Piškera Anchorage Guide
Also known as: ACI Marina Piškera, Piškera Marina, Porto Tureta
Piškera is the service hub of the Kornati archipelago — the site of the ACI marina built within the ruins of a 16th-century Venetian salting plant (Porto Tureta), where tuna were historically processed for export. The ancient stone walls of the fish-salting complex are still visible around the marina perimeter, giving Piškera a unique historical character. The ACI marina offers diesel, water, a small shop, showers, and VHF Ch 17 reception — facilities otherwise unavailable in the park. The marina is fully enclosed and provides all-weather shelter including in extreme Bura. Outside the marina, the outer bay offers free anchoring on sand/mud with good (if not all-weather) holding. Piškera is the essential resupply and service stop for any extended Kornati cruise. The Kornati NP park office operates a checkpoint here seasonally — fees can be paid at the marina.
Quick Reference
GPS Coordinates
43°49.7'N 15°30.9'E
Depth
3–6m
Bottom
sand, mud
Holding
Excellent holdingProtected From
N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW
Exposed To
None (all-weather)
Best Months
May, June, July, August, September, October
Anchoring Fee
Outer bay anchoring free; park entry fee per person applies
Park Permit
Yes — Croatian eNautička cruising permit required. Kornati National Park entry fee payable at the marina park office. Marina requires VHF Ch 17 contact for berth reservation. ACI membership provides discount on berth fees.
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
30m within the marina (conservative for GPS alarm purposes — actual swing is constrained by finger pontoon or lazy line). Outer bay: 90m. Inner anchorage: 55m. The ACI marina is the most reliable fully-sheltered harbour in the central Kornati and the primary service hub for cruising yachts.
ACI marina — berth: 30m recommended — ACI marina provides fully enclosed berths with finger pontoons or stern-to with lazy lines.
Outer bay — free anchoring: 90m recommended — The outer bay W of the marina entrance offers free anchoring on sand and mud in 4–10m.
Inner anchorage — E of marina: 55m recommended — A small inner anchorage E of the marina complex, accessible for yachts drawing less than 2m via the shallow channel (2–2.
Anchoring Zones
Piškera has 3 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: ACI marina — berth
- Depth: 3–6m
- Bottom: sand, mud
- Holding: Excellent holding
- Protected from: N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW
- Recommended alarm radius: 30m
ACI marina provides fully enclosed berths with finger pontoons or stern-to with lazy lines. Depths of 3–5m throughout. The marina is sheltered from all wind directions including extreme Bura. VHF Ch 17 for berth allocation. Maximum LOA approximately 25m. Fuel dock (diesel) and water on pontoons. Marina fees (2025): approx €40–80 per night for a 10–12m yacht depending on season. The alarm radius is for reference if anchoring in the outer bay.
Zone 2: Outer bay — free anchoring
- Depth: 4–12m
- Bottom: sand, mud
- Holding: Good holding
- Protected from: N, NE, E, SE, S
- Exposed to: W, SW, NW
- Recommended alarm radius: 90m
The outer bay W of the marina entrance offers free anchoring on sand and mud in 4–10m. Good holding throughout. Exposed to W and NW Mistral, which creates a swell in the outer bay. Adequate for overnight in typical summer conditions but uncomfortable in sustained NW above F4–5. The marina is a short dinghy ride away if fuel or water is needed.
Zone 3: Inner anchorage — E of marina
- Depth: 2–5m
- Bottom: mud, sand
- Holding: Excellent holding
- Protected from: N, NE, E, SE, S, NW
- Exposed to: SW, W
- Recommended alarm radius: 55m
A small inner anchorage E of the marina complex, accessible for yachts drawing less than 2m via the shallow channel (2–2.5m minimum). Mud/sand holding is excellent and the basin provides all-round shelter except SW. Limited space — 4–6 yachts maximum. A useful overflow option when the marina is full.
