Punat
via Mali Lošinj.
Sail a 7-day yacht charter from Punat via Lopar (Rab), Novalja, Susak to Mali Lošinj. Discover sandy beaches, hidden coves & unique 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.
Punat (Krk) → Lopar (Rab)
Depart Punat, Krk, for a 22 NM passage north to Lopar on Rab, famed for its golden sands and the unique Rajska Plaža. Drop anchor for an afternoon swim, then explore the car-free village and indulge in a slice of Rapska torta, a medieval almond delicacy.
Distance
12 NM
Sailing
~2.4h at 5 kn
Route at a glance
Best season
May – early October (peak Jun & Sep)
Duration
7 days · Sat – Sat
Departure
Punat
Sailing area
Istria
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.
Punat (Krk) → Lopar (Rab)
Cast off from Punat, Krk, leaving behind the gentle scent of Aleppo pine and the quiet hum of the marina. The 22-nautical-mile passage north to Lopar on Rab offers a fine opportunity to stretch the sails, often with a pleasant maestral on the beam. Lopar, at Rab's northern tip, is celebrated for its extensive sandy beaches, a rarity in the otherwise rocky Adriatic. Rajska Plaža, or Paradise Beach, lives up to its name with shallow, warm waters ideal for a relaxed afternoon swim. After anchoring, take the dinghy ashore to wander the car-free village lanes, perhaps sampling the famous Rapska torta – a spiral-shaped almond and maraschino liqueur cake, its recipe originating from the Benedictine nuns of Rab town in the 12th century. The aroma of pine resin still warm from the sun, mingling with the sea air, defines the evening.
Things to do
Swim the shallow waters of Rajska Plaža
Sample the historic Rapska torta in Lopar village
Walk the sandy dunes north of the harbour
Enjoy sunset cocktails aboard in the bay
Mooring tip
Anchor in 3-5m of sand north of Lopar ferry terminal; good holding, sheltered from maestral. No marina facilities here.
Lopar → Novalja (Pag)
Set sail southwest from Lopar for a 15-nautical-mile passage across the Kvarnerić, heading towards the uniquely stark and beautiful island of Pag. This island, sculpted by centuries of bura winds, presents a landscape often described as lunar, with its white stone contrasting sharply with the deep blue of the Adriatic. Moor in Novalja, a bustling town that serves as a gateway to the island's rich heritage and culinary delights. After securing your catamaran, perhaps stern-to on the town quay or within ACI Marina Novalja, take a short drive north to the ancient Lun Olive Gardens. Here, gnarled olive trees, some over a thousand years old, stand testament to centuries of cultivation, their resinous scent carried on the gentle afternoon breeze. Later, immerse yourself in Pag's gastronomic traditions: seek out a konoba for a three-hour peka of local lamb, slow-cooked under embers, and savour the distinctive, piquant flavour of Paški sir, Croatia's most celebrated sheep's cheese. Pair these with a chilled glass of Žlahtina from Krk, a crisp counterpoint to the rich flavours, as the sun sets over the Pag channel.
Things to do
Wander the ancient olive groves of Lun
Sample Paški sir and local lamb peka
Swim and snorkel in the clear Pag channel
Stroll Novalja's lively waterfront promenade
Mooring tip
Novalja offers town quay stern-to mooring with lazy lines, or berths at ACI Marina Novalja; book ahead in high season.
Novalja → Susak
The 28-nautical-mile passage southwest from Novalja offers an open-water reach, often with a gentle maestral, leading to the truly unique island of Susak. A geological anomaly in the Kvarner Gulf, Susak is almost entirely sand-based, creating a landscape of rolling dunes and vineyards unlike anywhere else on the Adriatic. Drop anchor in the sheltered Bok Bay, renowned for its extraordinarily shallow, warm waters and fine sand, ideal for a long afternoon swim. Ashore, the island is car-free, its ancient paths leading through fragrant sage and wild fennel between the two villages of Donje Selo by the harbour and Gornje Selo on the hilltop. The island's distinct culture is still visible, with some women maintaining traditional dress. As evening approaches, a short climb to the lighthouse above Gornje Selo offers expansive views across the Kvarner Gulf, often bathed in a golden light. Dinner at a family-run establishment like Konoba Barbara offers authentic local fare, from fresh seafood to traditional fig cake, accompanied by the evening chorus of cicadas. Susak provides a serene counterpoint to the more bustling islands, a place where time genuinely seems to slow.
Things to do
Swim and explore Bok Bay's unique sandy shallows
Walk car-free paths between Donje Selo and Gornje Selo
Hike to Susak lighthouse for sunset Kvarner Gulf views
Dine at Konoba Barbara, sampling local fig cake
Mooring tip
Anchor in Bok Bay in 3-5m sand, excellent holding. Limited stern-to space on the small quay in Donje Selo.
