Dreamy 10-Day Sailing Vacation from Pula
Sailing Report Klaus Pitter – Part 2 (10-Day Charter)
Especially now before Christmas, during the contemplative time, one fondly remembers the many beautiful moments, like the shared sailing vacation in summer with family and friends, and the anticipation for the next vacation slowly rises.
My Wednesday-Saturday 10-Day Charter from our Veruda (Pula) base gets you in the right mood and provides you with some inspiration for the next sailing vacation with your loved ones. Pay special attention to my little tips for a relaxed trip!
Wednesday-Saturday Sailing Trip in Summer 2024
Day 1, Wednesday: Arrival in Veruda and Sightseeing Old Town Pula
Right after arriving, our youth conquers the pool in the marina and cools off after the journey, while I, as the skipper, calmly take over the ship.
Tip 1: Charter Wednesday-Wednesday, or 10 days from Wednesday and start your vacation more relaxed. The dock is much less crowded, and there are almost no people in the marina and especially at the pool.
After checking in, we have a small meal at the marina restaurant and go shopping again without stress, stocking up on those good things that are not so easy to get at home. We decide not to set sail and spend a cozy evening in Pula – some sightseeing, some shopping, and a leisurely ice cream outing.
Tip 2: Don't plan too much for the arrival day. If you set sail, choose a nearby destination, so you have less stress upon arrival and provisioning and can familiarize yourself with the ship in peace.
Day 2, Thursday: Veruda - Mali Lošinj
We enjoyed our first night on the ship, and after a good night's sleep, we start in the morning towards Mali Lošinj. In the right arm of the bay before Mali Lošinj, opposite Zabodarski, we anchor for a swim before heading to the city harbor of Mali Lošinj in the evening. The first bay swimming stop is a hit, with a dream of crystal-clear turquoise water.
We immediately feel comfortable in the harbor of Mali Lošinj, not far from the inner center directly on the harbor promenade with many good restaurants. We are very satisfied with our night berth and immediately have an ice cream cone at the host right next to the dock, where we will also have an excellent and quite affordable dinner later. Until almost midnight, we stroll through the shops and enjoy a few cocktails in a café-bar with a live band. Around midnight it gets quieter, and we also return to the boat.
Day 3, Friday: Mali Lošinj - Buoy Field Premuda
In the morning, I go to the local fish market and buy fish, calamari, and scampi. We stock up on local delicacies, refill water, set sail, and enjoy breakfast on board. Our first swimming stop is near the southern tip of Lošinj, in the bay of Balvanida. A second swimming stop is on the outside of Ilovik in the bay of Ugradica.
Then we continue in another small stage to Premuda, where we anchor in the buoy field between the islands and enjoy a beautiful sunset - our homemade fish stew tastes delicious.
Tip 3: Especially on trips with children or sailing novices, it is better to reach the day's destination in several small stages (with several swimming stops).
Day 4, Saturday: Premuda - Ist Buoy Field
We set off early and make a first swimming stop on the island of Skarda in the bay of Lojišće. The bay is very narrow and has room for only 1-2 yachts. We are lucky and have the bay all to ourselves – what a wonderful morning.
After an extended swimming stop, we set sail and head for the wreck off Veli Rat. There we approach the wreck from the south side with a west wind and anchor. Even though the children are now grown, we swim to the wreck with a swim board and fins. We have been here many times with the children, but it is always an experience, even though very little is now visible above the water, as the wreck has collapsed.
Tip 4: Since you have to anchor at some distance from the wreck, the way there is also strenuous in light waves. Therefore, fins and a swim board are ideal swimming aids, even when snorkeling over the wreck. If you have one, you can also wear a neoprene shorty or a UV shirt to avoid injuring yourself on the iron parts of the wreck – better to keep more distance. 6a7 For small children, there are also air mattresses with a clear view field to swim over.
After our wreck detour, we head north again to the buoy field off Ist. In the evening, we go ashore with the dinghy and visit a pizzeria.
