Dalmatia and the Kornati

Yacht charter in Croatia

Much of the Croatian coastline is made up of islands and hidden coves only accessible from the water. A week-long charter can run from Istria to Mljet National Park, with a captain and crew on board.

Charter season
April to mid-October
Kornati archipelago
140+ islands and islets
Embarkation ports
Split or Zadar
The walls of Dubrovnik above the sea

Cruising in Croatia

The Croatian coast is best explored island by island, from one anchorage to the next. Its waters are rich in fish and seafood. Croatia is also home to more than 120 indigenous grape varieties.

A charter can begin in Istria, where Pula is home to a well-preserved Roman amphitheatre. In northern Dalmatia, the Kornati archipelago comprises more than 140 islands and islets. Šibenik offers easy access to the archipelago and lies 41 nm from Split. Krka National Park and its 7 waterfalls can be visited from Šibenik.

Split, Vis, Hvar and Korčula are linked further south by passages of 16 to 27 nm. Mljet and Dubrovnik lie 27 nm apart. Mljet National Park covers more than 5,300 hectares.

Where to go

  • Kornati archipelago

    The Kornati archipelago has more than 140 islands and islets in northern Dalmatia. Of these, 89 form the Kornati National Park. Yachts enter the park with a ticket based on their length.

  • Split

    Split grew up around Diocletian's Palace, a waterfront residence completed by the Roman emperor in AD 305. A full day leaves time to explore the palace. Vis lies 27 nm away.

  • Vis and Biševo

    Near Vis, on calm days, sunlight lights up the Blue Cave on Biševo through an underwater opening.

  • Hvar

    Hvar is known for its nightlife and beach clubs, including Carpe Diem. The club sits in the nearby Pakleni Islands, reached from the water. Vis lies 16 nm away.

  • Korčula

    Korčula has 2 restaurants featured in the MICHELIN Guide, Filippi and LD Restaurant. At Filippi, the menu includes sea bass ceviche and breaded cuttlefish. Hvar lies 27 nm away.

  • Dubrovnik and Lokrum

    The yacht anchors off Lokrum Island, just south of Dubrovnik. The fortified city is UNESCO-listed. Mljet National Park lies 27 nm away.

When to go to Croatia

  1. Janoff season
  2. Feboff season
  3. Maroff season
  4. Aprshoulder season
  5. Mayshoulder season
  6. Junshoulder season
  7. Julpeak season
  8. Augpeak season
  9. Sepshoulder season
  10. Octshoulder season
  11. Novoff season
  12. Decoff season

The Croatian yachting season runs from April to mid-October. High season covers late June, July and August. Temperatures are warm and winds light. Towns and nightlife are at their liveliest then.

May, early June, September and October bring milder temperatures and quieter harbours. These shoulder months are the best time to charter a yacht in Croatia.

A week in Croatia, stop by stop

Your captain adjusts the stops and their pace to the day's weather.

Istria to Mljet

8 stops in 7 days, from Rovinj to Mljet National Park.

  1. Stop 1

    Rovinj

    Embark in Rovinj on the Istrian coast.

  2. Stop 2

    Pula

    Pula is home to a well-preserved Roman amphitheatre.

  3. Stop 3

    Kornati archipelago

    A day among more than 140 islands and islets.

  4. Stop 4

    Split

    A full day is set aside for Diocletian's Palace.

  5. Stop 5

    Vis and Biševo

    On calm days, sunlight lights up the Blue Cave on Biševo.

    27 nm from the previous stop

  6. Stop 6

    Hvar

    The yacht calls at Hvar. Carpe Diem is in the nearby Pakleni Islands.

    16 nm from the previous stop

  7. Stop 7

    Korčula

    Dinner at one of the island's 2 MICHELIN Guide restaurants, Filippi or LD Restaurant.

    27 nm from the previous stop

  8. Stop 8

    Mljet National Park

    A final night at an authorised anchorage in the national park, where the charter ends.

Cruising distances

Zadar to Šibenik38 nm
Šibenik to Split41 nm
Split to Vis27 nm
Vis to Hvar16 nm
Hvar to Korčula27 nm
Mljet to Dubrovnik27 nm

Good to know

Within 300 m of the shore, the yacht keeps to 8 knots or less. Local rules may set a lower limit.

Jet skis and fast tenders may only plane more than 300 m from the shore, in areas where planing is permitted. The captain keeps clear of bathing areas in line with Croatian rules.

The Kornati and Mljet National Parks each require a ticket per yacht. The fee also takes the yacht's length into account. At Mljet, a 1-day ticket is valid until noon the following day.

Yachts in the Eastern Mediterranean

The yachts shown here are available for charter in the Eastern Mediterranean, which includes Croatia. Our broker will confirm availability and shape the itinerary with you.

Alfa

70 m12 guestsBenetti Yachts

From €700,000 per week

Vassa

68.8 m12 guestsFeadship

From €595,000 per week

Loon

67.5 m13 guestsIcon Yachts

From €550,000 per week

Vertigo

67.2 m12 guestsAlloy Yachts

From €360,000 per week

Calex

67 m12 guestsBenetti Yachts

From €680,000 per week

Triumph

65.4 m12 guestsBenetti Yachts

From €650,000 per week

Artisan

63 m12 guestsBenetti Yachts

From €645,000 per week

Pink Shadow

58.3 m12 guestsDamen Yachting

From €510,000 per week

Illusion V

58 m12 guestsBenetti Yachts

From €350,000 per week

Frequently asked questions

Ask another question

When is the best time for a yacht charter in Croatia?

May, early June, September and October bring mild temperatures and quieter harbours. July and August suit guests looking for the hottest weather, buzzing towns and nightlife. The yachting season runs from April to mid-October.

Is one week enough?

Yes. 7 days are enough to explore the highlights of the Adriatic. A typical week starts in Rovinj in Istria and ends in Mljet National Park. It calls at the Kornati, Split, Vis, Hvar and Korčula.

Where does a charter begin?

Charters most often begin in Split or Zadar. The airports of Pula, Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik serve the coast. Šibenik also offers easy access to the Kornati.

Do I need a visa?

Not for nationals of the European Economic Area. A valid identity card or passport is enough for a stay of up to 3 months.

Do the national parks require a ticket?

Yes, for both the Kornati and Mljet. The ticket is issued per yacht, and the fee also takes the yacht's length into account. At Mljet, a 1-day ticket is valid until noon the following day.

Your Croatia charter enquiry

The cruising area is set. Tell us your dates and the number of guests. Our broker will check availability and come back to you with suitable yachts.

Maxime Delattre, broker at Atalante
Maxime Delattre, broker+33 6 08 48 67 99
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You can also call +33 9 64 16 37 88 or write to info@groupeatalante.com.