Susak → Mali Lošinj
The ten-nautical-mile passage north from Susak to Mali Lošinj offers a calm morning reach, often assisted by a gentle maestral. Mali Lošinj, known as the 'Island of Vitality', welcomes sailors with its verdant landscapes and historic charm. Drop anchor in the well-protected Čikat Bay, a crescent of pebble beach fringed by Aleppo pines, where the water's clarity invites an immediate swim. The bay offers excellent holding in 5-10 metres of sand and mud, allowing the crew to relax into the island's serene pace. From Čikat, a short dinghy ride or a pleasant walk through the shaded pine trails leads to the town of Mali Lošinj. Here, the Apoxyomenos Museum houses the remarkably preserved bronze statue of a Hellenistic athlete, a cultural highlight of the Adriatic. Later, explore the charming narrow streets, perhaps cycling along the coastal paths that connect Mali Lošinj with the picturesque Veli Lošinj, where Baroque homes line the small harbour. As dusk settles, the scent of pine resin mixes with the aromas from konobas along the harbourfront, offering local specialities like scampi buzara, best enjoyed with a view of the illuminated waterfront.
Things to do
Anchor and swim in the clear waters of Čikat Bay
Visit the Apoxyomenos Museum in Mali Lošinj harbour
Cycle or walk the pine-scented paths to Veli Lošinj
Enjoy scampi buzara at a waterfront konoba in Mali Lošinj
Mooring tip
Čikat Bay offers good anchoring in 5-10 m sand and mud; protection from maestral. ACI Marina Mali Lošinj provides stern-to berths with full services; book ahead.
Mali Lošinj → Unije
Depart Mali Lošinj for the approximately 12-nautical-mile sail northwest to Unije, a serene, car-free island known for its distinct blend of fine pebble and sand beaches – a rarity in the Kvarner Gulf. The passage offers open-water sailing, often with a pleasant maestral breeze. Approach the main bay of Unije from the north, dropping anchor in 4-6 metres of sand and weed, with good holding. The island’s western side, particularly Maracol Bay, invites exploration by dinghy or kayak, revealing secluded coves and exceptionally clear water. Ashore, Unije village retains an authentic charm with its stone houses and absence of vehicular traffic since 2019, allowing the sounds of cicadas and distant waves to dominate. Konoba Unije offers simple, fresh seafood, often grilled over olive wood, a perfect end to a day of island discovery.
Things to do
Kayak or paddleboard to the secluded coves of Maracol Bay
Walk the car-free paths of Unije village to the lighthouse
Dine at Konoba Unije for freshly grilled Adriatic fish
Snorkel the exceptionally clear waters of the main bay
Mooring tip
Anchor in Unije's main bay in 4-6 m of sand and weed; holding is good, offering shelter from maestral. Small pier for dinghies.
Unije → Cres
Depart Unije for a 14-nautical-mile reach southeast, setting a course for the island of Cres. This passage often brings sightings of griffon vultures soaring above the Tramuntana Forest, an impressive welcome to an island known for its rugged beauty. Arrive at ACI Marina Cres, where stern-to mooring with lazy lines is standard, offering a secure berth within easy reach of the old town. Spend the afternoon exploring Cres Town, a charming maze of medieval Venetian architecture, narrow cobbled streets, and a historic stone well in the main piazza. For a refreshing dip, Slatina Beach, just south of town, offers clear turquoise waters and a pebble shore. As evening approaches, consider a taxi to Lubenice, a dramatic clifftop village car-free since 2019, perched high above the Adriatic. The sunset views from here are exceptional, and dinner at a local konoba like Bukaleta, renowned for its slow-roasted Cres lamb, completes a day rich in island culture and flavour.
Things to do
Explore the Venetian architecture of Cres Town
Swim and relax at Slatina Beach
Take a taxi to clifftop Lubenice for sunset views
Dine on traditional Cres lamb at Konoba Bukaleta
Mooring tip
ACI Marina Cres offers stern-to mooring with lazy lines; depths are good. Fuel pier available. Book ahead in high season.
Cres → Punat
The 18-nautical-mile passage northeast from Cres marks a return to the island of Krk, a familiar and welcoming sight. A mid-morning departure allows for a leisurely sail, perhaps with a gentle maestral on the beam, towards Malinska Bay. Drop anchor in the clear, sun-dappled shallows near Porto, perfect for a final swim in the Adriatic's embrace, the scent of pine resin carried on the breeze. Ashore, a short walk leads to the serene 15th-century Glavotok Monastery, a peaceful Franciscan retreat nestled amongst olive groves. Later, find a local konoba to sample Vrbnička Žlahtina, the island's celebrated dry white wine, before the final, short reach into Punat. The approach to Punat Marina in the late afternoon is particularly striking, with the Velebit Mountains across the channel catching the golden hour light, a fitting end to a week of Croatian exploration.
Things to do
Swim in the clear waters of Malinska Bay
Visit the historic 15th-century Glavotok Monastery
Sample local Vrbnička Žlahtina wine at a konoba
Enjoy the sunset views of Velebit on approach to Punat
Mooring tip
ACI Marina Punat offers stern-to berths with lazy lines; fuel pier available. Book ahead, especially in high season.
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