Zavala Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Zavala sits on the S coast of Hvar below dramatic limestone cliffs, accessible by sea or via a single-lane tunnel from Pitve on the N coast. The bay faces S into the open Adriatic — excellent shelter from Bura (N) and Mistral (NW) but exposed to Jugo (SE/S). Sand and rock bottom with fair holding. Snorkel to find sand patches. The dramatic cliff backdrop and crystal water make this a memorable day anchorage.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Zavala is primarily sand and rock.

1. Approach slowly — deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (84m chain at 12m depth).
2. Drop into wind or current and pay out chain steadily.
3. Set firmly in reverse for 30–60 seconds.
4. Snorkel to verify — confirm no Posidonia. Fines up to €2,000 for anchoring on Posidonia in Croatia.

Recommended anchor types: Rocna, Mantus, Spade.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 80m radius. 80m for fair holding on sand/rock in 4–10m. The N/NW exposure to Mistral means this anchorage is most comfortable when the sea breeze is light (morning). In sustained Mistral above F4, the N exposure creates chop — depart before conditions build. In Jugo, the S opening provides shelter. Unusual wind characteristics compared to N-coast anchorages.

Best May–June and September–October. July–August morning visits only due to Mistral exposure. A special anchorage for the adventurous sailor willing to time the conditions.

Navigation Hazards

• N and NW exposure to Mistral — afternoon sea breeze creates chop from the N; depart by noon if Mistral is building
• Fair holding on rock/sand mix — snorkel to verify anchor placement on a clean sand patch
• Remote S coast — no facilities, limited departure options if conditions deteriorate quickly
• Jugo provides shelter from S but can create uncomfortable conditions on the passage around the E tip to reach this anchorage

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: No special permit required
• Anchoring fee: Free to anchor
• Maximum stay: 2 days
• Restrictions: 150m beach exclusion from the sandy beach area. No anchoring on Posidonia — present near the W margin. No tying to the cliffs. Fair-weather/morning anchorage only in settled conditions.
• Croatian eNautička (MMPI) permit required for all foreign yachts.
• SSVO 2025: 150m beach exclusion zone Jun 15–Sep 15.

Facilities

• Fresh water: Not available
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Jelsa (via tunnel, 8km) (6nm)
• Restaurant/Konoba: 1–2 seasonal konobas accessible from the beach — open Jun–Sep. No provisions or fuel.
• Provisions: None on site — Jelsa (via tunnel, 8km) (6nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Arrive in the morning calm from the E (rounding Sućuraj) before the Mistral builds — the approach along the dramatic S Hvar coastline is extraordinary
2. The konoba at Zavala serves the best grilled fish on Hvar — reserve a table by phone in advance in summer
3. The tunnel at Pitve is an experience — walk up and through for the view from the ridge above
4. Depart by 13:00 if heading back to the N coast — the Mistral will be building by then