WHAT TO DO WITH A SUPERYACHT IN CROATIA

Croatia is divided into several subcategories, but we will use the simplest and most practical one – the archipelagos: 

• Istra & Kvarner 
• Zadar 
• Sibenik
• Split 
• Dubrovnik

Depending on your preferences, and time at your disposal, choosing one area per week is a wise choice: having more options doesn’t mean you need to use them all. 

Istria and Kvarner are the least visited areas of the Croatian Adriatic: most northern location is characteristically slightly rainier, but more importantly, there are fewer larger islands there, in contrast to the more southern regions where the islands number in the hundreds. 

The infrastructure on the coast is centered around major cities Rijeka, Pula and Rovinj. In Rijeka there is a commercial port with facilities to support all sizes of yachts, in Pula there is the newly built Marina Polesana with facilities for up to 100-meter yachts, and finally, ACI Marina Rovinj, the most developed of all the three, mostly suited for receiving superyachts and located in front of one of the most luxurious hotels in Croatia, which is often chosen by celebrities who are visiting Istra region. 

The anchorages in Istria are mostly coastal, and unattractive, while the Kvarner islands offer numerous safe anchorages, with beautiful vistas and excursion opportunities.

Further to the south is the Zadar archipelago. Hundreds of islands and reefs creating a choice of many ports and endless anchorages, even for superyachts. The main service centers are Zadar, Sukosan, Biograd, Murter and Betina. Other than in Zadar, the services available will decrease with the size of the yacht, but up to 100 meters most services should be available. 

Berths for larger yachts, but up to 100 meters, are available in Zadar marina. Other than that, possibilities are limited. Near Zadar, there is the Zadar Cruise Port, primarily meant for cruisers, but also accepting yachts, unlimited by size. The Cruise Port is also known for the Croatia Yacht Show – the Croatian superyacht show taking place in October. With over 60 chartered superyachts, it’s a place to visit, if planning a cruise in the Adriatic. 

The Croatia Yacht Show is the central event of the Croatian superyacht industry, gathering all central agents and attracting brokers from all over the world. It is not just a pure charter show but offers a range of vendors crucial for the yachting industry: from software, supply, hospitality, transfers, accommodation and many others. With yachts to up to 100 meters exhibited, any tourist planning on cruising the Adriatic should drop by.

As anchorages go, there is an abundance in the Zadar area. Other than the Kornati National Park, there are hundreds of islands with endless beautiful and secure coves, offering shelter, but also amazing turquoise waters and iconic restaurants. 

The Sibenik area is the smallest one but offers some amazing sites. The infrastructure is centralized in Sibenik, in Marina Mandalina, by D-Marin. Yachts up to 100 meters will find berths and services there, in the proximity of Sibenik town. 

The Split area is, next to Dubrovnik, the most famous and most popular. Also, it’s the most crowded, and most commercialized. In Split ACI Marina the wavebreaker is open to superyachts up to 100 meters, but those can also find mooring on the city docks, on the west side of the port. Other than in Split, there will be very few services available. Islands like Vis and Hvar can accommodate superyachts in a very limited capacity. There is a small marina on Solta island, called Martinis Marchi, that is small, but suitable and even specialized for superyachts.   

Dubrovnik town offers a city port, suitable for superyachts, additionally to two commercial marinas: Frapa and ACI, both offering a couple of superyacht berths available for transit. Almost every bay will offer a shallow turquoise area, and a good restaurant, while more urban settlements are scarce.     

In conclusion, the superyacht infrastructure has developed significantly in this beautiful destination that was previously mostly popular with smaller yachts. With the infrastructure, the range of services widened and the appeal for superyachts is greater than ever. 

With the Croatia Yacht Show now putting Croatia on the map of yacht-charter brokers from all over the world, it is to be expected that this destination will keep developing into a premium yachting destination, taking its rightful place among the best superyacht destinations on the planet.