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Sailing routes

Pula, Kvarner and Lošinj: a week on the northern Adriatic

A one-week route from Pula across Kvarner: Medulin, Unije, Mali Lošinj, Ilovik and sandy Susak, then back past Cape Kamenjak and the Brijuni islands.

days
7
nautical miles
112
Longest leg (NM)
25
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The northern Adriatic offers a shorter journey from central Europe and islands that even in mid-season are quieter than the Dalmatian ones. The price is the Kvarner crossing, about twenty miles of open sea between Istria and the Lošinj archipelago, and you make it twice.

Cross Kvarner only on a settled forecast. Bura sets in here suddenly and hard, and jugo raises a high sea around Cape Kamenjak. In summer the usual pattern is a calm morning and maestral in the afternoon. The route is therefore better suited to experienced crews.

Pula - Lošinj

Day-by-day itinerary

  1. 1

    Day 1

    Pula - Medulin

    approx. 14 NM2.5 h under way

    From Pula harbour down the coast and round Cape Kamenjak, the southernmost point of Istria, into Medulin Bay. The bay is roomy and shallow, with a string of islets and anchorages. At the entrance watch out for the shoals and keep to the marked fairway.

    Overnight: Medulin

  2. 2

    Day 2

    Medulin - Unije

    approx. 21 NM3.8 h under wayUnije

    The Kvarner crossing, early in the morning and with a checked forecast. On Unije a safe night is on a buoy in Maračol bay on the east side of the island, from where a path leads across the isthmus to the village.

    Overnight: Unije, uvala Maračol

  3. 3

    Day 3

    Unije - Mali Lošinj

    approx. 12 NM2.2 h under wayLošinj

    A short leg through the Unije Channel into Lošinj bay. Mali Lošinj has a marina, a town quay, a fuel station and every kind of shop. Use the afternoon for a walk to Čikat or a trip to Veli Lošinj.

    Overnight: Mali Lošinj, Lošinj

  4. 4

    Day 4

    Mali Lošinj - Ilovik

    approx. 9 NM1.6 h under wayIlovik

    Down the west coast of Lošinj, with a swimming stop in Krivica or Balvanida, to the channel between Ilovik and Sveti Petar. You pick up a buoy, because anchoring in the channel is not allowed. The village has a bakery, a shop and konobas.

    Overnight: Ilovik

  5. 5

    Day 5

    Ilovik - Susak

    approx. 11 NM2 h under waySusak

    Across open sea to Susak, the island of sand. The harbour is small, so boats usually anchor off it. A night here is comfortable only in calm weather: if the forecast is not settled, visit Susak by day and return to Mali Lošinj.

    Overnight: Susak

  6. 6

    Day 6

    Susak - Medulin

    approx. 25 NM4.5 h under way

    Back across Kvarner towards Istria, the longest leg of the route. Set off early. In Medulin Bay this time choose a different anchorage or a berth in the marina at Pomer.

    Overnight: Medulin

  7. 7

    Day 7

    Medulin - Brijuni - Pula

    approx. 20 NM3.6 h under way

    Round Cape Kamenjak and up the west coast to the Fažana Channel. On Brijuni you may enter only Veliki Brijun harbour; it is simpler to stop in Fažana and go across on the national park boat. Then a few more miles to Pula.

    Via: FažanaOvernight: Pula, ACI marina Pula

Tips for this route

  • Cross Kvarner early in the morning and only after checking the forecast and the warnings. Bura is more frequent and stronger here than anywhere else on the route and leaves little time to reef.
  • Around Cape Kamenjak the currents are strong and the shoals extend far from the shore. Give it a wide berth.
  • Susak and Unije have no protected harbour. In unsettled weather spend the nights in Mali Lošinj and visit the islands on day trips.
  • Fuel: Pula and Mali Lošinj.

Distances are approximate and calculated for the shortest safe passage. Time under way is calculated at a speed of about 6 knots.

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Safety

Emergency at sea

Croatia's national maritime search and rescue coordination centre (MRCC Rijeka) is on watch 24 hours a day. Save the number before you set off.

Before you call, have ready the boat's position (coordinates or the nearest headland, island or bay), the number of people on board and a description of the problem. A call to 112 is put through to the maritime rescue centre.

Get out on the water yourself

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The information is for guidance only and does not replace official nautical charts, pilot books or forecasts. Check the current conditions and regulations before you set off.