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There are a lot of different Croatian islands, it can be difficult to choose the best for you. So, we have selected for you the best 5 secret Croatian islands to visit!

Lopud

Lopud is a tiny island with a size of less that five kilometer square and 200 residents. The Island is one hour boat ride from Dubrovnik and has a little beautiful port. The island is characterized by little mountains, an important vegetation, clear blue water and sandy beaches. Lopud is a carefree island with charming restaurants and boutiques. You will discover old stone houses with very welcoming residents.

Hvar

Hvar is a festive island with the smell of lavender. The island is known for all its activities during the day, but also during the night. Hvar has beautiful landscapes with lavender fields, its architecture and its atmosphere look like a Mediterranean city. You will find many coves to enjoy the sea. The island has important ports to allow you to visit the cities easily. You will enjoy the quality of the services and the kindness of the inhabitants.

Mljet

Mljet is a paradise of nature with its amazing National Park. The vegetation is exceptional with a lot of fauna and flora. The island has two saltwater lakes: Veliko Jezero and Malo Jezero. The climate is really good with an average of 22°. You need to rent a bike and ride between the pine trees before enjoying local foods. Mljet has only one hotel, but you can find other local housing. You will find serenity and calm by visiting this Croatian island.

Pag

Pag is an island knows during the summer as the little “Ibiza”, you will find a lot of parties and festivals with always famous artists. However, even if the island is appreciated by the younger to dance until the end of the night, the island has one secret: its landscapes. Indeed, the island is divided into two different types of landscapes: at the Sud, landscapes are characterized by cities with little colored houses, beaches and vegetation. At the North of the island, it is like you are in a desert or on the moon. The soils are dry and mountainous. You will appreciate this particular type of landscape and its serenity.  

Vis

Vis is the most distant Croatian islands, you can reach it from the city of Split in 90 minutes by catamaran. The island offers the clearest sea of Croatia and has two well-equipped marinas. You need to try the local food: fishes and vegetables are the key of the food. You have to taste the famous wines of the island, the white wines are excellent. You can visit wineries to learn the history of the wines and to taste them.

Find Croatian ports and 900 other harbours in our Hello Skipper Marina Guide App which you can download from here.

The Canary islands have one of the best climate in the world. With a lot of different islands, the Canary islands are a perfect place to sail. We listed for you ports to visit and information you need to know for an exceptional trip.

About the Canary islands

The Canary islands are composed of seven major islands : Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro and Fuerteventura. They are located in the Atlantic ocean, next to the African continent. The archipelago has also smaller islands and forms one of the seventeen autonomous communities of Spain. The official language is Spanish. The biggest island is Tenerife and has one important volcano : Teide. The second biggest island is Gran Canaria. The population of the archipelago is around 2 200 000 people. The islands have a subtropical climate, with long hot summers and warm winters. Indeed, during the summer, temperatures can reach 30° and 23° during the winter, it depends of the islands. The Canary islands are characterized by volcanic landscapes and a beautiful vegetation. There are modern cities, but also little colonial villages with a lot of charm.

Sailing conditions in the Canary islands

The islands offer great sailing conditions during all the year. The climate is nice and the landscapes are impressive. You will find a lot of white sand beaches but also black sand beaches due to the volcanic soil of several islands. December and February are the two months of the year where the islands are full of tourists who want to avoid their sad winter. Thus, it will be better to visit the Canary islands during the other months of the year.

Ports to visit

Puerto de Mogán- Gran Canaria

The port of Mogán is an old fishing port converted into a marina. The city is really beautiful with little white houses with colored windows. The marina is well-equipped and with quality. You will find a lot of nautical leisure activities, perfect for a stay with your family. Moreover, the city has a lot of gastronomic restaurants that you need to try. The port of Mogán is a good place to relax and to discover local gastronomic specialties.

Marina Rubicón- Lanzarote

Marina Rubicón is located in the south of Lanzarote. The marina offers a lot of services to its visitors : water, restaurants, wifi… The port can receive more than 460 boats. You will find nautical leisure activities, a little market with local products and the first European underwater museum situated only 300 meters from the marina: the Museo Atlanticó.

Las Palmas- Gran Canaria

The port is located in the north of the island, in the capital city. The port is well-equipped with fuel, toilets, water, shower, electricity and wifi. The city offers a lot of different activities for children, but also for adults. There are also many hiking and cycling paths, perfect to explore the nature.

Marina San Miguel- Tenerife

The marina San Miguel is a port with a lot of commodities: electricity, toilets, showers laundromat, wifi… The marina is a paradise for scuba divers and lovers of nautical activities. Moreover, the port is located between two golf with modern courses. Marina San Miguel is a perfect place for tourists who want a luxury marina with all the commodities.

