Thanks to its history as a strategic crossroads of various civilizations, Croatia is still today a nautical destination capable of offering rich and diverse culture, sublime natural landscapes, and a dreamlike climate. During your sailing cruise in Croatia, you can take advantage of some of the most charming port cities in the Mediterranean such as Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik, which offer excellent mooring spots, numerous services for sailors, and the opportunity for magnificent excursions. Their tourist ports are clean, modern, and comfortable, and each of them will provide you with easy access to the city and surrounding islands, allowing you to make the most of your boating vacation.

Zadar, a large port city with ancient history

Among the most beautiful port cities in Croatia, there is undoubtedly Zadar, which belongs to the Dalmatia region and forms the southern half of the country. It is a port city with direct access to the Adriatic Sea. Until the end of the 18th century, the city of Zadar was a fortress and is mostly recognizable for its Roman and Venetian ruins in its old peninsula, making the city a charming destination and a sailor-friendly place to discover the city’s rich history. Today, the city also has a large harbor where you can dock a rented sailboat, an excellent way to visit the numerous nearby islands and experience another maritime aspect of the area. From Zadar, you can easily take beautiful boat trips to Pag, Biograd na Moru, or Dugi Otok.

What to see in Zadar

For a day trip, it’s worth dedicating a day to visit Plitvice National Park, located an hour and a half from Zadar and registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park offers breathtaking views of the Dinaric Mountains, long walks in the woods, and the marvel of 16 interconnected terraced lakes cascading into each other.

Another must-visit is the Church of St. Donatus, a complex composed of several imposing religious buildings. St. Anastasia’s Cathedral is particularly interesting and is the largest church in Dalmatia. It was built in honor of Anastasia of Sirmium, one of the patron saints and martyrs of early Christianity. In the immediate vicinity of the cathedral is the Basilica of St. Donatus. This church is extremely well-preserved from the early Christian period and is a symbol of Zadar. Today, St. Donatus is used for various events, such as classical music evenings, as the acoustics of this building are very good.

Ports in Zadar:

• Zadar Port
• Old Town Port
• Marina D-Marin
• Zadar Marina

Dubrovnik, the “pearl of Adriatic”

Dubrovnik, one of the most charming port cities in the Mediterranean, is located in the southernmost part of Croatia and is also known as the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic.’ The city boasts many beautiful places to visit and also serves as a filming location for various well-known movies and series, attracting thousands of visitors every year. The nearby islands to Dubrovnik include Lokrum, Lopud, Mljet, and Korčula. Each of them offers its own share of splendid landscapes, pristine beaches, sheltered bays, and historical monuments. Renting a sailboat in Dubrovnik is also an excellent way to explore the city and the surrounding area while relaxing on the sea and enjoying the Croatian sun.

Things to see in Dubrovnik

In the Middle Ages, it was common to build walls around cities. The walls of Dubrovnik are considered the best-preserved defensive walls from the Middle Ages. That’s why they are also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On the landward side, the wall is 4-6 meters wide, while the seaward side wall is 1.5-3 meters thick. The highest point of the wall reaches up to 25 meters. There are also five fortresses within the walls, three of which are integrated directly into the wall, and two stand alone. Today, it is possible to visit the walls and experience a splendid view of the city and the Adriatic Sea. In the old town, there are many beautiful shops, cafes, and restaurants where one can sit comfortably and watch the bustling activities. Here, you will see many impressive buildings, such as the Dubrovnik Cathedral, which is definitely worth a visit

Ports in Dubrovnik:

• • Port of the old town of Dubrovnik
  • Commercial port in the Gruz district
  • Marina ACI Dubrovnik

Split, the queen of Croatia

Another fascinating port city is Split, the second largest city in Croatia often referred to by locals as the capital of Dalmatia. The city is surrounded by a mountainous landscape and is located directly on the Adriatic Sea. It has recently been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has many beautiful places to visit.

Split also has several small islands nearby that are easy to reach by sailboat. If you rent a boat in Split, you can take a day trip to Brač, Hvar, Šolta, or Čiovo, with the opportunity to experience less touristy areas. The islands are very green and not crowded at all. Here you can find beautiful small beaches, some of which are truly picturesque. This option is highly appreciated by sailors who can relax wonderfully in these small paradises of the Adriatic away from city life and stress.

What to see in Split

The Palace of Diocletian is a very well-preserved monument from the Roman era. Diocletian was the Roman emperor from 284 to 305 AD. The palace was built because the emperor wanted a residence near his birthplace to spend his later years. At the same time, the location of the building was strategic, as it was situated in the middle of the Roman Empire. Since 1979, the palace has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Another site not to miss is Marjan, located west of Split, and it’s a protected park. Around Marjan, there are zoological and botanical gardens that allow for a relaxing picnic or other activities. In the Marjan forest, you can walk and enjoy nature. It’s a shaded area right next to Split and is definitely worth a day trip. From the Marjan nature park, you also have a splendid view of Split and the Adriatic Sea. Those brave enough to climb the mountain will be rewarded with a spectacular view.

Ports in Split:

• Port of Split
• Sumartin port on the island Brac
• Ferry port Supetar on the island Brac
• Port of Hvar
• Rogac, main ferry port on the island Solta
• Marina Maslinica on the island Solta