Planning a sailing trip in Croatia? Starting from Zadar offers the perfect launchpad for a week of island-hopping, hidden coves, and unforgettable sunsets. But before you cast off from Marina Zadar (ex Tankerkomerc), there’s one essential step to ensure smooth sailing: provisioning your boat with food and drinks.
Whether you’ve booked a bareboat charter or are sailing with a crew, stocking your galley properly is key to enjoying the journey stress-free. Here's your complete provisioning guide, tailored for week-long sailing trips departing from Zadar.
Planning & Considerations Before You Provision
Before you hit the shops or place your provisioning order, take a moment to consider the following. A bit of planning up front will save space, money, and stress during your trip:
- Number of People: The most important factor — how many mouths are you feeding?
- Cooking Facilities: Check what your yacht is equipped with — stove, oven, fridge, freezer, BBQ? This will guide what meals are realistic.
- Dietary Needs & Preferences: Consider allergies, dietary restrictions (vegetarian, vegan), and picky eaters.
- Meal Plan: A rough outline for breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks will help avoid waste and last-minute scrambles.
- Storage Space: Boats have limited room. Use collapsible containers and pack efficiently.
- Eating Ashore vs. Onboard: Will you dine out every night or mostly cook on the boat?
- Grocery Stops Along the Route: Research which islands or ports you'll visit and whether they have markets or supermarkets. Some places, like Dugi Otok or Pašman, are great for mid-week restocks.
Where to Provision in Zadar Before You Sail
Zadar has everything you need to stock your boat before departure — from local markets to full-service yacht provisioning. Here are the best options:
Zadar Markets and Supermarkets
- City Market (Tržnica Zadar): Pick up fresh local produce, cheeses, olives, and cured meats like pršut — perfect for breakfast spreads or sundowner snacks.
- Lidl & Kaufland: Large, affordable supermarkets located within walking distance (around 15 minutes) from the marina. If you’re not arriving by car, you can easily take an Uber or Bolt back with your bags.
- Ribola (near Marina Zadar): Ideal for last-minute top-ups or if you forgot a key ingredient.
Marina Delivery Services
If you’d rather arrive to a fully stocked boat, use a yacht provisioning service. It's fast, easy, and reliable — especially if you're flying in or short on time.
We recommend:
- JamYachtSupply - A trusted local service offering curated provisioning lists, fresh local produce, and fast delivery straight to your boat at Marina Zadar.
- SupplyAtSea - Another convenient option with an easy-to-use online platform and flexible delivery. Perfect for those who want quality and speed without hassle.
Pro Tip: Plan ahead! Saturdays are the busiest shopping days, and many shops are closed on Sundays — especially outside the peak season. Check opening hours in advance or go with a delivery service to avoid surprises.
What Food to Bring for a Week-Long Sailing Trip in Croatia
Planning your meals in advance saves time, space, and money. Focus on simple, one-pan meals using ingredients that last and don’t require much refrigeration.
Easy Meals to Cook on a Boat
Most charter boats have a gas stove and small oven. Mediterranean simplicity is your best friend here.
Breakfast ideas:
- Yogurt + granola + fresh seasonal fruit
- Hard-boiled eggs with Croatian cheese
- Bread with honey, jam, or Nutella
Lunch & Dinner Staples:
- Pasta with pesto or tomato sauce
- Grilled fish (buy fresh at local harbors or catch your own — just remember you need a fishing license!)
- Canned tuna wraps or salads
- Couscous with roasted veggies
- Chicken stir-fry with rice or noodles
Pantry Essentials:
- Olive oil, salt, pepper, dried herbs
- Garlic, onions, lemons — great for flavor and long shelf life
- A few pre-cooked meals for windy or rough-weather days
Smart Storage Tips for Your Boat Galley
Space is tight on a sailboat, so make every item count:
- Use ziplock bags to reduce packaging and save fridge space
- Pack reusable containers for leftovers or prepared meals
- Freeze meats before departure, especially if you won’t dock for a few days
- Plan to restock mid-week at islands with grocery access like Dugi Otok or Pašman
Drinks & Treats – Because You’re on Holiday!
Don’t forget to enjoy the finer things while at sea:
- Local wines from the Zadar region — try Degarra or Kraljevski Vinogradi
- Plenty of bottled water (2–3L per person per day)
- Juices, beers, and iced teas
- Coffee, tea, powdered milk or plant-based alternatives
- Snacks: nuts, crackers, Croatian pršut, dried figs and, of course, chocolate.
Provisioning Tips for Families or Groups
- Cook group-friendly meals to avoid overbuying or spoilage
- Bring games, cards, or picnic sets for cozy dinners on deck
- With kids on board? Pack cereal, juice boxes, plenty of snacks (as mentioned above), and wet wipes — they’ll come in handy more often than you think.
Final Checklist: What Else to Bring On Board
Before you sail, double-check that you’ve packed:
- Spices, condiments, cooking oils
- Water & cold beer for refreshment (you're in Croatia after all)
- Coffee filters or moka pot
- Sunscreen — lots of it
- Trash bags, paper towels, and ziplocks
- Aluminum foil and plastic wrap
- Ice cubes (buy at supermarkets)
- Seasickness medication (just in case)
- Wet wipes — useful for everything
Ready to Provision and Set Sail from Zadar?
From the fresh produce of Zadar’s markets to easy one-pot meals on deck, provisioning well is the first step toward a memorable sailing adventure. Take the time to plan your meals, shop smart, and enjoy every moment on the Adriatic.
If you're still in the planning stages, check out our Zadar boat rental options for all budgets. Book your boat now and start your journey fully stocked, stress-free and ready for adventure.
