Finding a Good Sheltered Berth in Milna: A Complete Guide

A very sheltered destination, with many options

There are so many horrible you tube videos about “hafenkino” or harbour cinema, and many are in shot in Milna. Maybe it is because it’s a large charter base, or because there are katabathic winds. It is with a little apprehension then that we are preparing to dock in that harbor.

Milna Harbour

There are three marinas. We decide to have a look around. Some of the pilots talk about a free pontoon. We find no sign of a free pontoon (Actually it is on the S side, facing the city wall). One of the marinas looks packed with winterized charter boats. ACI marina is at the far end of the fjord. We are tempted by a brand new jetty. It looks like a municipal dock. It has a couple of large tourist ships moored.

There is plenty of space. However, the jetty seems dangerous to moor alongside with passing boats. We decide to check in at the first: Marina Vlaska (+385 99 800 96 01 info@marinavlaska.com). It seems to have a pontoon with lazy lines facing the entrance. Some boats the size of ours are moored on the sides. We try several times to call on VHF 17. There is no response. We decide to dock and see what happens. A helpful and nice guy rushes to the pier to assist us. Despite some wind, it is a pretty smooth mooring. We are told that we are the first boat of the year to check in.

The marina is small, quiet, with nice toilets and showers, and 5 minutes walk from the village on foot.

We have paid a second visit to Milna, later, and this time, we docked at the city wall. Some charter boats were on a training mission. They practiced approaches to the dock. Later, they docked at the pontoon on the other side of the bay.

Docked at the still unfinished Milna city quai.

The city dock is brand new and unfinished. As of April 2025, it does not yet offer water or electricity. These amenities are in the works. A self-styled city representative showed up and asked for 40 EUR for one night (15 m monohull). You have to be careful about the depth. The space alongside the quai is not properly dredged. There are (April 2025) piles of debris in certain places.

A Sailor’s Guide to Milna, Brač

Milna is nestled on the western coast of Brač Island. It is a picturesque harbor town renowned for its deep, sheltered bay. Additionally, it has a rich maritime heritage. Known as “Valle di mille navi” (the valley of a thousand ships), Milna is a favored spot. Sailors exploring the Dalmatian coast have long anchored here.


Harbor & Marinas

Milna has three well-equipped marinas. They provide over 300 berths and protection from all winds. This makes it the nautical center of Brač.(Turistička zajednica)

ACI Marina Milna
  • Location: Southeast part of Milna harbor
  • Coordinates: 43°19.60′ N, 16°27.00′ E
  • Berths: 155 (max length 40 m, depth 2.3–6 m)
  • Facilities: Electricity, water, sanitary facilities, boat lift, slipway, waste recycling
  • Contact: +385 21 636 306 | aci.m.milna@aci-club.hr
  • Websiteaci-marinas.com
Marina Vlaška
  • Location: Northern part of Milna cove, surrounded by pine forest
  • Coordinates: 43°19’33.9″N, 16°26’55.8″E
  • Contact: +385 21 636 247 | marinavlaska.eu
Marina Milna (Kanarija)
  • Location: Town quay area
  • Contact: +385 21 636 306

Pilotage Plan: Entering & Exiting Milna Harbor

Approach:

  • Landmark: Islet of Mrduja (2.5 NM west of Milna) with green lighthouse (Fl G 3s 14m 4M)
  • Route: Pass Cape Bijaka with red lighthouse (Fl R 3s 8m 3M)
  • Entrance: Red lighthouse on port side (Fl(2) R 5s 7m 4M)

Navigation Tips:

  • The harbor is free of hazards and offers deep anchorage.
  • Arrive early afternoon (~14:00) to secure a mooring line, especially during peak season.
  • Be cautious of catamaran ferries entering and exiting the harbor, which can create wash.

Climate

Milna enjoys a Mediterranean climate with approximately 70% sunny days annually. The area is free from industrial pollution, ensuring clear skies and pristine sea conditions.


Restaurants

1. Restaurant Palma

2. Konoba Gajeta

3. Restaurant OmO

4. Konoba Barba Luka

  • Cuisine: Local specialties
  • Contact: +385 91 333 4531

️Shops & Services

Milna offers various amenities including supermarkets, bakeries, and local artisan shops. For nautical needs, the marinas provide essential services such as fuel stations, maintenance, and provisioning.(Traveling.com)


Connections

Ferry Services:

  • Operators: Krilo Shipping Company, Kapetan Luka, Jadrolinija, TP Line
  • Destinations: Split, Hvar, Dubrovnik, Korčula, Vis, Pomena
  • Schedules: Up to 18 journeys per day in high season
  • Websitecroatiaferries.com

Road Access:

  • Milna is connected to Supetar (20 km away) via the D114 road. From Supetar, ferries to Split are available.

History & Landmarks

Milna’s origins trace back to the 16th century, established by settlers from Nerežišća. Notable historical sites include:

  • Cerinić Family Fortress: A defensive structure against pirates.
  • Church of Our Lady of Annunciation: Features Venetian paintings and a Baroque bell tower.
  • Studenac Well: An ancient water source dating to Illyrian and Roman times.
  • Gothic Chapel in Osibova Bay: Remnants of a historic chapel.

Emergency Services

Emergensea Milna (Brač) – South Adriatic Office


Milna offers a harmonious blend of nautical facilities, historical charm, and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for sailors seeking both adventure and tranquility.

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