Find these and 900 other harbours in our Hello Skipper Marina Guide App which you can download from here.

Lake Murten/Lake Morat is the smallest lake in Seeland, however it is a popular sailing destination in Switzerland.

  

Hello Skipper’s Sailing Guides

The blog section of our Hello Skipper Marina Guide introduces all the major sailing regions – You can download the marina guide app with 700 harbours from the Mediterranean and major European lakes here.

About Lake Murten/Morat

Lake Morat/Murten is located between the cantons of Fribourg and Vaud in the western part of Switzerland. It is about 8,2 kilometer long and 2,8 kilometer wide. Among the most important cities around the lake, there is Murten, Haut-Vully, Bas-Vully and Faoug.

Sailing weather and regattas on Lake Murten/Morat

Lake Murten/Morat has great wind conditions for experienced sailors since the speed of the breezes at summer could reach the 24 mph.

Ambitious sailors can challange each other in the annual Laser Regatta where every year more than 400 sailboats participate.

Most visited ports in the Lake Morat

Port des Garinettes Vallamand

Being the only harbour on lake Morat, which has a petrol station, Port des Garinettes is often visited by sailors who urgently need a refill. The port’s infrastructure is great, the shops and restaurants are easily reachable.

Hafen Murten

Murten has some historic side to offer those who are interested, with sights and historic buildings to visit. The marina is set in a beautiful environment with exlusive shops & restaurants nearby.

Port de Faoug

A well designed harbour with secure visitor places situated next to the ramp. If you had any problem with your boat, the expert staff of the shipyard will definitely find a solution. All you need to do to reach the services of the village is a refreshing walk in this peaceful place.

Read more about sailing:

French Riviera – east from Marseille to the italian border

Southern Dalmatia – Dubrovnik and Mljet

Sailing around Istria – Umag, Novigrad, Porec and Rovinj

What to do near the Lake Morat?

1. In the medieval town of Murten there are plenty of summer and autumn festivals. For example the Youth Festival Solennität. Youth Festival commemorates the 1476 Battle of Morat/Murten. If you visiting this historic town, do not miss the Medieval City Walls. As you climb higher and higher on the towers and ramparts, you get an amazing view of Lake Murten and the monuments of the city.
2. When you are visiting towns on the lakeside of Morat, you should not miss the Fribourg Riviera, Le Vully. Situated near the foot of the Mountain Vully, Le Vully was already admired by ancient Celtics. Since, Vully is one of the wine region of Switzerland, there are plenty of festivals and fairs where tourists can enjoy the savour of Swiss wines. The Open Cellars, is one of these parties, when visitors can enter into the wine-cellars and taste grapes or wines.
3. Every April, the roads around Lake Morat are maintained for non-motorised road users, like cyclists or skaters. The so-called SlowUp Murtensee usually attracts more the 300,000 cyclists, skaters and walkers enjoy the car-free roads and amazing views on the lakeside.

 

Find these and 700 other harbours in our Hello Skipper Marina Guide App which you can download from here.

  

Lake Biel is one of the Three-lakes near the Jura mountain, it offers a grand variety of services and regattas for sailors.

  

Hello Skipper’s Sailing Guides

The blog section of our Hello Skipper Marina Guide introduces all the major sailing regions – You can download the marina guide app with 700 harbours from the Mediterranean and major European lakes here.

Sailing weather and regattas on Lake Biel

Several winds shape the sailing conditions on Lake Biel. The western wind is a stronger wind that generates higher waves on the lake. La Bise is a breeze that blows during the daytime, it calms down at night. Ocasionally, the Joran can be surprisingly strong at sunset. Finally the strongest current is the hot and drry Foehn.

Although there are numerous regattas on Lake Biel, one of the most important one is Lake Biel Championship. The race is organized by the most relevant clubs of the lake.

Things to do in Biel Region

1. Since Lake Biel is close to the Jura mountains, there are plenty of vineyards within arms’ lenght. Of course, citizens of Jura region celebrate harvest every single year. On of the main events on the lakeside of Biel is Bieler Braderie. During this street fair more than 100,000 people visit the city of Biel where visitors find around 500 booths, a ferris wheel and they could try their luck in the raffles or just listenning music.
2. Chessu was a gaswork site and its dome covered with graffiti has been a symbol of autonomy in the 1970’ but today it functions as a concert with wide range of programs.
3. As the pearl of the luxurious Swiss watchmaking, Omega set up its Omega Museum opposite of its headquarters in Biel/Bienne. Those who are curious about the past and the story behind the succes of Omega are more than welcome here.

