The Octopus longed for a wild escape and secluded anchorages, and the current led him right to the Zadar region! Located in the heart of Croatia’s beloved Dalmatia, the archipelago around Zadar is a dream come true for boaters.
If you are dreaming of secluded anchorages on breathtaking islands, surrounded by nothing but natural beauty and azure waters, then you should stick around! Dalmatia has so much to show you, and you are in for a wonderful journey. Are you ready to set sail?
Without further ado, The Octopus presents a few facts about Dalmatia, followed by an itinerary around wild anchorages in the Zadar region!
Wild anchorages in the Zadar region
What is so special about Dalmatia?
The food
If you have ever been to Croatia, then you know how amazing its cuisine is – and Dalmatia is no exception. Among its countless specialties, you will be able to enjoy seafood delights, such as shrimps (often served with a risotto). Swiss chard is a main part of meals on the coast. You will find it in many dishes, such as a soup with potatoes and garlic. “Pašticada” is another Dalmatian delight, made up of meat marinated in wine vinegar, herbs, walnuts, and served with gnocchi. When it comes to dessert, you must try “rožata” – prepared with milk, eggs, sugar, and rose liquor known as “Rosalin”. Finally, desserts made with carobs are very common. For instance, you will find it in Rogač Saher torta – a chocolate cake!
Pag Island
This island is renowned for its rich cultural heritage. For starters, “Paški sir” is one of the most acclaimed cheeses in Croatia – due to the naturally salty milk that the island’s sheep produce. Additionally, “Paška čipka”, a UNESCO-listed traditional lacework, has been passed down by Croatian women on the island since the 15th century.
A Roman past
Back to the 1st century BCE, Zadar became a Roman colony known as “lader”. The city was a key trading hub in the Adriatic Sea, and impressive infrastructure was built: aqueducts, temples, and a Roman Forum – the largest on the eastern Adriatic. Zadar’s Roman history left a legacy that can still be observed today, giving a glimpse of a rich past.
Porat sv. Ante
We are starting off strong with this wild anchorage in the Zadar region! Sveti Ante is a true-gem, and it is located on Silba Island – also known as the island of love or the door to Dalmatia. There, you will have great protection from all directions, except for the southerlies. Additionally, you will have good holding in sandbanks resting between 6 and 13 meters deep. There are a few mooring buoys available as well at Luka Sveti Ante. However, it is important to know that there is a fee for both anchoring and mooring.
The surrounding scenery is nothing short of breathtaking. The triangle-shaped bay offers views on greenery and a small sandy beach at the end. The water is so clear that you can see the bottom and the fish swimming right beneath your feet. What’s more, the serenity of this anchorage will bring you peace, making Sveti Ante a special place to stay for a night or two.
After enjoying the view, you might want to see what the rest of the island has to offer. Silba village is just a 30-minute walk away! There, you will find markets, restaurants, and bars. Most importantly, you will meet the village’s rich heritage. Do not miss out on the beautiful monument of love, the Toreta, a tour that overlooks the island. From the top, enjoy the splendid views of the surrounding area! Silba is an island without cars, and where life is enjoyed to its fullest!
Back at the anchorage, the peace and quiet is all you will need. At night, the sky is spared from light pollution, making it the perfect occasion for stargazing. In short, Sveti Ante and Silba Island will bring you tranquility – and what a way to start this getaway towards wild anchorages in the Zadar region!
Luka Jazi
On Otok Molat, The Octopus found yet another anchorage worth stopping by. Located at the south of the island, Luka Jazi anchorage will provide protection from the west to the northeast by the south. In sandbanks resting between 4 and 8 meters deep, your anchor will hold well – but be careful to avoid the rocks.
Otok Molat is the perfect place for a peaceful getaway, with its gorgeous beaches and pine forests. There are only three small villages: Zapuntel, Brgulje, and Molat – with a few restaurants, bakeries, and supermarkets. Follow the coastal and hiking trails and discover scenic views of the Adriatic Sea. At the South of the island, there are multiple viewpoints as well – leaving you both at peace and in awe.
Back at the anchorage, it is almost like time has stopped. The crystal-clear waters and wooden shores create a timeless atmosphere. Relax on the Jazi Beach – the most beautiful one on the island! Let the gentle lapping of the waves soothe your senses as you unwind. In other words, Luka Jazi is the idyllic escape where days stretch in an endless timeframe!
Marina Preko
After the first two wild anchorages, The Octopus decided to stop by our partner marina. Located right opposite of Zadar, on Ugljan Island, Marina Preko is a must-visit! With 95 berths, this marina has plenty of space to accommodate you. On the Navily App, our partner has a five-star rating, and it is clear as to why.
Boaters from our community have praised this marina for its welcoming atmosphere and top-notch facilities. The staff is very friendly and professional, always here to assist you with anything. The showers and restrooms are clean, and you will have access to electricity, water, and wifi at the dock. All kinds of services are available within reach at the nearby town of Preko as well.
