Sailing route from Zadar – Kornati and Krka National Parks
Enjoy north Dalmatia’s beautiful National Parks. Sail upriver to Krka & wind back via the Kornati islands.
One week sailing itinerary around the north Dalmatian Islands
This sailing route from Zadar and the nearby marina of Sukošan packs full your sailing week with all the best that the northern Dalmatian coast has to offer. The sailing is exciting, winding through narrow channels upstream to the Krka National Park, as well as exploring the Šibenik archipelago and navigating through the Kornati National Park. There are plenty of opportunities to stop, swim and enjoy the most of the Adriatic.
On the way, you pass through some beautiful ancient towns, full of history, culture and amazing architecture. Nestled in a bend of the River Krka, Skradin is a small town with a huge history. If time allows, persuade your skipper to let you spend a little time in Šibenik. The old town is a delightful maze of winding polished limestone streets and there are plenty of forts and UNESCO sites to see.
This sailing trip plunges deep into the Kornati National park with its breath-taking beauty. Navigating among the islands and reefs is a nautical paradise that seems neverending with new lands appearing around each corner. With the daily sailing hops all relatively short (between 2-3 hours), it is a great route for family sailing holidays, less confident sailors, as well as those who enjoy exploring islands and swimming as much as sailing. In fact, there is something for everyone, as the sailing here is also mindblowing!
When you get back to base, why not spend a few days unwinding and exploring Zadar. This is the oldest city in Croatia, settled 3000 years ago. It is known for the Venetian and Roman ruins and buildings that fill the historic old town peninsula. This dynamic and vibrant city is less crowded than its southern peers of Split and Dubrovnik, but holds just as much interest.
Suggested itinerary:
Swim stop – Vrgada island
Saturday: Murter (Murter island)
Sunday: Tijašnica (Tijat island)
Monday: Skradin
Tuesday: Kaprije (Kaprije island)
Swim stop – Kakan island
Wednesday: Kornati islands (Ravni Žakan)
Swim stop – Kornati island National Park
Thursday: Žut island
Friday: Zadar
Base marina:
D-Marin Dalmacija (Sukošan)
You could also base this route from Šibenik (D-Marin Mandalina), beginning on Day 3
Activities on route:
Kornati National Park (cost depends on boat size)
Krka National Park (120-200kn pp)
Sky Diving – €250
SCUBA diving
Wine tasting
DAY 1:
Sukošan to Murter
Approx 2hr sailing*
Meet your skipper at Sukošan to check-in and drop your bags at the yacht. Early check-in is available, and recommended, in order to make the most of your first sailing day. With this option, you can arrive at 12pm so that you can set sail by 1-2pm. Alternatively meet after 2pm for normal departure around 4pm.
Enjoy your first taste of this sailing route from Zadar on the way south to Murter island. If you sail early, you can pause for a swim by the small island of Vrgada and enjoy the sandy beach which is lined with pine trees. When you reach Murter, stop on the northern edge, either mooring in Marina Hramina or anchoring just in front. Dine at Fine Food Murter, which is one of the best restaurants on the island.
DAY 2:
Murter to Tijat
Approx 2hr sailing*
Head to the beautiful uninhabited island of Tijat in the Šibenik archipelago. Moor in Tijašnica bay where you can enjoy the calm turquoise waters. This is a beautiful sheltered bay which begs to be explored on a SUP, or if you aren’t feeling energetic, feed the fishes off the back of the yacht. The water is so clear you don’t even need a snorkel You will soon have the pipe fish eating out of your hand.
In the evening, get a lift to shore and go for a relaxing dinner on the waterfront terrace under the trees at the Spirito Summer Place where the cocktails and food delight. The owner is happy to come to pick you up in his tender.
DAY 3:
Tijat to Skradin
Approx 2hr sailing*
Head inland, winding your way through the passage of Saint Anthony and past the beautiful historic town of Šibenik. Your skipper will navigate along a dramatic route that takes you through the Šibenik Channel, along the Krka river and Prokljan Strait. There some great bridges to pass under, mussel farms to glide by and plenty of close up scenary to admire.
You will arrive at Skradin, a delightful old town nestled between the hills in the mouth of the river Krka. The marina is well kept and the walk round to the main part of town, across little footbridges, is lovely.
Dine at Konoba Evala for some good value food. ACI Marina Skradin is perfectly placed to get you on the first boat upriver in the morning, to see the awe-inspiring Krka waterfalls before the crowds set in. The tourist boats leave on the hour from 8am in the high season, returning on the half hour.
DAY 4:
Skradin to Kaprije
Approx. 3hrs sailing*
Get the 8am ferry into the Krka National Park to make the most of this spectacle before the crowds become overwhelming. A short 20 minute trip upstream brings you to Skradinski Buk, a series of wonderful waterfalls. You can enjoy a relatively easy walk up one side, across the top and back down to take in the view from every angle. Make sure to bring a camera as this place is like nothing you’ve seen before. After walking round, you can swim in the fresh water pool at the bottom of the final fall before heading back to the ferry.
When you get back to your boat, set sail for Kaprije island, winding your way back through the channel and into the Šibenik archipelago and escaping the bustle of the mainland. It gets it’s name from the capers that flourish here, alongside olive groves and grape vines. Dine at Liberty with spectacular panoramic views of the sun setting over the Adriatic sea.
DAY 5:
Kaprije to Ravni Žakan
Approx 2hrs sailing*
Take your time waking up and, on the way to the Kornati archipelago, stop for lunch and a swim around Kakan island. When you are ready, set sail for Ravni Žakan island where customers can use the mooring facilities outside Konoba Žakan with access to electricity and water. The fantastically fresh food is a modern day twist on traditional Croatian cuisine.
DAY 6:
Ravni Žakan to Žut
approx 2hrs sailing*
Enjoy a day winding your way through the National park towards the island of Žut, the second largest island in the Kornati archipelago. The authentic fish restaurant Fešta is located in Golubovac bay. It is nestled among ancient olive trees along the shore with mooring supplied to customers. Žut has no permanent inhabitants and definitely ticks the ‘Robinson Crusoe’ box. Walk up a nearby hill and enjoy spectacular views over the surrounding islands while the sun sets. Alternatively, make sure you get up half an hour before the sunrise in the morning and climb up to be wowed by the most incredible sun rise. A truly special time of day!
DAY 7:
Žut to Sukošan
approx 3hrs sailing*
On your final sailing day, make your way back from Žut to Sukošan. Enjoy exploring the coves and inlets around Pašman before making your way back to the base marina in Sukošan by 6pm.
Spend the evening exploring everything the nearby dynamic and vibrant city of Zadar has to offer. Check out the Sea Organ (Morske Orgulje) and the Monument to the Sun (Pozdrav Suncu), which lights up at night. Both located on the sea front near the old town.
