Full Description & Details
Bigova is a tiny fishing hamlet at the head of a sheltered inlet in the Bay of Traste, about seven miles southeast of the entrance to the Gulf of Kotor. The village, of some 30–40 houses and holiday apartments, retains its traditional character with antique wooden boats and fishing nets still in daily use. Two restaurants and a small shop are the only commercial outlets, set against a backdrop of green hills and crystal-clear waters. A small beach (Stone Beach) offers a mix of concrete, rock, and sand for swimming and snorkelling.
The inlet provides good protection from all directions except strong N and NW winds, which can send a swell into the bay and make conditions uncomfortable. Depths in the bay range from 2 to 14 metres. Visiting yachts have three berthing options: the village quay (2.5–3.5 m depth), mostly occupied by local boats; 8 mooring buoys (3–6 m) laid by restaurant Grispolis; and anchorage north of the buoys on sand and weed in 6–7 m, with good holding. Anchoring in other parts of the bay at about 5 m is also possible. There is no dockmaster or VHF monitoring.
Facilities are minimal ashore. No fuel, water, or electricity are available on the quay – the nearest supplies are at Tivat or Kotor. The two restaurants, Grispolis and Pod Volatom, serve fresh local seafood, and a small shop stocks basic provisions. Garbage bins are provided, but there is no chandlery, repair service, laundry, or public transport. Sailors are advised to have their own means of getting to town.
Navigation: the main hazard is Greben Kalafat reef, located SE of Rt Traste. Despite a pole marker, it requires a wide berth of at least 250 metres. Once inside, the inlet is well sheltered except in the noted wind conditions. The summer months (June–September) offer warm seas (26°C) and sunny weather, making this an ideal stop for a quiet night. Overnight stays are unrestricted, and the bay has become a favourite hideaway for cruising yachts. A hiking trail from the beach leads to Horizonti Beach for those who wish to explore on foot.
How to get there
From the north (Gulf of Kotor), the approach to Bigova is straightforward: steer into Zaliv Traste and follow the coastline until the inlet opens. The hamlet remains hidden until well inside the bay. From the south, the chief danger is Greben Kalafat reef, lying SE of Rt Traste.
Although marked by a pole, the reef should be given a wide berth of at least 250 metres. Once clear, head for the obvious inlet where the mooring buoys and village quay become visible. No VHF channel is published for Bigova.
Land access is minimal: there is no public transport to the village, so cruisers are advised to rely on their own tender or vehicle. The nearest towns with full services are Tivat and Kotor, reachable by taxi or private car.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I anchor or stay overnight in Bigova bay?
Yes, overnight anchoring is allowed and common. The best spot is north of the mooring buoys in 6–7 m on sand and weed, providing good holding.
What are the depths in Bigova harbour?
The bay ranges from 2–14 m. The village quay has 2.5–3.5 m, the mooring buoys 3–6 m, and the preferred anchorage 6–7 m.
Are there any mooring buoys for visiting yachts in Bigova?
Yes, restaurant Grispolis maintains approximately 8 mooring buoys with depths of 3–6 m, available on a first-come basis.
Does Bigova have fuel or water on the quay?
No, there are no fuel, water, or electricity hook-ups ashore. The nearest fuel dock is in Tivat or Kotor.
How well is Bigova protected from wind?
The inlet is well protected from all directions except strong N and NW winds, which can create a swell. In settled weather it offers calm conditions.
What facilities are available ashore in Bigova?
Two seafood restaurants (Grispolis and Pod Volatom), a small provisions shop, and some garbage bins. No chandlery, laundry, or repair services.
What is the main navigation hazard when approaching Bigova?
Greben Kalafat reef, SE of Rt Traste, must be avoided by giving it a wide berth of at least 250 m, even though it is marked by a pole.
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