5-Day Sailing Route From Sukošan For 2025
Sailing routes on Adriatic sea
Sukošan is a charming coastal town with around 3,000 inhabitants, located just 10 km from Zadar and 8 km from Zadar Airport. First mentioned in written records in 1289, Sukošan is home to Croatia’s largest marina, D-Marin Dalmacija, which offers top-tier nautical infrastructure and 1,036 berths. Despite its size, the town boasts a rich cultural heritage, including four historic churches and Palac, a summer residence of the Zadar archbishops dating back to the 15th century. During the summer, Sukošan comes alive with various exhibitions, concerts, and theater performances. A must-see is the Gornja Vrata square, a favorite gathering spot for both visitors and locals.
The town is known for its fresh, locally sourced ingredients, offering a mix of traditional Dalmatian flavors and modern culinary twists. Dalmatian tavern Griblja is a restaurant that blends modern Dalmatian cuisine with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Matanovi dvori Rooms & Restaurant is known for its diverse menu and extensive wine list, offering an authentic taste of the region. Restaurant Francesco is a family-run restaurant with an elegant ambiance, providing a warm and homey dining experience.
Sukošan also boasts some of the most stunning beaches in the region. Zlatna Luka is a pebbly beach at the entrance to the town and is perfect for a relaxing day by the sea. The beach Mala Makarska, named after the famous Makarska Riviera beaches, is a local favorite due to its pristine waters and natural beauty. Lastly, beach D-Marin, situated within the marina, is an impressive stone beach widely regarded as one of Sukošan’s finest. Here, visitors can rent sunbeds, and the exclusive Portus Beach Club provides an extra touch of luxury.
Beyond its beaches and gastronomy, Sukošan is an excellent starting point for sailing, offering easy access to some beautiful destinations in this part of Dalmatia. To help you make the most of your adventure, we've put together a 5-day sailing route.
Day 1: Sukošan - Žirje - Murter
Set sail from Sukošan and head south towards Žirje, the most remote island of the Šibenik archipelago. Known as "Croatia’s Cuba", Žirje offers an untouched island experience, perfect for those seeking authenticity and tranquility. The island is dotted with scenic coves such as Muna (northeast of the island), which has a dock, Koromašna (east of the island), Mikavica (northwest of the island), and Vela Stupica (south of the island). Choose one to drop anchor and soak in the serenity.
After a peaceful break, navigate northeast towards Murter, an island renowned for its deep-rooted maritime tradition and vibrant summer atmosphere. With well-equipped marinas like Marina Hramina, Marina Betina, and ACI Marina Jezera, Murter provides excellent shelter for the night. If you're looking for hidden gems, the secluded bays of Čigrada and Kosirina are among the most stunning spots to explore.
Once you are moored in one of the marinas, we recommend enjoying a dinner and experiencing Murter’s local gastronomy. Indulge in Mediterranean dishes with a strong influence of Italian and French cuisine. Be sure to try desserts such as kroštule and local medicinal liqueurs made from myrtle, cherries, walnuts, rose, and carob, as well as rakija – lozovača and travarica.
Day 2: Murter - National park Kornati
The following day towards the Kornati Islands, located approximately 9 km from Murter. The Kornati archipelago is the most rugged and intricate group of islands in the Adriatic, consisting of around 150 islands and islets. Within the boundaries of the National Park Kornati, there are 89 islands, islets, and reefs. Despite the barren landscape, humans and nature have coexisted here for thousands of years, creating a unique and harmonious environment. This archipelago is home to numerous bird species and is a popular destination for diving, sailing, hiking, and camping. It was even nominated as one of Europe's best filming locations. Some of the most famous bays and coves in the archipelago include Golubovac, Vela Proversa, Lupeščina, and Dragišina.
Located between the island of Piškera, part of the Kornati National Park, and Panitula Vela, ACI Marina Piškera is an excellent place to moor. The price of a stay here includes entry to the National Park. The marina is open from April 1st to October 31st and can accommodate yachts up to 40 meters in length. Don’t forget the small island of Žut, named after the reddish rocks that turn a golden yellow hue at sunset. Here, you’ll also find ACI Marina Žut, one of the best marinas in this part of Dalmatia, complete with a restaurant, fuel station, and shop.
Day 3: Kornati – Nature Park Telaščica - Island Ist
The next morning, head northwest towards Telašćica, a nature park located on the southeastern part of Dugi Otok island. Telašćica Bay is surrounded by 13 islands and islets, with six more within the bay itself. This bay stands out with plenty of mooring buoys managed by the park staff and the vicinity of the park’s main attractions: the high cliffs and the saline lake.
After enjoying the peaceful morning, continue north towards the island of Ist. Marina Ist offers 66 moorings and also has a restaurant where you can have lunch. The island of Ist is a small island with fewer than 200 inhabitants and no cars, surrounded by impressive rocky formations and smaller islets. The hilly island is dotted with vineyards and olive groves, and the village of Ist is located in the Široka Bay, where the main island port is located, offering mooring on the pier or with buoys. On the other side of the island, there’s the Kosirača bay, also suitable for anchoring.
Day 4: Island Ist – Island Iž
Island Iž, located between Ugljan and Ist, is a perfect retreat for those seeking a peaceful and authentic island atmosphere. The main settlement, Veli Iž, located in a sheltered bay on the northwest coast, offers everything needed for a pleasant stay: a hotel, tennis courts, several restaurants, and the well-equipped Tankerkomerc Marina, where you can spend the night.
On the other hand, Mali Iž offers the charm of a smaller island settlement, with a typical Dalmatian atmosphere and a tranquil vibe that characterizes the entire island. It’s an ideal place to relax and immerse yourself in the local environment. Island Iž offers several beautiful coves perfect for anchoring and relaxation. These include Mali Vodenjak Bay on the southeast, Tomasovac Bay on the north, and Trvičine Bay on the west, each with its unique charm and peaceful atmosphere.
Day 5: Island Iž– Island Ugljan – Zadar - Sukošan
On the last day, head southeast towards the island of Ugljan. On the eastern shores of Ugljan, there are two marinas: Marina Olive Island and Marina Preko. On the northwestern side of the island, you'll find several coves offering great anchoring spots. The old town of Muline is situated in a wide, well-protected bay, shielded from southerly winds. The best anchoring spot is in the southern part of the bay, which is uninhabited and surrounded by pine forests. South of Muline, you’ll discover other beautiful coves such as Prtljug Cove and Uvala Svitla (Cove of Light), where you can spend the morning in peaceful surroundings.
After enjoying the morning in these lovely coves, head towards Zadar, the second-largest city in Dalmatia. You can dock at one of the several marinas in the area, such as Marina Borik or Marina Vitrenjak. In Zadar, take the opportunity to enjoy lunch in one of the many local restaurants and taste Dalmatian specialties like prosciutto, salted or marinated anchovies, or Dalmatian peka (traditional Croatian dish made by slow-cooking meat or fish like octupus). Zadar is rich in historical and cultural landmarks. Don't miss the Roman Forum, the Church of St. Donatus, and the famous Sea Organ, where you can listen to the waves creating music as they crash into the shore. The old town offers a perfect setting for a leisurely walk, with its narrow streets and cute cafes.
After spending the afternoon in Zadar, set sail towards Sukošan to conclude your sailing adventure, taking in the last beautiful views of the Adriatic coast as you make your way to the peaceful marina.
Chartering from Sukošan
Chartering from Sukošan in 2025? Find your perfect boat and get ready for an unforgettable sailing adventure with top-notch marina facilities, stunning nearby islands, and the best of the Adriatic at your fingertips.
