Zadar
via Kornati & Hvar.
Embark on a 14-day yacht charter from Zadar through Kornati, Hvar, Korčula & Vis, ending in Skradin. Explore hidden bays, historic islands & Adriatic island bliss.
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 → Island Žut
Sail from Zadar's Roman history into the quiet embrace of Kornati's Žut island. Anchor in a secluded bay, swim in crystalline waters, and savour fresh brudet at a waterside konoba as stars emerge.
Distance
15 NM
Sailing
~3h at 5 kn
Route at a glance
Best season
May – mid-October (peak Jun & Sep)
Duration
14 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 → Island Žut
Depart Zadar mid-morning, leaving the Roman Forum and Sea Organ's haunting melodies behind for a 20 NM passage southeast into the Kornati archipelago. Žut island, less developed than its neighbours, offers a genuine escape. Drop anchor in the sheltered waters of Hiljaca bay, a popular spot for its calm conditions and clear, turquoise water. The seabed here is sand and rock, offering good holding. Take a refreshing swim before dinghying ashore to Konoba Sidro, one of the island's few establishments. Enjoy a traditional fish brudet, slow-cooked over embers, accompanied by local olive oil, as the cicadas begin their evening chorus and the sky fills with stars.
Things to do
Swim in the clear waters of Hiljaca bay
Explore Žut island's rugged coastline by dinghy
Dine on brudet at Konoba Sidro
Watch the stars appear over the Kornati islands
Mooring tip
Anchor in Hiljaca bay in 5-10m sand/rock. Konoba Sidro has limited alongside mooring; arrive early or anchor off.
Žut → Pantera Bay (Dugi Otok)
Depart Žut mid-morning for the 20-nautical-mile passage north-west into the Kornati’s western fringe, then onwards to Dugi Otok. Pantera Bay, a deep inlet on the island’s northern coast, offers sheltered anchorage. Drop the hook in 6 metres of sand, surrounded by pine-clad slopes and pebble beaches. Spend the afternoon exploring the bay’s underwater caves by snorkel or take the dinghy ashore to hike the well-trodden path to the iconic Veli Rat Lighthouse. The climb offers panoramic views across the western Kornati islands, especially magical at sunset. For dinner, consider grilling fresh squid aboard, accompanied by the scent of pine resin drifting down from the hillsides.
Things to do
Anchor in Pantera Bay's sandy bottom
Snorkel the submerged sea caves
Hike to Veli Rat Lighthouse for sunset
Enjoy grilled squid and local wine
Mooring tip
Anchor in Pantera Bay in 6m sand; holding is excellent. No services available, so provision accordingly before departure.
Pantera Bay → Vrulja Bay (Kornati NP)
Today's fifteen-nautical-mile run south brings you into the heart of Kornati National Park, a UNESCO-listed archipelago of stark limestone beauty. Navigate the maze of islands, keeping a careful eye on navigation marks, before dropping anchor in Vrulja Bay on the island of Kornat. The bay's clear waters reveal a seabed of sand and rock, perfect for an afternoon snorkel among colourful sea bream. As the sun dips towards the horizon, the sheer cliffs flanking the bay glow with a warm, amber light, a truly memorable sight. The air fills with the scent of pine and salt as cicadas begin their evening chorus. For dinner, grill your fresh catch on deck, enjoying the profound stillness of this protected anchorage.
Things to do
Anchor in Vrulja Bay, Kornat island
Snorkel the bay's clear waters
Hike the low trails above the bay
Enjoy sunset from your yacht's deck
Mooring tip
Anchor in Vrulja Bay in sand and rock at 5-10 metres, holding is generally good. No facilities available here.
Vrulja → Primošten
Make the 15-nautical-mile run south to Primošten, a stunning town perched on a peninsula, its terracotta rooftops tumbling towards the sea. Pause en route to swim beneath the island's UNESCO-listed stone vineyard terraces, a testament to human endurance. Upon arrival, moor stern-to in the sheltered harbour. Explore the old town's labyrinthine cobbled lanes, where fishermen still mend nets by hand, and the scent of salt and pine hangs in the air. Enjoy a glass of local Babić wine from a cliffside bar as the sun dips below the horizon, casting a warm glow on the stone houses, before dining at a local konoba.
Things to do
Swim beneath the stone vineyard terraces of Uljara island
Explore the car-free old town peninsula
Sample Babić wine at a cliffside bar
Dine at Konoba Toni for traditional Dalmatian fare
Mooring tip
Primošten harbour offers stern-to mooring on the quay; holding is good, but arrive early in season as space is limited.
