Best Anchorages in Izola
Slovenia's largest marina by berth count — 700+ berths for boats to 30m and 4.5m draft (the deepest berths in Slovenian waters) — with surrounding open anchorages at Simonov zaliv, Jadranka Bay, and the lighthouse point. These 7 verified locations cover the marina and every free anchoring option in the Izola area.
About Izola
Marina Izola — 4.5m Max Draft
Marina Izola has the deepest berths in Slovenian waters — 4.5m draft maximum, compared to 3.8m at Marina Portorož. This makes Izola the only marina option for deep-keel sailing yachts on this section of the coast. 700+ berths, two large breakwaters protecting from all wind directions, a 50-tonne travel lift, and winter hard-standing for 50 yachts. 24-hour landing assistance is guaranteed.
Izola Old Town
Izola has a relaxed, lived-in character distinct from tourist-heavy Piran — the town was built on what was once an island, connected to the mainland by a causeway in the 18th century. The old harbour still has active traditional fishing boats. Good local fish restaurants on the waterfront. A small beach is accessible from the marina. Less expensive than Piran for dining and provisioning.
Northern Adriatic Tides
The Gulf of Trieste tidal range reaches 1m or more at springs. When anchoring in the open bays around Izola, add 1–2m to alarm radius for tidal rode movement and anchor in 2m more water than your draft requires. In the marina, confirm berth depth at low water — not mean level — especially for deep-keel boats.
Approach & Entry
Approach Marina Izola from the W, leaving the outer breakwater head to starboard. Contact the marina on VHF Ch 16 well before arrival — 24-hour landing assistance is guaranteed. The marina is fully protected from all wind directions by two large breakwaters. In strong Bora conditions, the marina entrance approach can be rough — reduce speed and approach cautiously.
Marina Izola — 24-Hour Landing Assistance Guaranteed
Marina Izola guarantees 24-hour landing assistance — contact on VHF Ch 16 at any time. Max draft: 4.5m (the deepest in Slovenian waters — recommended for boats that cannot enter Marina Portorož at 3.8m). 50-tonne travel lift available for haulout and mast stepping. If open bays become untenable in Bora or Jugo conditions, Marina Izola offers guaranteed Bora refuge with full protection from all directions.
7 Verified Anchorages
Marina Izola Visitors Berths
(Marina Izola)Good holdingIzolaMarina Izola — the largest marina by berth count in Slovenia with 700+ berths for boats up to 30m and 4.
Depth
2–4.5m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
30m
Crowds
Moderate
Full anchoring guide →
Izola Outer Bay
(Izola waiting anchorage)Good holdingIzolaOpen bay NW of Marina Izola's outer breakwater — a free anchoring option in 4–8m over sand and mud with good holding.
Depth
4–8m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
70m
Crowds
Quiet
Full anchoring guide →
Izola Beach Bay
(Izola SE beach anchorage)Good holdingIzolaSandy beach anchorage SE of Izola's old town peninsula — one of the few natural beach anchorages on this section of the Slovenian coast.
Depth
3–6m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
60m
Crowds
Moderate
Full anchoring guide →
Simonov Zaliv (Simon's Bay)
(Simon's Bay)Good holdingIzolaSimon's Bay (Simonov zaliv) — a quieter anchorage 1nm NE of Izola marina in 3–7m over sand and mud.
Depth
3–7m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
65m
Crowds
Quiet
Full anchoring guide →
Jadranka Bay
(Jadranka anchorage)Good holdingIzolaJadranka Bay — an infrequently visited anchorage between Izola and Koper in 4–9m over mud, with good holding and protection from the W and S.
Depth
4–9m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
75m
Crowds
Quiet
Full anchoring guide →
Izola Lighthouse Point
(Off Izola lighthouse)Fair holdingIzolaDay anchorage off Izola's NW lighthouse point in 5–12m over mixed rock and sand patches.
Depth
5–12m
Bottom
rock
Alarm Radius
80m
Crowds
Quiet
Full anchoring guide →
Koper Outer Bay
(Koper approach anchorage)Good holdingIzolaThe outer bay approach to Koper — an anchorage in 5–12m over mud with good holding, useful as an overnight waypoint on passage to or from Koper (Slovenia's only commercial port).
Depth
5–12m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
80m
Crowds
Quiet
Full anchoring guide →
Izola — Anchoring Rules
- !EU/Schengen: No customs formalities for EU boats arriving from EU ports. Non-EU citizens register with police within 3 days. Non-EU boats: 18-month temporary importation relief (TIR).
- !Marina Izola (VHF Ch 16): Max draft 4.5m — the deepest in Slovenian waters. 700+ berths. 24-hour landing assistance guaranteed. 50-tonne travel lift. Fully enclosed — Bora-proof.
- !Tidal range 1m+: Add 1–2m to alarm radius. Add 1–1.5m to chart depth when anchoring. Marina berth: confirm draft against low-tide depth. Check ARSO tide tables (tide.si).
- !Bora wind: Cap clouds over Karst Plateau — seek marina shelter immediately. Marina Izola is fully enclosed and the designated Bora refuge for the central Slovenian coast.
- !Koper commercial port: The koper-outer-bay anchorage is adjacent to Slovenia's only commercial port — monitor VHF Ch 16 and keep clear of shipping lanes. Commercial vessels have right of way.
For a full overview of Adriatic anchoring rules, see our overnight anchoring rules by region guide.
Monitor Your Anchor Overnight
Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously — essential at Izola where the 1m+ Northern Adriatic tidal range creates wider swing arcs than Mediterranean sailors expect from equivalent anchorages.
Download Free for iOS