The Croatian coast from Zadar to Split offers the best windsurfing conditions in the region as winds sweep along the coastline and channel between the islands. Windsurfing in Zadar is quite calm so is perfect for beginners. For the more experienced, it’s close enough to stronger winds to make it a good base for a windsurfing holiday in Croatia.
The facilities in Zadar and surrounding area are well developed with great schools for beginners and equipment hire available. The best time to go on a Zadar windsurfing holiday is Autumn or Spring when the Northern Bura and Southern Jugo winds hit the resort. Summer tramontana and maestral winds also arrive here, and windsurfing year round is possible.
The nearest major windsurfing resort to Zadar is Jadrija which is located roughly half way between Zadar and Split. Jadrija is a relatively new resort that favours holiday home rentals over hotels. Windsurfing is the main reason this resort developed and it’s the home of Croatia’s windsurfing championships. Beginners wanting calmer waters will also find areas protected from the strong winds by small islands.
Further away from Zadar but easily accessible is Bol in the South of the country. Here the Golden Horn beach is a Mecca for windsurfers, with gentle morning winds for beginners and perfect afternoon strong maestral winds for more experienced windsurfers.
Alternatively you could head north to Krk island and resorts such as Baska and Punat which are easily accessible from Zadar. In Baska you’ll find the strongest winds in Croatia with the bura often reaching 30 knots. The waters here can be quite choppy so it’s best for experienced windsurfers. In contrast Punat is a well protected bay offering calm conditions and is possibly the best place for beginners to learn Windsurfing near Zadar.
