a welcome respite. Pastel-coloured houses cluster around a deep, protected bay, where fishermen still mend nets on the quay. Anchor in the bay or take a stern-to mooring alongside the Riva, keeping clear of the ferry path. As dusk approaches, consider the climb up Hum Hill, the island's highest point, for a panoramic sunset over the archipelago. Afterwards, find a harbourside table for komiška pogača, a delicious anchovy and tomato flatbread, the scent of pine resin from the surrounding hills mingling with the salty air.
Things to do
Anchor or stern-to moor in Komiža bay
Climb Hum Hill for sunset views
Taste authentic komiška pogača
Explore the historic fishing village
Mooring tip
Komiža offers stern-to moorings or anchorage in the bay; arrive early in season as space is limited.
Komiža → Hvar Town
The longest passage of the week, a 50-nautical-mile run east from Komiža towards Hvar Town, offers a chance to stretch the sails and enjoy the open Adriatic. Pass the dramatic sea caves of Biševo island, a worthwhile detour if conditions allow. As you approach Hvar, the Pakleni Islands appear as a verdant necklace offshore. Aim for the main harbour in Hvar Town, a bustling UNESCO-protected port. Moor stern-to along the Riva, taking care to avoid the numerous tour boats. Ascend to the Španjola Fortress for a panoramic sunset over the Paklenis, the air thick with the scent of pine and sea salt. For dinner, consider Konoba Menego, tucked away in a narrow street, known for its traditional peka and local wines.
Things to do
Sail past the Blue Cave on Biševo island
Hike to the Španjola Fortress for sunset views
Explore the Venetian architecture of Hvar Town
Enjoy a traditional peka dinner at Konoba Menego
Mooring tip
Hvar Town harbour stern-to moorings are tight; arrive early or book ahead via VHF Ch 16. Fuel is available on the northern mole.
Hvar → Maslinica (Šolta)
Depart Hvar mid-morning for the 22-nautical-mile passage north towards Šolta island, keeping the Pakleni archipelago to port. The destination is Maslinica, a picturesque bay on Šolta's western tip, where the scent of pine and olive groves fills the air. Anchor in the sheltered bay, noting the calm water perfect for a late afternoon swim. Explore the 17th-century Martinis Marchi castle which now houses a hotel, or take the dinghy to the nearby sandy cove of Čikat. For dinner, consider Konoba Škoj, known for its fresh seafood and local Šolta wines, enjoying the quiet harbour as cicadas begin their evening chorus.
Things to do
Anchor in Maslinica bay, swim before dinner
Kayak to the sandy cove at Čikat
Explore the Martinis Marchi castle
Enjoy fresh seafood at Konoba Škoj
Mooring tip
Anchor in 5-10 metres of sand and rock in Maslinica bay; holding is generally good, or stern-to at the small quay if space allows.
Maslinica → Šibenik
Depart Maslinica mid-morning for the 28-nautical-mile passage east towards Šibenik, Croatia's oldest native city. As the afternoon sun warms the decks, you'll approach the mouth of the Krka River, a waterway that carves through limestone to create stunning cascades. Moor stern-to at the Šibenik waterfront, a bustling promenade lined with cafes and offering direct access to the city's heart. The undisputed jewel is St. James Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its intricate stonework and unique dome construction. Afterwards, consider a short excursion inland to the Krka National Park to witness the Skradinski Buk waterfalls, where the river plunges into emerald pools. As dusk settles, the scent of pine from the surrounding hills mingles with the aroma of sea salt, and the Riva comes alive with locals enjoying evening strolls and perhaps a taste of the ubiquitous fritule.
Things to do
Admire the UNESCO St. James Cathedral facade
Swim beneath the Krka River waterfalls
Stroll the Šibenik Riva at sunset
Sample local fritule doughnuts
Mooring tip
Stern-to mooring along the main Riva; check depth and ensure adequate lines. Arrive before 17:00 in peak season.
Šibenik → Zadar
The final 40-nautical-mile passage north to Zadar follows the coastline, offering sheltered cruising grounds. Consider a mid-morning stop in the vicinity of Vodice, perhaps anchoring in the clear waters of Prapratno cove for a final swim. The approach to Zadar is marked by historical islands and bustling mainland ports. Moor stern-to at the ACI Marina Zadar, which offers good protection and all necessary services. As dusk settles, make your way to the waterfront promenade for the 'Greeting to the Sun' installation, a unique light show powered by solar energy. Savour a final Croatian dinner, perhaps sampling local seafood paired with a glass of Maraschino, the city's signature cherry liqueur, reflecting on the week's sailing.
Things to do
Anchor in a cove near Vodice for swimming
Witness the 'Greeting to the Sun' light show
Explore Zadar's Roman Forum ruins
Enjoy Maraschino liqueur tasting
Mooring tip
ACI Marina Zadar offers stern-to moorings with good holding; fuel pier available. Book ahead in high season.
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