Our 2012 planned itinerary combines a bit of everything - a great sailing destination, quiet anchorages and Croatian villages.

Our base Marina Mandalina is located just south of the city of Sibenik. Mandalina is a perfect starting point for sailing Croatia, whether we choose to sail north or south.

Day 1 - Marina Mandalina - Opat / Smokvica Vela via Kakan 25 nm

Our destination is the Kornati archipelago with its natural harbors, inviting bays and secluded beaches.

Along the way, we can tuck into Kakan and anchor in a small lagoon created by this island and the islands of Veli Brnjak and Mali Brnjak - this is a good spot for an afternoon swim. Go to: Sailing to Kakan

Opat and Smokvica Vela are located at the south-east end of Kornati National Park, and are wonderful bays with restaurants serving fresh, traditional seafood. At Opat, a challenging walk up the shale hills will reward energetic walkers with a panoramic view of the surrounding islands and islets.

Both places are good anchoring bays, but are exposed to the South. Mooring buoys provided by the restaurants are also available.

Day 2-3 Kornati National Park

For the next couple of days we'll enjoy great sailing, swimming and wonderful cuisine in this truly sailor's paradise. In contrast to the barren landscape above the water, the marine life is one of the richest in the Adriatic. It is strongly recommended not to plan a fixed route as what awaits us is a labyrinth of 89 islands, islets and reefs that make up Kornati National Park. There are numerous possibilities: Kravljacica, Levrnaka, Lavsa... The area is largely uninhabited except for a couple of smaller communities. There are plenty of good bays for anchoring, mooring to buoys or piers with fixed lazylines. Almost all good coves have a cozy restaurant serving delicious fresh seafood (e.g. "Kvarto" at Striznja and "Ante" in Vrulja).

ACI Marina Piskera located in beautiful surroundings in the middle of the Park offers 150 berths and is sheltered from the worst of the winds. Facilities include: Water, electricity, showers and toilets, restaurant and provisions.
http://www.aci-club.hr/marina.asp?ma=piskera

Day 4 Telaščica Nature Park

Telašćica Bay is located in the southeastern part of Dugi Otok, a long island that is a natural extension of the Kornati. The 8 km deep and 1.6 km wide bay surrounded by pinewoods and steep-sided cliffs is one of the largest and best protected bays in the eastern Adriatic coast. This is a perfect place to snorkel and discover the rich sea life and marine habitats. A 15 minute stroll to Lake Mir, a saltwater lake that is warmer and saltier than the sea is alleged to have great healing powers. For more information, go to: Telaščica Nature Park.

Day 5 Sali / Bozava

Follow the east coast of Dugi Otok to the island's largest settlement, Sali (pop. 710) a fishing centre with plenty of shops, internet cafes, bars, restaurants and a large supermarket. Scooter and bike rentals are available privately or from Sali hotel to explore the island. The road connecting all places on the island offers magnificent views.

Further north, Bozava (pop. 127) is a pleasant resort destination with souvenir shops, restaurants, bars, a diving centre and other sports facilities. Enjoy an evening stroll along the seaside promenade and a morning walk or cycle on one of the many wooded trails. The clean sea and beautiful beaches are ideal for those looking for peace and quiet in a small, friendly atmosphere. Saharun beach is well-known for its white sand and 400 m long shallow sea.

Day 6-7 Zadar

Zadar is the urban center of northern Dalmatia and one of the Adriatic's most interesting towns with a 3000 year old history. Within the walled peninsula-town are narrow cobbled pedestrian-only streets lined with Venetian-style houses, cafes and shops. There are plenty of historic and cultural sites to visit by day and at night the city's university students fill the eclectic bars and nightclubs.

Marina Zadar is located 10 minutes by footbridge to the Old Town. The facility includes: electricity, water, showers, toilets, laundry service, ice, café, restaurant and casino.

Option: If the transition from nature to cosmopolitan is too drastic for some, Ugljan Island is directly across from Zadar and offers a gentler transition. Kukljica has retained its local rural character and is a popular destination for locals.

Day 8 Murter Island

We'll sail south-east through the Pasman Canal, one of the more challenging cruising areas in the northern Dalmatian Coast.

The village of Murter has a selection of supermarkets and bakeries, as well as a fruit and vegetable market conveniently located close to the marina at Hramina Cove. A 15 minute walk to Slanica cove, features the most beautiful beach of the Sibenik Riviera. Restaurant Fabro (on the water) and Restaurant Boba are highly recommended.

Hramina Cove is protected from all winds and makes for a safe shelter for yachts. The facilities include: electricity and water, showers, toilets, laundry, internet café, restaurant and hotel.

Uvala Kosirina is a popular anchorage with good holding in sand and weed in depths of 3-13 m. A mile NW of the bay is a suitable spot for an afternoon swim.

Day 9 Vodice / Tribunj

Vodice is a popular seaside resort that has retained its 11th century charm. Old buildings along the seafront have been converted into lively bars, seasonal cafés and pizzerias. The pleasant coastal walk leading north to Tribunj is lined with concrete swimming areas giving easy access to the water. The aquarium in town is worth a visit.

The ACI Marina facilities include: Water, electricity, fuel, showers, toilets, laundry and internet café.

Option: Zlarin Island lies 1 M off the entrance to the canal leading to Sibenik. Zlarin is renowned for its coral jewellery and ornaments. The car free island has a few restaurants, bars and shop, a hotel, supermarket, coral museum and art gallery.