SAILING ARCHIPELAGO
Pula, NP Brijuni, Fasana, Medulin, Liznjan
Pula’s coastline stretches over 40 kilometers, unveiling hidden coves, lush islands, and landmarks that reveal the heart and soul of the city. For us, sailing isn’t just a tour – it’s a way of life. Our skippers, born and raised in Pula, know every bay, breeze, and current like the back of their hand.
If you want to truly experience Pula from the sea, sail with those who live it every day.
Our journey may begins at Fratarski Island, a beloved local getaway, then sails past the islands of Frasker and Fraskeric. On a day Tour we may continue on to the dramatic cliffs of Verudela Canyon, a striking natural formation best seen from the sea. Just beyond, you'll find the iconic Sacred Rock (Sveta Stijena), originally built as a movie set, now a breathtaking landmark rising from the coast. Next, we sail past Muzil, a former military zone still cloaked in mystery, with wild cliffs, hidden bunkers, and untouched nature – a place few have the privilege to experience up close. Along the way, you’ll pass sites where generations of locals spent their summers, diving from the rocks and pushing the limits of adventure.
To the northwest, the view opens up toward Brijuni National Park, a magical archipelago of 14 islands with approx. 50 km of coastline. Known for its lush greenery, rich history, and crystal-clear waters, sailing near Brijuni offers a peaceful yet awe-inspiring experience, where nature and culture blend seamlessly.
South of Pula, the Municipality of Medulin continues the coastal story, adding over 80 kilometers of deeply indented shoreline. From the tranquil Soline Bay to the rugged beauty of Cape Kamenjak, this area offers endless inspiration for Day sailing – with quiet coves, vibrant marine life, and breathtaking views.
Sail with locals who grew up in these waters – and experience Pula & Medulin archipelago the way we do.
Verudela Canyon - A Natural Highlight of the Sailing Archipelago
One of the natural highlights of the sailing archipelago around Pula and southern Istria is Verudela Canyon, a remarkable coastal formation shaped by the Adriatic Sea over thousands of years. Seen from the sea, the canyon reveals a dramatic landscape of rugged cliffs, hidden coves and crystal-clear waters. Although our sailing route does not include a stop at the canyon, sailing past Verudela offers a wonderful opportunity to admire this unique scenery from the very element that created it – the sea. Verudela has also been connected with the history of seafaring in the area for centuries. The waters around the peninsula were known to ancient Greek sailors, while during Roman times the area became a favored summer retreat of the aristocracy. Local legends later added stories of sailors and pirates seeking shelter among the secluded coves and cliffs. Today, Verudela Canyon is appreciated primarily for its natural beauty and the special atmosphere it creates along the coastline. Its clear waters invite swimming and snorkeling from the shore, while the surrounding cliffs and hidden corners make it a beautiful place to explore at your own pace. As we sail along the coast, Verudela Canyon becomes one of those memorable views that reminds us of the close connection between Pula, its maritime heritage and the Adriatic Sea – a landscape shaped by the sea and best admired from the sea itself.
Fratarski Island - The islands of Locals
One of the most charming and authentic highlights of the sailing archipelago around Pula is Fratarski Island, a small, green island just off the Verudela peninsula. Unlike many popular destinations along the Adriatic, Fratarski has remained largely untouched by mass tourism. It is, above all, an island loved by the locals. For generations, Pula residents have spent their summers here, exchanging their homes on the mainland for a simple tent beneath the pine trees. When the first warm days of summer arrive, families pack up their essentials and move to the island – sometimes for weeks or even the entire summer. There was a time when island life was much more than a holiday. Some locals would commute to work from the island, returning to their tents in the afternoon. And for the truly adventurous, getting to work could even mean swimming back to the mainland. These stories have become part of the island's unique character and are still remembered and retold by generations of Pula locals. Today, Fratarski remains a place where the pace of life feels wonderfully different. There are no busy tourist resorts or crowds, just pine trees, rocky shores, crystal-clear sea and the simple pleasures of summer by the water. Locals return year after year, keeping alive a tradition of spending summer close to nature and even closer to the sea. For sailors, Fratarski is a beautiful sight from the water and a glimpse into a more authentic side of Pula – a place where summer is not something you visit, but something you live. And on Fratarski, the adventures never seem to end.
