A sailing cruise in southern Croatia offers a truly unique experience. First of all, because among the islands and islets and along the rugged continental coasts of the southern Croatian shoreline, there are countless bays and sheltered harbors. These are all ideal spots for anchoring during a cruise, whether you’re seeking relaxing fun or pristine natural beauty. And then, because every location offers a unique atmosphere, with historic seaside towns and long-standing traditions, evident in ancient palaces, castles, fortresses, squares, and monuments that celebrate this remarkable past.

On this itinerary, departing from Sukošan, we explore the island of Murter, Zlarin in the Šibenik Archipelago, then Skradin, followed by Žirje, before immersing ourselves in the wonders of Dugi Otok and Mala Rava within the majestic Kornati National Park. Magical places that, when seen from a sailboat, are even more beautiful and remain etched in your eyes and heart forever.

Read also: The magic of the Kornati Islands: Experience it on a week-long sailing adventure

Day 1: Sukošan – Murter (Hramina), embarkation + 20 nautical miles

Our departure base for the cruise in southern Croatia is Sukošan, also known by its Italian name, San Cassiano. It is one of the most beautiful coastal towns in the Mediterranean and, besides being a true paradise for sailors, is famous for its stunning beaches lapping a turquoise sea, green areas, and a charming historic center rich in palaces and ancient churches.

The boat will be moored at Marina Dalmacija, the largest marina in Croatia, offering 1,200 berths and 500 dry docks, and awarded the “Blue Flag” certification. The harbor is well protected from all directions, although southeast winds can sometimes create a slight swell inside the basin. Open year-round, the marina offers electricity, water, reception, currency exchange office, restaurant and bar, grocery store, ship chandler, and cranes for boats up to 30 and 65 tons. There is also a fuel station.

Once we cast off, after a 20-nautical-mile sail, we reach the island of Murter, where secluded coves and pristine beaches await. Among these is Slanica, with its crystal-clear, shallow waters, perfect for relaxing and swimming. Or Čigrađa, a picturesque bay with turquoise waters and sandy bottoms, ideal for snorkeling. It’s also wonderful to climb Gradina Hill and admire the panorama over Murter Island and its surroundings. On Murter, we moor at Marina Hramina, which offers over 370 berths in the water and 120 on land, each equipped with water and electricity. The seabed depth ranges from 1.5 to 3.0 meters, and the entire area is under 24-hour surveillance. Murter is also an ideal starting point for exploring the Šibenik region as well as the famous Kornati Archipelago located just offshore.

Day 2: Murter (Hramina) – Zlarin, 15 nautical miles

We cast off and set course for Zlarin, a Croatian island in southern Croatia located in the Šibenik Archipelago, offering a unique experience of tranquility and natural beauty. Known for its coral heritage and the absence of cars, the island is truly a paradise for sailors and nature lovers. It lies at the entrance to the St. Anthony Channel and welcomes visitors with the picturesque scenery of St. Nicholas Fortress. The port of Zlarin is equipped to meet the needs of sailors. With numerous mooring buoys in shallow waters and facilities providing water and electricity, it offers a safe and comfortable harbor. Once the boat is moored, visitors can explore the Coral Museum and the artisanal jewelry workshop, which showcase the island’s centuries-old tradition. There are also historic churches, such as Madonna del Rosario and Assunta, adding a touch of spirituality to the island’s atmosphere.

Zlarin is a true natural sanctuary. Its lush pine forests, cypress groves, and rosemary bushes provide perfect settings for walks and cycling. The variety of beaches and coves satisfies every desire, from seeking peace to enjoying water activities. Every corner of the island offers new discoveries, making Zlarin an unmissable stop for anyone exploring the Adriatic.

