Historical maritime routes in Istria

Historical sailing routes in Istria: Sailing in the footsteps of ancient traders

The coast of Istria has a long and fascinating history that goes way back to the time of ancient seafarers and traders. Even the Phoenicians, Romans and Venetians used this coastline to transport goods and merchandise from one place to another. Today you have the opportunity to sail in the footsteps of these ancient traders and experience Istria’s historic sea routes from a completely new perspective.

The harbour of Pula – an ancient pivotal point

If you start your journey in Pula, you will find yourself in one of the most important harbours of the Roman Empire. Ships loaded with oil, wine, grain and other goods sailed in and out of the harbour over 2000 years ago. The port was the gateway to Roman Istria and connected the peninsula with the most important trading centres of the Mediterranean. Today, you can still marvel at the impressive remains of this era – the amphitheatre of Pula and other Roman buildings tell stories of power, wealth and seafaring.

If you sail out of the harbour of Pula, you will quickly realise why this place was so important: its location on the Adriatic Sea is strategically perfect, and even today Pula is a popular stopover for sailors passing through.

The route of the Venetians

In the Middle Ages, the Venetian Republic dominated large parts of the Adriatic, and Istria was an important part of its trading empire. Venetian merchants sailed along the Istrian coast to trade in spices, fabrics and precious stones. The splendid architecture that you can see today in towns such as Rovinj and Poreč is the legacy of this glamorous era.
If you sail along the old Venetian routes today, you will not only come across charming coastal towns, but also discover the beautiful natural landscapes of Istria. The islands off the coast, such as the Brijuni archipelago, once served the Venetians as protection from pirates and bad weather. Today, they offer you a dreamlike backdrop and quiet anchorages, ideal for a relaxing day on the water.

The salt trade and its traces

Salt was another important commodity in the region. In the Middle Ages, salt was known as the ‘white gold’ and the salt fields near Piran and Portorož were invaluable. If you sail along the west coast of Istria, you can still visit these salt fields. The salt trade led to a flourishing economy in the region, and trade routes ran from Istria deep into the centre of Europe.
If you sail this route, you will not only experience the historical traces of the salt trade, but also the unique nature reserve of the Sečovlje salt pans. This area is a paradise for nature and bird lovers, and salt production is still carried out there in the traditional way.

Pirates and smugglers – the dark side of seafaring

Of course, seafaring in the past was not only characterised by honest trade. The waters off Istria were also notorious for pirates and smugglers. In the 16th and 17th centuries in particular, pirate gangs made the Adriatic unsafe and attacked merchant ships on their routes. Today, you can rediscover this dark side of seafaring in the legends and stories of the region.
A detour to Novigrad or Umag will take you to places that were often attacked by pirates in the past. The old city walls and fortresses of these towns tell of a time when protection from raids was a top priority.

Our summary

Sailing along the historic maritime routes of Istria means immersing yourself in the past. Every harbour, every island and every coastal town has its own history that is closely linked to seafaring and trade. Whether you are travelling in the footsteps of the Romans, Venetians or pirates – each route offers you a unique blend of history, culture and breathtaking nature.
For your sailing trip in the footsteps of ancient traders, you should take your time to discover the many small and large historical treasures that Istria has to offer. Anchorages with history, old trade routes and the fascinating culture of the region make this trip an unforgettable experience.

Top beaches in Croatia

The top 10 beaches in Istria that you can visit by yacht

Istria, Croatia’s largest peninsula, is a true paradise for yachting enthusiasts. With its picturesque coastline, hidden bays and crystal-clear waters, Istria offers some of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean. Here are the top 10 beaches in Istria to visit by yacht.

1. Kamenjak Nature Park

The Kamenjak Nature Park is a must for all yacht owners. This southernmost point of Istria offers a stunning coastline with hidden coves perfect for a quiet anchorage. The beaches of Kamenjak are known for their clear waters and impressive rock formations. Visit the Safari Bar for a drink in a unique atmosphere.

2. Rovinj – Crveni Otok

Crveni Otok, also known as the Red Island, lies off the coast of Rovinj and consists of two connected islands. The beaches here are particularly attractive, with fine pebbles and shady pine trees. The quiet bays are ideal for anchoring, and the proximity to Rovinj allows you to explore the charming old town centre.

3. Brijuni-Inseln

The Brijuni Islands are a national park and offer some of the most exclusive beaches in Istria. You can easily reach these protected islands by yacht and enjoy the unspoilt nature. The beaches of Veli Brijun are particularly beautiful, with their white pebbles and crystal-clear water. A guided tour of the national park is highly recommended.

4. Poreč – Plava Laguna beach

Plava Laguna beach in Poreč is a popular destination for yachts. The beach offers everything you need for a perfect day by the sea: fine pebbles, crystal-clear water and numerous water sports options. The nearby marina is well equipped and offers all the amenities for a longer stay.

