Full Description & Details
Luka Gornji Molunat is the southern of two bays flanking the village of Molunat, the last settlement on Croatia's southern coast before the border with Montenegro. The bay is a natural anchorage rather than a developed marina, and its character is quiet and remote. The village consists of a few old villas and a campsite, with no nightlife to speak of. The bay's name can be confusing: Gornji Molunat lies to the south, while Donji Molunat is the northern bay, which is too deep for comfortable anchoring. The southern bay, Gornji Molunat, is the ideal spot to drop the hook.
The anchorage offers good protection, making it a suitable overnight stop. Holding is generally good on the bottom, though the exact composition is not specified in available sources. The bay is deep enough for most cruising yachts, but the northern bay's excessive depth is the reason skippers prefer the southern side. There are no designated berths or moorings; anchoring is the only option. The bay is marked on nautical charts at a scale of 1:1100, and a light marks the entrance on the north side, aiding night approaches.
Facilities are minimal. A small shop in the village offers a limited selection of provisions, so plan to stock up before arriving. The village has a campsite, which may have basic amenities, but there is no marina office, fuel dock, or chandlery. Water and electricity are not available at the anchorage. For anything beyond basic supplies, the nearest larger town is Dubrovnik, about 30 kilometers to the northwest, or Cavtat, closer but still requiring a trip ashore.
Safety is straightforward: the bay is sheltered and suitable for overnight anchoring in settled conditions. The best season is the summer months, when the weather is stable and the sea is calm. There are no known restrictions on anchoring, but the bay is small, so space may be limited in peak season. The nearest airport is Dubrovnik/Cilipi, about 18.5 kilometers away, useful for crew changes. Overall, Luka Gornji Molunat is a peaceful, off-the-beaten-path anchorage for those seeking solitude at the end of Croatia.
How to get there
Approach Luka Gornji Molunat from the sea, heading toward the village of Molunat on the southern Croatian coast. The bay is the southern of the two bays at the village; the northern bay, Donji Molunat, is deeper and less suitable for anchoring. A light on the north side of the entrance (listed as E3616) marks the way in, and the bay is covered by a detailed chart at 1:1100.
There are no reported hazards in the approach, but always consult the latest charts for depths and any local obstructions. There is no VHF channel published for this anchorage; it is an open bay, not a marina with a working channel. Once anchored, the village of Molunat is ashore, with a small shop and a campsite.
The nearest airport is Dubrovnik/Cilipi, about 18.5 kilometers away, and the town of Dubrovnik is roughly 30 kilometers to the northwest. There is no formal port of entry here; for customs or immigration formalities, you would need to clear at a designated port such as Dubrovnik or Cavtat. Land access from the anchorage is by dinghy to the shore, where the village is within walking distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Luka Gornji Molunat a good anchorage for overnight stays?
Yes, Luka Gornji Molunat is ideal for anchoring overnight, as the southern bay offers good protection and is suitable for a night at anchor.
What is the depth like in Luka Gornji Molunat?
The southern bay of Luka Gornji Molunat is not too deep for anchoring, unlike the northern bay (Donji Molunat) which is too deep for comfortable anchoring.
Are there any facilities at Luka Gornji Molunat?
Facilities are minimal: a small shop with a limited selection and a campsite in the village. There is no marina, fuel dock, or water/electricity at the anchorage.
How do I navigate into Luka Gornji Molunat?
Approach the bay from the sea, using the light on the north side of the entrance (E3616) as a guide. The bay is charted at 1:1100, and there is no published VHF channel.
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