Day 3: Zlarin – Skradin, 9.5 nautical miles

We continue sailing in southern Croatia to explore the small town of Skradin, a picturesque crossroads with a rich history. Its historic center is a protected monument, mainly consisting of houses built in the 18th and 19th centuries. Everywhere, traces of its grand past can be seen: from four mosques dating back to Ottoman rule to the colorful plaster on buildings typical of Venetian tradition. Equally interesting is the archaeological site of Bribirska Glavica, with ancient sarcophagi, cisterns and ceramic coolers, two-meter-thick Liburnian and Roman walls, and sacred objects dating from prehistory to the late Middle Ages. The village of Maraguša, dating back to Roman times, is also remarkable.

We can moor at ACI Marina Skradin, a magical and picturesque marina located in a unique natural environment, where the river meets the sea. The marina offers 164 berths and, in addition to all modern nautical services, provides a pleasant and very convenient base for visiting the town.

Day 4: Skradin – Žirje, 21 nautical miles

We set sail for Žirje (or Zuri), the most remote inhabited island in the Šibenik Archipelago. It lies directly in front of the southern entrance to the magnificent Kornati or Incoronate, beyond which stretches only the endless blue of the Adriatic Sea. The island was once covered by a dense oak forest full of acorns, from which its name originates (žir = acorn). A former military base, Žirje today has a permanent population of about 50–70 inhabitants. The small village is adorned with typical stone houses of the small Adriatic fishing communities.

Southern Croatia is a place of peace and quiet where time seems to flow more slowly. Its varied and rugged coastline, full of beautiful coves, islets, and rocks, is ideal for sailors. Among its many wild and rocky bays, sailors particularly enjoy Velika, Stupica, and Koromačna. During the summer months, many cultural and gastronomic events are held on Žirje, the most famous being the fishermen’s night.

Day 5: Žirje – Dugi Otok (Kornati), 25 nautical miles

We continue sailing in southern Croatia to reach Dugi Otok and immerse ourselves in the paradise of the Kornati Islands. This Croatian archipelago consists of 89 islands and is part of a Nature Park established in 1980. Sailing here requires paying an entrance fee for your boat. The name comes from the impressive cliffs rising from the sea, called “crowns,” which reach heights of 60–80 meters above water and more than 100 meters below. All the islands are of karstic origin, with rocky coastlines featuring towering cliffs, promontories, and caves. A true delight for sailors, divers, and snorkeling enthusiasts.

Our destination is the stunning Telašćica Bay, which divides the southeastern tip of Dugi Otok in two. The bay penetrates deeply inland and is made up of a series of smaller inlets. The landscape, enchanting in its beauty, alternates between stretches of Mediterranean scrub and limestone rocks, with cliffs over 160 meters high. Here lies the famous Mir salt lake, near the bay of the same name, created by an underground channel connecting it to the sea through porous limestone.

Day 6: Dugi Otok (Kornati) – Mala Rava, 25 nautical miles

We set off to reach the final stop of our southern Croatia journey: Mala Rava, part of the Zadar Archipelago. The island has two villages, Mala Rava and Vela Rava, connected by a path. The main harbor is Vela Rava, located in the middle of the island, with Marnjica Bay and the old part of the village positioned on a hill above the coast. The bay faces Dugi Otok and is a safe harbor, well-known and appreciated by sailors.

Alternatively, the port of Mala Rava is located on the northern side of Rava Island, between Dugi Otok and Iž. Yachts usually moor north of the ferry pier in waters up to 1 meter deep. The harbor is protected from winds from all directions except south and southwest. In front of the harbor, on the western shore of the bay, yachts can also moor to buoys with shore lines.

Vela Rava features a disused school, a mini-market, a post office, and the so-called “center of the world,” a hole in the ground where a large tree once stood. By tradition, locals pour a drop of oil into it to “help” the world rotate more easily. A palm-lined promenade, several small beaches, and a few tiny chapels lead to nearby Grbacina Bay, forming a pleasant evening walking route.

Day 7: Mala Rava – Sukošan, 28 nautical miles

With a leisurely sail, we return to the beautiful nautical base of Sukošan, with a full day to explore the town and its surroundings. It is also a perfect moment to gather and cherish the emotions of our sailing cruise along the southern Dalmatian coast.