The marina’s location is also perfect to visit Zadar by taking the ferry. This UNESCO-listed city is a bucket list location, so get ready for a restless exploration! Zadar is a city that holds a lot of history, and its walls are the first attraction to visit. For centuries, these walls have made the city impenetrable from conquerors, and today, you can visit them and catch a glimpse from Zadar’s past.
Among other places to visit, you also have the Zadar Sphinx (and its treasure buried beneath it) , the Forum (legacy of the city’s Romanian past), Kalelarga (what used to be Zadar’s main street and the city’s symbol today). Finally, do not miss out on the many squares, churches, and cathedrals that have shaped Zadar’s history until today!
Owsik's Bay
After exploring Zadar, we are jumping back into wilderness with Owsik’s Bay. This anchorage is located on Pašman Island, right next to Ugljan Island. There, peace of mind is guarantied! You can either drop your anchor in sandbanks, or take a mooring buoy – which might be better as the bay is pretty narrow and you do not want to hit another boat. Additionally, Owsik’s Bay offers great protection from the northwest to the southeast by the south.
This anchorage is the perfect place to spend the night. The atmosphere is serene and the narrow bay will make you feel safe and at ease. Right by the docks, two konobas (traditional Croatian restaurants) await your visit. You will be able to enjoy a calm and romantic dinner by the water – with gorgeous views on the sunset and the bay. Boaters from the Navily community heavily recommend this place for the five-star dinner experience and the calm setting. Enjoy authentic Croatian cuisine with seafood delights, or a delicious pizza!
Owsik’s Bay will give you the perfect blend of gorgeous views, with the typical scenery of wild Croatian islands. What a way to sail around the wildest anchorages of the Zadar region!
Uvala Mir
Uvala Mir – Bay of Peace, in Croatian – promises a true escape into the wilderness! For starters, you will have excellent protection from all directions except for the east. Then, you will have good holding in sandy bottoms – but there are also mooring buoys available.
Uvala Mir is part of the Nature Park of Telašćica, a bay in the southeastern part of the island of Dugi Otok (Long Island in Croatian). One thing is for sure, you must visit the wonders of Telašćica! Not only is this bay known for its extreme beauty, but also for being the largest and safest natural port of the Adriatic.
The cliffs rising 161 meters above the sea and the salt-lake “Mir” are the park’s true natural gems. Conveniently, Uvala Mir is located right by these two spots, so you will be able to access them easily.
The Nature Park of Telašćica is a protected area. In order to sail there, you must buy your tickets. You can find all the necessary information on the park’s website! In conclusion, Uvala Mir is the perfect location to seek tranquility, and to explore the many attractions of Telašćica.
Koromans jak
Dugi Otok has so many dream spots, it was hard to pick just one! On the Northern part of the island, another secluded anchorage caught our eye. Koromans Jak is a gorgeous anchorage, located inside a natural bay. Anchoring there is forbidden, but you can use mooring buoys and lines ashore to secure your boat. In addition, the bay offers great protection from the south to the northeast by the west.
Koromans Jak will give you a picturesque setting. The crystal-clear waters and the forest encircling the bay will make you feel as though you have stepped into paradise. Take a moment to let everything you have seen so far sink in as you swim in the calm, clear waters. Enjoy the serene atmosphere and Koromans Jak’s unspoiled beauty, making you never want to leave.
Sakarun
For our last stop on this geteway to wild anchorages in the Zadar region, The Octopus was dreaming of Caribbean-like turquoise waters, and it found just that at Sakarun! Located on the island of Dugi Otok, this spot is a must-see! In this bay, you will be protected from all directions except for the southerlies. However, anchoring is strictly prohibited – but there are about 60 mooring buoys available for 5€/meter.
After securing a buoy, you can finally enjoy the breathtaking views. The wide bay is surrounded from both sides by nothing but greenery – only a long pebble beach at the end. Above it all, the azure waters are what makes this place worth visiting. For an instant, you will feel as though you have found yourself in a secluded bay somewhere in the Caribbean – almost like you stepped into a dream!
If you are feeling hungry, or in need of a refreshing drink to enjoy by the beach, there are a few restaurants at the end of the bay! There is also a Studenac market in the town of Soline, which is just a 30-minute walk away.
Keep in mind that this bay can get pretty crowded during high season – as Croatia often is – so, if you want to enjoy its mesmerizing beauty, the Navily boaters recommend going there in September.
Unfortunately, this is the end of our article on wild anchorages in the Zadar region. We hope you enjoyed this dream escape with us!
But the sailing journey doesn’t stop there! Right next to Dugi Otok, you will find the mesmerizing Kornati National Park. To guide you in the park, The Octopus takes you on a journey towards its best anchorages!
Do not hesitate to share your photos and comments on the Navily App, and to follow us on Instagram and Facebook – we love posting your gorgeous pictures on there!
2 Comments
Why it is possible to read this in french, italien and spanish language but not in german?
Hello Sir, unfortunately we don’t have the capacity today to review german articles in our teams. We are not confident either on relying solely on Ai to translate article. As our means expand we surely will have this option in a near future!