Hiring a boat in Istria is the ideal way to explore the Adriatic Sea in Northern Croatia. With countless beaches, national parks, historical sights and towns you will be able to create unique experiences that match your style, taste and budget. There are an abundant set of Marinas in Istria followed by numerous anchorages and ports for your boating holiday around the islands. You will have no trouble finding the ideal catamaran, sailboat, motor yacht or speedboat of your choice. You can directly contact the owners for the ideal boat or simply allow a BednBlue travel expert to guide you with some suggestions.
You have plenty of options:
You can book and hire a sailboat or speedboat with a skipper, or without one if you own a license, and enjoy a one-day cruise to the Rovinj islands. You can also hire a motorboat for a full day tour around the beaches you desire along the Istria coast. With the option to book a catamaran you can throw a party in Pag island or go snorkeling in the Brijuni islands. Finally, you can hire a luxury sailboat for a longer cruise where you can combine the islands around Kvarner Gulf with the Istria Coast.
Istria is located in the Northern Adriatic area of Croatia and is bordered by Kvarner bay to the east, its coastline area spans at over 2,600km long, its position at the heart of the peninsula has pleasant conditions for swimming and boating. The towns in Istria offer great opportunities for historic sightseeing and a rich cultural life. The Sergius Arch of Triumph in Pula, the Limski Fjord, the Saint Euphemia Church of Rovinj and the castle of Pazin are some great sights that will have you reaching for the camera. Istria’s largest urban centre is Pula which has 3,000 years of history behind it and brings thousands of visitors every year who want to explore the impressive cultural heritage. The authentic villages of Rabac, Rovinj and Porec also boast a diverse array of outdoor activities both on water and on the mainland, making the perfect opportunity for a boating holiday in Croatia.
If you rent a boat in Pula you will have a great opportunity to enjoy both the Istria Coast and also the Rovinj Islands. You can also combine these trips with Kvarner Bay which consist of Cres, Krk, Opatija, Rabac, Pag and Rab island. From Istria you can head out from Rovinj or Pula to explore the Brijuni National Park along with a variety of little islands. The national park is really impressive, expect to see meadows, laurel and oak forests, lush parks and rare plants such as wild cucumbers or marine poppie, a great adventure for families who want to get together for moments of relaxation and tranquility. You can also anchor at Cape Kamenjak at the southern tip of Istria which has crystal clear beaches and opportunities for cliff diving. The archipelago is truly a stunning natural oasis.If you are renting a boat in Rovinj, many charterers will also offer trips to the Brijuni Islands, these comprise two large islands as well as twelve little islets. One of these islands is accessible to tourists and is uninhabited, and that is Veli Brijun, the biggest one, great for swimming and snorkeling too.
Moving further from Pula, Opatija is a picturesque, laid back small town which is always nice to visit, you can explore the gorgeous gardens before enjoying a luxurious evening meal with baroque classic music to serenade you.The island of Cres is not so far from Pula and the Istria coast and it might be large compared to some others but it is not so populated. This island is a great day trip in Istria, sailing past the evergreens and steep contours will promise a unique experience. There are pebble beaches as well as traditional Mediterranean walled settlements. With its craggy coastline, primeval forests and steep hills, Cres boasts something of a wild nature to inspire and thrill travelers. The impressive panoramic views of Cres will capture your imagination and you will find delightful views at the end of nearly every path as you circumnavigate it. Connected to Cres by a bridge is the island of Losinj, where you can find beaches, kayak hire, museums, cycling, diving, and windsurfing. Of course a leisurely stroll is also a nice way to explore this island. There are some great restaurants in Mali Losinj, the main towl, and also some nightlife. The little island of Susak is found near the island of Losinj. Susak, along with the island of Unije, is the most western located island of the northern Croatian islands. There are fewer than two hundred residents living on Susak and most of those live in Susak Town, which is the main settlement area. The Port of Susak is popular with the boats sailing from Losinj. For a week-long charter in Croatia, rest assured there is plenty to see and do during this time. You might like to depart from Pula and head to Pomela’s Medula Bay. Next you can sail Kvarner Bay and enjoy the stately houses, wild panoramic landscapes and intact vegetation. Kvarner Bay is known in Italian as Albona Porto, and is often known as the pearl of Kvarner.
