Silba

From Skipper2Skipper

Latest Information

General

Silba, an island in the Zadar archipelago, southeast of Losinj Island; area 15 sq km; population 221; the highest peak of the island is Vrh (80 m). Short dry valleys descend to the coast, terminating in small coves, of which Papranica and Pernastica lie in the northern part of the island and Sveti Ante and Nozdre in the south of the island. The annual air temperature reaches 16.4 °C. Silba ranks among the sunniest islands of the Adriatic; 2,750 hours of sunshine a year. Macchia dominates the island's vegetation cover; the forest of holm oak expands mostly over the north-western part of the island. The only village on the island, Silba, developed on the narrowest central part of the island, between the west and east ports. Officially Silba's population is 265 (2001) but it varies seasonally; from few hundred, mainly pensioners, in the winter to several thousands during summer months as many people have jobs and properties on the mainland. There is also an influx of tourists during the summer months as tourism is now the main economic activity on the island.

Approaches

SILBA

(44° 22.5'N; 14° 42.4'E) A village and eastern harbour of the island. Landmarks: the quadrangular red tower with a column and gallery (red light) on the head of the breakwater and the red tower in the village.

Sights: Uznesenje Marijino church (Assumption of the Virgin, 1637, paintings, the crown of the 'peasant king' elected each year by the local population to reign from December 26 until January 6); parts of fortifications built against pirates (16 C), the Belvedere tower Toreta (19 C).

Silba if full with rich vegetation and beautiful little sandy or gravelled bays which are very important for a pleasant vacation in the untouched nature but also for development of nautical tourism. It is also important to say that Silba has been nominated for Nature park status. On the island you can find restaurants, caffe-bars, shops, post, exchange office and travell agency where you can get all kind of information.

Weather

The climate is characterized by clear, warm and dry summers and mild and humid winters. The transitional seasons spring and autumn have the characteristics of both summer and winter. The Adriatic is often influenced by different, often adverse, climatic and weather conditions. The diversity and frequent changes of the weather have a very favourable impact on the life and activities of the people and make the Adriatic ever more interesting and more attractive to those sailing it. The temperature of the air is Mediterranean mild. The sea has a very favourable impact on the air temperature. In winter it warms up the air arriving from the mainland, and cools the hot air in summer. The mean air temperatures the Adriatic ranges from 14°C in the north to 18°C in the south which means the progressing south the temperature rises. In the northern area of the Adriatic the mean temperature is 2°C (the estuary of the PO) while the central and southern parts it is above 10°C.

Marinas and Anchorages

SILBA

(44° 22.5'N; 14° 42.4'E) The eastern harbour of the island The harbour is protected from all winds except the bora and tramontana. During these winds it is advisable to leave the harbour and seek shelter on the W coast of the island. Smaller yachts can moor along the inner side of the breakwarter which is arranged as a marina (depths 23 m); at the head of the breakwater there is a submerged pile of stones (up to 5 m). Along the head of the inner quay there is a landing ground for local passenger boats. The anchorage for yachts is situated some 250m off the harbour (depth 1015 m)

Facilities

• Harbour master's branch office;
• post office;
• medical service;
• chemist's;
• restaurants and shops.

ZZALIC

44° 22.4' N; 14° 41.8'E A cove and the western harbour of the village of Silba.

The harbour is sheltered only from the bora and the easterlies; yachts should leave when W and NW winds start blowing. The SE end of the pier is reserved for passenger ships. Smaller yachts can moor at both sides of the pier (depth 1.55.4 m) but only in calm weather and the bora; if all berths are taken, they should use the four-point moor. A good anchorage for larger yachts is NW of the harbour (depth 2540 m); for smaller yachts a good shelter from the bora is some 400m NW of the demolished part of the breakwater.

Facilities

• Limited water supply;
• provisions and other shopping in local shops.