A small and often overlooked island in the Zadar archipelago, Rava is separated from Dugi Otok by the Ravski Kanal on its western side, and from the island of Iž by the Ižki Kanal on its eastern side. The island is only 5 km long, with its widest point reaching just 1.3 km. Despite its small size, Rava boasts over 15 km of coastline and 14 coves, many of which are ideal for anchoring and overnight stays.
The largest settlement on the island is Rava, located inland above the port of Vela Rava. Two other bays are inhabited: Mala Rava in the north and Vela Rava. According to the 2001 census, 147 inhabitants were registered on the island. The current population remains uncertain.
A Nautically Appealing Island
Rava surprises with its offerings. Although small, the island is well-suited for nautical visits. It has two small harbors for docking and overnight stays, a mooring area with buoys, and several coves suitable for anchoring and spending the night. Three coves have taverns, and in the port of Vela Rava, there is a small shop where you can stock up on basic necessities.
Let’s explore where you can dock on the island and what the ports and coves offer.
Approaching Rava from the north, you’ll first arrive at the charming small port of Mala Rava on the island’s western side, situated in Lokvina Bay. Mala Rava is a ferry port connecting the island with the mainland. You can dock your vessel side-by-side along the shore or at one of the buoys in the bay. Overnight stays must be paid for. For short stops, you may dock side-by-side in the ferry area when there is no ferry. There are two taverns in the bay, but no water or electricity. South of Lokvina Bay is the large bay of Vičabok, offering good protection from southern and eastern winds. You can anchor on your own anchor in this bay. Depths range from 2 to 10 m, with a sandy bottom that holds anchors well. There are plenty of options if you prefer to tie your stern to the shore.
The next bay is Paladinica, with a concession mooring area featuring 20 buoys. Overnight stays here are chargeable. The bay is protected from the winds, although tramontana causes waves during storms. For good storm protection, the next bay with the port of Vela Rava offers safe harbor. A regular ferry connects the port with Iž and Zadar. You can dock along the reinforced shore when the ferry is not in port. For overnight stays, buoys or moorings are available on the northeastern or northwestern pier near the tavern. A small store is also available here to stock up on basic necessities.
Continuing south, you’ll reach Grbavac Bay after just 1 nmi. A tavern known for its quality food preparation awaits here. There are 10 moorings and 5 buoys available in front of the tavern. A concession has been granted for this bay, and overnight stays must be paid for. Like Mala Rava and Vela Rava, Grbavac Bay has no water or electricity supply. The closest place to get water is in Luka on Dugi Otok, about 5 nmi away.
The western side of the island features two more coves suitable for anchoring and overnight stays. The first is Martinica, and just 0.5 nmi south is Golubovac. Both coves offer good protection from eastern and northern winds, with sandy bottoms that hold anchors well.
The Eastern Side is Less Interesting
The eastern side of the island is less frequented. It has only four coves where you can anchor on your own anchor. The first is Pestehovac, offering good protection from northern and western winds. Its sandy bottom provides secure anchorage. This bay is rarely visited, even during the summer season. It is mostly frequented by day-trippers who return to their departure ports in the afternoon. If you decide to stay overnight, you may find yourself alone even in the height of summer. A little over half a mile north lies a similar bay, Pavajsko, which offers good protection from southern and western winds. There is a small stone pier here for local boats, and you can dock with a dinghy. You can anchor in depths between 2 and 10 m.
Ivanoševa and Valšina bays provide minimal protection from the winds. The seabed depths increase quickly, making them less suitable for anchoring. Similarly, Tanko Bay on the island’s northern end, opposite Mala Rava, has a submarine power cable laid in its southern part, so anchoring within 300 m of the marker is prohibited.
With Tanko Bay, we have completed a tour around the island of Rava. If you wish to escape the summer nautical bustle and enjoy a peaceful vacation, Rava Island is ideal for you. We highly recommend planning a stop at the island while sailing north to the Kornati or back.
Mala Rava Port, Lokvina from the air
Source: enavtika.si