Mali Ston
From CruisersWiki
Mali Ston, Croatia
 Click links for more information
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 | 42°50.8′N, 17°42.6′E |
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 | Photo gallery |
 | Local chartlet |
Click for larger view
The charming hamlet of Mali Ston lies near the SE end of the Neretvanski Kanal, the channel between the mainland and the Peljesac Peninsula on the Adriatic coast of Croatia. Together with its sister hamlet of Ston, the two settlements straddle the narrowest part of the peninsula, just over a kilometer apart, although Ston can only be reached by sea from Mali Ston via the Stonski Kanal on the other side of the peninsula, a trip of some 50 miles. The two hamlets were linked by over five kilometers of defensive walls in the 14th century, parts of which survive today, to protect its vital salt industry. In spite of attempts on the part of the Republic of Dubrovnik and later by French Napoleonic forces during their occupation to join the two via a canal, the project was never completed and the two remain separated by a 15 minute walk. Mali Ston has a shallow harbour unsuitable for yachts but there is a well-sheltered anchorage off the hamlet in 4.0 metres.
Local Weather
Diurnal winds along the coast are mostly moderate during the summer months, predominantly from NW and rarely exceeding force 4/5. At night, katabatic winds off the mountains are a feature of some of the harbours along the NE Adriatic 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 Velebitski channel. It tends to blow less strongly S of Zadar.
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.
Charts
- British Admiralty
- 1574
- Croatian
- 100-21
- Imray
- M25
Radio Nets
Also see World Cruiser's Nets.
The channel up to Mali Ston is fringed by shallows but if fortunately well marked and presents few dangers as long as the skipper keeps a close eye on the depth sounder. However, least depths are only around 3.0 metres or less in parts, so it is unsuitable for deep draft yachts. The channel is also surrounded in parts by oyster and mussel beds, so care is needed.
Berthing options
Visiting yachts anchor in the pool in front of the village, where the depths are 4.0 metres and the holding excellent in mud. The small harbour, protected by a detached breakwater, has depths of less than 2.0 metres and is not suitable for yachts. Shallow draft yachts have been known to lie alongside the quay immediately W of the round tower on the waterfront, but depths of only 2.0 - 3.0 metres here are reportedly reduced still further by rubble. In any event, restaurant boats monopolise this quay during the season and it is unlikely you will find space. Shelter in the anchorage is good, although the bora can blow strongly here.
Marinas & Yacht Clubs
None.
Yacht Repairs and Services
None.
Fuel, Water, & Electricity
None.
Things to do Ashore
Tourism
The hamlet is a delight to explore, rather like a miniature and less frenetic version of Dubrovnik. Part of the defensive walls that once protected Mali Ston and its sister settlement still survive above the hamlet and can be climbed with care. It is a short 15 minute walk across the isthmus to the attractions of Ston on the other side.
Click for larger view
Grocery & Supply Stores
- Supermarket and grocery shops in Ston.
Eateries
Hotels and restaurants near the harbour. Shellfish a speciality.
Internet/WiFi
None.
Laundry
None.
Motorbike & Car Rentals
None.
Garbage Disposal
Bins near the harbour.
Transportation
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
Links to relevant websites.
For other useful websites, 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:
- June 2014 --Athene of Lymington
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Names: Haiqu, Athene of Lymington |
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| | HOMEPAGE | Wiki Contents | Croatia | Mali Ston | |
