Osor
From CruisersWiki
The village of Osor lies on the SW coast of the island of Cres in Croatia, on the E side of a narrow channel separating Cres from the island of Losinj immediately W. Originally joined to Losinj, the channel was dug by the Romans, who also constructed the settlement of Osor nearby. The settlement fell into disuse with the increasing size of cargo vessels plying the trade routes along the coast and Osor remained something of a ghost village until the advent of tourism. The channel is spanned by a swing bridge and shallow draft yachts can pass through here, although depths on the S side of the channel are as little as 2.0 metres.
Charts
- British Admiralty
- 202
- Croatian
- 100 - 16 (Pula - Kvarner)
- Imray
- M23 (Adriatic Sea)
Weather
Diurnal winds among the islands are mostly moderate during the summer months, predominantly from NW and rarely exceeding force 4/5, although gusting is common in narrow channels between islands and on the lee side of headlands. At night, katabatic winds off the mountains affect some of the islands close to the mainland coast. During early spring and (especially) autumn conditions can be more unsettled, occasionally accompanied by violent thunderstorms - luckily of short duration - with winds of 30-35 knots or more and vicious, steep seas. In the winter the sudden, violent N wind off the mountains, the bora, is much to be feared, especially along the coast from Rijeka down to Zadar, although its effects can be felt as far south as Split.
Equally prevalent in winter - although not uncommon in summer - is the scirocco, a S/SE wind that blows up from North Africa, usually in advance of a depression moving E across the Mediterranean. Unlike the bora, the scirocco only occasionally exceeds gale force, but is still a phenomenon to be wary of, especially if on a lee coast.
For sources of weather forecasting, see Croatia.
Passages
See Croatia.
Islands
There are no dangers in the approach from N. In the approach from W, a yacht should keep at least half a mile off the headland of Rt. Osor to avoid rocky shallows marked with a N cardinal mark. In the approach from S, the depths shoal progressively until entering the narrow channel up to Osor, which is marked by a series of beacons on the W side. Depths in the channel are variable, with least depths of 2.0 metres. Currents can be strong in the channel from either direction, depending on the tides, and have been reported to reach 6.0 knots at times. At Osor, the channel is 6.0 metres wide and has a depth of 2.5 metres. The road bridge which crosses it swings open on request between 0900 and 1700.
Entrance
Osor is not a port of entry. The nearest port of entry is Mali Losinj on the island of Losinj.
Berthing
A yacht can moor alongside the quay on the N side of the bridge, where there are depths of 3.0 - 3.5 metres, for a visit to the town. The berth here is only suitable in settled weather, however, as there is a dangerous swell with any strong winds from N. On the S side of the bridge there is a pontoon in depths of 2.0 - 2.5 metres where it may be possible for a shallow draft visiting yacht to moor temporarily stern/bows-to among the local boats. There are laid moorings on the pontoon. Shelter here is good in the prevailing winds but poor with southerlies.
Marinas & Yacht Clubs
None.
Anchorages
None.
Yacht Repairs and Services
Marine Stores
None.
Repairs/Yards
None/
Fuel, Water, & Electricity
None.
Things to do Ashore
Tourism
The village of Osor has been beautifully restored over the years and resembles nothing less than an open air museum today. It is a delight to explore on foot, its main square lined with 15th and 16th century stone houses and decorated with sculptures by several of Croatia’s leading artists. Parts of the original Roman walls still survive and the former town hall, with a beautiful Venetian loggia, is now a museum. The village also contains a restored bishop’s palace and impressive cathedral with a Venetian bell tower. A few hundred metres N along the coast is Bijar cove, a small bay with a ruined Franciscan monastery with Glagolitic inscriptions on its bell tower.
Grocery & Supply Stores
Small grocery shop in the village.
Eateries
- Several restaurants in the village.
- The Konoba Livio has a vine-shaded terrace and is excellent for seafood and very tasty local draught white wine.
Internet/WiFi
None.
Laundry
None.
Motorbike & Car Rentals
None.
Garbage Disposal
Bins in the village.
Transportation
Buses to Cres Town.
Friends
Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.
Forums
List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)
Links
- Osor at the Wikipedia
- Osor info
- List of all Croatian marinas
- List of government-owned ACI marinas
- Croatian National Tourist Board
- Find Croatia travel guide
- Wikipedia - Croatia
References & Publications
See entry for Croatia.
Comments
We welcome users' contributions to the Wiki. Please click on Comments to view other users' comments, add your own personal experiences or recommend any changes to this page following your visit.
Verified by
Date of member's last visit to Osor and this page's details validated:
- August 2004 --Athene of Lymington 12:41, 20 August 2011 (BST)
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Names: Athene of Lymington |