Rabac is also a great starting point for your island hopping trip. Situated southeast of Labin, this fishing port is protected by a dramatic coastline of picturesque soaring cliffs. There is plenty to do in the area. Ascend a mountainous passage to discover the old mining town of Labin. You can stroll around the town, enjoying the art studios and galleries or cultural centers. There are plenty of festivals in this area during the busier summer months if you want to enjoy some live music. Another possibility is sailing from Opatija between the islands of Krk and Cres. Opatija is one of the biggest and prettiest areas in the Adriatic region. You can then moor in the town of Punat, this little town is famed for its pretty bay of Kosljun Island, and it's entertaining environment. This fascinating Croatian town is southwest of Krk Island and very close to Cres. Explore the pretty pebble beaches, taverns and bars, pristine coastline, and hidden passages in the interlocking alleyways. Try local Croatian food or enjoy the folklore and traditional music of Krk, or the fine art exhibits nearby, before heading over to Cres. On the way there you will find plenty of Mediterranean pine trees. You will find yourself in one of the gulf of Carnaro’s most northernmost islands, and find a bridge connecting it to Lussino, or Mali Losinj as it is also called. The pretty coastal towns like Martinscica and Cres itself contrast with smaller interior areas such as Drakovac, Loze, Hrasta and Belej.
Don’t miss the stunning Lake Vrana, right in the middle of the island, where all the Cres water comes from. Residents and travelers alike enjoy hikes around this area, and there are different routes to choose from with various levels of difficulty. Enjoy the magical landscapes visible from many of the footpaths. With a sailboat charter in Istria you can also explore the perfect beaches that can’t be reached by land, and relax, indulging all your senses in the natural beauty all around you. Some great beaches you can consider include Red Island (Crveni Otok) which has pebbly little coves in Rovinj, Lubenice in Cres, Vrbnik beach in Krk and Lopar Beach in Rab island. Rab is a popular tourist destination, from here you can easily follow an excursion to Goli Otok, Velebit national Park and the neighbouring islands of Krk and Pag. The North Adriatic is a sailing area which promises a unique vacation in Croatia and can be crafted to your liking, for those interested in a boat party in Croatia, Pag island has some of the best international Dj’s, if you choose to hire a catamaran you can enjoy a wild day out with your group and friends for the most memorable experiences.
Marinas and Airports:
Port of Porec: Has a berthing capacity of 120 vessels with a depth of 3.5m and is situated in a well protected bay.
ACI Marina Umag: offers a berthing capacity of 480 vessels for all types of yachts. The port is well-equipped, super-clean with professional staff. WI-FI, excellent water and electricity supplies.
Marina Nautica port of Novigrad: A world-class port that can accommodate up to 365 boats with a maximum length of 50m.
Marina of Vrsar: can accommodate up to 200 berths with a length of 40m and is located in a protected bay.
ACI Marina Pula: Offers a berthing capacity for 200 yachts and even mega yachts up to 40m long. A perfectly equipped marina with all the services you need.
The International Airport of Pula is 6km from the city centre and is 20 minutes to ACI Marina Pula and 42 minutes away from Rovinj.
ACI Marina Rovinj: one of the largest ports in Croatia, super clean and well-connected. One of the quays is stationed for large vessels, the other one is for yacht stationing and can accommodate up to 416 vessels altogether.
Port of Rabac: offers great shelter from the northern and eastern winds and is a great starting point for your boating trip in Istra.
ACI Marina opatija: The marina is well connected to the whole of Europe by main roads and is situated just at the centre of the Riviera. Potected from the strong ‘bura’ wind by Istria’s highest mountain Ucka, also Offers 283 berths at a max length of 40m.
The Riyeka International Airport is 40 minutes away from Marina Opatija
Marina Punat, Krk: holds a traditional regatta for yachts each year since 1984. The marina certifies quality nautical services and is the best-equipped marina on the eastern coast of the Adriatic. Offers 800 berths for boats up to 45m in length and makes every sailor feel like home.
ACI Marina Cres: Has been awarded the blue flag not only for its perfect quality of water but also for the environmental management that stands in the center of the island and attracts activists and nature lovers from all over the world. In 2011 it was awarded the best marina for marinas worldwide that have a capacity of over 450 berths. Mega yachts up to 50m in length can also be accommodated in this capacious marina with shower and toilet facilities, WI-FI access, fuel station and nautical equipment as well as beach accessories. Daily charters depart from Cres to Krk for adventurous trips or to simply reach the mainland near Rijeka international airport.
There are also ferry routes from Pula to Losinj, Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik. For those coming from Italy take the ferry route from Venice to Pula.
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