Unije
From CruisersWiki
Unije Island, Croatia
An online cruising guide for yachts sailing to Unije Island in Croatia
 (Click links for more information)
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 | Photo gallery |
 | Local chartlet |
Unije Island lies off the mainland coast of Croatia, two miles W of the island of Losinj. Under seven square miles in size and mostly low-lying, the island supports only 85 inhabitants, swelled during the summer by tourists from the mainland and day trippers from Losinj. There is just one settlement on the island, the eponymous village of Unije situated on the W coast at the head of a wide bay. Visiting yachts may moor up on the short ferry quay here if there is space or anchor off in the bay. On the E side of the island there are, in addition, three good anchorages, the southernmost of which has mooring buoys for visitors. Shelter is poor in Unije bay in strong winds from any direction except E, whereas the anchorages are only exposed to SE winds.
Click for larger view
Berthing options
The principal berthing options for yachts visiting the island are the bay of Unije village on the W side (either alongside or anchor moored to the ferry jetty if there is space) or free anchored in the bay; alternatively on the E side in the three inlets of U. Vognisca, U. Podkujni and U. Maracol, the last of which has mooring buoys. Click on link for locations: Map of berthing options on Unije Island or for full details of the harbours and anchorages, see below.
Charts
- British Admiralty
- 202
- Croatian charts
- MK 6 (Cres Island)
- Imray
- M24 (Gulf of Trieste to Losinj and Rab)
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.
Check-in facilities (Customs and Immigration)
Mali Losinj is the nearest port of entry.
Ports and Popular Stops
Unije Bay
44°38.19′N, 14°15.1′E
The bay in which Unije village is situated lies on the W side of the island, three miles N of the southernmost tip of the island and five miles from its northernmost extremity. In the approach from S, stay at least half a mile offshore to avoid shoals along the SW coast of Unije island. In the approach from N, a similar offing is advisable to avoid several rocky islets and reefs along the NW coast. Unije Bay itself should be entered to the N of the islet of Hrid Skoljic at the S entrance to the bay, as there are dangerous shallows between it and the coast. Once in the bay, a yacht has the option of mooring alongside or stern/bows-to using the anchor at the short ferry quay, provided that it does not obstruct the ferry (check ferry arrival times if in doubt). Alternatively, anchor off in the bay in 5.0 - 6.0 metres clear of the ferry jetty. The holding is good in sand, although there are a few rocky patches. Shelter here is adequate in settled conditions, but the bay quickly becomes uncomfortable with any winds from N or W and is untenable in strong winds from those directions.
Click for larger view
Anchorages
Note: U. (short for Uvala) = cove. Click on the link under Berthing Options above for the location and summary details of each anchorage or on the co-ordinates below for a simple map.
U. Vognisca
44°39.78′N, 14°16.1′E
The inlet of U. Vognisca is the northernmost of the three anchorages on the E coast of Unije island. Lying about three miles by sea from the northern tip of the island, it extends for nearly a mile NW from the entrance. Surroundings are quiet and, in the right weather, idyllic. Anchor towards the head of the inlet in 5.0 - 8.0 metres. Holding is good in sand. Shelter is excellent in all but S winds, when Unije Bay or even Mali Losinj is a better option.
U. Podkujni
44°39.5′N, 14°15.8′E
U. Podkujni is the middle of the three anchorages on the E coast of Unije island. Lying half a mile SW of U. Vognisca, it is a more open inlet, extending for half a mile NW from the entrance. Surroundings are equally quiet to its northerly neighbour, although it does get rather more of any swell around than U. Vognisca. Anchor close in towards the head of the inlet in 4.0 - 8.0 metres. Holding is good in sand. Shelter is excellent in all but S winds.
U. Maracol
44°38.8′N, 14°15.55′E
U. Maracol is the southernmost of the three anchorages on the E coast of Unije island and the busiest, especially during the summer. Lying a mile S of U. Podkujni, it is arguably the best sheltered of the three inlets, extending nearly a mile inland from the entrance. The head of the inlet is now occupied by numerous visitors’ mooring buoys, for which a charge is made (although rubbish is collected, as usual). Alternatively, anchor wherever there is space clear of the moorings in 8.0 - 10.0 metres. Holding is good in sand. Shelter is, again, excellent in all but S winds.
Marinas & Yacht Clubs
None.
Yacht Services and Repairs
None.
Fuel, Water, & Electricity
None.
Offshore Islands
Things to do Ashore
Tourism
There is little to do on the island other than chill out. Because the island is largely flat, it is good for walking and cycling and there is network of tracks reaching most parts.
Grocery & Supply Stores
- Limited provisions in the village.
Eateries
- Restaurant and café/bar in the village.
Internet/WiFi
None.
Laundry
None.
Motorbike & Car Rentals
- None.
Transportation
- Ferries to Mali Losinj on Losinj island and Pula and Rijeka on the mainland.
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?
Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)
Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:
- July 2004 --Athene of Lymington 15:04, 21 April 2012 (BST)
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Names: Athene of Lymington |
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| | HOMEPAGE | Wiki Contents | Southern Europe | Mediterranean | Adriatic Sea | Croatia | Unije Island | |
