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Sailing Area Istria - sailing between the Gulf of Trieste and Kvarner

Short Overview Istria region

Istria has an excellent yacht charter infrastructure and can be allowed as a sailing area for less experienced crews.

  • Very good infrastructure
  • Modern Marinas
  • Easy navigation
  • Many bays
  • Sailing Season: April to October
Boats in Istria region
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Marinas nearby
  • Rovinj Harbour

Istria is a large peninsula in the north of the Adriatic Sea. It is located between the Gulf of Trieste and the Kvarner Rijeka. The largest part of Istria belongs to Croatia, a small area in the north belongs to Slovenia and the village of Muggia belongs to Italy. The landscape of the peninsula is extremely diverse. In the north there are rocky, elongated ridges and in the west the landscape is flat with beautiful bays along the headlands. Inner Istria is characterized by narrow valleys, large forests and wide mountain ranges and the east coast is characterized by steep cliffs and deep waters. The coast between Trieste and Rijeka has deep Fjord-like estuaries such as the Bay of Plomin Fianona or Lim-channel cut (also called Lim Bay fiord) that go quite far inland. The many bays and small islands give the coast a frayed appearance. The most popular spot for Yachtcharter Istria is Pula (Pola) at the southern tip is Pula, the economic center and largest city of the Istrian Peninsula. The main attraction or tourist spot is the impressive amphitheater built under Emperor Augustus. Off the coast of Istria, a few kilometers from the town of Pula, are the Brijuni National Park islands. The 14 islands are protected and known for their scenic beauty and lush evergreen flora and fauna. Other protected areas are for example Ucka forest or Sijana Lim Park.
Image Gallery Istria region

The sailing area is generally suitable for beginners. Navigation around the Istrian peninsula is simple, and the tides have little effect. The water level changes are usually less than 1 m. Because of the possible change in winds, it is advisable to listen to the weather forecasts (which are very good in the area). Should you still be surprised by a storm, it is possible to anchor quickly in a safe place. The wind in the summer months is mainly characterized by land or sea breeze blowing at 2-4 Bft. You will find a classic wind-rhythm: sea breezes during the day (Burin) and land breezes (Maestral) at night. During the day there are moderate northeast winds, which usually stop in the evening and allow for a quiet night. The Istrian weather also experiences winds such as the Yugo, the Bora or the Newera that can change sailing conditions significantly when they occur. Jugo (Scirocco or Sirocco also) is a hot desert wind from the south/southeast. It can build up a significant swell and restrict entry into harbors and marinas considerably. It is also possible for the Jugo to transform in a very short time into the violent Bora, a gusty wind that blows from the northeast mainly during winter.
Marinas and cities in the sailing area Istria
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Airports nearby Istria region
  • Airport Pula to INA Pula Marina: 11,8 km, 20 minutes
  • Airport Pula to Rovinj: 38,4 km, 42 minutes
  • Airport Pula to Marina Funtana (bei Porec): 54,8 km, 52 minutes
  • Airport Pula to Marina Bunarina: 7,7 km, 12 minutes
  • Airport Portoroz to Portoroz: 1 km, 2 minutes
  • Airport Portoroz to Izola: 7,7 km, 13 minutes
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Climate & Weather

In the northern Adriatic, the sailing season begins in April and ends in October or sometimes November. Summers are warm, sunny and dry and usually not too hot. There is an exceptional amount of sunshine per year. The warmest month is July with an average temperature of 23 °C. Winters are mild, with the temperature only dropping to 12 °C in January, the coldest time of the year. The water temperature moves between 24 °C in August and 13 °C in February.