Zadar

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Zadar/wiki/Zadar

Zadar 44°7.1′N, 15°13.58′E44.118333333333;15.226333333333 destination

Zadar harbour from SW - Click for larger view

The important city and commercial centre of Zadar lies on the Adriatic coast of Croatia, approximately 70 miles NW of Split and 100 miles SE of Rijeka, which together with Dubrovnik constitute Croatia’s four major harbours. The city is separated by the two mile wide Zadar Strait from the two long islands of Ugljan and Pasman to the west. An important commercial and naval centre since the days of the Roman empire, Zadar continued to prosper through periods of occupation by the Byzantines, Venetians, Austro-Hungarians and Italians and even World War II and the Croatian War of Independence were only a brief pause in its growth. Today, Zadar is an important tourist destination as well as a thriving commercial and industrial centre. Its well-sheltered harbour contains a large marina, Marina Zadar, which welcomes visiting yachts, as well as two smaller marinas, Marina Vitrenjak and Marina Borik, which are generally filled with local vessels but may have space available for a visiting yacht. Shelter in Zadar is excellent in all conditions.

Local Weather

Diurnal winds along the coast are mostly moderate during the summer months, predominantly from NW and rarely exceeding force 4/5. At night, katabatic winds off the mountains are a feature of some of the harbours along the NE Adriatic coast. During early spring and (especially) autumn conditions can be more unsettled, occasionally accompanied by violent thunderstorms - luckily of short duration - with winds of 30-35 knots or more and vicious, steep seas. In the winter the sudden, violent N wind off the mountains, the bora, is much to be feared, especially along the Velebitski channel.

Equally prevalent in winter - although not uncommon in summer - is the scirocco, a S/SE wind that blows up from North Africa, usually in advance of a depression moving E across the Mediterranean. Unlike the bora, the scirocco only occasionally exceeds gale force, but is still a phenomenon to be wary of, especially if on a lee coast.

For sources of weather forecasting, see Croatia.

Charts

British Admiralty

2719

Croatian

100-18, 50-4

Italian

924

6001

Imray

M24

Radio Nets

Also see World Cruiser's Nets.

Approach and Navigation

Zadar is approached either from NW along the channel separating the mainland from the island of Ugljan or from SE along the E side of the island of Pasman. Smaller yachts and motor boats can approach via the Prolaz Zdrelac, the narrow channel between the islands of Ugljan and Pasman; however, note that the channel is crossed by a road bridge with only 16 metres clearance. In the approach, the buildings of the old town on a peninsula sheltering the harbour from S and W are conspicuous. The harbour is entered from NW between the old town peninsula and a long breakwater. Note that there are extensive shoals along the shore NW of the entrance, marked with a port hand buoy. The harbour is used by several ferries, which enter and leave at speed and caution is needed when approaching. Shelter inside the harbour is excellent, although berths on the breakwater and T pontoons (see below) are subject to wash from commercial traffic.

Berthing Options

Most visiting yachts berth at the Marina Zadar in the basin to port on entry. Click on link for details. Larger yachts (over 15 metres) are usually berthed stern-to the breakwater, taking lines to a row of mooring buoys, or on either of the two T-pontoons E of the breakwater. Depths in the marina are 8.0 - 12.0 metres and at the breakwater 12.0 - 15.0 metres.

Alternatives to Marina Zadar are the marinas of Marina Borik and Marina Vitrenjak, both to the NW of Zadar harbour. Click on respective links for details.

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

• Marina Zadar
• Marina Borik
• Marina Vitrenjak

Anchorages

There is no suitable sheltered anchorage near Zadar.

Offshore Islands and Groups

• Ugljan
• Pasman

Yacht Repairs and Services

Marine Stores

Limited parts from Marina Zadar yard (see below), mainly engine spares.

Repairs/Yards

Marina Zadar has an associated yard, Moto Marina. See Marina Zadar for details.

Fuel, Water, & Electricity

Fuel station just S of the marina entrance. Water and electricity at all marina berths.

Things to do Ashore

Tourism

The old town of Zadar lies on a fortified peninsula opposite Marina Zadar and is accessed via a footbridge. Attractions include the magnificent 9th century circular basilica of St Donat and the Cathedral of St Anastasia (containing a marble sarcophagus of the saint’s relics and some wonderful carved choir stalls). At the southern end of the peninsular is a monumental Venetian port gate and a picturesque, tiny mediaeval harbour. Through the gate is the Square of the Five Wells, the town’s main water supply until the mid-19th century, and on the north side of the square is St Simeon’s church, containing a lovely 14th century sarcophagus of the saint in silver gilt relief work. Zadar is also a good base for hiring a car to visit the Paklenica National Park 40 kms NE and the beautiful Plitvice National Park a further 15 kms to the N.

St Donat’s basilica (9th century) Click for larger view	Venetian gate, Zadar - Click for larger view
Square of the Five Wells, Zadar Click for larger view	Sarcophagus of St Simeon, Zadar Click for larger view

Grocery & Supply Stores

Several supermarkets and other provisions shops in the town.

Eateries

• Numerous bars and restaurants in the old town.
• Restoran Foša, sited on the verandah of the old customs house at the entrance to the tiny mediaeval harbour at the S end of the peninsula, is excellent for fish.

Internet/WiFi

None.

Laundry

None.

Motorbike & Car Rentals

Europcar office close to marina. Others in the town.

Garbage Disposal

Bins near the harbour. =

Transportation

• Buses to Zagreb and local destinations.
• Trains to Zagreb and Split.
• International airport 14 kms E.

Routes/Passages To/From

See Croatia.

Cruiser's Friends

Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.

Forum Discussions

List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)

External Links

• Zadar at the Wikipedia

For other useful websites, see Croatia.

References & Publications

See Croatia.

Personal Notes

Personal experiences?

Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)

Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:

• May 2005 --Athene of Lymington 13:52, 22 July 2011 (BST)

Contributors to this page
Names: Lighthouse, Athene of Lymington