Pula is the apex of the Istrian shores as far as sailing is concerned with this city providing refugee to the world’s sixth largest amphitheater among many other treasures not to mention a vast water body adorned with numerous captivating islands and features. It is one of the largest and oldest cities in the southern Istrian Peninsula and it is well-known as a transit port and as a historical/cultural center.

Sailing conditions
All the elements converge to synchronous harmony in the waters around this three-thousand-year-old city making it an excellent location to charter a yacht and experience the unbridled beauty of Croatia’s shores firsthand. The nearby islands and coastlines are dotted with lovely bays that afford nice parking for vessels in between travel. The winds, on the other hand, are very inviting during the summer though Kvarner Bay tends to be a little unstable in this regard. All in all though, everything is perfect as far as the weather goes.

Mooring options
Notable marinas serving the area include the ACI Marina Pula in Riva 1- a wind-shielded facility offering 80 dry berths to add onto to the 200 berths that cater to yachts not exceeding 25m- and Marina Veruda located in the Veruda bay that offers 630 regular berths complemented by 150 dry berths for vessels also below 25m. Marina ACI pomer in Medulin Bay makes up the smallest mooring option with 30 berths along the shore and 220 regular slots for yachts also below 25m. All these marinas are open all year round and can carry out minor engine and hull repairs.

Sailing itinerary for Pula
1) Pomer
Pula’s roots tie it to a number of coveted stops and the first of these is divine Pomer, a town that has carved a name for itself as a centre of excellence as far as quality wine and scintillating fish dishes are concerned. Its virgin beaches and out-of-this-world landscape is truly a sight for sore eyes as are its timeless structures that are reminiscent of an era in the very distant past.

2) Ilovik
The port of Ilovik has been taken advantage of by sailors from the past to present because of the natural harbor, defending sailors from all winds, particularly Jugo, or the southern wind. During the summer, the harbor is packed with yachts and sailboats from the town center to the Venetian castle.

3) Opatija
Also along the clutches of the beguiling Kvarner Bay is the sleepy town of Opatija that is littered with stately buildings and a promenade rife with topnotch restaurants and bars. Its luxurious way of life coupled with an exquisite taste in seafood and wine has even led to it being branded as Croatia’s very own Monte Carlo.

4) Punat
Between Krk and Cres Island, lies the beautiful gem that is Punat town. Charming pebble beaches and a pristine coastline punctuated by hidden passages and engulfing valleys make out the landscape in typical Adriatic fashion availing a nice canvas for hiking or trekking. Cultural prowess is also on display throughout the town via the heavenly local dishes and fine art/music exhibits that resonates all over.

From Punat be sure to peek into the neighboring island of Cres- also blessed with picture-perfect beaches- before concluding your sailing trip up the coast at Mali Losinj- a small town brimming with life and an endless supply of invigorating reels and coastlines to savor.

5) Brijuni
The Brijuni Islands are a group of fourteen small islands in the Croatian part of the northern Adriatic Sea, separated from the west coast of the Istrian peninsula. Famous for their scenic beauty, the islands are a holiday resort and a Croatian National Park.