Travna Bay Anchorage Guide
Also known as: Uvala Travna, Mala Travna, Travna Cove
Travna Bay and the adjacent Mala Travna on the northern coast of Vis offer one of the island's best Mistral shelters — the bay faces S, which means the prevailing NW afternoon sea breeze blows off the island and leaves the bay in the lee. The sandy bottom is excellent for anchoring and the water clarity here is outstanding. The N coast of Vis is less visited than the S coast anchorages, giving Travna a peaceful character even in peak season. The primary risk on this coast is the NE Bura, which strikes the N coast unobstructed from the mainland — in Bura conditions, crews should seek the Milna or Komiža harbours on the more sheltered W coast. In summer settled conditions, Travna is a serene overnight anchorage with a beautiful sandy foreshore and access by dinghy to the surrounding limestone terraces.
Quick Reference
GPS Coordinates
43°05.6'N 16°09.0'E
Depth
3–8m
Bottom
sand
Holding
Excellent holdingProtected From
S, SE, E, W
Exposed To
N, NE, NW
Best Months
June, July, August, September
Anchoring Fee
Free to anchor
Permit Required
Yes
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
70m for the main sandy bay in 3–7m with 5:1 scope. The excellent sand holding allows a tighter radius in calm conditions — reduce to 55m if boats are close. Bura (NE) is the primary hazard on this N coast bay: if Bura is forecast above F4, consider moving to the more sheltered Milna or Komiža on the W coast. In the Mistral (NW) pattern, the bay is sheltered and comfortable.
Sandy bay — main anchoring area: 70m recommended — The main sandy bay in 3–7m gives excellent holding on clean sand.
Mala Travna — smaller inner cove: 50m recommended — The smaller inner cove 'Mala Travna' to the W gives more shelter from the NW and W in 2–4m on excellent sand.
Outer bay — deeper anchorage: 110m recommended — Deeper outer bay in 7–12m gives more swinging room for larger yachts.
Anchoring Zones
Travna Bay 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: Sandy bay — main anchoring area
- Depth: 3–8m
- Bottom: sand
- Holding: Excellent holding
- Protected from: S, SE, E, W
- Exposed to: N, NE, NW
- Recommended alarm radius: 70m
The main sandy bay in 3–7m gives excellent holding on clean sand. The N coast orientation provides good shelter from the Mistral (NW) and its W component. The bay is exposed to the NE Bura — this is the most significant hazard on the N coast. In normal settled summer conditions, Travna is a comfortable overnight anchorage with no swell. The sandy bottom is pale and clearly visible in the typical water clarity of Vis.
Zone 2: Mala Travna — smaller inner cove
- Depth: 2–5m
- Bottom: sand
- Holding: Excellent holding
- Protected from: S, SE, E, W, SW
- Exposed to: N, NE
- Recommended alarm radius: 50m
The smaller inner cove 'Mala Travna' to the W gives more shelter from the NW and W in 2–4m on excellent sand. Limited space for small boats (3–4 maximum). The most sheltered position within the bay complex for calm summer nights.
Zone 3: Outer bay — deeper anchorage
- Depth: 7–14m
- Bottom: sand, mud
- Holding: Good holding
- Protected from: S, SE, E
- Exposed to: N, NE, NW, W
- Recommended alarm radius: 110m
Deeper outer bay in 7–12m gives more swinging room for larger yachts. Good holding on sand and mud. More exposed to all N quadrant winds. Mistral from the NW creates a moderate chop here but does not build significant swell. Set adequate scope — 6:1 in deeper outer positions.
Setting Your Anchor
The bottom at Travna Bay is primarily sand with reliable holding when properly set.
- Approach slowly and check your depth sounder. At 3–8m, deploy minimum 7:1 scope (56m chain at 8m 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 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, Bugel. See our guide to anchor types by bottom.
Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm
Overnight stays at Travna Bay are feasible but require monitoring — the anchorage is exposed to N and NE and NW winds.
Set your GPS anchor alarm to 70m radius before going below. 70m for the main sandy bay in 3–7m with 5:1 scope. The excellent sand holding allows a tighter radius in calm conditions — reduce to 55m if boats are close. Bura (NE) is the primary hazard on this N coast bay: if Bura is forecast above F4, consider moving to the more sheltered Milna or Komiža on the W coast. In the Mistral (NW) pattern, the bay is sheltered and comfortable.
Best June–September in the stable Mistral-dominated summer pattern when the NE Bura is infrequent. The N coast anchorages are well suited to July–August summer conditions when Bura is rare. October is risky on the N coast as Bura frequency increases rapidly. Avoid N coast anchorages entirely in the Bura season (November–March).
Navigation Hazards
- NE Bura strikes the N coast without obstruction — this is the primary hazard; at first sign of Bura building, depart to Milna or Komiža on the sheltered W coast
- NW Mistral can create chop at the outer bay entrance — the bay head and Mala Travna remain sheltered
- No facilities and no escape route to the N or E in strong Bura — plan ahead and monitor forecasts from evening onwards
- Limited capacity in Mala Travna (3–4 small boats maximum)
Rules & Regulations
- eNautička (MMPI) permit: Required for all foreign yachts — carry aboard at all times.
- Anchoring fee: Free to anchor
- Maximum stay: 5 days
- Restrictions: N coast bay: Bura risk — monitor Bura forecasts and depart to W coast shelter if Bura above F4 is forecast. No known special restrictions; standard Croatian maritime regulations apply.
- 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 (6nm)
- Restaurant: None — nearest at Vis Town (6nm)
- Provisions: None on site — Vis Town (6nm)
Skipper's Tips
- The Mistral from the NW blows over the island ridge and leaves Travna in complete shelter — the morning and evening are generally flat calm, ideal for photography and swimming
- If Bura is forecast: leave by 06:00 the following morning to round the W cape in manageable conditions before the Bura reaches full strength
- The sandy foreshore is excellent for children — shallow, clear, sandy bottom for 50m from shore
- Mala Travna to the W is even quieter and better sheltered from the NW — a dinghy exploration is worthwhile on arrival
- The ridge above Travna to the S gives views over the entire N coast of the island as far as the channel to Hvar
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 Travna Bay
Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously and sounds a loud alarm the moment your boat drifts — essential on Vis where Jugo can arrive overnight and turn a calm bay into a dangerous lee shore.
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