Otium Adventures team proposes the best marinas by our experience and recommend them for the upcoming sailing season:) First three are smaller ones, the last two are located in cities.
ACI Marina Piškera is located in the beautiful Kornati National Park between the islands of Piškera and Panitula Vela, off the northern coast of Panitula Vela. The marina is well-protected from the northerly bura wind, but a little less so from the southerly winds. It is open from April 1 through October 31. The price of the ticket for the Kornati National Park is included in the regular price of daily berthing in ACI marina Piškera. The rest of the year you can stay there for free J and you can go free climbing in the Panitula Vela western wall, easy top rope for the safety conscious.
ACI Marina Žut is located in Kornati region as well but outside of the borders of the national park. The island of Žut, including the marina, belongs to the Žut-Sit island group, situated in the northeast of the Kornati Archipelago. In strong bora winds, it is recommended to berth on the marina’s north pier and at buoys, whereas in strong jugo winds it is much more pleasant to berth on the south pier. Boats with a draft of more than 3 meters can berth anywhere on the south pier or at the very end of the north pier.
ACI Marina Palmižana is located on the northeastern coast of Sv. Klement (St. Clement) between Hvar and Vis, the largest of the Pakleni Islands. The rest of the archipelago is also easily reached from here: from Palmižana you can set off to explore numerous hidden coves and isolated beaches which will leave you breathless. Although there is a chance of a tidal wave in case of heavy west or southwest winds, most of the time the cove provides safe shelter from the waves and wind. If busy, check coves around Carpe Diem Club on the Pakleni for free anchoring – you will need to check weather forecast more thoroughly though.
Izola MarinaUp is our favourite marina on the Slovene coast. It is well protected from all weather conditions and in the shelter of the old fishing town of Izola. It is located very close to the city centre and Izola is ideal place to stay more than only some hours. Not so turisty as Piran or Portorož, has vivid cultural life, own film festival, nice beach at the lighthouse, excellent restaurants and bars. Beside these you can explore less known Slovene Istra region with its charming landscape and Parenzana bike road, which is along the formerly operating narrow-gauge railway between Trieste and Poreč. Check Fish Soup at Sonja’s.
Marina Mandalina is a short drive away from the historic centre of Šibenik and by sea are Kornati islands and Zadar easily accessible. It is a marina designed for superyachts. We recommend to see the open-air amphitheatre at St. Michael’s Fortress perched at the top of the old town, St. James Cathedral, a striking triple-nave basilica and the car-free Zlarin island in the Šibenik archipelago, known for its fragrant pine forest and for red coral used for traditional jewelry. Zlata Ribica for great seafood including Crudo (raw) (short ride needed ) or Propeti Konjič for great local BBQ at great value, short walk from the marina.