Renowned for its geographical diversity with beautiful coastlines, charming islands fringed by pebbled beaches and crystal-clear waters, Pannonian plains, densely wooded mountains and rolling hills, Croatia is easily one of Europe's most beautiful countries which is why it has become a sought-after destination for honeymooners, backpackers and tourists of all kinds and from all around the world. 

Covering a surface of approximately 56,500 square kilometers, with a population of only 4 million people, Croatia is a small and relatively affordable country that can provide the best vacations for all preferences and budgets. And one of the best ways to explore this amazing Balkan country is by boat. Sailing around Croatia will give you the opportunity to discover many of the country's famous landmarks and natural sceneries, and experience the local culture in a unique and unforgettable way. 

But if you want to make the most of your sailing experience, a bit of planning is required. So, here are a few insider tips for smooth sailing in Croatia.  

Hop aboard a ship 

The one thing that can make or break a sailing experience is the boat you choose, so this is the first thing you should cross off your to-do list. If you intend to charter a boat in Croatia, you'll have a wide variety of options to choose from, so it's not going to be difficult to find a vessel that suits your needs and budget. 

Keep in mind there are two categories of charter services you can opt for. Bareboat chartering allows you to rent a boat without a skipper or a crew and sail on your own terms. However, this requires you to have sailing skills and experience that you can prove, and that implies holding a valid International Certificate of Competency (ICC). If you don't have a sailing license and don't intend to get one anytime soon, or if you simply prefer to sit back and relax, the other option is to charter a crewed boat. This means you'll have a skipper and possibly other crew members to take care of the sailing while you enjoy the trip. 

It's also important to know the types of vessels people usually charter for sailing trips. Booking a catamaran charter Croatia or a standard sailing yacht are probably the most popular services for tourists, but there's a variety of other sailboats you can charter, so make sure to explore and compare your options beforehand. 

Save the date 

As you may expect, the success of a sailing trip is largely dependent on the weather, so it's important to check the local weather and know what to expect in every season. Most of Croatia has a moderately warm and rainy continental climate with four seasons, so there are significant differences throughout the year.

In late spring, temperatures in Croatia range between 16-25°C and sailing during this time will guarantee less crowded waters. However, the chance of rain and wind is high in the spring months and that may affect your plans. The same thing holds true for early fall when temperatures are mild. 

Winter is usually the perfect season for experienced sailors who enjoy the challenge of big winds and waves, but it's not a great option if you're dreaming of swimming in lukewarm waters or enjoying a lively atmosphere as the scenery tends to be rather quiet with very few tourists roaming around. 

Summer is obviously the most popular season for sailing in Croatia, and the time of the year when the waters and ports are most crowded. You'll be able to enjoy great weather with long days that are hot and sunny and a buzzing atmosphere in almost every location you visit. 

Plan your route 

The Croatian part of the Adriatic Sea boasts no less than 718 islands, 389 islets and 78 reefs, so it's not surprising that island hopping is a very popular tourist activity in the region. The fact that most of these islands are quite close to one another and it doesn't take long to reach the next port gives tourists the possibility to create endless route variations and explore many destinations even on short journeys. Croatian islands are also quite diverse in terms of traditions, cuisine, scenery and landmarks, so it's worth including as many as possible in your itinerary. The famous islands of Hvar, Brač, Mljet, and Korčula should definitely be on your list, but less popular ports like Jelsa or Stari Grad can also provide you with amazing experiences and help you escape the hustle and bustle of tourists. 

However, islands are not the only destinations worth visiting on your sailing trip in Croatia. There are also many amazing destinations on land that you can explore when you want to take a break from sailing its clear-blue waters. Split to Dubrovnik seems to be one of the most popular sailing itineraries as it includes many of the sought-after destinations we've mentioned. The National Parks Krka and Kornati are also tourists' favorites with stunning waterfalls, cascading rivers and breathtaking natural sceneries. Obviously, you can customize your sailing itinerary to your own liking, but consulting a few sailing guides can help a lot in this respect.   

Stay safe 

Croatia is generally considered a safe country for both locals and tourists, but this doesn't mean you shouldn't take any precautions during your trip. Sailing, like any other outdoor activity, comes with its fair share of risks, so it's important to take unexpected events into account and plan for all scenarios. Checking the weather forecast before you set sail, having an emergency kit and extra supplies with you and using accurate maps to help you navigate Croatian waters are the basic safety precautions you should take if you want to enjoy safe and smooth journeys. 

Keep in mind that proper planning and preparation are a must if you want to make your sailing adventure in Croatia the experience of a lifetime. So make sure you prepare thoroughly and get ready to enjoy every minute of your trip.