Croatia fact file

Croatia’s geographic location gives rise to dramatic differences in climate in different parts of the country. The Adriatic coast enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm dry summers and wet autumns and winters. Winters can also be cold but rarely do temperatures along the coast drop below freezing. Adriatic weather is particularly affected by anticyclones (high pressure) from the Azores and Siberia, and cyclones and depressions (low pressure) from Iceland.

Winds
The Maestral (north-westerly) is the predominant wind in the summer months, with the Sirocco (blowing from east-south-east to south-south-east) and Bora (north-easterly) mainly evident between October and April. Southerly winds are in general referred to as the Jugo.

The most respected wind in Croatia is the Bora which blows across the land and down to the sea. Cold air descends down the mountains and can often give rise to ’local’ Boras, sometimes with gale force strength. In the summer a Bora may last only for a few hours although may continue for up to three days. In the winter it can last much longer and gives rise to choppy seas rather than large waves. The Bora blows particularly strongly in the Šibenik and Zadar regions, in Kaštela bay, along the coast between Split and Makarska, and around Pelješac. An approaching Bora can be difficult to spot but cloud caps over the highest mountains are an indication and if the cloud cap increases that’s a sign that the Bora is strengthening.

Storms
Storms can arise quite quickly in the summer with little apparent warning and in a number of weather conditions. Waterspouts (tromba) can also occur occasionally and can travel at speeds up to 60 knots but normally blow themselves out after about 10 km.

Sea states
Sea states can change quite quickly from one area to another with confused choppy seas often resulting from a change of wind direction and/or where two channels meet.

The main airports are:

Dubrovnik
www.airport-dubrovnik.hr
Pula
www.airport-pula.com
Rijeka
www.rijeka-airport.hr
Split
www.split-airport.hr
Zadar
www.zadar-airport.hr
Zagreb
www.zagreb-airport.hr

For quickest access to the best sailing areas, fly to Split or Zadar.

All these major airports will also receive private aircraft.

Immigration
Citizens of the EU, Australia, Canada, the US and New Zealand do not need visas to visit Croatia and can stay for up to 90 days. Note that Croatia has now been approved for EU entry which is expected to take place in 2013. Any visitors will require a visa if they plan to stay for longer than 90 days. Nationals from South Africa will need to have completed a visa application before visiting. All visitors must register with the authorities, although this is normally carried out by local tourist organisations (hotels, marinas, etc) on behalf of visitors. A nominal amount of tourist tax is payable.

Nautical rules and regulations
Vessels entering Croatian waters must make for the closest authorised port of entry, by the shortest route, in order to carry out customs formalities, obtain a vignette (from the local Harbour Master) and certify the crew list and list of passengers. These rules and regulations are evolving to the benefit of visitors but were originally designed to prevent unregulated and illegal charter in Croatia. A passenger limit was set for visiting yachts calculated at 2.3 times the safe maximum number of passengers that can be carried aboard at any one time. A series of concession have been introduced to allow for passenger changes and mainly designed to make life easier for superyachts:

a) crew are now not included in the limit calculations
b) superyacht owners can now apply directly to the relevant minister for exemption
c) passengers embarking or disembarking outside Croatian waters will not be included in the calculations

For more information see Croatian Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure www.mmpi.hr

Tides and currents
Tidal ranges in the Croatian Adriatic are generally so small as to be insignificant. Sea levels are more susceptible to weather (air pressure) than tides. The increase in air pressure caused by a strong Bora or Tramontana may cause a fall in sea level of up to 0.5m while strong winds from the south can increase sea levels by up to 1.4m in extreme conditions. In cases of extreme barometric pressure, a phenomenon called a seiche can occur, particularly in enclosed basins of water. Changes in wind direction cause oscillations of sea levels and on rare occasions, notably in bays open to winds from the west, like Stari Grad on Hvar or Vela Luka on Korčula, seiches with amplitudes of between 3 and 5m have been reported with oscillation periods of just a few minutes.