Primošten → Trogir
Depart Primošten for the 25-nautical-mile run south towards Trogir, a UNESCO World Heritage site built entirely on a small island. The approach offers striking views of its fortified harbour. Moor stern-to at the ACI Marina Trogir, a well-equipped base for exploring the compact city. Wander the narrow, winding streets, discovering hidden courtyards and the magnificent Cathedral of St. Lawrence, a masterpiece of Romanesque-Gothic architecture. Enjoy a cool lemon gelato on the bustling Riva, watching the local boats. As evening approaches, consider a gentle kayak excursion through the town's canals, the limestone buildings reflecting in the calm water, a perfect end to a day immersed in history.
Things to do
Explore Trogir's UNESCO island labyrinth
Admire the Cathedral of St. Lawrence
Enjoy gelato on the Riva
Kayak the historic canals at dusk
Mooring tip
ACI Marina Trogir offers stern-to moorings with lazy-lines; book ahead in season for preferred berths.
Trogir → Hvar
Depart Trogir this morning for a 25-nautical-mile run southeast across the channel towards the island of Hvar. As the mainland recedes, the first glimpses of the Pakleni Islands appear, a scattering of pine-clad islets offering sheltered anchorages like Palmižana. Drop anchor here for a swim in the turquoise waters before heading into Hvar Town. Ascend the steps to the Španjola Fortress, perched above the harbour, for panoramic views as the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky in fiery hues. Afterwards, secure your yacht stern-to at the town quay or a nearby marina, and seek out a konoba tucked away in the narrow, cobbled streets for grilled fish and local white wine.
Things to do
Anchor in Palmižana Bay for a secluded swim
Hike to Španjola Fortress for sunset vistas
Explore Hvar Town's historic Venetian architecture
Dine on fresh seafood at a local konoba
Mooring tip
Hvar Town harbour offers stern-to moorings with lines; book ahead in season or anchor in nearby bays.
Hvar → Korčula
Set course southeast for a 30-nautical-mile passage to the island of Korčula, a passage often blessed by a favourable Levant wind. As you approach, the formidable medieval walls of Korčula Town rise directly from the sea, hinting at its rich history. Drop anchor in the clear waters of the ACI Marina Korčula or find a stern-to mooring along the town's northern waterfront. Wander the herringbone-patterned streets, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and ascend to a rooftop bar like Massimo's for a glass of crisp Grk wine, its minerality softened by the sea air. The island claims to be Marco Polo's birthplace, a tale woven into the fabric of the old town. In the evening, consider attending the Moreška sword dance, a dramatic spectacle of clashing steel and local lore performed in the open air.
Things to do
Explore Korčula Town's medieval, fishbone-patterned streets
Sip local Grk wine at a rooftop bar like Massimo's
Witness the traditional Moreška sword dance performance
Visit the supposed birthplace of Marco Polo
Mooring tip
ACI Marina Korčula offers stern-to moorings; book ahead in season or anchor in the bay.
Korčula → Skrivena Luka (Lastovo)
Depart Korčula after breakfast for the 25-nautical-mile reach southeast to Lastovo island and its famed Skrivena Luka, or "Hidden Harbour." This is a remote, protected bay where you’ll likely be the only yacht anchored. Drop the hook in the clear, deep water, then take the dinghy ashore to the small settlement. A well-trodden path leads uphill through fragrant pine forests to the Church of St. Nicholas, offering panoramic views of the archipelago. Later, seek out Konoba Tradicija in the nearby village of Zaklopatica for regional specialities like smoked duck or wild boar, paired with local Maraština wine. The cicadas' evening chorus is your soundtrack as the stars emerge over this tranquil corner of the Adriatic.
Things to do
Anchor in Skrivena Luka's sheltered bay
Hike to the Church of St. Nicholas viewpoint
Enjoy smoked duck at Konoba Tradicija
Explore Lastovo's quiet villages
Mooring tip
Anchor in Skrivena Luka's sandy bottom in 10-15 metres; holding is excellent. No services available, so ensure full provisions before departure.
Skrivena Luka → Komiža (Vis)
Today’s 15-nautical-mile passage west to Vis is a journey into Croatia’s most isolated inhabited island, once a closed military zone. You’ll round the southern tip of Vis and enter the enchanting fishing village of Komiža, renowned for its pastel-hued houses lining a sheltered bay. Fishermen still mend their nets by the waterfront, a scene unchanged for generations. Anchor in the bay or take a stern-to mooring at the small quay. For a spectacular finale, hike up Hum Hill, the island’s highest peak, for panoramic sunset views over the archipelago. Afterwards, savour the local delicacy, komiška pogača, an anchovy pie, at a waterfront konoba, the scent of sea spray mingling with the aroma of grilled fish.
Things to do
Explore the charming streets of Komiža village
Hike Hum Hill for breathtaking sunset vistas
Sample authentic komiška pogača at a local konoba
Visit the unique Fishermen's Museum
Mooring tip
Komiža quay offers stern-to moorings with good holding; arrive early as space is limited.
