Pula Yachting in Croatia

Discover the Istrian Coast From Sunsail’s New Yacht Charter Base in Pula

Sunsail’s base on the Istrian Peninsula, in the most western part of Croatia and is the primary tourist region. It is loocated in the historic city of Pula, home to numerous museums and one the world’s largest Roman amphitheatres.

A Pula bareboat yacht charter is the ideal way to explore the Istrian peninsula, a stunning cruising area with numerous unspoilt anchorages off the beautiful islands of Cres, Losinj, Krk, Rab and Silba. Further afield to the south, a Pula sailing holiday can take in the Kornati National Park which is stunning and definitely worth a visit, especially if you have time on a two week sailing holiday.

A yacht charter in Pula is ideal for scenic coastal cruising. The beautiful climate, easy line-of-sight navigation and warm hospitality of the Croatian people make Pula a popular destination for those in search of a relaxed, family-friendly bareboat sailing holiday.

In summer, the winds are generally light and variable from a north-westerly direction at 15 – 20 knots (17 – 23 Mph). The tidal range is minimal and summer temperatures average 25 to 28ºC (77 - 82ºF). Please note that the Croatian authorities require an ICC or RYA Day Skipper certificate as a minimum.

Itinerary / Highlights

One Week Sample Itinerary

Day 1: Pula - Islands of Brijuni (5 NM)
If you have the possibility of leaving Pula the same day that you arrive, spend the evening in the port of Veli Brijun, the largest of the Brijuni archipelago to the north of Pula bay. The island, famous for the presidential residence, is a national botanical park that is rich with more than 700 different plant species. Don't miss seeing the Roman remains of a 1st century villa, thermal baths, and a temple. There is also a fortified Byzantine village on the west coast. In the port there are 3 hotels where you can have lunch.

Day 2: Islands of Brijuni - Pomer (17 NM)
After visiting the Brijuni islands, sail down to the Istrian point then turn and sail full north until arriving at the back of the gulf of Pomer, which is a mile deep and dotted with six charming islets on the way. Once there, anchorage is perfectly sheltered. The Pomer ACI marina provides all facilities and we can recommend dining in the restaurant « Ostriga »; which is less than a mile away in the village.

Day 3: Pomer - Cres (18 NM)
Cross the Kvaner canal, with the north-west wind pushing you, to the port of Cres on the island of the same name. Cres is a 15th century fortified port. The modern marina, with all its facilities, is a curious contrast with this mediaeval town. Those visiting the Vransko Jezero Lake will discover a native species of little black batrachians.

Day 4: Cres - Punat , KRK - (28 NM)
Sail around the island of Cres by the north and then down the Sredanja vrata canal to Punat on the island of Krk. Punat is an old village located on the edges of the passage to a lagoon that completely shelters a marina. Across from the little marina is the islet of Koslung with the 12th century St. Francis monastery. There it is possible to visit an exhibition of paintings, liturgical books and model boats.

Day 5: Punat - Rab (18 NM)
By continuing to the south you will arrive on the island of Rab. After a lunch break in one of the bays on the west coast, you will appreciate Rab's ACI marina facilities. Rab is also a fortified port from the 12th century. Not far from the marina, a charming mediaeval town and St. Mary's cathedral merit a visit.

Day 6: Thursday: Rab - Osor (20 NM)
Navigate south-west until arriving at Punta Kriz on the southern point of the island of Cres. There drop anchor in the crystal waters of one of the island's marvellous creeks and take full advantage of nature's deserted beaches. An hour separates you from the village of Osor where you can spend an evening. Osor is the village on Cres nearest to the island of Losinj. A bridge spanning the distance between the two islands blocks the passage for boats; however, it is opened twice a day at 9am and 5pm. The town square with a 15th century cathedral is worth seeing. Concerts of classical music are given in the cathedral starting from the 15th July.

Day 7: Osor - Pula (30 NM)
A good day of sailing for the return trip to Pula; you shouldn't forget to visit the well known Roman amphitheatre dating from the 1st century.

Two Week Sample Itinerary

Day 1: Pula - Unije (25 NM)
Head south. Follow the Istrian coast until reaching the impressive Porer lighthouse, then cross over the Kraner canal towards the small island called Unije. Stop for lunch and go swimming in the peaceful bay of Maracol on the east coast of the island, if you have time. After the peaceful atmosphere of Uninj, you will appreciate the bustling activities of the two Mali Losinj marinas equipped with restaurants, discothèques, post office, bank etc. If you prefer a mooring in the open, you can drop anchor in Cikat bay or a little more to the south in the very pretty gulf of Krivicthat which provides maximum protection.