5. Umag – Katoro-beach

Katoro beach in Umag is known for its clean, well-maintained facilities and turquoise-coloured water. The beach is surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation, which gives it a special charm. The anchorage is safe and offers easy access to the nearby restaurants and bars.

6. Rabac – Girandella-beach

Rabac is famous for its picturesque beaches, and Girandella beach is one of the most beautiful. The water here is exceptionally clear and the fine pebble beach offers a perfect place to relax. You can anchor your yacht right in front of the beach and enjoy the spectacular view of the coastline.

7. Medulin – Bijeca-beach

Bijeca beach in Medulin is the only sandy beach in Istria and is therefore particularly popular. The shallow waters make it ideal for families with children. You can anchor your yacht right in front of the beach and enjoy the soft sandy beaches and warm, shallow waters.

8. Vrsar – Belvedere beach

Belvedere beach in Vrsar offers a breathtaking view of the sea and the surrounding islands. The pebble beaches and clear water make it a perfect place for swimming and snorkelling. The nearby marina is well equipped and offers all the necessary facilities for a comfortable stay.

9. Novigrad – Karpinjan beach

Karpinjan beach in Novigrad is known for its clear water and peaceful atmosphere. The surrounding vegetation provides natural shade, and the nearby cafés and restaurants are within easy reach. The anchorage is safe and offers easy access to all amenities.

10. Fažana – Valbandon-beach

Valbandon beach in Fažana is another great place to moor your yacht. The beach is surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation and offers clear, calm waters. Its proximity to the Brijuni National Park makes it a perfect starting point for exploring.

Our summary

Istria offers a variety of beaches that are ideal for a visit by yacht. From hidden coves to well-equipped beaches, there is something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for peace and relaxation or adventure and water sports, Istria has something for everyone. Plan your next yacht holiday in Istria and discover the beauty of this enchanting peninsula!

Regattas and maritime events

Regattas and maritime events in Croatia

A paradise for sailing enthusiasts
Croatia, a country with over 1,000 islands and a breathtaking Adriatic coastline, has established itself as a first-class destination for sailors and water sports enthusiasts. From the picturesque bays to the historic harbour towns, Croatia offers the perfect backdrop for regattas and maritime events. Every year, thousands of sailing enthusiasts are drawn to this paradise to take part in a variety of competitions and enjoy the beauty of the Adriatic.

The most popular regattas in Croatia

1. The Kornati Cup

One of the best-known and most popular regattas in Croatia is the Kornati Cup. This event takes place every spring and attracts sailors from all over Europe. The route leads through the breathtaking Kornati National Park, known for its spectacular islands and crystal-clear waters. The Kornati Cup offers exciting races and an unforgettable sailing experience for both experienced sailors and beginners.

2. The ACI Match Race Cup

The ACI Match Race Cup is another highlight on the Croatian sailing calendar. This event takes place in the historic town of Rovinj and attracts some of the best match race teams in the world. The competitive match race mode requires not only fast sailing, but also strategic skill and teamwork. The atmosphere in Rovinj during the event is electric, with plenty of activities and festivities ashore.

3. The Vis Regatta

The Vis Regatta, which takes place every year in October, is one of the oldest and most prestigious regattas in Croatia. The route leads from Split to the island of Vis and back. Participants enjoy not only exciting races, but also the opportunity to explore the picturesque landscape and historic architecture of Vis. The regatta is known for its friendly and communal atmosphere, which attracts sailors from all over the world.

Maritime festivals and events

1. The Fiumanka Regatta and Festival

The Fiumanka Regatta in Rijeka is more than just a sailing competition. It is a large maritime festival that transforms the city into a lively celebration. In addition to the races, there are many cultural and culinary events that highlight the tradition and history of the region. Visitors can taste traditional Croatian food, enjoy live music and take part in various activities.

2. The Mrduja Regatta

The Mrduja Regatta is another highlight that takes place in Split. This event, which has been organised for over 90 years, combines sport, culture and tradition. Participants sail from Split to the small island of Mrduja and back. There are numerous accompanying events on land, including concerts, exhibitions and culinary festivals.

3. The Šibenik Sailing Week

Šibenik Sailing Week is another important event in the Croatian sailing calendar. This event attracts both professional and amateur sailors and offers a week full of exciting competitions and social events. Šibenik, with its historic old town and impressive fortresses, provides the perfect backdrop for this maritime spectacle.

4. The Istria Sailing Week

The Istria Sailing Week was only launched in 2023 and has already received a lot of recognition. The fun regatta is ideal for both professional and amateur sailors. It offers a week full of exciting competitions, evenings together and lots of fun while sailing through the Istrian islands.

Our summary

Croatia has established itself as one of the leading destinations for regattas and maritime events. The combination of ideal sailing conditions, breathtaking coastal scenery and a rich maritime tradition makes it a paradise for sailing enthusiasts. Whether taking part in one of the many regattas or enjoying the many maritime festivals, Croatia offers unforgettable experiences for every water sports enthusiast.