Frešker & Freškerić - A wild Corner of the Pula Archipelago
Among the small islands scattered around the Pula coastline, Frešker and Freškerić stand out for their wild and authentic character. Just off the Verudela peninsula, these two islands are surrounded by a beautiful stretch of sea that has become one of the favorite anchoring and swimming areas for sailors exploring the Pula archipelago. The larger of the two, Frešker, is home to sheep, goats and even rams. Away from the shoreline, the island remains remarkably wild, with dense Mediterranean vegetation and paths that feel more like a journey into nature than a visit to a tourist destination. There is something wonderfully unexpected about seeing animals roaming freely on a small island in the middle of the Adriatic. The sea between Frešker, Freškerić and the mainland is especially distinctive for its beautiful turquoise color. The nearby freshwater springs and the natural sea currents give the area a character of its own, while the shallow seabed creates a fascinating landscape that is constantly changing. Sand and gravel are moved by the sea from year to year, meaning that the shoreline can look slightly different each season – sometimes more sand gathers along the island, while at other times the seabed shifts toward the mainland or further into the channel. For sailors, this shallow channel is a favorite place to anchor, swim and enjoy the warm summer sea. The water is relatively shallow in places, making it particularly inviting for a relaxed swim and exploration around the islands. On the western side, however, the character of the sea changes dramatically. Between Frešker and Freškerić lies a shallow reef, making this passage unsuitable for sailing through. Beneath the surface, however, the reef creates an interesting underwater world and is a rewarding area for those who enjoy diving and exploring the Adriatic seabed. With a little luck, you may encounter gilthead seabream (orada) among the rocks. In the shallower waters, schools of saddled seabream (known locally as “oćade”) can often be seen moving together. They are especially entertaining around boats, as they have become accustomed to being fed and may gather eagerly at the surface. Frešker and Freškerić are a perfect example of the small discoveries that make sailing around Pula so special – wild islands, changing shores, turquoise water, curious fish and a landscape that is never quite the same from one summer to the next.
Vinkuran Bay – A Sheltered Green Haven
One of the most peaceful and naturally sheltered corners of the Pula sailing archipelago is Vinkuran Bay, a beautiful inlet where the sea meets the lush Mediterranean landscape of southern Istria. Naturally protected from many winds, Vinkuran Bay has long been a safe haven for boats and sailors. During the summer months, the bay comes alive with boats and sailing yachts, with mooring buoys set by the Pula Port Authority often filling up throughout the day. From the water, the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming – a place to drop anchor, swim, enjoy lunch on board or simply take in the beauty of the surroundings. The bay is embraced by Soline Forest Park, a protected Mediterranean woodland rich in native vegetation and wildlife. The green, pine- and holm-oak-covered shores create a beautiful contrast with the blue and turquoise tones of the sea, while nearby freshwater springs add to the unique character of the area. But Vinkuran Bay reveals perhaps its most magical side at sunset. As the sun slowly disappears behind Fratarski Island, the sky begins to glow in shades of gold, orange and pink. One by one, the boats anchored in the bay switch on their lights, and the calm waters begin to reflect hundreds of tiny points of light. The busy summer anchorage suddenly transforms into something completely different – a peaceful, almost mystical and deeply romantic oasis surrounded by the sea. It is one of those moments when you stop thinking about where you are going next and simply enjoy where you are. For us locals, this is the magic of Vinkuran Bay: during the day, a lively meeting place for sailors; at sunset, a quiet Mediterranean refuge where the sea, the sky and the lights of the boats create a scene you will remember long after the summer is over.
NP Brijuni
The NP Brijuni National Park in Pula, Croatia, is a captivating archipelago comprising 14 pristine islands scattered across the azure waters of the Adriatic Sea. Renowned for its stunning natural beauty, rich biodiversity, and archaeological treasures, NP Brijuni offers visitors a unique blend of history, culture, and outdoor exploration. Explore ancient Roman ruins, lush Mediterranean vegetation, and picturesque beaches, or embark on a guided tour to discover the park's diverse wildlife and cultural heritage. With its enchanting landscapes and cultural significance, NP Brijuni is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike. In our tours we are sailing around stunning island s of Np Brijuni powered by the wind.
The best Time to Experience the Pula Archipelago
For us locals, some of the most beautiful moments on the Pula coast come outside the peak of summer. Late spring, especially May, and early autumn, particularly September, reveal the archipelago in a completely different light. The islands are quieter, the sea is still wonderfully warm, and nature feels more untouched and authentic. Without the crowds and summer bustle, there is more space to slow down, enjoy the scenery and truly experience the rhythm of the Adriatic. September is one of our favorite months for sailing and swimming. The intense summer heat has softened, the sea remains warm, and the atmosphere becomes noticeably more relaxed. The beaches and anchorages are quieter, the days are still long and sunny, and there is time to simply enjoy being on the water. For those who want to experience the Pula archipelago as we locals know it, September is hard to beat – calm, warm, natural and wonderfully unhurried. Sometimes, the best way to discover the Adriatic is to wait until the summer crowds have gone home.
Choose between Available Tours or send us an Inquiry for Custom made Sailing Experience.
