Premuda Island Anchorage Anchorage Guide
Also known as: Uvala Premuda, Krijal Bay Premuda, Premuda Krijal
Premuda is one of the most westerly inhabited islands of the Zadar archipelago, sitting exposed in the open Adriatic with a population of around 60 people. The island has remained authentically unspoiled precisely because it lacks tourist infrastructure — there is one small village shop, one konoba, and no marina. The anchorage in Krijal Bay on the NE is sheltered from the prevailing NW Mistral by the island itself, with excellent sand and mud holding. This is a destination for sailors who want to experience the real outer islands: pristine water, almost no other boats in May–June and September–October, genuine village atmosphere, and complete peace. The island saw a famous WWI naval battle in 1918 where two MAS torpedo boats sank the Austro-Hungarian battleship SMS Sankt Stefan. Provision in Zadar before heading out.
Quick Reference
GPS
44°19.9'N 14°34.5'E
Depth
4–12m
Bottom
sand, mud
Holding
Excellent holdingProtected From
N, NE, E, SE, S
Exposed To
W, NW
Best Months
May, June, September, October
Fee
Free to anchor
Permit
No
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
80m in Krijal Bay at 4–10m on sand/mud. Excellent holding means moderate scope (5:1) provides solid security. W and NW exposure: in sustained NW Mistral exceeding F5, the bay can become uncomfortable; stern line to shore may help. This is a remote outer island — no marina fallback nearby; ensure weather forecast is settled before committing.
Set this in Safety Anchor Alarm — FreeThe Anchorage
The village bay (Krijal) on the NE side of Premuda provides excellent holding on sand and mud in 4–10m. Protected from the dominant summer NW Mistral by the island's ridge. Sheltered from NE Bura by the island mass. The bay opens to the W and NW — occasional swell from W can enter in strong Libeccio (SW) conditions. Bottom is clean sand over mud, anchor sets easily. Village of 60 year-round residents; basic provisions at the village shop.
Setting Your Anchor
Bottom at Premuda Island Anchorage: primarily sand and mud. Deploy 7:1 scope minimum (84m at 12m). In the Kvarner, always set extra scope for potential Bura.
Recommended anchor types: Rocna, Mantus, Spade, Delta.
Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm
Set GPS anchor alarm to 80m radius. 80m in Krijal Bay at 4–10m on sand/mud. Excellent holding means moderate scope (5:1) provides solid security. W and NW exposure: in sustained NW Mistral exceeding F5, the bay can become uncomfortable; stern line to shore may help. This is a remote outer island — no marina fallback nearby; ensure weather forecast is settled before committing.
June and September are superb: reliable weather windows, few other boats. July–August sees some charter traffic from Zadar and Lošinj but Premuda never gets genuinely crowded. May and October for experienced crews in settled spells. Winter passage only for prepared offshore vessels.
Navigation Hazards
- Remote location — nearest coast guard and marina are in Zadar (28nm); ensure crew competence, vessel readiness, and full provisions
- W and NW Libeccio exposure: sustained westerly swell can make bay uncomfortable; if W wind is forecast above F4, consider departing
- Bura: while the island provides shelter from NE Bura, the open sea approaches require careful timing; Bura onset is faster at sea than in port
- Limited communications: VHF Ch 16 works but mobile data is intermittent; HF SSB or Iridium recommended for passage planning
- No fuel available: plan fuel capacity to reach Zadar or Molat for refuelling
Rules & Regulations
- Permit: No special permit
- Anchoring fee: Free to anchor
- Restrictions: Croatian eNautička permit required. 150m beach exclusion applies in season. Self-sufficient required — no coast guard proximity; emergency VHF Ch 16 to Zadar radio.
- 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: Zadar (28nm)
- Restaurant/Konoba: One konoba in the village, open June–September. Basic menu; fresh fish when available. Call ahead if possible (VHF not always monitored by konoba).
- Provisions: Available nearby
Skipper's Tips
- Provision fully in Zadar before heading out — stock 3 days of food and water as contingency for weather delays
- The konoba serves outstanding grilled fish if you call ahead — the owner's family fishes daily
- Overnight here in June or September is a transformative sailing experience — stars, silence, and genuine remoteness
- The Premuda/Silba/Olib island group is a classic 3-day circuit from Zadar: Premuda, Silba (north anchorage), Olib (village bay), return
- Check the 5-day forecast carefully before departure: this is an outer island and Bura/Libeccio can pin you down for 2–3 days
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 Premuda Island Anchorage
Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position and alerts you the moment your boat drifts — essential in the Kvarner where Bura arrives fast.
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