Betina
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 Betina from W |
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.
Charts
- British Admiralty
- 2711
- 2773
- Croatian charts
- MK13
- Imray
- M25 (Otok Rab to Sibenik)
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.
Passages
List popular passages/routes, timing, etc.
Communication
Add here VHF channel for coastguard, harbor masters. etc.
Also see World Cruiser's Nets
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.
Entrance
Sibenik is the nearest all-year port of entry. During the summer, Primosten is also a port of entry.
Berthing
There are two berthing options in Betina, the old harbour and the Marina Betina.
Betina harbour
The 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.
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.Marinas and yacht clubs
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.
Anchorages
Betina harbour
Facilities
Water
In the marina
Electricity
In the marina
Toilets
In the marina
Showers
In the marina
Laundry
In the marina
Garbage
Bins near the harbour and in the Marina Betina.
Supplies
Fuel
The nearest fuel berth is in village of Murter SE of Marina Hramina.
Bottles gas
Chandlers
See Marina Betina
Services
Repairs
Most repairs can be undertaken in Marina Betina, where there is a large boatyard.
Internet
Internet café in town and wifi in Marina Betina.
Mobile connectivity
Vehicle Rentals
Outlets in the village.
Provisioning
Several provisions shops in the town.
Transportation
Buses to Sibenik and local destinations.
See also Murter
Eating out
Numerous restaurants ashore. Also in Marina Betina.
Tourism
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.
Friends
Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.
Forums
List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)
Links
- Betina at the Wikipedia
- Murter Tourism
- Latinsko Idro website (in Croatian)
For other useful websites, see Croatia.
References
See Croatia.
Comments
We welcome users' contributions to the Wiki. Please click on Comments to view other users' comments, add your own personal experiences or recommend any changes to this page following your visit.
Verified by
Date of member's last visit to Betina and this page's details validated:
- July 2016 --Athene of Lymington
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Names: Athene of Lymington |
