Milna (Vis) Anchorage Guide

Anchoring Zones

Milna (Vis) 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.

Setting Your Anchor

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

1. Approach slowly and check your depth sounder. At 3–7m, deploy minimum 7:1 scope (49m chain at 7m depth).
2. Drop into the wind and pay out chain steadily as the boat drifts back.
3. Set firmly in reverse — 30–60 seconds at moderate throttle. The chain should tighten without the boat moving backwards.
4. Snorkel to verify bottom type. Posidonia is widespread around Vis — confirm your anchor is on sand, not Posidonia (anchoring on it carries fines up to €2,000). Use the scope calculator to confirm adequate chain.

Recommended anchor types: Rocna, Mantus, Spade. See our guide to anchor types by bottom.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Milna (Vis) are feasible but require monitoring — the anchorage is exposed to W and SW and NW winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 65m radius before going below. 65m for the main village bay area in 3–6m with 5:1 scope. The small bay limits available swinging room — reduce to 45m in calm conditions when boats are close. Inner shallows (2–3.5m): 45m. The Bura shelter from the surrounding hills is the defining feature of this anchorage; reduce alarm radius confidently in Bura as the boat will remain stationary against the quay.

Best in May–June and September–October when the weather is stable and the small village is at its most atmospheric. July–August is pleasant but the bay fills quickly; the remoteness from charter bases keeps it quieter than busier anchorages. Usable well into October as a Bura shelter.

Navigation Hazards

• W and NW exposed — afternoon Mistral builds a chop into the bay; the bay head provides shelter but outer bay berths can become uncomfortable above F4
• Posidonia meadows fringe the bay margins — anchor on the central sandy area only; snorkel to verify before setting hook
• Shallow inner bay — echo sounder required throughout approach; minimum depth approximately 2m at bay head
• Limited provisions — carry sufficient food and water before arriving; the village konoba is not reliable
• Jugo (SE) wind does not seriously threaten this bay but check overall forecasts before committing to overnight

Rules & Regulations

• eNautička (MMPI) permit: Required for all foreign yachts — carry aboard at all times.
• Anchoring fee: Free to anchor; small quay fees may apply for quay berths
• Maximum stay: 5 days
• Restrictions: Posidonia meadows on bay margins — anchoring prohibited on Posidonia. 150m beach exclusion Jun 15–Sep 15 if applicable.
• 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: Not available on site
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Vis Town (9nm)
• Restaurant: Small seasonal konoba in the village serving local dishes, fresh fish, and Vis wines. Opening hours are informal — knock on the door if the lights are on.
• Provisions: None on site — Vis Town (9nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. This is an ideal Bura shelter on the NW coast — if Bura is forecast, Milna's surrounding hills provide complete protection and the bay head is virtually flat-calm
2. The village konoba is the kind of place that gives the Adriatic its magic — a few tables on a stone terrace with local wine; go with no expectations and you will be delighted
3. Arrive in the late afternoon when the Mistral has eased for a calm and peaceful anchoring experience
4. The outer bay is a pleasant lunch stop with excellent swimming — the water clarity on this coast rivals Srebrna
5. From Milna, a half-day sail to Komiža and back gives access to Biševo day trips without the bustle of the main harbour overnight