The Vinodolski Channel, the sea area between the island of Krk and the mainland mountains (Velebit), is one of the most impressive landscapes in northern Croatia. The barren rocky coast on both sides of the channel is characterised in particular by the bora wind, which blows extremely strongly here in winter.
In the past, the Velebit coast was avoided by many boaters because there were few bora-safe harbours and no marinas. This has now changed. Three new marinas have been built along a coastline of just three miles, which not only offer good protection in the event of bora, but are also interesting for both boat owners and charterers due to their proximity to Rijeka Airport (which is just 25 kilometres away to the north of the island of Krk). Here is a brief introduction to the new harbours:
Marina Novi
An exclusive marina has been created in the harbour bay of Novi Vinodolski, which is aiming to be classified as a five-star marina. Officially opened on 20 June this year, the marina offers 204 berths with every comfort for crew and boat: electricity, water, Wi-Fi, elegantly designed sanitary facilities, pool with sun terrace and bar, restaurant for discerning guests, 40-tonne travel lift, dry dock, technical service, boat equipment shop, snack bar, boat cleaning service and laundry.
The Boat Care System monitors the boats around the clock; the owner receives a written report once a week. Marina Novi is one of the best marinas on the Adriatic in terms of design, comfort and service. The flats belonging to the marina have the quality of a 5-star residence. On the website you will find the price list for daily and permanent berths. A large supermarket and a boat refuelling station are right next door. www.marinanovi.hr
Mitan Marina
The new Mitan Marina is also located in Novi Vinodolski, a mile further east in the bay of Muroskva. Officially opened on 15 July 2017, work on the petrol station continued into the 2018 season, but the marina is now fully operational with the opening of the petrol station on 25 July this year.
All 180 berths for boats up to 15 metres in length have electricity, water and WLAN. A mega yacht can moor outside on the breakwater. On land, there are sanitary facilities, washing and ironing machines, a café, two restaurants, flats, a nautical shop and a 20-tonne crane.
At Mitan Marina, all mooring lines - not just the murings, but also the stern lines - are provided at the berth. You can moor here virtually without your own line. High-quality Liros lines are used for this purpose. The marina operators want to ensure that no line breaks in extreme bora conditions. The marina's own dry marina (3 kilometres away) offers a full range of boat services. www.mitanmarina.com
Marina Klenovica
Two miles south-east of Mitan Marina, in a beautiful bay, lies the village of Klenovica with what used to be a simple fishing harbour. Thanks to EU funding, the bay has been given two new piers, which means that the harbour is now well protected from the bora and jugo, which can also blow extremely strongly here.
Both new piers and the surrounding promenade are beautifully built from white stone from the island of Brać. The first construction phase was completed at the start of the 2018 season. The municipal harbour can therefore already be used by guests.
In a second construction phase, the facility is to be expanded into a marina. To this end, a Y-shaped floating dock will be installed in the now sheltered harbour bay. Once all the work has been completed, 120 berths with electricity, water, Wi-Fi and new sanitary facilities on land will be available. In addition, a mega yacht up to 38 metres long can be moored alongside the new northern pier.