Day 2: Losinj- Molat (35 NM)
Marvellous sailing that no wind can spoil in the middle of a multitude of islets. Have lunch in a creek on Premuda then head to the south of the island of Molat. In a sheltered bay you will find jetties, a charming village and a couple of typical taverns.

Day 3: Tuesday: Molat - Zut (32 NM)
Navigating between the islands of Otok and Ugljan, you will enter into a long channel that will lead you to the heart of the Kornati archipelago. Mineral type decor. Stop and have lunch at Veli IZ on the island of IZ; it is best to arrive at Zut during the day as there are no lights/signals to guide you at night. To the north-west of Zut at Razanj, anchor near to the jetty where there is a sandy sea bed. It is well sheltered even from the «Bura».

Day 4: Wednesday: Zut - Primosten (35 NM)
Still heading south-east to arrive at Primosten on the Dalmatian coast. Resembling a stone ship tied to the coast with a thin cord, it was there that a solid, fortified castle was built to protect the population from attacks from Turks. The 15th century church St. John, at the summit of the hill, dominates the town. Although a modern, tourist village is now present, it is still possible to see in the surrounding countryside, typical country folk working in their olive groves.

Day 5: Thursday: Primosten - Hvar (38 NM)
You leave the Dalmatian coast with its dry, rocky environment and head for Hvar, one of the most beautiful areas in the Adriatic sea. It is blessed with an agreeable climate and relatively rich vegetation. In the 4th century Hvar was populated by a Greek colony but by the 13th century the island had become completely autonomous with its own statutes and governed by its own laws. An impressive arsenal sheltered an armada of ships called «galija». One can also find one of the oldest theatres in Europe.

Day 6: Friday: Hvar - Korcula (35 NM)
Korcula is an equally beautiful island with a similar past to that of Hvar. It has surprising vegetation with impressive palm trees. The town of Korcula is famous first for being the birth place of Marco Polo. It is possible to visit the house where he was born and to walk in the passageways paved by the Venetians. It is known too for its numerous historic monuments: the Cathedral St. Marko of the 13th century. The ACI marina with all its facilities, built from blocks of stone, has been cleverly integrated with the site of the old town.

Day 7: Korcula - Vis (45 NM)
Early departure to begin the return trip and to reach VIS, which has been fortified since the Greeks first colonised it in the 4th century B.C.. It is still possible to see a theatre and necropolis. In Vis you'll be able to find fuel, a post office, a bank and restaurants. If you have time, visit Modra Spilja on the island of Bisevo across the way. There, you will have the pleasure of seeing a magnificent, partially submerged grotto.

Day 8: Sunday: Vis - Piscera (55 NM)
This is a long stretch for returning in one go to the heart of the National Park of the Kornati archipelago. Piscera is the next largest island after Kornati among the hundreds of islets that constitute this curious archipelago. The only access is from the south-east at the ACI marina located on the islet of Panitula. There one will find a restaurant and shower. Electricity is provided by a generator from 8am to noon and from 6pm to midnight. Provisioning is limited on the island.

Day 9: Monday: Piscera - Dugi Otok /Gulf of Talascica (15 NM)
To the south of Dugi Otok (the long island) is one of the longest gulfs in the Adriatic Sea (4 NM) with a few islets in the middle. An excellent route for cargoes, this expanse of calm water draws a great number of ships of all sizes for its safe anchorages, swimming and resting.

Day 10: Dugi Otok - Dugi Otok / Bozava (33 NM)
At the extreme north, Dugi Otok presents another well sheltered gulf with an islet within where numerous yachts
find an excellent anchorage. At midday, take a break on the west coast of the island off a sandy beach in the gulf of Sarakun.

Day 11: Dugi Ottok - Suzak (34 NM)
Break for lunch on the west coast of Premuda then set out for Suzak, which would be a shame to miss. It's an enormous sand bank in the sea where the inhabitants have kept their traditions, their language as well as their characteristic costumes (for the women it consists of a short dress, red socks and ballet type shoes for walking in the sand). Good anchorage except in the case of a north-east wind.

Day 12: Suzak - Pomer (26 NM)
Return to Istria by crossing the Kvarner canal. To the south of the peninsula, there opens the long Meduline gulf which shelters six islets. If navigating at night, you have to pass through the middle of them following the white sector lights. Choose an anchorage either at the back of the gulf or in the Pomer ACI marina. In Pomer village we can recommend the restaurant «Ostriga».

Day 13: Pomer - Pula (20 NM)
Passage between the Porer and Albanez lighthouses and then enter the port in Pula moving around the long jetty by following the beacons.