14-Day Yacht Charter Croatia Itinerary – From Zadar via Kornati, Šibenik & Split

Day 1: Zadar → Sali (Dugi Otok) ~15 NM

Your sailing holiday begins at Marina Zadar or Marina Dalmacija in Sukošan, two of the Adriatic’s largest yacht charter bases. After check-in and provisioning, set sail for Sali on Dugi Otok, around 15 NM away. The short passage across the Zadar Channel introduces you to steady summer winds and calm seas, ideal for getting to know your sailing yacht, catamaran, or motor yacht.

Sali’s harbor offers moorings, restaurants, and essential facilities. This fishing village is authentic yet lively, with waterfront cafés and seafood taverns. It’s also the gateway to Telašćica Nature Park, making it a natural first stop. Dinner should include octopus salad, black risotto, or grilled fish, paired with Pošip (white wine). Families, couples, and luxury charter clients all appreciate Sali’s balance of comfort and authenticity.

Day 2: Sali → Telašćica Nature Park ~7 NM

Sail a short 7 NM south into Telašćica Nature Park, one of Croatia’s most stunning anchorages. The bay is 8 km long, completely sheltered, and lined with mooring buoys. The contrast here is striking: towering cliffs rising 160 meters on one side, calm coves and pine-shaded beaches on the other. Inland lies Lake Mir, a saltwater lake warmed by the sun.

No towns exist inside the park, just silence and nature. Dining options are rustic konobas serving fish, squid, and lamb peka. For catamaran charter Croatia, Telašćica is a perfect family anchorage. For sailing yachts, it’s a chance to enjoy true wilderness. For luxury yachts, it offers privacy and exclusivity. Spending the night under the stars here is a memory that defines Adriatic sailing.

Day 3: Telašćica → Kornati National Park ~12 NM

From Telašćica, sail 12 NM southeast into the Kornati National Park, a labyrinth of over 80 islands. The barren, rocky landscape is breathtaking, with white stone meeting deep blue sea. Sailing through narrow channels like Proversa Mala is thrilling, and anchoring in quiet bays feels like stepping out of time.

Several konobas dot the Kornati, accessible only by boat. Dining here is a highlight: lobster or scampi grilled over fire, octopus under peka, paired with local white wines. For catamaran charters, Kornati’s wide bays are safe havens. For sailing yachts, the winds provide fun but manageable passages. For luxury motor yachts, Kornati delivers exclusivity, silence, and cinematic landscapes.

Day 4: Kornati → Žut ~10 NM

Sail 10 NM to Žut, one of the largest inhabited islands in the Kornati group. Unlike most of the barren park, Žut has seasonal residents and the excellent ACI Marina Žut, which offers fuel, water, electricity, and safe mooring. It’s the perfect balance between wilderness and comfort.

Žut’s bays are excellent for swimming and paddleboarding, while its hills offer hiking paths with sweeping views. Dining is simple but authentic: fish, scampi, and olive oil served in konobas. For yacht charter Croatia, Žut is a practical and beautiful stop – safe berths for catamarans, fun sailing routes for yachts, and peaceful luxury for motor yacht guests.

Day 5: Žut → Murter ~15 NM

From Žut, sail northeast about 15 NM to Murter, a lively island town often called the “gateway to Kornati.” Marina Hramina is one of the best-equipped marinas in northern Dalmatia, offering technical services, provisioning, and comfort.

Murter has a strong shipbuilding tradition and a charming old town. Gastronomy is excellent: Kornati scampi, lamb, and risottos, paired with Debit or Babić wines from the Šibenik region. Beaches like Slanica are popular, and the town has a vibrant, friendly atmosphere. For catamaran charter Croatia crews, Murter is a provisioning and cultural hub; for sailing yachts, it’s a lively contrast after Kornati; for luxury yachts, it offers comfort and convenience.

Day 6: Murter → Vodice ~12 NM

Sail 12 NM southeast to Vodice, one of Dalmatia’s most vibrant towns. ACI Marina Vodice sits in the center, with over 400 berths and all services. Vodice is known for its nightlife, summer concerts, and bustling waterfront.

Daytime activities include beaches, water sports, and excursions inland. At night, Vodice comes alive with bars, clubs, and music, making it a favorite for younger charter groups. Food options range from seafood to Dalmatian stews, best paired with Debit or Pošip wines. For luxury motor yachts, Vodice offers energy and entertainment; for catamarans and sailing yachts, it provides easy services and lively charm.