Setting Your Anchor
The bottom at Piškera is primarily sand and mud with reliable holding when properly set. Use the following approach:
- Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 3–6m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (42m chain at 6m depth).
- Drop into the wind or current and pay out chain steadily as the boat drifts back — do not allow chain to pile on the anchor.
- Set firmly in reverse. Apply moderate throttle astern for 30–60 seconds. The chain should tighten without the boat moving backwards.
- Snorkel to verify bottom type. Posidonia meadows are common in the Kornati — always confirm your anchor is on sand or mud, not Posidonia (anchoring on it carries heavy fines). Use the scope calculator to confirm adequate chain.
Recommended anchor types for this bottom: Rocna, Mantus, Spade, Delta, CQR. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.
Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm
Overnight stays at Piškera are excellent — 360-degree protection means minimal boat movement.
Set your GPS anchor alarm to 30m radius before going below for the night.30m within the marina (conservative for GPS alarm purposes — actual swing is constrained by finger pontoon or lazy line). Outer bay: 90m. Inner anchorage: 55m. The ACI marina is the most reliable fully-sheltered harbour in the central Kornati and the primary service hub for cruising yachts.
Open and operational June–September (ACI marina season). May and October: limited or no marina services — check ACI website (aci-marinas.com) for current season dates. Outer bay anchoring is usable year-round in appropriate conditions.
Navigation Hazards
- Outer bay exposed to W and NW — Mistral chop enters the outer anchorage; use marina for comfort in NW conditions
- Marina fills completely in late July–August — call ahead on VHF Ch 17 before arrival; arrival without reservation may result in no berth
- Fuel dock depths: check your draft against the dock minimum (approx 2.5m); deeper-keel yachts should approach cautiously
- Historical site: the Venetian salt works ruins are protected heritage — do not disturb or remove any stones
Rules & Regulations
- Kornati NP entry permit: Required — Croatian eNautička cruising permit required. Kornati National Park entry fee payable at the marina park office. Marina requires VHF Ch 17 contact for berth reservation. ACI membership provides discount on berth fees.
- Anchoring fee: Outer bay anchoring free; park entry fee per person applies
- Restrictions: Marina maximum LOA approximately 25m. Fuel dock opens at 08:00; closes at 20:00. VHF Ch 17 for berth allocation — book ahead in July–August. Inner anchorage: maximum draft 2m via channel. No Posidonia anchoring in outer bay.
- Croatian eNautička (MMPI) permit also required — obtain before entering Croatian waters.
For a full overview of Croatian anchoring rules, see our overnight anchoring rules by region guide.
Facilities
- Fresh water: Available
- Fuel: Available
- Konoba (restaurant): Konoba/restaurant within the marina complex serving traditional Dalmatian dishes. Small shop with basic provisions (bread, tinned goods, drinks, ice). Showers and WC available for marina guests.
- Provisions: Available nearby
- Wi-Fi: Available (marina)
Skipper's Tips
- Call Piškera marina on VHF Ch 17 at least 2 hours before arrival in July–August — berths are very limited and frequently full by 14:00
- Pay the Kornati National Park entry fee at the marina office — easier than paying separately at each park checkpoint; the office issues a multi-day ticket
- The fuel dock and water hose are available to yachts anchoring in the outer bay — take your dinghy with fuel cans; the marina staff are accommodating
- The 16th-century Venetian tuna-salting complex walls are worth a close inspection ashore — one of the most unusual historical maritime sites in the Adriatic
- Stock up on ice and provisions here before heading deeper into the outer Kornati — the next opportunity is Murter on the mainland
A note on this guide: The data in this guide has been researched from multiple sailing sources and is provided in good faith. Anchorage conditions — including depth, holding, national park fees, and local regulations — can change. Before visiting, always check current weather forecasts, NAVTEX and VHF weather bulletins, and consult your up-to-date HHI charts. Use a GPS anchor alarm and never rely solely on a guide for navigational decisions.
Sleep peacefully at Piškera
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