Bunkering
Duty free fuel is still not available in Croatia but is now available close to the border either side – to the north in Camper and Nicholsons’ Porto San Rocco in the Gulf of Trieste, Italy, and to the south in Porto Montenegro, Tivat, Montenegro. Croatia is well served for fuel stations, the following locations being amongst the best for larger yachts – Sumartin and Milna, on Brač island, Ploče, Šibenik, Split, Opatija and Cres.

Pump-out facilities
Some marinas will arrange a tanker to come and collect; Marina Preko on Ugljan island was the first to have a purpose designed system and now others are following.

Provisioning
An increasing variety of international brands are available in supermarkets. Seasonal local produce, available from town and village markets, is generally of excellent quality, particularly olive oil, fruit and vegetables, the local smoked ham (pršut) and local cheeses.

Cruising guides
The Croatia Cruising Companion (Wiley Nautical) covers the Dalmatian Coast and islands in considerable detail, onshore as well as offshore. For less detailed coverage of the wider Adriatic area consider the Adriatic Pilot (Imray).

Marinas, ports and anchorages
One of Croatia’s many attractions is the huge choice of marinas, ports and anchorages. There are over 50 marinas, many of which have some facilities for one or two superyachts. A handful have excellent facilities. The Croatia Tourist Board (www.croatia.hr) supplies a brochure detailing all the Croatian Marinas, and the following are amongst the most suitable independently owned marinas for superyachts:

Nautica Novigrad Marina
Novigrad
www.nauticahotels.com

Vrsar Marina
Vrsar
www.montraker.hr/

Marina Punat
Punat
www.marina-punat.hr/hr/

Marina Zadar
Zadar
www.tankerkomerc.hr/

Olive Island Marina
Sutomišćica, Ugljan island
www.oliveislandmarina.com/

Preko Marina
Preko, Ugljan island
www.marinapreko.com/

Hramina Marina
Murter
www.marina-hramina.hr/2006/index.html

Tribunj Marina
Tribunj
www.marinatribunj-adriatiq.com/en/

Dalmacija Marina
Sukošan-Bibinje, near Zadar
www.marinadalmacija.hr/

Mandalina Marina and Yacht Club
Šibenik
www.marina-mandalina.com/

Marina Frapa, Rogoznica
www.marinafrapa.com/hr/naslovnica/

Marina Kastela, Kaštela
between Split and Trogir
www.marina-kastela.com/

The state owned chain of marinas, ACI, has 21 marinas, many of which can now accommodate superyachts. ACI Marinas in Rovinj, Umag, Pula, Opatija, Split and Dubrovnik are amongst the most suitable and extensions and improvements continue where space allows.
www.aci-club.hr/

Some of Croatia’s ports are of a similar standard to its marinas. Hvar, Trogir, Rab, Cavtat and Korčula are amongst the most popular for superyachts but several more can accommodate them with relative ease.

Anchorages abound but the safest and most suitable, towards the north, is Luka Telašćica on Dugi Otok and, towards the south, Polače on Mljet island.

Beaches
Whilst there are a few sandy beaches about, predominantly the beaches are pebble with most having roped off swimming areas in the summer. Normally there’s a shower of some sort, not far from a temporary set of screens for changing, often with public toilets nearby.

Fishing permits
Permits are available for 1, 3, 7, or 30 days, or for a calendar year. They can be obtained at any licensed agency. For further details visit Croatian Federation of Sport Fishing on Sea www.hssrm.hr/

Certain species such as the Atlantic Bluefin Tuna and Swordfish may be caught only with a special license.

Diving permits
Croatia is popular for diving and has many diving centres. As well as requiring an internationally valid certificate of diving skills, a diving card must be obtained. Individuals can purchase a card for one year for 100 kunas but if they do not dive with a recognised organised group, they must additionally purchase an individual diving permit at a cost of 2,400 kunas for one calendar year.
For more information visit Croatia Tourist Board – Diving

Emergencies
Dial 112 for all emergencies – on land or sea. The Croatian Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Center has its head office in Rijeka and is on duty 24 hours a day on VHF Channels 10 and 16 and telephone number 9155.

