Sun, a long weekend, a cool prosecco in hand, and in front of you... a row of yacht sterns packed tightly. Sound familiar? If you've ever spent a May weekend in the most obvious port, you know what we're talking about.
But don't worry – there are still places where you don't have to fight for a spot in the marina.
We've gathered 5 proven destinations for May, June, or any long weekend that will allow you to sail away – literally and figuratively – from the crowds.
While most fleets storm Hvar, Brač, and Vis, do something different. Sail to the northern Kornati – for example, around the islands of Sit, Žut, or Lavsa.
However, remember that Kornati is a national park with specific rules. Sailing is allowed throughout the park, except in four strictly protected zones: around the islands of Purara, Mrtenjak, Kolobućar, and Mali and Veli Obručan. Anchoring and overnight stays are only allowed in designated bays such as Koromašna, Stiniva, Ravni Žakan Statival, Kravljačica Lupeška, Tomasovac - Suha Punta, Šipnate, Lučica, Strižnja, Opat, Smokica, Lavsa, Piškera - Vela Panitula, Vruje, Gujak, Anica on Levrnaka, Podbižanj, and Tomasovac - Suha Punta.
The island of Pag from the southeast looks like Mars – bare rocks, no trees, no people. Sounds boring? Only for those who don't know it's one of the wildest and most intimate places on the Adriatic sailing map.
Instead of a crowded marina – a bay with no road access. Zero noise. Zero neighbors.
🛶 Pro tip: Rent a SUP and explore caves and semi-submerged rock formations near Velo Blato.
Greece is a classic. But most people stop at Lefkada, possibly in Nidri. Meanwhile, Meganisi, Kalamos, or Kastos await with open arms – and empty quays.
It's a paradise for those who love simplicity. A port with one tavern, a grandfather fishing for squid in the harbor, a stop in a bay with views of olive hills. Sun, feta, and peace.
Montenegro is like Croatia 15 years ago. On one hand – modern marinas in Tivat and Kotor, on the other – deserted bays and breathtaking mountains flowing straight into the sea.
The Bay of Kotor is one of the most spectacular sailing spots in Europe. Water as calm as glass and historic towns listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
It's best to set sail from Dubrovnik – the nearest port in Croatia with easy access to the Montenegrin border. But beware: not every charter yacht is allowed to leave Croatian territorial waters.
Before booking, make sure the vessel has all the documents required for formal border clearance. Without this, you won't legally enter Montenegrin waters. All yachts sailing to Montenegro must first report to an official port of entry (e.g., Zelenika, Bar, Tivat, or Kotor) before docking or anchoring elsewhere.
Slovenia has only 46 kilometers of coastline – but what a coastline it is! It's one of the least crowded places on the Adriatic, perfect for a short, peaceful cruise. The narrow strip of coastline between Italy and Croatia is the ideal place to catch your breath on a long weekend.
Towns like Piran, Izola, and Koper offer an elegant, Italian-Balkan atmosphere, and their ports are well-organized and modern – though intimate. Marinas are much less crowded than Croatian or Italian ones, even in peak season.
If you're planning a trip towards Croatian Istria, remember to ensure your yacht has permission to cross maritime borders.
In summary – don't sail where everyone else does
The beauty of sailing is precisely that you can... not be where the crowds are. 😉 A long weekend doesn't have to mean stress in the marina and crowds at the quay. Choose wisely, check less obvious routes, and rediscover the joys of sailing – in peace.
And if you need help choosing a yacht or route – let us know! The Najachty.pl team will gladly recommend something extra.