Day 5, Sunday: Ist - Silba Harbor
The early risers hike to the church on the hill, and after enjoying the magnificent view and photographing it for the late risers, we fetch bread and pastries for breakfast. After breakfast and a dip in the cool water, we set off again through the Zapuntel Channel. For swimming and snorkeling, we are in the bay of Turtula, where you again have a view of the church of Ist, only this time from behind. We love this bay for snorkeling, the bay is adorned with a very small strip of sand, which, if you look closely, consists of tiny shells only a few millimeters in size.
In the early afternoon, we then enter the city harbor of Silba, a place we keep returning to. A nice little town with two noteworthy churches, a very good ice cream shop, a nice beach bar, and a fishmonger where we buy excellent tuna steaks for grilling on the ship the next day. We were lucky to get one of the few places in the harbor, but there is also a large buoy field off Silba.
Day 6, Monday: Silba - Ilovik Buoy Field
After shopping, we sail to the small island of Oruda east of Ilovik. Here we spend the day swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing – pure relaxation! 31e In the evening, we are in the buoy field of Ilovik, where we grill the tuna steaks bought in Silba. 37d e0f What a delight, fresh fish from the grill and the view of the setting sun.
Tip 5: The buoy field of Ilovik is always a good tip in bad weather. It is very well protected and safe, as a thunderstorm was also announced for us.
Day 7, Tuesday: Ilovik - Unje, Bay of Maračol
Our swimming stop today is on the outside of the island of Lošinj, in the bay of Krivicia, then we continue to Unje in the bay of Maračol. A nice bay, with usually many boats and a special mooring technique. The buoy field operators assign the place and help with mooring the yacht, as each buoy here has three lines 449 for starboard and port at the bow and a line to retrieve the mooring lines for the two stern sides.
The great thing about this bay is that a path leads from it to Unje City. The path looks very steep but is pleasant to walk, and you are rewarded with a magnificent view of the bay – a really nice walk to Unje, which lies on the other side of the bay over the hill. Unje itself is a nice little town, with shopping opportunities, restaurants, and cafes, as well as a nice beach in the middle of the town. The little excursion is worth it. 917
Day 8, Wednesday: Unje - Cres Harbor
Our destination today is the newly expanded city harbor of Cres. But first, we make two swimming stops: the first in a side bay of Martinscica on Cres, right at Plaza Slatina, a public beach with a water trampoline park. For the children, this is a welcome change, while we enjoy some peace on board. The second swimming stop is just before entering the harbor of Cres at the tip of Rt. Pernat.
306 The city of Cres is wonderful, already upon arrival in the harbor we are warmly welcomed, and help is provided with mooring. From the city harbor, it is also not far to the old town center with many shops, bars, and restaurants. Cres has a lively nightlife, but at midnight it becomes quiet, so you can sleep undisturbed.
Day 9, Thursday: Cres Harbor - Uvala Portić
After a hearty breakfast and a short walk in Cres, we sail on. Our first swimming stop is at the small island of Fenera, which lies at the tip of Istria. Here we anchor for a longer break, swim, and enjoy the sun.
In the afternoon, we reach the Uvala Portić. This bay is, as always, well-visited but quiet. We end our penultimate evening on board comfortably with a good glass of wine.
Day 10, Friday: Uvala Portić - Veruda
We head back to the home port, making an extended swimming stop in the bay of Soline and starting to pack, as it is not as hot on the water as in the marina.
Tip 6: Pack roughly at the end of the trip already in the bay and then, depending on the temperature, bring most of the bags to the car before or after dinner – this keeps the last evening stress-free.
Make Vacation Plans 2025 Watertight
Oh, how much we are all looking forward to the next sailing vacation again! As the saying goes: After the trip is before the trip. And anticipation is the greatest joy. Therefore: Make your vacation plans for 2025 watertight now. I would be delighted to welcome you to one of our bases next season! - Your Klaus Pitter
