Izola Lighthouse Point Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Day anchorage off Izola's NW lighthouse point in 5–12m over mixed rock and sand patches. Protected from E and SE; exposed to W, NW, and N. Fair holding on rock and sand — anchor in sand patches only and verify set carefully before leaving the boat. Rock outcrops and shoal areas on NW side of lighthouse point — approach from S only. Snorkel or dive mask recommended to visually confirm anchor is buried in sand before deploying. Not suitable for overnight stays due to W exposure and unreliable holding on rock. Day use for swimming and snorkelling on the rocky ledges.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Izola Lighthouse Point is primarily rock and sand with variable holding that requires extra attention.

1. Contact Marina Izola on VHF Ch 16 before arrival — 24-hour landing assistance is guaranteed. Max draft 4.5m. Confirm berth availability and depth for your keel.
2. Anchor in 5–12m, adding 1–1.5m to the charted depth to account for the 1m+ Northern Adriatic tidal range.
3. Deploy at least 5:1 scope (60m chain at 12m depth) — tidal movement increases rode workload compared to Mediterranean anchorages.
4. Set firmly in reverse — 30–60 seconds at moderate throttle. Use the scope calculator to confirm adequate chain.

Recommended anchor types: Rocna, Mantus.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Izola Lighthouse Point are best in settled conditions — the anchorage is exposed to W and NW and N winds. The Northern Adriatic tidal range of 1m+ means your boat will swing through a wider arc than in most Mediterranean anchorages as the rode angle changes through the tidal cycle.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 80m radius before going below. 80m radius in 7–10m rock/sand. Fair holding only — anchor in sand patches and test set carefully. Large alarm radius for W/NW exposure in full scope condition plus tidal movement.

Best June–September in morning conditions only. The typical summer pattern (morning calm, afternoon NW Maestral) means this day anchorage is most comfortable from 08:00–12:00. By early afternoon the NW sea breeze builds and the W-exposed anchorage becomes choppy. July and August mornings are the most reliably settled. Not suitable from October onwards.

Navigation Hazards

• W/NW/N exposure — leave immediately if W swell or Bora is forecast; no shelter from any W sector; Marina Izola (1nm SE) is the refuge
• Rock holding — unreliable; anchor in sand patches only; snorkel to verify bottom before leaving boat unattended
• Shoal areas and rock outcrops on NW side of lighthouse point — approach from S only; do not round the lighthouse from the NW at close range
• No shelter in any deteriorating conditions — day use only; Marina Izola 1nm SE with 24-hour landing assistance

Rules & Regulations

• EU/Schengen — no customs formalities for EU boats arriving from EU ports. Non-EU citizens: register with police within 3 days. Non-EU flagged boats: 18-month temporary importation relief (TIR).
• Anchoring fee: Free anchoring — open water, fair-weather day use only
• Restrictions: Day use only — W/NW/N exposure makes overnight unsafe. Approach from S only — rock outcrops and shoals on NW side. Anchor in sand patches only — rock holding is unreliable. Bring snorkel or dive mask to verify anchor placement. Leave immediately if W swell or Bora is forecast.

For a full overview, see our overnight anchoring rules by region guide.

Facilities

• Fresh water: Not available on site
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Izola old town (1nm)
• Restaurant: None — nearest at Izola old town (1nm)
• Provisions: None on site — Izola old town (1nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Anchor in sand patches only — rock holding is unreliable; snorkel to verify bottom before leaving boat
2. Daytime use only — W exposure makes overnight dangerous; treat this as a swim stop, not an overnight position
3. Excellent snorkelling on the rocky ledges around the lighthouse point — the rocky substrate supports good marine life
4. Piran old town (3nm NW) and Strunjan cliffs (2nm NW) visible from the anchorage — scenic position with views across the Gulf of Trieste