Embark on an unforgettable week-long voyage with NAVI Croatia Yacht Charter, discovering the breathtaking islands of Istria and Kvarner. Departing from Pula, our route takes us to the serene Unije and the sandy paradise of Susak before reaching the lively town of Mali Lošinj on Lošinj Island. We then glide to the tranquil Ilovik and the historic charm of Rab, continuing to Punat on Krk Island, rich in maritime tradition. The adventure concludes at the untouched Cres Island before returning to our starting point.
Enjoy crystal-clear waters, hidden bays, and picturesque coastal towns on this exceptional sailing experience!
Day 1: Pula - Unije island - 30 NM
Head SSE from Pula in the direction of the Kamenjak Peninsula and sail around it. The best place for docking here is Polje Bay.
Porer lighthouse will be in the distance, as well as some smaller islands.
When you pass the lighthouse and the islands, head E in the direction of Kvarner Bay and the island of Unije.
The bay of Maracol on the east side of the island is the best place to dock. There are buoys, and it’s only about 15 minutes on foot to the village.
You can expect windy weather on this route, so be prepared.
Day 2: Unije Island—Susak Island—Mali Lošinj, Lošinj Island—18 NM
Sail between the islands of Unije and Vele Srakane and head toward Susak Island. It has only one harbour, and the sand makes it a nice beach for families with children.
For pedestrian activities on the island, head toward the NW of the island to visit a lighthouse.
A village on the top of the island boasts a great view, or you can also visit an ancient cemetery.
The paths are made of sand, with some of them so beaten down over the ages that vegetation makes them look like tunnels.
If you want to treat yourself with some excellent red wine, be sure to visit an Italian winemaker that produces wine on Susak.
Back on the boat, sail ENE towards Lošinj, around the islands of Mortar and Koludarc, and then head SE through the deep bay of Mali Lošinj.
Mali Lošinj marina is a well-organised anchorage, and it allows online booking. You can have dinner in the local pub and enjoy the great atmosphere and have a leisurely stroll along the scenic waterfront. If you walk on, you may reach a city harbour close by.
Lošinj boasts a rocky coastline and inaccessible white beaches. The clear, clean sea is home to many species of fish, and dolphins can be seen in the vicinity. Even at the height of the season, you can find a beach where you will be alone.
The island itself is divided into two centres, the island of Mali and Veli Lošinj. The north of the island is mountainous, whereas the southern part is lush with greenery, and it hides many fantastic bays and beaches that are well worth the visit.
Day 3: Mali Lošinj, Lošinj Island—Ilovik Island—Rab, Rab Island—30 NM
Head SE from the bay of Mali Lošinj and follow the coast of Lošinj.
You may moor between Ilovik Island and the island of Sveti Petar, as the straits are very well protected with plenty of buoys available.
Continue NE between the island of Dolin and the northernmost tip of the island of Pag.
Cape Lun.
The east coast of the island of Rab is inhospitable, due to the harsh northern wind, ‘bura’ as locals call it. The west coast, on the other hand, is protected from the wind by the Kamenjak mountain and Straža hill. As you head south, you will see steep cliffs jutting out of the sea.
The romantic town of Rab, the jewel of the island, is located on the west coast, which offers plenty of idyllic coves and many shades of green.
You can safely anchor in ACI Marina Rab, and from there explore many of the historical treasures from ancient times and the Middle Ages.
Day 4: Rab, Rab Island—Punat, Krk Island—22 NM
From the north side of the island of Rab, head to the island of Krk. Marina Punat is one of the finest ports in the area, but we would be remiss if we didn’t warn you about the shallow waters when entering Punat Bay (Puntarska draga). Be very careful when sailing in.
Krk is the largest island in Croatia, and it boasts forests, vineyards, olive groves, meadows, and pastures. Many beaches on Krk have received the Blue Flag award, given for water quality and environmental protection.
Krk is home to wonderful remnants of the Roman Empire, including a beautiful and rare Roman mosaic. The guided tour of the Franciscan monastery usually ends with homemade brandy tasting.
For cycling lovers, there is a nice cycle path through the island.
Day 5: Punat, Krk Island—Cres, Cres Island—35 NM
On your way to the island of Cres, look out for the strong wind gusts from the north as you go through the Srednja Vrata canal. Docking is available in the local port. Cres is well-known for its long eco-trails and also for being the home of the rare griffon vulture.
Along with the island of Lošinj, the sea around Cres is home to bottlenose dolphins. The ancient harbour town of Cres, located in the north of the island, has fortified walls, beautiful narrow streets, and miniature squares.
Cres boasts countless romantic coves and breathtaking beaches. One place that stands out among the many is the Žanja Bay and an approximately 30-metre-long ‘Blue Cave.’.
Another worthy mention is a beach called Mali Bok near the town of Osor. GPS coordinates are 44° 52' 30.78"N 14° 26' 43.68"E, as well as the Vrana Lake, situated in the island interior.
Day 6: Cres, Cres island - Pula - 36 NM
Sail past Cape Pernat on the island of Cres to Medulin Bay. Be sure to stop in one of the beautiful bays of the Premantura peninsula.
The entrance to the inner bay may be impassable due to the several smaller islands and shallows with strong southern winds, locally called ‘jugo.’.
Pula, at its very heart, has a Roman amphitheatre, one of the best-preserved in the world.
From Pula, sail north and visit Brijuni National Park. The only available anchorage is in the port of Veli Brijun.
or in the bay of Mikula on the island of Mali Brijun (mooring spaces available).
The islands carry magnificent forests of oak, cedar, and pine, creating beautiful parks and footpaths.
Eucalyptus and exotic flowers have been imported, and you can see a complex of Roman buildings that served various purposes, temples, as well as a Roman villa and a country estate. The westernmost promontory of Brijuni is home to a zoo and safari park.
The island of Silba has a very nice mooring place on the eastern side of the port of Silba.
Worth visiting is also a bay with a chapel called Sv. Ante. The island of Premuda boasts a stunning southwest coast from Zaporat Bay to Lopata Cape.
Most notable is the Cathedral cavern with the interconnected underwater caves. The beautiful underwater wall in front of Široka Bay, with rich and varied fauna and flora, is also well worth a visit.
Until next time, stay well.
Photo: shutterstock, HTZ, Getty Images,