A delivery from Turkey to Croatia is a multi-day passage out of the Aegean to the eastern shore of the Adriatic. Croatia is in the EU and Schengen; the Adriatic's own winds enter the plan separately.
We do not offer deliveries on this route. This page is a guide for owners planning the passage themselves. Our skippered deliveries run along the Turkish coast between Istanbul and Fethiye, and we can survey the boat before departure anywhere on the Turkish coast: calculate the survey fee.
The route
From the Aegean via southern Greece or the Corinth Canal into the Ionian, then through the Strait of Otranto into the Adriatic. Northwards along the coast or offshore; stops are planned for fuel, rest and weather.
Adriatic winds
- Bora
- From the north-east, a cold wind falling suddenly and very hard from the mountains; dangerous especially in the cold season.
- Jugo
- From the south-east; blows for long periods, bringing a big sea and rain.
Paperwork
- Exit from Turkey; entry formalities at the first EU port.
- An official port of entry in Croatia, and the country's boat charges.
- Schengen for crew, VAT status for the boat.
- Insurance navigation limits must include the Adriatic.
A long voyage
A delivery from Turkey to Croatia is a multi-day voyage out of the Aegean, down the west of Greece and into the Adriatic. The crew is chosen for night passages and long legs; the watch system is set before departure. Legs are planned around fuel and rest stops and the weather window.
The Strait of Otranto and entering the Adriatic
The Strait of Otranto is the passage between the Ionian and the Adriatic, and wind can be funnelled there. Once in the Adriatic, the route continues north to the Croatian coast. For this part, especially in the cold season, bora and jugo forecasts are followed closely.
Care in the bora
The bora drops off the mountains to the coast in sudden, hard gusts and can build quickly even without a clear forecast. So when choosing anchorages and berths on the Croatian coast, shelter from the bora direction is considered. The jugo builds more slowly but brings a high sea that lasts.
Entry
The first arrival is at an official port of entry; no other port is visited before formalities are done. The port's office hours and the agent's contact are prepared before departure.
Season
Spring and autumn are often preferred for this route; in summer the Aegean meltemi, and in winter the Adriatic bora and jugo, weigh more heavily.
Rules
As taxes, fees and entry conditions can change, the current position is confirmed with an agent.
Stops
Ionian harbours offer natural staging points before the Adriatic crossing, for fuel, rest and a fresh look at the forecast.
The Croatian coast is a maze of islands and channels; pilotage is planned carefully with current charts and pilot books. After entry, domestic rules and fees are reviewed with the agent for the planned length of stay.
After arrival, the owner receives the photographic arrival record and the passage log; any fault or shortfall noticed on the way is reported on a separate list so it can be put right before the boat's new season begins.
An owner's first days after a long delivery go well when records were kept on the way and the handover on arrival is honest and complete, with nothing left unsaid.
The arrival record is signed by both sides and filed with the boat's papers.