Medical
Croatia has a reciprocal agreement with many European countries, including the UK, for free medical treatment in an emergency. In general standards of medical education and practice are good but facilities are not as modern as, for example, the UK. Dental health is an exception and there are now many modern dental surgeries and an increasing amount of dental tourism.

Hazards
Apart from occasional and mostly minor earthquakes, summer storms and occasionally violent winds (see Climate), Croatia has very few natural hazards.

Sea urchins are quite common on shingle beaches where plastic shoes are anyway advisable, and mosquitoes can be a nuisance rather than a problem, particularly inland.

Mountain climbing is better carried out in an organised group, with a local guide, as the weather can change quite rapidly. Bear in mind that other activities, such as white water rafting, may not always fall under such strict health and safety regulations as in the UK for example.

There are a number of poisonous snakes in Croatia but these are rarely evident in coastal areas and, if left alone, will prefer to move away.

The biggest man-made hazards are landmines left over from the homeland war but these remain mostly in remote inland areas, and are usually signed. However do not stray off established paths and roads when exploring undeveloped areas.

Roads and Driving
Before the advent of the motorway, which now links most of the coast and major inland cities, the main coastal road was a bendy mostly single carriageway with vertiginous drops on some or occasionally both sides of the road. The motorway is good but can get very busy in the peak holiday system and the tolls can mount up.

In high winds, the Sveti Rok tunnel, north of Zadar, is closed, with diversions along narrow roads. Main roads are generally well surfaced but, occasionally, you may find yourself diverted onto a bumpy road, or even a dead end! UK visitors will need a green card and to familiarise themselves with the regulations – for example carrying chains and using dipped headlights during the day, in winter.

Also note that, especially during the summer, tourists are a prime target for minor speeding and traffic violations. Drivers coming from the other direction will often flash a warning if they spot a police car at the side of the road. In the event of an accident causing any injury, you should not move your car and, if it is relatively safe where it is, it is best not to move it until the police arrive, if it is necessary to call them.

Crime
Croatia is generally a relatively safe country compared to the rest of Europe though common sense, as elsewhere, is important. Keep your personal belongings safe and do not stop if someone tries to flag you down on the roadside.

Religion
Croatia is a predominantly Catholic country.

Dress
The style of dress varies according to the region and is very similar to the rest of Europe depending on whether you are working in a big city or enjoying leisure time by the sea.

Events
In the summer, almost every coastal and island village has a summer festival of some kind or another. Many, usually in the bigger cities such as Split and Dubrovnik, last for most of the holiday period. There are also an increasing number of film festivals, boat shows and regattas though some are on a relatively small scale. Easter is widely celebrated, particularly in Vodice near Šibenik, often with weekend long pageants and events.

Cruising strategies
Croatia offers something for everyone – deserted beaches on remote islands, 5 star hotels, restaurants and night clubs, medieval walled cities, rustic family run restaurants, rolling vineyards and olive groves, spectacular waterfalls and mountains, and so on. In a short distance you can move from a buzzing city to a deserted island and shelter is never very far away. Many choose a route that combines a little bit of everything – mainland and island, entertainment and relaxation, history and culture, haute cuisine and the best fish freshly caught and simply grilled.

Best time to go
From mid July through August, the Croatian Adriatic is very busy with holiday makers from all over the world and particularly Italian sailors. June and September are quieter months though the sea temperatures may be a little fresh in June and some of the restaurants and other facilities on the more remote islands may start to close.

Mainland coast
The mainland coast runs roughly from north-west, where it borders with Slovenia, to south-east, along to the border with Montenegro. The Istrian peninsula in the north juts out into the sea and most of the islands lie along the Dalmatian Coast, the sailing heartland – from Zadar in the north, to Dubrovnik and Cavtat, to the south. Favourite mainland superyacht destinations include Zadar for the ever increasing quality of its nightlife and cosmopolitan buzz, Šibenik for its magnificent cathedral and nearby waterfalls, Trogir for its classic Mediterranean atmosphere, Dubrovnik for its city walls and ancient history, and Cavtat for its simplicity and style. Near Dubrovnik lies the Pelješac Peninsula, famous for its wines and the 14th century walls that link the villages of Ston and Mali Ston, now a favourite romantic getaway featuring top class restaurants making the most of the local oysters and mussels.

