Betina

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Revision as of 14:12, 30 November 2012

Betina, Croatia

(Click links for more information)
	43°49.41′N, 15°36.59′E
	Photo gallery
	Local chartlet

The harbour of Betina and its associated marina, Marina Betina, lies either side of a low headland on the NE coast of the island of Murter in Croatia, separated from the mainland by the mile wide channel of Pirovacki Zaljev. The town, one of the oldest on the island, was constructed in the mediaeval period on a hill with sheltered bays on its E and NW sides. The old harbour of the town lies on the E side of the hill in a small bay less than half a mile from the mainland, while the modern marina of Marina Betina and its associate boatyard are situated to the NW on the E side of a N-facing bay. The harbour offers limited berthing opportunities for half a dozen shallow draft yachts in depths of around 2.0 metres, whereas the marina has 240 berths for yachts up to 20 metres in depths of up to 8.0 metres. Shelter in the old habour is good except in E winds whereas the marina has all-round shelter.

Betina Marina from NW
Click for larger view

Charts

British Admiralty

2711

2773

Croatian charts

MK13

Imray

M25 (Otok Rab to Sibenik)

Local Weather

Diurnal winds among the islands are mostly moderate during the summer months, predominantly from NW and rarely exceeding force 4/5, although gusting is common in narrow channels between islands and on the lee side of headlands. At night, katabatic winds off the mountains affect some of the islands close to the mainland coast. During early spring and (especially) autumn conditions can be more unsettled, occasionally accompanied by violent thunderstorms - luckily of short duration - with winds of 30-35 knots or more and vicious, steep seas. In the winter the sudden, violent N wind off the mountains, the bora, is much to be feared, especially along the coast from Rijeka down to Zadar, although its effects can be felt as far south as Split.

Equally prevalent in winter - although not uncommon in summer - is the scirocco, a S/SE wind that blows up from North Africa, usually in advance of a depression moving E across the Mediterranean. Unlike the bora, the scirocco only occasionally exceeds gale force, but is still a phenomenon to be wary of, especially if on a lee coast.

For sources of weather forecasting, see Croatia.

Approach and Navigation

The approach to Betina from N or W, which is the direction from which most cruising yachts arrive, is difficult and should not be attempted without an up to date chart or in extreme weather conditions. None of the passages between the islands can be described as safe in heavy weather. For a map showing the options for approaching Betina from this direction, click on Approaches to Murter harbour. There are no hazards in the immediate approach to Betina old harbour, but note that there is a rocky patch extending for 50 metres off the headland 500 metres N of the harbour, marked with a concrete beacon. For details of the approach to Marina Betina, see separate page.

The approach from S, between Murter Island and the mainland, presents no special difficulties other than the numerous islets to be avoided. Note, however, that the channel under the lifting bridge at Tisno two miles SE of Betina has least depths of just under 2.0 metres, so is unsuitable for yachts of moderate to deep draft. A strong current of up to 3.0 - 4.0 knots runs through the passage at certain states of tide. The bridge opens daily from May to the end of August at 0900 and 1700 and at other times on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays only at 0900.

Check-in facilities (for Customs and Immigration)

Sibenik is the nearest all-year port of entry. During the summer, Primosten is also a port of entry.

Berthing options

There are two berthing options in Betina, the old harbour and the marina of Marina Betina.

1. Betina old harbour 43°49.32′N, 15°36.24′E

The old harbour is situated at the SE end of the town facing the mainland coast only half a mile away. The inner part is filled with local boats and is in any case shallow, but a shallow to moderate draft yacht can go alongside or berth bows or stern-to using the anchor on the end of the outer jetty enclosing the small boat harbour. Most of the area between this jetty and the short outer breakwater to the E is usually buoyed off for water sports use. Depths at the jetty, however, are barely 2.0 metres and this position is unsuitable for deeper draft yachts or with any swell running. Shelter here is good in all conditions except E winds, when Marina Betina or an anchorage on the mainland is a safer option. There are no facilities on the jetty.

2. Marina Betina 43°49.62′N, 15°35.46′E

Marina Betina lies on the NW side of the town, round the headland of Rt. Artic. It offers 370 berths in depths of up to 3.0 metres. Click on link for details.

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

Marina Betina

Anchorages

In settled weather it is possible to anchor off the old harbour. Anchor in 4.0 - 5.0 metres clear of the harbour entrance. The holding is good in sand and mud. The anchorage is untenable in strong E winds.

Yacht Repairs and Services

Most repairs can be undertaken in Marina Betina, where there is a large boatyard.

Fuel, Water, & Electricity

There is no fuel berth at Betina. The nearest fuel berth is SE of Marina Hramina in Murter Town. Water and electricity in the marina.

Things to do Ashore

Tourism

Traditional regatta of Latinsko Idro, Betina
Click for larger view

Betina is a mediaeval settlement and the old town on the hill retains its mediaeval street layout and several old buildings. The town was famous in the 19th and early 20th centuries for the construction of wooden sailing boats and every August it hosts an annual sailing regatta, the Latinsko Idro, for traditional Dalmatian lateen-rigged sailing boats.

Grocery & Supply Stores

Several provisions shops in the town.

Eateries

Numerous restaurants ashore. Also in Marina Betina.

Internet/WiFi

Internet café in town and wifi in Marina Betina.

Laundry

In Marina Betina.

Motorbike & Car Rentals

None.

Garbage Disposal

Bins near the harbour and in the marina.

Transportation

• Buses to Sibenik and local destinations.

Cruiser's Friends

Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.

Forum Discussions

List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)

External Links

• Murter Tourism
• Latinsko Idro website (in Croatian)

Also see Croatia.

References & Publications

See Croatia.

Personal Notes

Personal experiences?

Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)'

Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:

• August 2005 --Athene of Lymington 17:27, 23 April 2012 (BST)

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