Trstenik Anchorage Guide
Also known as: Uvala Trstenik, Trstenik Bay, Pelješac S coast
Trstenik is a gem of a small village bay on the southern coast of the Pelješac Peninsula, facing the Mljet channel with views across to Mljet island. The village is quiet and authentic with an excellent local winery producing Dingač and Plavac Mali wines from vineyards climbing the dramatic hillsides above. The Pelješac mountains provide outstanding protection from the NE Bura. A good overnight stop on passage between Ston or the Pelješac Channel and the Mljet anchorages. Simple, beautiful, and frequently overlooked in favour of more famous destinations.
Quick Reference
GPS
42°55.0'N 17°18.5'E
Depth
3–8m
Bottom
sand
Holding
Good holdingProtected From
N, NE, NW, E, W
Exposed To
S, SE
Best Months
May, June, September, October
Fee
Free to anchor
Permit
Yes — Croatian eNautička cruising permit required. Standard maritime regulations.
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
65m on sand in 3–8m. Good Bura protection from the Pelješac mountains behind. SE Jugo sends swell in — depart or shelter in Okuklje or Ston channel if SE develops overnight.
Set this in Safety Anchor Alarm — FreeThe Anchorage
Trstenik is a small, quiet village bay on the S coast of Pelješac facing Mljet island and the Mljet channel. Sandy bottom in 3–8m with good holding. Sheltered from N and NW by the Pelješac mountains behind — excellent Bura protection. Open to S and SE — Jugo makes the bay uncomfortable. The village is tiny and friendly, with an excellent local winery and a small quay.
Setting Your Anchor
Bottom at Trstenik: primarily sand. Deploy 7:1 scope minimum (56m at 8m). Set firmly in reverse and snorkel to verify bottom — avoid Posidonia (€2,000 fine).
Recommended anchor types: Rocna, Mantus, Spade.
Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm
Set GPS anchor alarm to 65m radius. 65m on sand in 3–8m. Good Bura protection from the Pelješac mountains behind. SE Jugo sends swell in — depart or shelter in Okuklje or Ston channel if SE develops overnight.
Best in May, June, September, October. July–August sees some traffic but it remains quiet. One of the most peaceful overnight stops on the Pelješac circuit.
Navigation Hazards
- SE and S exposure — Jugo makes bay untenable; head for Okuklje on Mljet (6nm S) in SE conditions
- Limited anchoring room — small bay, maximum 6–8 boats comfortably
Rules & Regulations
- Permit: Required — Croatian eNautička cruising permit required. Standard maritime regulations.
- Anchoring fee: Free to anchor
- Maximum stay: 5 days
- Restrictions: 150m beach exclusion Jun 15–Sep 15. No tying to the small village jetty without permission from locals.
- Croatian eNautička (MMPI) permit required for all foreign yachts.
Facilities
- Fresh water: Not available
- Fuel: Not available — nearest: Korčula town (12nm)
- Restaurant/Konoba: Small konoba/restaurant in the village. Local winery with tasting available.
- Provisions: None — Korčula town (12nm)
Skipper's Tips
- Visit the local winery — Dingač and Plavac Mali from Pelješac are Croatia's finest reds and this is the source
- The views across the Mljet channel toward the island's green hills are beautiful at sunset
- Quieter than almost any other Pelješac anchorage — a true off-the-beaten-track stop
A note on this guide: Always check current weather, NAVTEX/VHF bulletins, and HHI charts. Use a GPS anchor alarm — never rely solely on a guide for navigational decisions.
Sleep peacefully at Trstenik
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