Preko

From CruisersWiki

The harbour and marina of Preko are situated on the NE coast of the island of Ugljan just three miles W of the city of Zadar on the mainland coast of Croatia. A popular holiday and weekend resort for residents of Zadar, Preko is the biggest settlement on the island and is the main ferry port. Its 87 berth marina is busy throughout the summer months and its small harbour at the N end of the town can also accommodate shallow draft yachts. Ashore, the town’s attractions include a 15th century Franciscan monastery on a small offshore island, O. Galovac, and a Venetian castle on the hill above. Shelter in the marina is good in all conditions and the harbour is also well protected in most winds, although strong NE winds make it very uncomfortable.

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.

Charts

British Admiralty

515

2711

Croatian charts

MK13

Imray

M25 (Otok Rab to Sibenik)

Radio Nets

Also see World Cruiser's Nets.

Approach and Navigation

There are no dangers in the immediate approach to Preko, although in the approach from N the headland of Sv. Petar to the E of Poljana should be given a good clearance as there are shallows off it. Off Preko the island of Osljak a mile SE and the islet of Galovac close inshore just N of the town are conspicuous. The marina of Marina Preko lies immediately S of Galovac islet and the harbour immediately W. Note that depths are too shallow to allow a yacht to pass between Galovac islet and the shore. Depths in the entrance to the marina are 4.0 - 5.0 metres and in the harbour entrance 3.0 metres.

Check-in facilities (for Customs and Immigration)

The nearest year-round port of entry is Zadar.

Berthing Options

There are two mooring options for visiting yachts:

1. Marina Preko which lies right next to the town, sheltered from N by Galovac islet and from E by a long breakwater. It offers 87 berths for yachts up to 20 metres in depths of up to 4.0 metres.
2. Preko Harbour which is a small harbour that lies on the W side of Galovac islet. Depths here are less than in the marina, and the only place a yacht can moor is alongside on the inside of the E jetty, where depths are a little over 2.0 metres only. Most of the harbour is occupied by small local boats and it is not always possible to find space here. Shelter is good in all but strong NE winds. There are no facilities here.

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

• Marina Preko

Anchorages

It is possible to anchor on either side of Galovac islet in 5.0 - 6.0 metres, where shelter can be found from N and S winds respectively. Holding is good in sand. However, shelter is poor with anything E in the wind and these are best regarded as settled weather anchorages only.

Offshore Islands and Groups

• Pasman
• Iz

Yacht Repairs and Services

Limited repairs. Much better choice in Zadar.

Fuel, Water, & Electricity

Nearest fuel from fuel berth half a mile S of marina, just N of ferry jetty. Water and electricity in the marina.

Things to do Ashore

Tourism

Preko’s proximity to Zadar on the mainland makes it a popular weekend and holiday destination for local tourists and its marina and harbour are invariably busy with vessels of all kinds during the summer. The town contains several historic mansions formerly owned by wealthy Zadar families as well as some old churches. Just off the town is the islet of Galevac, which has a 15th century Franciscan monastery, and on the hill above the town is a the Venetian castle of St Michael.

Grocery & Supply Stores

• Supermarket and other provisions shops in the town
• Bakery
• Butcher
• Fruit and vegetable market

Eateries

Several restaurants in the town

Internet/WiFi

In Marina Preko.

Laundry

In Marina Preko.

Motorbike & Car Rentals

Rental outlets in the town.

Garbage Disposal

Bins in Marina Preko.

Transportation

• Regular ferries to Zadar (20 minutes).
• Buses to local destinations.

Routes/Passages To/From

See Croatia.

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

• Ugljan at the Wikipedia
• Ugljan Tourism
• Preko Tourism Board

Also see Croatia.

References & Publications

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.

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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Contributors to this page
Names: Athene of Lymington