Trogir Sailing Route: Plan Your Perfect Holiday at Sea

Croatia Yachting
Croatia Yachting Published in Blog Created at Updated at 27. August, 2024
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Trogir Sailing Route: Plan Your Perfect Holiday at Sea BLOG

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There is no better feeling than finally booking your sailing holiday in Croatia, and once you do, you’ll be eager to learn about which of the 1,000+ islands and quaint coastal towns you’ll choose to visit on the enchanting Adriatic Coast. Abounding in UNESCO heritage, extraordinary culinary charms, and Mediterranean glamor, it’s an impossible task to know which destinations are best when sailing, and we don’t blame you. Luckily, that’s where we come into play, and we will do our best to save your Croatian sailing holiday.

If you’re arriving at Split Airport, why not start in Trogir, a UNESCO-protected museum town with an ACI marina located on the northern side of Čiovo Island? And if you do, you’ll love our Trogir sailing route.

Day 1: Trogir – Rogoznica (16 NM)

Your sailing excursion can finally begin after you’ve checked in, unpacked, and settled on board! Believe us when we say you’ll be hard-pressed to choose a better start to your sailing holiday than Trogir, a medieval town known as one of the best-preserved in Europe. Teeming with historical gems like the 13th-century St. Lawrence Cathedral to Venetian-Gothic-Renaissance palaces, 15th-century fortresses, vibrant central squares, and cobblestone alleyways that twist through the old town decorated by ateliers, jewelry shops, and galleries marked by the town’s prominent masters, Trogir is a playground for anyone with a curious eye. And for those more interested in fjaka, or what Dalmatians call ‘the state of doing nothing’, you’ll be impressed by Trogir’s waterfront, studded by megayachts and lively locals sipping coffee under the palms, achieving relaxation mode to the fullest. Do you see why Trogir is a foolproof start to your sailing holiday now?

But because you’ll need to get on the move, you’ll begin your sail north in the direction of Rogoznica, only 16 nautical miles away. Situated in a sheltered and deep bay that is well-protected from the wind, Rogoznica is one of the safest ports on the Adriatic and conveniently where you’ll be spending your first night. This charming fishermen’s village has transformed into a small but mighty tourist resort, with the stunning Marina Frapa as its star. One of the Adriatic’s most beautiful and best-equipped marinas boasts hotels, various restaurants (including a sushi and teppanyaki bar), and the unparalleled Dragon’s Cave where you can drink underwater! And suppose you don’t care to partake in the marina’s sports, recreation, and entertainment offer? In that case, you won’t want to miss Rogoznica’s most famous natural phenomenon Lake Zmajevo Oko (or Dragon’s Eye), which earned its name due to its shape. This hydrogeomorphological attraction is located on the Gradina peninsula and was created by a cave thousands of years ago. ​​Today, it is one of the most unique anoxic environments in the Adriatic and the entire Mediterranean! The town of Rogoznica is also adorned with 17th-century churches and an Outdoor Sea Aquarium if you’re traveling with kids.

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Šibenik's promenade

Day 2: Rogoznica – Šibenik (16 NM)

A new day and a new destination, you’ll continue making your way on this Trogir sailing route up the coast to Šibenik, another 16-nautical-mile journey to yet another UNESCO-protected town. Šibenik, however, is unique in Croatia because it boasts two UNESCO World Heritage sites. Better yet? It’s the only city in Croatia to have that honor. As you can expect, Šibenik thrives thanks to its historic old town, and notably the UNESCO-protected St. James Cathedral, one of the most unique architectural wonders of the world. But unlike other UNESCO towns in Croatia, not all of its charms are found in its core. Šibenik is also a city of fortresses, one of which gained UNESCO status back in 2018 (hello, St. Nicholas!). Šibenik is also home to arguably Dalmatia’s most popular Michelin-star restaurant Pelegrini. At the same time, it is a gateway to two national parks - Krka and Kornati - which brings us to our next destination - the Kornati archipelago.

Day 3: Šibenik – Smokvica (19 NM)

Just 19 nautical miles away, this Trogir sailing route then leads to Vela Smokvica Island in the Kornati  National Park, southwest of Cape Opat on the island of Kornat. This uninhabited island covers an area of 1.04 km², and while it’s nearly classified as an islet due to its size, its highest peak is 95 meters! But what really makes Smokvica stand out is Konoba Smokvica, guided by Masterchef and owner Andrija Kero whose ‘edible but simple and raw’ philosophy utilizes the natural world on the island. Sit back and relax for a long island lunch prepared according to Kornati specialties, with ingredients sourced from the restaurant’s garden and homemade island olive oil. Anyone up for Bluefin tuna carpaccio and tataki, sea urchin roe or crab meat pasta, traditional seafood stews, and, of course, lamb and premium local steaks?

Day 4: Smokvica – Levarnaka (13 NM)

This island-hopping adventure continues to Levrnaka, another island in the Kornati that is the fourth biggest in the archipelago. Classified as part of the Lower Kornati, this once wooded island is recognized thanks to one of the Adriatic’s most beautiful beaches, Lojena, where the aquamarine sea meets the sandy shore. But that’s not all Levrnaka has to offer. A traditional foodie gem can be found on the island’s opposite side - Konoba Levrnaka. Tucked into a naturally protected and indented bay, this tavern is much more than a safe spot for your yacht - it’s one of Kornati's finest restaurants!

Day 5:  Levrnaka – Žakan – Kakan (21 NM)

The Trogir sailing route continues from Levrnaka to Ravni Žakan, an uninhabited island occupied by summer homes, located at the southern entrance to the Kornati National Park. While this tiny island may not offer much in size, it packs a punch thanks to its cuisine, namely Konoba Žakan. Led by chef and Le Cordon Bleu - Paris graduate Nikša Bakulić, Žakan promises traditional yet modern dishes that respect the preparation of Kornati fishers and farmers.

But today’s sail doesn’t end there. The island of Kakan is the final stop of the day, one of the Šibenik Riviera’s most stunning spots, especially thanks to Potkućina cove. And should you want to eat again? Don’t miss out on Tratica Bay and Paradiso restaurant, a Košuljandić family-run institution that marries the pristine island environment with quality island fare.

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The centre of Primošten is placed on the charming peninsula

Day 6: Kakan – Primošten (14 NM)

On the penultimate sailing day, move away from the islands, and to the picturesque peninsula town of Primošten, a medieval Mediterranean fishermen’s town protected from the winds, enveloped by vineyards and pine forest, and decorated by yachts. The town itself offers nostalgic seaside restaurants and curious cobblestone alleyways that lead to art galleries and unique souvenir shops. The Church of St George (Crkva Sveti Juraj) is its most famous historical attraction, which began operating as a parish in 1485!

Day 7: Primošten – Stari Trogir – Trogir (19 NM)

The final day on this Trogir sailing route travels from Primošten to Stari Trogir Bay, located in the southwestern part of the Marina municipality. Thanks to its geographical characteristics and position on the eastern Adriatic maritime route, it was of great importance in ancient times. Greek sources even reveal that this area was inhabited by the descendants of Heracles' son Hil! Remains of luxury villas rusticae can be found in the area today, but Stari Trogir has more to offer than its history - it’s one of the most picturesque swimming spots on this sailing tour! Once you’ve let the seawater and sun soak into your skin one last time, you’ll travel back to the town of Trogir and the marina where this grand adventure began just one week ago.

While time onboard likely flew by, we know these memories will be marked in your memory for a lifetime.

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