Islands
Many of the larger islands and some of the smaller ones are populated, with regular ferry services connecting inhabitants with the mainland. Some of the more popular superyacht island destinations are, from north to south:

The Brijuni Islands
President Tito’s playground, where he entertained world leaders and celebrities, amidst a stunning archipelago of 14 islands, now with National Park status. The island of Mali Brijun provides a secluded sheltered anchorage whilst the port facilities on Veliki Brijun have been developed with superyacht owners very much in mind and include a golf course, developed in 1922, which was then the largest in Europe.

Rab Town on Rab Island
One of Europe’s best preserved medieval settlements, Rab is growing rapidly in popularity. It has a number of sandy beaches, quite rare in Croatia, and its four elegant bell towers, visible from a distance, provide a picturesque welcome to nautical visitors.

The Kornati Islands
Spectacular scenery reveals delightful restaurants hidden in bays on otherwise apparently deserted islands with the most crystal clear waters imaginable. The Kornati islands are for nature lovers and those that want to escape the bright lights for a while. Densely packed and largely unpopulated, these islands are not suitable for superyachts in certain parts but are the ideal place to explore by dinghy. Telašćica Bay on Dugi Otok, provides the ideal superyacht base for exploring this area. Deeply indented at the south-east end of the island it is one of the safest and best anchorages in the area. It lies in the heart of the Telašćica Nature Park which includes the saltwater lake Mir and 13 islands and islets around the bay.

Hvar Town and The Pakleni Islands
Hvar Town is probably the European superyacht destination of the moment. Not just for its stylish nightlife, the celebrities it attracts, its stunning architecture and rich history, but also because the idyllic Pakleni islands lie just a short boat ride away. It’s not the only gem on the island however – for relaxing after a night of partying it’s well worth a trip inland, where island life started, and also along the coast to Jelsa and Vrboska.

Vis Island
In view of its strategic significance as a naval outpost, Vis island was, for a long time after World War II, closed to visitors. Island life continues much as it did twenty years ago apart from the ever increasing quality of its restaurants. Talk to any regular superyacht visitor and they will tell you that Vis is the place they return to time and time again, for its vineyards and wine, for the spectacle of the blue cave on the nearby island of Biševo, for the history and culture of Vis town, for the secrets of island life inland, and for the simple traditions and culture of the fishing village of Komiža.

Korčula
The enchanting medieval town, sharing its name with the island, claims to be the birthplace of explorer Marco Polo. Its four 15th century cylindrical towers and connecting walls hide a tightly packed centre full of houses, cobbled squares, restaurants and boutiques. Often referred to as “mini Dubrovnik” it’s one of Croatia’s most delightful destinations with an increasingly upscale offering of boutique hotels and restaurants.

Mljet
Where the Kornati islands provide a stark and stunning beauty, Mljet provides lush green vistas, vast saltwater lakes and one of Croatia’s safest anchorages – Polače – close to the lakes. Mljet is a place for relaxing and exploring unspoilt nature at its best.

Charter Guide Croatia charter guide With spectacular and diverse scenery, clear azure waters and a rich tapestry of history, culture and architecture, Croatia has all the elements of a premier cruising destination

Itinerary Dubrovnik to Split: 8 days cruising fortresses and archipelagos in southern Croatia Climb ancient city walls, swim off deserted beaches, find your own paradise island and party in Hvar – all possible around Southern Dalmatia

Feature Favourite superyacht anchorages in Croatia A long, intricate coastline and 1,000-plus islands mean Croatia is not short of anchorages, but these in particular come recommended by owners and captains in the know