Most visited ports in the region

 

Bootshafen Erlach

A modern, recently renovated port. There is a shipyard next to it, where you can fill up your boat. In Erlach the town hall and the historic parts, like the castle worth visiting.

Bootshafen Biel

Recently renovated harbour close to the center of Biel/Bienne. A good place to start exploring the city from either on foot or by public transportation.

Find these and 700 other harbours in our Hello Skipper Marina Guide App which you can download from here.

  

Lake Neuchatel has a very active sailing life with numerous clubs and the exciting Bol d’Or du Lac Neuchatel regatta.

  

Hello Skipper’s Sailing Guides

The blog section of our Hello Skipper Marina Guide introduces all the major sailing regions – You can download the marina guide app with 700 harbours from the Mediterranean and major European lakes here.

About the lake

Lake Neuchatel is the largest Swiss lake with a surface of 218.3 km2 . Lake Neuchatel is 38 kilometer long and around 8.2 kilometer wide. It lies in the canton of Neuchatel, but a small part of it belongs to the canton of Vaud and Fribourg.

Sailing  weather and regattas on Lake Neuchatel

Lake Neuchatel has four type of wind. The main wind of the lake is Western Wind, which arrives from Yverdon-les-Bains with a force 4-5. In winter the force 10 is not uncommon.

The wind “Bise” blows to the basin of Yverdon, with force 3-4 but it can become much stronger.

The Hubert is a warm breeze that blows from the South to the North and it can create waves of 10 centimeters.

Bol d’Or Henri Lloyd is one of the most important regattas of the Sailing Federation Of Jura Lakes (F.V.L.J.). Every spring more than 100 sailors come together and compete against each other.

Most visited ports around Lake Neuchatel

 

Port d’Auvernier

Situated in a charming place, surrounded by the beauties of nature Port d’Auvernier is a beloved place by visitors. Take a walk to Auvernier to check out local wines and enjoy the fine cuisine that the restaurants have to provide.

Port d’Yvonand

A large port with good infrastructure and two beaches nearby. Restaurants, shops in the town 1 km from the harbour.

Port de Gletterens

A new, modern port in the surrounded by the beauty of nature. From May until the end of October you can visit the Village Lacustre and experience the way people lived in the prehistoric times.

The surroundings

On the southern lakeside of Neuchatel there are large marshlands but on the northern side there are endless vineyards where we can taste the finest Swiss wines. Moreover, the lake region is the home of the popular wine festival, called Grape Harvest Festival. Each year the community of Lake Neuchatel harvest the grapes and celebrate it with a huge one-week festival. During the festival the streets are closed, tons of costumed groups are marching on the streets and make an enormous party.

Top things to do around Lake Neuchatel

1. When you are spending your holidays or freetime on the lakeside of Neuchatel you should definetly visit Creux de Van. It is a natural rocky cirque located in the heart of the nature in a reservation area. Creux de Van was created by natural erosion of the local glacier.
2. Of course sailing is the coolest outside activity on the Lake Neuchatel, but travelling with Chaumont Panoramic Funicular Railway could be almost as fun. While you travelling with this brightly coloured red and blue panoramic train around the Lake Neuchatel anyone could be amazed by the view of the Three-Lakes.
3. When you need to stay in one place for a few hours, Casino Neuchatel is highly recommened. Before or after your sailing trip you should visit this amazing nightlife spot.

Find these and 700 other harbours in our Hello Skipper Marina Guide App which you can download from here.

  

Want to go sailing around Sardinia? We listed you all the major ports worth visiting and everything you need to know about the boating conditions of the island.

  

Hello Skipper’s Sailing Guides

The blog section of our Hello Skipper Marina Guide introduces all the major sailing regions – You can download the marina guide app with 700 harbours from the Mediterranean and major European lakes here.

About Sardinia

Sardinia is the second biggest island in the Mediterranean Sea, and a really popular destination because of its sunny weather, white and sandy beaches, and clear water. This island is much more peaceful than the mainland, and the landscape is worth discovering with mountains and beautiful hidden bays. The best time to visit is in May, the beginning of summer, or September-October as in July and August many Italians come to spend their holidays there, and it is really hard to find accommodation.

Sailing conditions in Sardinia

The island offers great sailing conditions and a delightful experience with its beautiful beaches and long coastline. The northern part is especially popular with its many anchorages, (although the accommodation is not the cheapest there). The weather is great from May to October, but it is recommended to visit Sardinia in April-May or September, as in July and August  the waters become quite over-crowded.

Major Ports of Sardinia

Here are some of the biggest ports of the region we recommend visiting.

