How the Berket family’s private initiative and investment transformed the City of Kaštela and created a nautical, sporting and social hub of major importance to the wider community.
Marina Kaštela, one of the most state-of-the-art marinas in the Mediterranean, was named Best Large Marina in 2025 at the Croatian Tourism Days. This prestigious recognition reinforces the marina’s position as one of the leaders in Croatia’s nautical sector. In addition, Marina Kaštela was ranked among the top three nautical tourism service providers, further highlighting its international profile, high standards, and strong contribution to the development of the City of Kaštela.
Marina Kaštela Director Ivona Smoljić emphasised the award’s significance as an affirmation of long-term commitment and investment:
„Receiving the award for Best Large Marina in the Republic of Croatia confirms that Marina Kaštela belongs at the very top of nautical tourism. This title recognises our high standards of quality, safety and reliability, our international profile, and our commitment to sustainable operations.”
Smoljić further underlined the value that guides the marina’s work:
„It is extremely important to us that Marina Kaštela contributed to the local community through its operations. We want the value of our work and development to be realised through this synergy between nautical tourism and active social and sporting involvement in the life of the local community.”
This year’s recognition reflects the standards Marina Kaštela has consistently upheld over many years. The expert jury highlighted in particular the marina’s high levels of safety and the quality of service, its comprehensive nautical and charter offering, sustainable management of the site with a strong commitment to the environment, and its close ties with the community. Over more than two decades, Marina Kaštela has developed a model of growth in which investment in sport and culture, together with long-standing humanitarian work, is a core element – one that has been recognised and awarded as an example of good practice in Croatian tourism.
From an Industrial Site to a Modern Nautical Tourism Harbour
In the early 2000s, the former Jugovinil industrial complex was neglected and falling into disrepair. It was here that Kaštela native Josip Berket saw the site’s potential and the vision for what it could become.
At a time when few believed such a project could succeed, Captain Josip Berket made the bold decision to develop a marina in his hometown, financed entirely with his own capital.
That decision gave rise to Marina Kaštela, now one of the most state-of-the-art marinas on the Adriatic. The marina offers approximately 420 permanent wet berths, 200 dry berths, and can accommodate vessels up to 120 metres in length. With a charter fleet of more than 250 boats, it is one of Croatia’s largest charter bases and a key entry point for sailors from around the world.
A Hub for Sport and Community Life in Kaštela
From the outset, Marina Kaštela has been developed as a place of openness, togetherness and an active community life. This is most evident in the marina’s role in sport.
Marina Kaštela is home to sailing, rowing, volleyball and swimming clubs, as well as a children and youth sailing school. The marina invests systematically in club development and in creating the conditions needed for young athletes to progress.
A particular asset is the 25-metre indoor swimming pool, funded by the marina and open to all residents. Today, it is one of the city’s most important sports hubs, providing a venue for daily training, recreational swimming and the development of sports programmes.
The Marina Kaštela Sailing Club has been designed to standards that support the hosting of international regattas and top-tier sailing events. In 2021, the marina hosted the ILCA 6 (Radial) Youth European Championship, and in 2026 it will once again welcome the sport’s elite for the ILCA Senior Europeans and Open European Trophy. These events give Kaštela strong international visibility and reinforced its place on Europe’s sailing map.
Mirno More Peace Fleet: The Humanitarian Heart of Marina Kaštela
One of the most distinctive elements of Marina Kaštela’s identity is its long-standing association with the Mirno More Peace Fleet, the world’s largest inclusive humanitarian sailing project.
The Mirno More – Marina Kaštela association also takes part in the project as one of several Croatian crews that have been an integral part of the Mirno More Peace Fleet for many years.
Since 2013, Marina Kaštela has served as the fleet’s main host port, taking on a central organisational and logistical role in delivering this remarkable project.
Each year, the marina welcomes around 1,000 participants from more than 30 countries, bringing together over 100 boats. Participants include children and young people without adequate parental care, young people from war-affected areas, refugees, children with disabilities, and young people from socially disadvantaged backgrounds.
Working alongside educators, skippers, volunteers and other professionals, Marina Kaštela becomes a place of genuine solidarity, inclusion and togetherness. Reflecting its long-standing role and dedicated commitment, the Mirno More Peace Fleet is often described as the humanitarian heart of Marina Kaštela.
A Partner to the Local Community and a Guardian of Cultural Identity
Marina Kaštela is closely connected to the local economy. Long-standing cooperation with family agricultural holdings (OPGs), winemakers, fishermen and restaurants strengthens the local economy and supports the development of an authentic gastronomic offering.
Culture also holds a special place in the marina’s identity. Support for traditional initiatives, including associations such as the Crkveni kantači Kaštel Kambelovac (folk church singers of Kaštel Kambelovac), helps preserve Kaštela’s local heritage and cultural identity.
A Strong Driver of Economic Growth and International Visibility
Marina Kaštela is now one of the city’s key drivers of economic growth. Its continued development year after year is reflected in rising tourist overnight stays, the expansion of accommodation and restaurant capacity, and the creation of new jobs.
Partnerships with local tradespeople, restaurant and accommodation service providers as well as entrepreneurs help build a strong local business network, while numerous sporting and international events further position Kaštela as a modern and increasingly recognised destination.
Marina Kaštela: A People’s Project
At its core, Marina Kaštela is much more than a nautical tourism harbour. It is a place built for the community: for residents, athletes, children, families, employees, volunteers and guests, where everyday life brings together connection, development and a shared sense of belonging.
Everything Marina Kaštela represents today stems from the vision set by Captain Josip Berket and the dedicated work of a team that has built that vision patiently and persistently over two decades.The title of the Best Large Marina in 2025 affirms a story of responsibility, courage and perseverance, one that has generated new value for the City of Kaštela and secured itself a lasting place in the life of the local community.
