The green north: Kvarner Bay and the Istrian coast — a week off the main routes, through a cruising area that many charter guests overlook.
Most charters head south. This one goes the other way — from Zadar northward into the Kvarner Gulf, through islands the masses never reach: the salt lake of Dugi Otok, the lunar landscape of Pag, the medieval town of Rab, the dolphin-rich Lošinj and the wild Cres. Blissful relaxation and island hopping in Northern Croatia, exactly as the name promises.
At a Glance
- Duration: 7 nights (8 days)
- Start / End: Zadar — round trip (start from Šibenik available on request)
- Distance: ~165 nautical miles (nm)
- Best travel time: May–September
- Guests: ideal for 6–12
- Style: off the beaten path, nature, quiet harbors
Day by Day
Day 1 — Zadar → Dugi Otok (Uvala Mir)
Embarkation in Zadar and cruise to the Telašćica Nature Park on Dugi Otok — the bay of Uvala Mir with its warm salt lake and the dramatic Stene cliffs. First swim, first sunset at anchor.
Day 2 — Dugi Otok → Pag
Northward to the island of Pag — a barren, almost lunar landscape, famous for its tangy sheep cheese (*paški sir*) and its lace. Anchor in a quiet bay, with the option of visiting the salt pans of Pag town and the old lacemakers.
Day 3 — Pag → Rab
Onward to Rab, one of the most beautiful walled towns on the coast, whose four bell towers rise above the harbor. Sandy beaches near Lopar — a rarity in Croatia — and a relaxed evening ashore.
Day 4 — Rab → Lošinj
Over to Lošinj, the green “island of vitality,” permeated by the scent of pines and herbs. The pastel-colored harbor of Mali Lošinj, the resident bottlenose dolphins off the coast and a long lunch at anchor.
Day 5 — Lošinj → Cres
Short hop to wild Cres — griffon vultures overhead, the hidden village of Lubenice on its cliff and the turquoise bay of Sveti Ivan below. One of the last truly quiet islands of the Adriatic.
Day 6 — Cres → Ilovik / Susak
Back southward through the smaller islands — sleepy Ilovik with its olive groves or sandy, vine-covered Susak — for a final wild anchorage.
Day 7 — back to Zadar
The way back south to Zadar, with a final swim en route. Evening ashore for the Sea Organ at sunset and a farewell dinner.
Day 8 — Zadar
Breakfast and disembarkation.
Why This Route
- The quiet north: Kvarner islands that most charters never visit.
- Nature first — dolphins off Lošinj, vultures over Cres, the salt lake of Dugi Otok.
- Walled Rab and the cheese of Pag for culture and the table.
Suitable yachts for this route can be found in the charter fleet of Splendid Yachting.
Charter This Route with Crew
We’ll put together this exact itinerary with the right yacht and crew for you — from any Croatian port.
