A haven for watersports in general, the Croatian Adriatic has become increasingly known for this particular wind-propelled water sport. Combining sailing and surfing, windsurfers flock to this Mediterranean gem thanks to a handful of reliable winds, most often mistral, bura, and jugo. And in addition to several spectacular sea spots for your windsurfing pleasure, the coast is equipped with windsurfing schools where you can learn a new craft or improve your skills. 

As the windsurfing season officially kicks off in May, just in time to launch the summer season, you’re likely wondering about the best places on the coast for this popular water sport in Croatia. Let’s start with the northern Adriatic. 

Premantura

If you’re an experienced windsurfer, you’ll want to head to Premantura in Istria, a favorite spot due to its strong winds and waves. The nearby Kamenjak National Park is a protected pocket that catches the eye of windsurfers far and wide, and Safari Beach is a go-to, thanks to its strong winds and choppy waters. 

Premantura stands out amongst other windsurfing locations in Croatia because the surrounding mountains influence the wind direction. The infamous bura wind, which blows from the northeast, can be extreme in the winter months, reaching up to 100 km/h. Since you’ll likely be visiting during the summer, you can expect milder winds blowing from the northwest or southwest. Premantura is a go-to for less-experienced windsurfers and the perfect place to practice your freestyle moves, too. 

But Premantura offers more than windsurfing. This small Istrian seaside village has a laid-back atmosphere, with fresh seafood and local wine at the heart of its culinary offer. It’s also ideally located on the southern tip of the Istrian peninsula, with access to many small islands worth visiting on your luxury yacht charter. Read our blog about Istrian Peninsula to find more places to visit.

Nin

Moving down the coast near Zadar is the small town of Nin, known for its long sandy beach that has become a haven for windsurfers in recent years. The shallow waters in Nin's famed lagoon and mild winds make it an excellent start for beginners and intermediate riders. It’s also a supreme locale for families after a long beach day, with an umbrella and sunbed rentals and plenty of space to relax and enjoy the sun.

The wind conditions in Nin are mainly influenced by the surrounding mountains and blow from the northwest or southwest. The wind speed is usually moderate, making it a great place to learn windsurfing or practice your skills.

Nin also offers many other outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and swimming and is famous for its medicinal mud and salt pans. And with its proximity to Zadar, you have one of Croatia’s most popular coastal towns at your fingertips! 

Bol

And now we make it to arguably Croatia’s most photographed windsurfing destination, thanks to one of the most picturesque beaches in the country - Bol. Situated on the island of Brač, Bol is another foolproof windsurfing destination born on Zlatni Rat beach or the ‘Golden Horn.’ Zlatni Rat is a long, sandy beach that extends into the sea, creating a natural funnel effect that accelerates the wind. You can also count on consistent wind conditions and shallow waters here.

The winds in Bol are also mainly thermal, with the wind direction changing throughout the day. In the morning, the wind typically blows from the east or northeast; in the afternoon, it switches to a westerly direction. The wind speed in Bol can vary, but it is usually moderate to strong, making it great for intermediate and advanced riders.

Bol is also Brač Island’s busiest tourist resort. Known for its charming old town, narrow streets, stone houses, hotels, and sports facilities, this coastal gem is surrounded by a countryside carpeted in olive groves and vineyards.

Viganj

By heading further down the Dalmatian coast, we hit the Pelješac peninsula and Viganj considered one of the best windsurfing spots in Croatia. This small village sits in a large bay that offers consistent wind conditions and clear waters, making it a destination for windsurfers of all levels.

The winds in Viganj are mainly thermal and are caused by temperature differences between the sea and the land. In the summer, the wind typically blows from the northwest in the morning and switches to a southerly direction in the afternoon. These reliable wind conditions make Viganj a great place to learn this water sport, too. One spot, particularly, is favored in Viganj - the sandy beach of Ponta, which provides the best conditions for beginners and intermediate riders.

Viganj is also a recommended place to relax and enjoy the Mediterranean lifestyle. The calm town offers several waterfront cafes and restaurants, and you can also visit the town’s Cultural Center, which transforms into a hub for live music and art exhibitions in the summer. And don’t miss the bustling tourist town of Orebić nearby! 

Pelješac

But what if we told you that the entire Pelješac peninsula is decorated with excellent windsurfing spots? Highly acclaimed are Kućište and Lovište, with ideal wind conditions for advanced riders. The wind in Pelješac is usually between 20 and 30 knots, which is perfect for experienced windsurfers who want to push their limits in the waves. 

But Pelješac is more than a place for windsurfers to explore - it’s Croatia’s most famed wine region! Producing high-quality red wines, primarily made from the native Plavac Mali grape variety, Pelješac is a must-see for anyone that wants to wind down from windsurfing with a glass of world-class wine. Read more about Pelješac in our blog!

Pro tip: While this windsurfing destination isn’t exactly on your Dalmatia sailing route, we don’t think it should be missed. The Neretva Delta is an increasingly popular but off-the-beaten-path windsurfing retreat with thermal winds between 15 to 22 knots. The warm and shallow sea also makes it great for beginners. And when you need to take a break? This protected area is otherwise known for its fertile fields where Dalmatia’s agricultural world thrives. It’s also a beloved birdwatching hotspot!

Ready to set sail and experience the windsurfing wonders of Croatia? Contact us and let us take care of all the details. Our expert team will tailor the perfect itinerary, combining your passion for windsurfing with the beauty of Croatia's coastline and islands.