Villasimius

This modern marina offers all the services you might need and even more, like a mini market, a newsstand, bike rent and a beauty center. It offers accommodation and a relaxing holiday opportunity for all types of tourists with its white beaches and crystal clear water. If you visit Villasimius, it will be hard to choose from the beaches, as there are more than 20.

Porto Cervo

Porto Cervo is one of the most well-equipped ports of the Mediterranean. The village has two ports, an old and a new one. You can have a quiet holiday here by taking long walks in the beautiful village centre, but it is also a great place for those who want to enjoy the nightlife, as there are exclusive parties held almost every day.

Teresa di Gallura

This modern marina is located in a beautiful environment near the islands of Corsica. The port has all the facilities you might need when sailing. The small town of Santa Teresa Gallura has about 5000 inhabitants, but it increases a lot in the summer season with all the tourists. In the centre of the town we can find many restaurants and shops and it is recommended to visit the beautiful beach.

Arbatax

Arbatax is situated on the eastern coast of Sardinia, and it offers a complete range of services. It has capacity for superyachts as well. It is the ferry port of Tortoli, if you visit this small town, make sure not to miss the famous red rocks, and the Blues festival, which takes place every summer.

Porto Rotondo

This port, located on the northeastern coast of Sardinia, is one of the most luxurious ports of the region. Supermarkets and bars are nearby, as well as some exclusive restaurants for those with big budgets. It has a really active nightlife and you might even run into some celebrities who came to enjoy their holidays.

Find these and 700 other harbours in our Hello Skipper Marina Guide App which you can download from here.

  

Sailing in Crete is a rewarding experience. The largest Greek island offers outstanding sailing experiences for cadets and sailors.

   

Hello Skipper’s Sailing Guides

The blog section of our Hello Skipper Marina Guide introduces all the major sailing regions – You can download the marina guide app with 700 harbours from the Mediterranean and major European lakes here.

About Crete

Crete is the biggest Greek island, the fifth largest one in Europe and also the southern part of the continent. Relatively few boats cruise the 560 nm coastline, so it can happen that our boat is the only mooring catamaran on the shore. Although Crete has excellent anchorages.

Sailing weather and regattas in Crete

The notorious wind, Gregale/ Grigale/ Euroclydon/ Euraquilo blows on the western and central Mediterrean. It is a strong and cold wind, that mainly occurs in winter.

Crete Union Cup is (CuCup) in an impressive sailing event that was first organised for the hundred-year anniversary of reunion with Motherland Greece. It was so successful that sailing clubs decided to re-organise the event. Ever since Crete Union Cup is a great opportunity to sail and compete on the Cretan waters.

Major ports of Crete

Here are the biggest ports of the region we recommend visiting.

Marina Rethimno

The  Marina of Rethumno is located in the center of the north side of the island Crete, inside the eastern part of the eponymous city’s port and ashore of the city center. Cafes, bars, restaurants, supermarkets, chandlery or car rentals are in walking distance.

Marina Ay Nikolaos

The modern, well protected, Agios Nikolaos Marina is located on the northern coast of the Greek Island of Crete, in the heart of the town Aghios Nikolaos and provides an easy access to the center, to the main archeological sites as well as to other places of interest.The town and the nearby famous village of Elounda has a vast variety of restaurants to offer, ranging from the charming family owned to some of the most sophisticated and luxurious ones.

Find these and 700 other harbours in our Hello Skipper Marina Guide App which you can download from here.

  

If you want to go on a sailing holiday to Lake Lucerne/Vierwaldstättersee we listed the major ports that you should not miss and the important sailing information.

  

Hello Skipper’s Sailing Guides

The blog section of our Hello Skipper Marina Guide introduces all the major sailing regions – You can download the marina guide app with 700 harbours from the Mediterranean and major European lakes here.

About Lake Lucerne

Lake Lucerne is located in Central Switzerland and is surrounded by mountains. The German name of the lake, ‘Vierwaldstättersee’ originates from its four cantons (or ‘Waldstätten’), Uri, Schwyz, Unterwalden, and the canton of Lucerne. If you are in Lucerne, don’t forget to check out the Chapel Bridge with the famous Water Tower. Apart from sailing, the area of the lake is also great for excursion with its beautiful scenery and mild climate.

Sailing conditions on Lake Lucerne

Lake Lucerne has several arms and bays and it offers great local and thermal wind conditions for sailing, especially at the upper part of the lake. It is a really exciting sailing area in Switzerland due to its various landscapes.  A famous regatta, Vierwaldstättersee-Cup is also organized on the lake, in which both experienced racers and newcomers can enter. It consists of seven long and short races from starting in spring and the last one ending in autumn.

