Mali Lošinj
From CruisersWiki
Mali Losinj, Croatia
 (Click links for more information)
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 | 44°32.3′N, 14°28.1′E |
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 | Photo gallery |
 | Local chartlet |
The harbour of Mali Losinj lies on the W coast of the island of Losinj, at the head of a three mile long natural inlet. Entered from its NW end, the inlet provides good protection in winds from any direction, although with a three mile fetch the harbour at its head can be choppy in strong NW winds. The town itself is most attractive, its waterfront lined with the imposing former residences of 19th century sea captains and with a colourful floating vegetable market bobbing at the quay. The town was a popular resort during the days of the Austro-Hungarian empire and the bay of Cikat a mile W of the town is overrun with smart villas and hotels. Yachts are well catered for, with no less than three small marinas in the inlet plus the less desirable option of the low town quay itself. No anchoring is permitted in the inlet, although the bay of U. Artaturi two miles NW offers good shelter in all but S winds.
Click for larger view
Charts
- British Admiralty
- 202
- Croatian charts
- MK 8 (Otok Losinj)
- Imray
- M24 (Gulf of Trieste to Losinj and Rab)
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.
The approach to Mali Losinj is through a 500 metre wide channel between the island of O. Koludarc to the S and the headland of Rt. Torunza to the N. Both should be given a good clearance as there are shallows extending for some 50 metres off them. An alternative approach is through a narrow canal, the Prolaz Privlaka, dug through the spit of land that encloses the E side of the inlet a mile NNW of the harbour. Depths in the canal are around 3.0 metres but the width is little over 6.0 metres and passage is therefore only suitable for monohulls of moderate draft. The bridge which carries the road over the canal opens morning and evening (currently 0900 and 1800) to allow passage by yachts. Shelter in Mali Losinj is good in most conditions, although in strong NW winds the harbour at the head of the inlet gets quite choppy. Conditions are unlikely however to be dangerous unless a yacht is alongside the quay on the E side of the harbour.
Check-in facilities (for Customs and Immigration)
Mali Losinj is a port of entry. The customs office is immediately S of the canal of Provaz Privlaki.
Berthing options
There are three main options for yachts berthing in Mali Losinj, the marinas of Marina Losinj and Mali Losinj Marina on the NE side of the inlet, a mile NW of the town, and the marina of Yacht Club Marina inside the old harbour at the head of the inlet. It is also possible to go alongside the quay on the NE side of the old harbour, clear of the ferry berth, although the quay is very low here and unsuitable with any chop or swell. Click on link for a map of berthing locations: Map of berthing options in Mali Losinj. For full details of the berthing options, see below.
Offshore Islands and Groups
Marinas & Yacht Clubs
Anchorages
U. Artaturi
44°34.3′N, 14°24.6′E
The inlet of U. Artaturi is situated one mile NW of the entrance to the inlet of Mali Losinj and extends for nearly a mile N from the open sea. It offers good shelter in all winds except strong southerlies. Anchor at the head of the inlet on either side of the central rocky spit. Depths are between 4.0 and 10.0 metres and the holding is good in sand. The bay is popular with both cruising yachts and holidaymakers and parts of it are taken up with moorings.
Yacht Repairs and Services
Marine Stores
See marina entries.
Repairs/Yards
See marina entries.
Fuel, Water, & Electricity
- Fuel
- stations on E side of the harbour at Marina Losinj and SW side 100 metres W of Yacht Club Marina pontoons
- Water and electricity
- at all three marinas.
Things to do Ashore
Tourism
Mali Losinj is a typical Croatian island town, with narrow mediaeval streets and red-tiled rooftops punctuated by soaring church bell towers. Its quays are mostly lined with the imposing former mansions of 19th century sea captains. The 17th century Church of the Nativity 100 metres SE of the harbour is worth a visit for the impressive artworks contained within. A walk along the sea promenade to St Martin’s Bay half a mile E of the harbour brings you to the Church of St. Martin, with a fine cemetery containing tombs of Italian nobility and local sea captains. The walk along the E side of Losinj island continues to Veli Losinj, the original island settlement, which is dominated by the impressive Baroque church of St. Antun on the harbour. Dozens of sea captains lie buried under the church floor here, their other memorial being the numerous fine villas ringing the harbour. Another half hour’s walk SE around the peninsula is the neighbouring and even smaller harbour of Rovenska. A rather longer walk or cycle ride in the other direction from the harbour takes you to the bay of Čikat along a narrow sea promenade fringed with pine trees. Čikat is a relatively upmarket resort, with several villas formerly owned by Austrian and Italian aristocrats, although the route there is lined with ugly campsites and camper van parks.
MaliMarket.jpg
Colourful floating market, Mali Losinj |
Rovenska.jpg
The tiny harbour of Rovenska |
Grocery & Supply Stores
- Several supermarkets and other provisions shops in the town.
- Floating vegetable market in the harbour.
- Several butchers and bakeries.
- Fish market.
Eateries
- Numerous cafes and restaurants around the harbour and in the town.
- Baracuda restaurant on W side of harbour was good in 2004.
Internet/WiFi
At internet cafes in the town.
Laundry
In the town.
Motorbike & Car Rentals
Rental outlets in the town.
Garbage Disposal
Bins around the harbour and in the marinas.
Transportation
- Buses to Cres and Rijeka on mainland and, in season, Zagreb.
- Seasonal ferries to Zadar and Pula.
Routes/Passages To/From
Popular passages/routes, timing, etc.
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
- List of all Croatian marinas
- List of government-owned ACI marinas
- Croatian National Tourist Board
- Find Croatia travel guide
- Wikipedia - Croatia
References & Publications
See Croatia.
Personal Notes
Personal experiences?
- If berthing in the harbour, it’s worth trying to get a berth on the leeward (SE) side of the pontoons if there are any strong N winds predicted - they’re a lot more comfortable than on the windward side. --Athene of Lymington 14:29, 5 November 2012 (GMT)
Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)
Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:
- May 2005 --Athene of Lymington 17:27, 23 April 2012 (BST)
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Names: Lighthouse, Athene of Lymington |
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| | HOMEPAGE | Wiki Contents | Croatia | Losinj | Mali Losinj | |
