Anchoring Zones

Milna has 2 distinct anchoring zones with different depth, holding, and exposure.

Zone 1: Main bay — inner anchorage

Depth: 3–8m
Bottom: sand, mud
Holding: Excellent holding
Protected from: N, NE, E, SE, S
Exposed to: W, NW
Alarm radius: 60m

The deep, sheltered bay at Milna is one of the finest all-round anchorages on Brač. Sand and mud bottom gives superb holding. Anchor off the village quay in 3–6m, keeping clear of the ferry approach and the ACI marina fairway. The bay is open to the W and NW — afternoon Mistral creates a lop but the bay is deep enough to be comfortable overnight. Swing room is generous.

Zone 2: Outer bay — mooring buoys and anchoring

Depth: 5–12m
Bottom: sand, mud
Holding: Good holding
Protected from: N, NE, E, S
Exposed to: W, NW
Alarm radius: 90m

Mooring buoys are laid in the outer bay by the harbour master — pick one up or anchor in sand/mud in 6–10m. Better swing room than the inner bay but more exposed to W/NW Mistral chop. Good holding once set. Use 90m alarm radius to account for deeper water scope.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Milna is primarily sand and mud with reliable holding when properly set.

Approach slowly — check depth sounder. Deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (56m chain at 8m depth).
Drop into wind or current and pay out chain steadily.
Set firmly in reverse — apply moderate throttle for 30–60 seconds.
Snorkel to verify — confirm anchor is on sand/mud, not Posidonia (anchoring on Posidonia carries fines up to €2,000 in Croatia).

Recommended anchor types: Rocna, Mantus, Spade, Delta.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Milna are feasible but require monitoring — exposed to W and NW.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 60m radius before sleeping. 60m covers a typical 5:1 scope swing in 3–6m on sand/mud. The enclosed bay limits lateral movement significantly. In afternoon Mistral above F4, increase to 80m. Mooring buoys available in the outer bay — if on a buoy, alarm radius of 30–40m is sufficient.

Usable year-round with care; best May–October. Summer crowds are manageable — nothing like Hvar town. September and October are excellent: warm water, far fewer boats, settled Mistral pattern.

Navigation Hazards

W and NW exposure — afternoon Mistral above F4 creates short chop in outer bay; inner anchorage more comfortable
ACI marina approach and ferry route — keep clear of the marked fairway
Posidonia on bay margins — anchor on the central sandy axis
150m beach exclusion zone applies to the sandy beach at the bay head in season
Bura can funnel down the Brač channel — check NE forecast before overnight commitment

Rules & Regulations

Permit: No special permit required
Anchoring fee: Free to anchor; harbour dues may apply if using town quay
Mooring buoys: Available — Mooring buoy fee approx €10–20/night (seasonal, paid to harbour master)
Maximum stay: 7 days
Restrictions: 150m beach exclusion from any bathing beach in season. No anchoring on Posidonia. No tying to trees or rocks on shore. Ferry and water-taxi priority in approach channel.
Croatian eNautička (MMPI) permit required for all foreign yachts.
SSVO 2025: 150m beach exclusion zone Jun 15–Sep 15.

Facilities

Fresh water: Available
Fuel: Available
Restaurant/Konoba: Several restaurants and konobas on the waterfront. Good provisioning at the mini-market.
Provisions: Available nearby
Wi-Fi: Available

Skipper's Tips

Arrive mid-afternoon after the Mistral eases for a comfortable approach; the bay is obvious from seaward
The village bakery opens early — dinghy ashore at 07:30 for fresh bread
Use a mooring buoy in the outer bay if one is free — saves anchoring hassle and the holding charge is modest
Excellent base for a day sail to Bol (Zlatni Rat) on the S coast — 8nm away
In strong W or NW Mistral, the inner anchorage near the ferry quay gives better shelter than the outer bay

Milna Anchorage Guide

Quick Reference