Major Ports of Lake Lucerne

Here are some of the biggest ports of the region we recommend visiting.

Tribschenhorn Hafen

Marina Tribschenhorn is situated in Luzern, next to a big, popular public park, Uffschötti. A football court, tennis courts, pedal-, motor-, and sailboats are also available for rent not far away. Luzern is a lovely small city with a thriving tourism industry. The Museum for Swiss art is about 30 min, while the Richard Wagner Museum is about 5 min walking distance from the port.  

Hafen Hergiswil

The Marina Hergiswil is situated, in a calm resort near Lucerne, close to the Hergiswil station. The small town is well known about the oldest glass factory as well as about the first glass labyrinth in Switzerland where glass is still hand-crafted. Five restaurant are in walking distance.

Hafen Alpenquai

Marina Alpenquai is situated in Luzern, between the Harbour Lucerne and a big popular public park, Uffschötti. Pedal-, motor-, and sailboats are available for rent nearby. Luzern is a lovely small city with a thriving tourism industry. The Museum for Swiss art is about 15 min, while the Richard Wagner Museum is in 20 min walking distance from the port.

Hafen Fallenbach

Hafen Fallenbach is small, lovely marina at the shore of beautiful Ingenbohl-Brunnen, next to the town center. Brunnen is located at Talkessel Schwyz, between Fronalpstock und Rigi Hochfluh. Brunnen has a cablecar that goes to the Urmiberg. Winston Churchill is said to have spent his honeymoon here.

Hafen Stansstad

Marina Stansstad is located in the Stans area, known for its umpteen mountain cable railways. From Stansstad you can easily reach Mount Lopper, a nice view, and many culturally historic heritages. Next to the port there a nice lido with two open air pools, and there are five restaurants also in a walking distance.

Find these and 700 other harbours in our Hello Skipper Marina Guide App which you can download from here.

  

If you plan to go to Lago Maggiore for a sailing holiday, look no further as we provide all the important information and the major marinas of the lake for skippers.

  

Hello Skipper’s Sailing Guides

The blog section of our Hello Skipper Marina Guide introduces all the major sailing regions – You can download the marina guide app with 700 harbours from the Mediterranean and major European lakes here.

About Lago Maggiore

Lago Maggiore can be found in the basin of the Ticino glacier. Its northern part is located in Switzerland, and the southern part (about 80%) in Italy. it is Italy’s second largest lake after Lake Garda. The river Ticino flows through the lake, it has a gorgeous coastline and many islands which offer plenty of attractions. Cities worth visiting near Lago Maggiore are Locarno, Verbania, Ascona and Arona.

Sailing conditions on Lago Maggiore

It is a great lake for sailing all year round, and especially from spring to fall because of the good wind conditions. There are two major winds blowing, Tramontana blows in the morning from the mountains, and Inverna blows in the afternoon from the plains. Every year they organize the Verbania Vela Festival in June, which means that regattas are held along with concerts and food and wine events near the lake.

Major Ports of Lago Maggiore

Here are some of the biggest ports of the region we recommend visiting.

Locarno – Porto regionale di Locarno

This huge, modern port is situated next to a many tennis courts and close to the city center of Locarno. The infrastructure is one the bests, there is one restaurant situated exactly at the shipyard. Locarno is known of its International Film Festival, which takes place every year in August, of Madonna del Sasso above the city and of Castello Visconteo, on the edge of the old town.

Brissago – Porto alla Resiga

Porto alla Resiga is a nice, modern port with a good infrastructure, located 15 min by walk from the center and from restaurants on the shore to the south east. Brissago is bordered by the Valmara and Valle di Creda and includes the Brissago Islands. Isole di Brissago is known of its botanical garden and cult site.

Brebbia – Cantiere nautico Lavazza

It is a small port with okay infrastructure and visitor places, unfortunately there is not that much too visit except the silent surrounding with a little stream. It has the only petrol station in the area. The tiny lovely town of Brebbia is 2.5km away.

Lisanza – Piccaluga

It is one of the biggest ports in the area, with a good infrastructure and full service available year round at the local shipyard. You can call for visitor places, however it is located in the woods far from the town.

Porto Ronco (Grodolo)

The beautiful Porto Ronco lies between Brissago (2 km) and Ronco sopra Ascona (1 km), a popular resort, next to a lido. At Beach Porto Ronco there is a nice lounge bar-restaurant, ideal for cocktails and musical evenings. Sailing courses and other water sports are available. The beach and the port are both well equipped, providing children’s play area.

Find these and 700 other harbours in our Hello Skipper Marina Guide App which you can download from here.