Maslinica Anchorage Guide
Also known as: Luka Maslinica, Uvala Maslinica, Maslinica Šolta, Maslinica Bay
Maslinica is a charming small village on the W coast of Šolta island with one of the most picturesque settings in central Dalmatia: a well-sheltered bay with a historic 18th-century castle on a small islet at the entrance, olive groves on the surrounding hillsides (Šolta is famous for its olive oil), and a quiet waterfront with a handful of excellent restaurants. The bay is well protected from the dominant NE Bura and E winds, making it a popular stop for yachts transiting between Split and the outer islands. Mooring buoys are sometimes laid by local operators (check on arrival). The sand and mud bottom gives good holding and the bay is comfortable in the prevailing summer Mistral if the wind stays below F4. Maslinica village retains a genuinely local character despite its popularity with sailors, and the provisions available in the village shop make it a useful reprovisioning stop. Heikell notes: 'Maslinica has excellent protection from the NE and E — a comfortable overnight anchorage when the Mistral is not too strong'.
Quick Reference
GPS Coordinates
43°23.5'N 16°12.8'E
Depth
3–6m
Bottom
sand, mud
Holding
Good holdingProtected From
N, NE, E
Exposed To
S, SW, W
Best Months
May, June, September, October
Anchoring Fee
Free to anchor. Mooring buoys: nightly fee typically €15–30 depending on LOA
Permit Required
Yes
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
65m for the main bay in 3–5m on sand/mud. Bay fills quickly in peak season so tight anchoring is the norm by afternoon. Reduce to 50m near the castle islet. The SW/W exposure means this is a fair-weather anchorage for overnight; if SW or W wind is forecast above F4, consider moving to Rogač or Milna. Mooring buoys reduce swing radius significantly if available.
Main bay — sand and mud anchorage: 65m recommended — The main bay offers good holding on sand and mud in 3–5m.
N side — near castle islet: 50m recommended — A few yachts can anchor close to the N shore near the castle ruin islet in 3–4m on sand and gravel.
Anchoring Zones
Maslinica has 2 distinct anchoring zones, each with different depth, holding, and exposure characteristics. Choose the zone that matches your boat size and the expected overnight conditions.
Zone 1: Main bay — sand and mud anchorage
- Depth: 3–6m
- Bottom: sand, mud
- Holding: Good holding
- Protected from: N, NE, E
- Exposed to: S, SW, W
- Recommended alarm radius: 65m
The main bay offers good holding on sand and mud in 3–5m. Protected from the dominant N, NE, and E directions. The bay is open to S, SW, and W — any wind from these quarters creates an uncomfortable swell. Summer Mistral (NW) can send chop in through the entrance and the bay becomes bumpy above F4. Best position is in the inner part of the bay, tucked in from the entrance. Mooring buoys laid by the local ACI-affiliated operator may be present — pick one up if free rather than anchoring.
Zone 2: N side — near castle islet
- Depth: 3–5m
- Bottom: sand, gravel
- Holding: Good holding
- Protected from: N, NE, E, S
- Exposed to: W, SW, NW
- Recommended alarm radius: 50m
A few yachts can anchor close to the N shore near the castle ruin islet in 3–4m on sand and gravel. The islet provides additional shelter from SW but is less effective against NW Mistral. Useful in peak season when the main bay is full. The historic castle (Cambio castle, 18th century) on the islet is a striking feature. Good for a stern-to approach to the islet wall if permitted.
Setting Your Anchor
The bottom at Maslinica is primarily sand and mud with reliable holding when properly set.
- Approach slowly and check your depth sounder. At 3–6m, deploy minimum 7:1 scope (42m chain at 6m depth).
- Drop into the wind and pay out chain steadily as the boat drifts back.
- Set firmly in reverse — 30–60 seconds at moderate throttle. The chain should tighten without the boat moving backwards.
- Snorkel to verify bottom type. Posidonia is common on the Dalmatian coast — confirm your anchor is on sand, not Posidonia (anchoring on it carries heavy fines). Use the scope calculator to confirm adequate chain.
Recommended anchor types: Rocna, Mantus, Spade, Delta. See our guide to anchor types by bottom.
Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm
Overnight stays at Maslinica are feasible but require monitoring — the anchorage is exposed to S and SW and W winds.
Set your GPS anchor alarm to 65m radius before going below. 65m for the main bay in 3–5m on sand/mud. Bay fills quickly in peak season so tight anchoring is the norm by afternoon. Reduce to 50m near the castle islet. The SW/W exposure means this is a fair-weather anchorage for overnight; if SW or W wind is forecast above F4, consider moving to Rogač or Milna. Mooring buoys reduce swing radius significantly if available.
May, June, September are ideal — comfortable shelter from NE and E, less crowded, settled afternoon Mistral pattern. July–August is busy; arrive before 13:00. Avoid in SW or W winds above F4. Not suitable as a Bura shelter — the SW exposure is the main limitation.
Navigation Hazards
- SW and W exposure: afternoon Mistral above F4 creates uncomfortable chop in the bay; the bay can become untenable in strong SW wind
- Jugo (S/SE) sends swell directly into the bay — depart to Stari Grad or Milna if Jugo is forecast above F4
- Shoals extend from the castle islet on the N side — approach carefully and use charts to identify the navigable channel on the S side
- Posidonia at bay edges — inspect bottom before anchoring; marginal zones are Posidonia-covered
- Limited swing room in peak season; drifting into the islet rocks or local moorings is a risk if the anchor drags
Rules & Regulations
- eNautička (MMPI) permit: Required for all foreign yachts — carry aboard at all times.
- Anchoring fee: Free to anchor. Mooring buoys: nightly fee typically €15–30 depending on LOA
- Mooring buoys: Available — fee may apply
- Maximum stay: 5 days
- Restrictions: Anchoring on Posidonia meadows prohibited. 150m beach exclusion applies Jun 15–Sep 15. No tying to trees or rocks. Keep clear of local boat moorings.
- 150m beach exclusion (SSVO 2025): No anchoring within 150m of public beaches, June 15–Sep 15.
For a full overview, see our overnight anchoring rules by region guide.
Facilities
- Fresh water: Available
- Fuel: Not available — nearest: Maslinica village (0.1nm)
- Restaurant: Konoba Maestral and Restaurant Maslinica on the waterfront — good local food. Village shop for basic provisions. Water at the quay. Nearest fuel at Rogač or Split.
- Provisions: Available
- Wi-Fi: Available
Skipper's Tips
- Pick up a mooring buoy if available — saves time and reduces Posidonia risk; the buoys are laid on sand/mud
- The castle islet (Cambio castle) has a small restaurant in summer and is worth a dinghy visit — row around the islet at sunset for the best views back over Šolta
- Šolta olive oil is among the finest in Croatia — buy a bottle from the village shop or directly from a local producer before leaving
- The bay is excellent as a first or last night stop on a Split-based charter — close enough to Split to use in poor visibility but sheltered enough to feel genuinely 'away'
- Monitor VHF Ch 16 for HRMI Split weather and check the morning forecast before deciding to overnight; the SW exposure means you need a clean forecast for the evening
A note on this guide: Data has been researched from multiple sailing sources and is provided in good faith. Conditions — depth, holding, regulations — can change. Always check forecasts, NAVTEX, and current HHI charts before visiting. Use a GPS anchor alarm and never rely solely on a guide for navigational decisions.
Sleep peacefully at Maslinica
Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously and sounds a loud alarm the moment your boat drifts — essential on the Dalmatian coast where bura and jugo can arrive overnight.
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