The most beautiful cruising in the world
Experienced yachtsmen describe Preko as the Jewel in the Crown of the beautiful Dalmatian waters, and endorse that it offers some of the best sailing to be found anywhere in the world.
Marina Preko is at the centre of the stunning Dalmatian coastline, a tranquil setting surrounded by exquisite crystal blue waters and with over 1200 islands and islets to explore.
The marina provides the delights of an island yet offers easy access for daily anchorages or overnight 'island hopping'. For those who prefer to cruise further within the Adriatic, there are many exciting destinations just a couple of days cruise from Marina. These include the Italian ports of Ancona, Rimini and Pescara, and the Croatian ports of Split, Pula or Dubrovnik. Even the Greek island of Corfu is a 2/3 day journey.
Cruising the Dalmatian coast has to be the experience of a lifetime, with its breathtaking scenery and crystal clear water.
Climate
Northern Croatia has a continental climate; Central Croatia has a semi-highland and highland climate, while the Croatian coast has a Mediterranean climate.
Summer temperatures range from 22 to 26°C in the continental region, 15 to 20°C in the mountain region and 26 to 30°C in the coastal region.
Kornati Islands
The KORNATI ISLANDS are comprised of some 130 islands, islets and reefs sprinkled in the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic Sea, covering an area of approximately 64 sq kilometres, and providing a beautiful cruising ground close by within this Croatian National Park.
The largest island is Kornat from which the archipelago takes its name. Other larger islands are: Piskara, Kurba, Vela, Zut, Sit and Levrnaka. Apart from a tiny area of cultivated land with fig trees, olives and vineyards, the Kornati islands are rocky, covered with thin grass, rare trees and Mediterranean scrubs. Over time the sea has caused erosion and changed the landscape, along with over grazing by sheep. This erosion has deprived the islands of their primeval luxurious vegetation and the people have moved to more hospitable islands.
The Kornati have no permanent inhabitants, although the present owners from nearby larger Dalmatian islands periodically visit Kornati to tend their vineyards and olive groves, bringing their sheep to graze.
The sea around the islands is rich with fish and a variety of marine life. The islands have no spring water, only rainwater collected in waterholes. A unique feature of the islands is their rugged shores with many caves and coves. The landscape of chalk limestone is covered with bushes of rosemary, juniper, lavender, thyme, myrtle and sage. Pathways lead to steep drops and cliffs facing the open sea; others gently decline towards the ocean, ending in a small bay with a jetty and one or two fishermen's cottages, surrounded by pine, olives and fig trees.
It is possible to visit most of the islands by boat; although some are protected and the Adriatic pilot books provide specific navigational detail. There are specified overnight anchorages and many of these have small restaurants.