Komiža → Zlarin
Depart Komiža for a 35-nautical-mile eastbound passage towards Zlarin, Croatia's famed 'Coral Island.' The approach offers views of Šibenik's St. Nicholas Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Zlarin itself is entirely car-free, preserving a tranquil atmosphere. Anchor in the bay's clear turquoise water, where the seabed is a mix of sand and rock, before heading ashore. The island is renowned for its tradition of red coral harvesting, with several artisan shops displaying intricate jewellery. Enjoy a glass of local loza rakija on a sun-warmed stone step, breathing in the scent of pine resin and salt air as the cicadas begin their evening chorus. For dinner, consider Konoba Dalmacija for traditional Dalmatian fare.
Things to do
Anchor and swim in the clear bay waters
Browse artisan shops for red coral jewellery
Stroll the car-free island lanes
Enjoy local rakija at Konoba Dalmacija
Mooring tip
Anchor in 5-10 m over sand and rock in the main bay; holding is fair. Consider Šibenik's Mandalina Marina if Zlarin is too busy.
Zlarin → Skradin (Krka NP)
Depart Zlarin for the 15-nautical-mile passage inland up the Krka River estuary towards Skradin. As you navigate the river, the air will grow heavy with the scent of pine and damp earth, a prelude to the dramatic cascades of Krka National Park. Moor stern-to in Skradin's small harbour, then take the park's shuttle boat to explore the famed Skradinski Buk waterfalls. The sheer volume of water is impressive, and you can swim in designated pools beneath the falls. Enjoy a picnic lunch featuring local Pag cheese and pršut on the shaded riverbanks before returning to Skradin. As dusk settles, the town's medieval square, with its stone houses and archways, becomes magical, especially with the fleeting dance of fireflies above.
Things to do
Take the park boat to Skradinski Buk waterfalls
Swim in the cool pools below the cascades
Picnic with local Pag cheese and pršut
Dine in Skradin's atmospheric medieval square
Mooring tip
Skradin harbour offers stern-to moorings with lazy-lines; arrive early in season as space is limited.
Skradin → Tijat
A gentle 10 NM sail south-east from Skradin leads to the island of Tijat, where time seems to have paused. The western side of the island offers several protected bays with excellent holding in sand and weed, ideal for a tranquil evening. Anchor in one of these coves, perhaps Uvala Tijašćica, and take the kayaks to explore the shallow, sheltered channels lined with mangroves. Later, as the sun dips towards the horizon, the scent of pine resin will fill the air. Prepare a simple dinner on deck, perhaps grilled sardines bought from a local fisherman, and enjoy the profound silence broken only by the gentle lapping of waves against the hull. This is the perfect place to unwind before your final passage.
Things to do
Kayak through the mangrove channels of Uvala Tijašćica
Snorkel the clear, shallow waters around the anchor
Relax in hammocks strung between olive trees
Grill fresh sardines on deck at sunset
Mooring tip
Anchor in sand and weed in 5-10 m on Tijat's western side; holding is firm. No services are available.
Tijat → Murter
A relaxed 12-nautical-mile run north from Tijat brings you to Murter, the traditional gateway to the Kornati archipelago. Drop anchor in the wide, sandy expanse of Slanica Bay, a popular spot known for its golden beach and clear, shallow waters perfect for a final afternoon dip. Later, dinghy ashore to one of the waterfront konobas, such as Konoba Boba, to sample traditional Dalmatian pasticada, a slow-cooked beef dish often served with gnocchi. The scent of pine from the surrounding hills and the distant strains of local music create a quintessential Adriatic evening. This is a good spot to top up fuel tanks before your final leg.
Things to do
Anchor in Slanica Bay for a final swim
Dine on authentic pasticada at Konoba Boba
Walk the Slanica beach promenade
Refuel at Murter harbour
Mooring tip
Anchor in Slanica Bay's sand in 4-7 metres; holding is excellent. Fuel is available at Murter harbour.
Murter → Zadar
Your final passage north, a 30-nautical-mile sail to Zadar, offers a last chance to stretch the legs of your catamaran. Consider a mid-passage stop for a swim in the striking, submerged dolinas off Molat island, known locally as the 'Moon Craters' for their otherworldly appearance. As you approach Zadar's harbour, the late afternoon sun glints off the Roman Forum ruins. Moor stern-to at the ACI Marina Zadar, where the waterfront promenade buzzes with anticipation for the evening's 'Greeting to the Sun' light installation. Enjoy a final Croatian dinner, perhaps fresh calamari at Konoba Skoblar, and a digestif of local Maraschino liqueur.
Things to do
Swim in Molat's Moon Craters
Explore Zadar's Roman Forum
Witness the Greeting to the Sun light show
Enjoy calamari at Konoba Skoblar
Mooring tip
ACI Marina Zadar offers stern-to moorings with good holding in sand and mud; book ahead in peak season.
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