Start your voyage at Rijeka, the largest city in this region, which is also easily accessible (good motorway connections & Rijeka Airport). A visit to the nearby coastal town of Opatija, which thanks to its mild climate has been a popular health resort since the end of the 19th century, should be an integral part of your trip.
At that time the upper middle classes, artists, civil servants and also the Austrian imperial family discovered this part of the Austrian Riviera for themselves and a first phase of tourist development arose. Many villas, some of which served as private guest houses and hotels, were built during the Habsburg era.
The Lungomare, also called “Franz-Joseph-Promenade”, is a 12 km long coastal promenade with a fantastic view of the city and its neighboring islands. This promenade leads you from Lovran via Opatija to Volosko. From here you get a good first insight into the Kvarner Bay.
The predominant microclimate, which is characterized by calm winds and a large number of hours of sunshine, invites nautical guests to a longer stay at a mooring in this beautiful tourist town (e.g. in the ACI Marina Opatija).
If you are leaving the barren east coast of the island of Krk, passing through Senj and heading south towards the island of Rab, you will find a completely different landscape with lush greenery. The three deep bays in the north-western part of Rab are a paradise for families and sun-seeking beach goers. These turquoise lagoons belong to the beauties of the island of Rab. Those who prefer a berth and carefree nights should moor their luxury yacht in the ACI Marina Supetarska draga.
You can discover enchanting pebble bays with pine forests on the west coast of the island of Rab. We recommend that you spend at least one night in the stunning city of Rab, one of the most beautiful cities in the region. The city of Rab, which lies on a narrow peninsula, impresses with its defensive walls, the many churches and four bell towers that give the medieval city center a special atmosphere. This old town is quite small and compact, but should definitely be visited during a shore leave. Along the harbor promenade that is surrounded with traditional restaurants and cafés with a sea view, numerous small shops and boutiques offer their products. These are mainly products from the region, such as the famous Rab cake. Furthermore, you can equip your galley with wine and liqueurs, brandy, chocolate, olive oil and honey. Also, handmade ceramics and jewelry can be bought here.
If you don't want to miss the active nightlife and unforgettable parties, the next stop should be the neighboring island of Pag, that is located southerly. The world-famous party destination Zrće is located here, not far from Novalja, where an early extension of the nautical infrastructure is already planned. From here you can reach Zrće in 4 km. If you prefer a more peaceful location for an overnight stay on the island of Pag, you only need to travel about 8 nautical miles southerly to the ACI Marine Šimuni.
Those who continue their journey from the island of Pag in northwestern reach the island of Cres and Lošinj. In the lovely villages Veli Lošinj, Mali Lošinj (Marina Lošinj) and Cres (ACI Marina Cres) you should make a small stop. For nature lovers the island of Cres also has a lot to offer: anchor in one of the many uninhabited bays of Punta Križa. You will enjoy the peace and serenity!
For the last night we recommend the well protected bay Puntarska draga on the island of Krk. Here in Marina Punat, one of the largest marinas in the Adriatic, you will find every comfort and a safe berth for your luxury yacht. From here you can return to your final port of departure in Rijeka or Opatija.
Maestrale (also called Maestral) - This wind should not be confused with the "Mistral" of the Rhone valley in France, which is extremely unpredictable! Maestrale, on the other hand, is typical and common fair-weather wind that will often guide you during the yacht charter in Croatia. It starts in the late morning and lasts until the evening, mostly with wind forces up to 4 Beaufort. Deep blue sky, rare clouds, sailor courage! What else do you need? Maestrale is a thermal wind and it forms due to faster air heating on land than at sea. Therefore, the air flows over the land, blowing in the lower layers from the sea to land, and in the upper area, it blows back into the sea. This creates the perfect wind dynamics for sailors, which lasts from 10 to 18 o'clock. The opposite effect is often observed during the night in a less intense form: Burin, a night wind, caused by faster cooling of the land mass by the sea.
Jugo - This is where the weather gets worse, it blows from the southeast. First, there is a harsh weather, followed by the rain and the strong wind, which develops a force up to 7 Beaufort. It takes a day or two, then it ceases. However, in autumn and spring, it can also blow stronger and longer, so it should not be underestimated.
Bora - This wind (female) is dangerous, but fortunately quite rare. Bora blows from the northeast and comes with the proverbial clear sky! It is not uncommon that the wind speed rises up to 9 Beaufort on the mainland. This is caused by a large difference in the air pressure between the water and the mountains. It usually only lasts one day, then it is over and the wind is moderate again.
Air and water temperature in the year overview in the recommended charter months:
April: 21° air - 17° water
May: Air 23° - Water 20°
June: Air 29° - Water 23°
July: Air 29° - Water 24°
August: Air 29° - Water 24°
September: Air 25° - Water 23°
October: Air 22° - Water 21°
