My last trip to Croatia was 2007, though I still remember that summer vividly; jumping from the top of ancient fortifications to splash down into the sea, lazily drinking cocktails on the beach, and exploring the country’s island speckled coastline via sailing.

Oh, the sailing!

Croatia has seen a massive increase in popularity of late, but its status as a sailor’s paradise has been known for decades. And, whether you want to rent a boat in Croatia to be your own captain, or jump on a skippered trip just for a day, everyone visiting Croatia should experience sailing.

Croatia is home to more than 1,000 islands, all with amazing beaches, historic ruins, and Game of Thrones style medieval scenery. And of course, connecting them all is the dazzling sapphire water of the Adriatic Sea; so mezermizing that it ‘sparkles with a jewel-like intensity’.

So, take in Croatia’s national parks, and don’t miss its spectacular walled cities. But definitely don’t miss out on the chance to go sailing. The following are 5 reasons Croatia has just been named as the hottest sailing destination of 2019.

5 Reasons Croatia is the HOTTEST Sailing Destination of the Year!

[Infographic]

 The Best Time to Go Sailing in Croatia

Weather wise, there really isn’t a bad time to visit Croatia, though peak season is summer, from June to September. During this time, you’re pretty much guaranteed incredible weather (a constant 26°C), though the country is packed with tourism, and everything is more expensive.

If you’re looking for fabulous weather, but trying to avoid the crowds, the best time to visit Croatia is shoulder season, between May and June before summer tourism kicks in, and from September to October just after the summer crowds have cleared out. During these periods you can expect the temperature to be around 22°C.

You’ll still enjoy beautiful balmy days, perfect for sailing and swimming in the sea, but will find better deals on boat rentals (as well as accommodation and flights), and won’t have to deal with intensive crowds.

Winter in Croatia is November through April, and while you’ll find incredibly cheap deals during this time, and zero crowds, the weather is chilly and unreliable, so not so great for being on the water. That said, winter in Croatia is much warmer than other parts of the world, and shouldn’t dip below 5°C.

About Zizoo

The above infographic we’ve used was created by Zizoo, who recently announced what we’ve known all along; that Croatia is the world’s top sailing destination for 2019 (though their declaration was based on booking trends while mine was more opinion … either way, we’re on the same page!!).

Zizoo is a Berlin-based travel startup that connects charters with travelers looking for bespoke boat holidays. Since they launched in 2015, the company has successfully made sailing experiences accessible for everyone from experienced sailors to novices with both luxury and budget options.​​

With 60 employees, Zizoo works with 1,500 charter companies around the world, and has more than 21,000 boats in 30 countries. They have over 25,000 reviews, which would indicate that the next big trend in travel is sailing!

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Megan is an Australian Journalist and award-winning travel writer who has been blogging since 2007. Her husband Mike is the American naturalist and wildlife photographer behind Waking Up Wild; an online magazine dedicated to opening your eyes to the wonders of the wild & natural world.

Having visited 50+ countries across all seven continents, Megan’s travels focus on cultural immersion, authentic discovery and incredible journeys. She has a strong passion for ecotourism, and aims to promote responsible travel experiences.