Day 7: Vodice → Šibenik ~10 NM

A short 10 NM sail takes you to Šibenik, a UNESCO World Heritage city. Berth at ACI Marina Mandalina, one of Croatia’s few marinas designed for superyachts.

Šibenik is home to the Cathedral of St. James, a UNESCO-listed masterpiece, and several medieval fortresses overlooking the town. The waterfront is atmospheric, lined with restaurants and cafés. Gastronomy here is top-level, with fine dining restaurants pairing modern cuisine with local wines. For yacht charter Croatia, Šibenik is a cultural jewel, offering luxury marina services and deep history.

Day 8: Šibenik → Primošten ~15 NM

From Šibenik, sail 15 NM south to Primošten, a postcard town on a small peninsula. Primošten is famous for vineyards and beaches, as well as lively summer nights. Anchor in front of town or use moorings.

The old town’s cobblestone streets and sea views make it one of Dalmatia’s prettiest stops. Gastronomy highlights include grilled fish, pasta with scampi, and Babić wines from local vineyards. For catamaran charter Croatia, Primošten is a charming family stop; for luxury motor yachts, it’s an upscale but relaxed location.

Day 9: Primošten → Rogoznica ~10 NM

Sail 10 NM to Rogoznica, home to Marina Frapa, one of the Adriatic’s most modern marinas. With luxury facilities, pools, shops, and restaurants, it’s a favorite for crewed and luxury charters.

Rogoznica also has Dragon’s Eye Lake, a natural phenomenon, and a vibrant waterfront. Dining ranges from seafood konobas to fine restaurants. For yacht charter Croatia, Rogoznica is a top-tier marina stop blending culture and comfort.

Day 10: Rogoznica → Trogir ~15 NM

Sail 15 NM north to Trogir, a UNESCO World Heritage site known as the “museum city.” Berth at ACI Marina Trogir, just across from the old town.

Trogir is filled with medieval and Renaissance architecture, lively squares, and excellent restaurants. Seafood, risottos, and wines like Plavac Mali (red) or Pošip (white) are dining highlights. For catamaran charters, Trogir is a family-friendly cultural stop; for luxury yachts, it offers historic charm paired with marina comfort.

Day 11: Trogir → Split ~12 NM

Head 12 NM to Split, Dalmatia’s capital. Berth at ACI Marina Split or Marina Kaštela nearby. Split’s highlight is Diocletian’s Palace, a living UNESCO monument filled with shops, cafés, and bars.

The waterfront Riva buzzes day and night, and gastronomy ranges from street food to Michelin-starred restaurants. For yacht charter Croatia, Split is both a turnaround port and a cultural capital, offering history, nightlife, and luxury services.

Day 12: Split → Drvenik Islands ~15 NM

After the bustle of Split, sail 15 NM southwest to the Drvenik islands (Mali and Veli). These islands are known for sandy coves and turquoise water, perfect for swimming and paddleboarding. Anchorage is possible in several bays, offering peaceful overnight stays.

For catamaran charters, Drvenik is a safe, shallow paradise; for sailing yachts, it’s an authentic Adriatic stop; for luxury yachts, it offers privacy and beauty.

Day 13: Drvenik → Žirje (~20 NM)

Continue 20 NM southeast to Žirje, a rugged and less-visited island south of Šibenik. Anchor in secluded bays, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, and enjoy the untouched Adriatic. With minimal infrastructure, Žirje is ideal for bareboat crews or those seeking silence under the stars.

Day 14: Žirje → Zadar (~30 NM via Murter & Ugljan)

On the final day, sail 30 NM north back to Zadar, stopping for a swim near Murter or Ugljan. Return to Marina Zadar or Marina Dalmacija for check-out. Before departure, explore Zadar’s Roman forum, Venetian gates, and the modern Sea Organ and Greeting to the Sun installations.

Ending in Zadar means closing your logbook with memories of Kornati’s wilderness, Šibenik’s history, Split’s vibrancy, and countless quiet bays. For catamaran charter Croatia or luxury yacht charter Dalmatia, this 14-day itinerary offers the ultimate balance of sailing, culture, gastronomy, and relaxation.