Povlja
From CruisersWiki
Povlja, Croatia
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| 43°20.2′N, 16°50.38′E |
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| Photo gallery |
| Local chartlet |
The village and harbour of Povlja lie on the NE coast of the island of Brac in Croatia, in the easternmost cove of a wide, multi-branched inlet five miles W of the harbour of Baska Voda on the mainland. The inlet was evidently a popular anchorage during the Roman era, since numerous amphorae have been discovered on the sea bed. For cruising yachts the harbour offers a good sheltered berth in all but strong N winds, when there are alternative anchorages nearby which offer better protection.
Charts
- British Admiralty
- 2712
- 1574
- Croatian charts
- MK18
- MK20
- Imray
- M26 (Split to Dubrovnik)
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 immediate approach to Povlja has no dangers as long as the headland at the E side of the bay, on which the light tower sits (Rt Povlja), is given a good clearance. The light tower is a good landmark when approaching from any direction. The inlet of Povla is the easternmost of a series which a yacht will see on passing through the half mile wide entrance to the bay. The harbour lies at the top of this E inlet, half a mile from Rt. Povlja. Depths in the harbour range from 8.0 - 10 metres in the middle to 2.5 - 3.0 metres along the quay. Depths in the inner harbour shoal from 2.5 metres to a metre or less.
Check-in facilities (for Customs and Immigration)
Split is the nearest all-year round port of entry. During the summer, Hvar, Vis and, if arriving from N, Primosten on the mainland are also ports of entry.
Berthing options
There is really just one option for yachts visiting Povlja harbour (other than anchoring), which is the long quay on the E side of the inlet. This quay extends for around 300 metres N from a short jetty separating the inner and outer harbours. Yachts can go alongside here wherever there is space, usually on the first 50 metres or so going N from the jetty as far as the Café Jadran. The quay N of the Café Jadran is occupied by small craft laid moorings and fishing boats moored alongside. Depths are only 2.5 – 3.0 metres along this quay but over 4.0 metres further out, so deeper draft yachts should do an anchor moor. The holding is good in sand and mud. Shelter is good in all but N and NW winds. With anything much over 10-12 knots of N winds, an unpleasant popple develops in the harbour, which becomes untenable with N winds of over 25 knots.
The quays around the inner harbour, S of the short jetty, are filled with small leisure craft on laid moorings, mostly in depths of little more than a metre. The jetty itself is usually occupied by large fishing boats moored alongside, but may offer a temporary berth if they are out of the harbour.
Marinas & Yacht Clubs
None.
Anchorages
A quiet and pleasant anchorage is the centre of the inlet, where a yacht can lie in 6.0 - 8.0 metres with easy access to the shore. Holding is good in sand and mud. An alternative anchorage, which offers better shelter with any N winds, can be found at U. Luka, the westernmost inlet in the bay, two miles W of Povlja. See Brac Island page for details.
Yacht Repairs and Services
None.
Fuel, Water, & Electricity
No fuel berth. Water and electricity on the E quay (widely spaced).
Things to do Ashore
Tourism
Povlja’s main attraction, apart from its location and setting, is the remains of a 5th - 6th century Christian basilica. Its octagonal baptistery with a cupola is the only one preserved in Croatia. It now forms part of the parish church, which also contains some partially preserved frescoes from the same period. The baptistery was converted into a church by the Benedictines in the 12th century and naves and chapels added during the 18th and 19th centuries. Parts of the mediaeval Benedictine monastery have also been preserved near the church.
Grocery & Supply Stores
Two supermarkets and butcher in the village.
Eateries
Two restaurants and two café/bars ashore.
Internet/WiFi
From Café Jadran.
Laundry
None.
Motorbike & Car Rentals
None.
Garbage Disposal
Near the harbour.
Transport
- Twice daily ferries to Makarska on mainland.
- Buses to Supetar and other local destinations
Routes/Passages To/From
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
Also see Croatia.
References & Publications
See Croatia.
Personal Notes
Personal experiences?
- Overnight mooring charges were 20 kuna per metre in July 2014.--Athene of Lymington
Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)
Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:
- July 2014 --Athene of Lymington
Contributors to this page |
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Names: Lighthouse, Athene of Lymington |
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| HOMEPAGE | Wiki Contents | Croatia | Brac | Povlja | |