NORTHERN ADRIATIC ISLANDS

ISLAND OF CRES

KALDONTA (44° 38'N; 14° 27'E), cove and point in Losinjski kanal on the SW coast of the island of Cres.

Mooring: The cove is sheltered from all winds and offers good anchorage to smaller yachts, which can anchor in the middle of the cove or use the bollards (four-point moor) at the far end of the harbour, bows-to SW.

OSORSKI TJESNAC, narrow straits (100 m long, 12 m wide) between the islands of Cres and Losinj connecting the Bay of Osor with the Losinj channel. It is navigable for vessels drawing up to 2.6 m. The village and small harbour of Osor (pop. 80 in 1991).

On the S part of the straits there is a turning bridge (vertical clearance 1.5 m); the islands of Cres and Losinj are connected by road. The bridge is opened from 9 am to 5 pm toll-free. The speed of the vessels is limited to 5 knots. Vessels coming from the south must be given right of way. Vessels waiting at the N entrance may moor along the waterfront for passenger ships. On both entrances to the straits there are underwater cables and in the middle of the straits there is a pipeline.

Currents in the straits are variable and attain a rate of up to 6 knots. The bora is strong at the N entrance and the sirocco at the S entrance. They cause a considerable sea. Winds from NE and SE quadrants make the approach to the S entrance difficult. Five white stone markings at this entrance should be left on the W side.

Mooring: Boats can moor along the E waterfront (for the passenger ships) in front of the N entrance to the straits (depth 3.54.5 m), which is reserved for passenger ships. Vessels can anchor in the Bijar cove, somewhat N of the straits.

Facilities: Post office, tourist office, shops, restaurants and coffee-bars. Archaeological museum in Osor.

Water from the main, provisions in shops.

Osor summer musical evenings, international event held each year.

Sights (in Osor). The remains of Roman town walls near Bijar cove (dating from the time when the straits were constructed); foundations of temples and public buildings; the ruins of an early Christian cathedral (6 C), of a Benedictine abbey (11 C) and of the Romanesque churches of Sv Marko and Sv Katarina; the former cathedral of Sv Marija (1498), the old Town Hall (now the Town Museum with a collection of stone monuments), the ruins of Sv Marija church (late 15 C) in Bijar. The Juraj Dalmatinac Gallery.