Marina Bilo Idro in Sveta Nedjelja – berths for yachts up to 40 metres, restaurant and underwater wine cellar in Hvar

Marina Bilo Idro is located in Sveta Nedjelja, a small village on the southern coast of Hvar, beneath steep vineyards of the indigenous Plavac Mali grape and towering cliffs leading up to Mount Sveti Nikola. This small marina, also known as Marina Zlatan Otok, is particularly appealing to sailors seeking a quieter part of Hvar, where they can enjoy Dalmatian cuisine and sample renowned wines from the island's southern slopes. Although it has a limited number of berths, the outer breakwater can accommodate larger yachts up to 40 metres in length.

The unique feature of Bilo Idro is the combination of a small marina, a seaside restaurant, and a wine cellar located beneath the sea. Rather than a large nautical centre with numerous shops and services, everything is within a few steps: boat berths, the restaurant terrace, a wine tasting room, and the stone houses of Sveta Nedjelja. It is a pleasant spot for a short stop during sailing along the southern coast of Hvar, as well as for overnight stays when weather conditions permit safe harbouring.

Berths at Marina Bilo Idro – from small sailboats to large yachts

The marina consists of an inner harbour and an outer breakwater, with mooring options varying depending on the size of the vessel and the location of the berth.

Inner marina is designated for smaller boats and yachts, with the capacity to accept vessels up to 18 metres in length and a draft of up to 4 metres. However, the harbour basin and its entrance are quite narrow, making manoeuvring more challenging, especially for larger sailing and motor yachts. For easier and safer entry, vessels up to approximately 15 metres are more practical, while larger boats should check availability and manoeuvring options in advance.

Outer breakwater allows for the accommodation of significantly larger yachts, up to 40 metres in length and a draft of up to 7 metres. These berths are particularly attractive to larger motor yachts and sailing boats that cannot safely manoeuvre in the inner basin. However, the outer area is considerably more exposed to waves, making weather conditions crucial when deciding on mooring and overnight stays.

The marina has approximately 15 berths, depending on the arrangement and size of the vessels. Due to its limited capacity during July and August, it is advisable to book a spot in advance, especially for larger vessels.

Water depth, mooring and wind protection

Bilo Idro is situated on the southern coast of Hvar, which is open to the south. The marina's location is very pleasant for a seaside stay, but careful planning is required for entering when strong winds are blowing.

The inner basin offers better protection from the open sea, but the entrance is narrow, and the turning space is limited. It is particularly important to accurately assess the vessel's manoeuvring capabilities and avoid entering under adverse conditions.

The outer breakwater is intended for larger yachts but is more exposed to waves, especially during the sirocco wind. Although the maximum declared draft in the outer section is 7 metres, the depth is not uniform at every berth. Therefore, it is essential to confirm the actual depth at the assigned location before entering, as well as the possibility of safe mooring for a specific length and draft of the boat.

During strong sirocco winds, Bilo Idro is not the best choice for unprotected overnight stays on the outer breakwater. In such conditions, it is wiser to seek a safer harbour or wait for improved weather.

Nautical services – water, electricity and sanitary facilities

Marina Bilo Idro provides basic services necessary for a short stay for sailors.

At the berths, connections for water and electricity are available, while the marina includes showers and toilets. This equipment allows for the replenishment of the boat and a comfortable break for the crew during their voyage.

Bilo Idro is not a large service marina. One should not expect a fuel station, a lift for larger vessels, or extensive repair and maintenance services within the marina. For such needs, larger ports on Hvar and nearby islands are more practical.

The main advantage of this marina is its location and the ability to go for lunch, dinner, or wine tasting immediately after mooring, without the need for additional transport.

Restaurant Bilo Idro and Zlatan Otok wines

Adjacent to the berths is the Restaurant Bilo Idro, situated on a stone waterfront, with a terrace by the sea offering views of the boats and the southern coast of Hvar.

The restaurant is known for its traditional Dalmatian cuisine, particularly fresh fish and seafood specialities. Among its attractions is a seawater pool where live lobsters and other seafood are kept.

Bilo Idro is part of the wine and gastronomic story of the renowned Hvar winery Zlatan Otok. Its vineyards of Plavac Mali are located on the steep, sun-drenched slopes above Sveta Nedjelja, and the wines are an important part of the restaurant and tasting room's offerings.

The most unusual attraction of the complex is located below sea level. This is the underwater wine cellar, featuring windows through which one can observe the seabed and fish swimming around the structure. Such a wine space is a rarity among Croatian marinas and one of the reasons why Bilo Idro attracts visitors who come to Sveta Nedjelja by land.

For organised tastings and tours of the wine cellar, it is best to arrange a visit in advance.

Sveta Nedjelja – a small harbour beneath vineyards and high cliffs

One of the main features of Marina Bilo Idro is its surroundings. Above the harbour rise the vineyards of Plavac Mali, arranged on steep stone terraces, and even higher, the towering cliffs that dominate the southern coast of Hvar.

Sveta Nedjelja is a small village without large hotel complexes and a vibrant nightlife. Along the coast, there are several restaurants and bathing spots, while the older part of the settlement stretches uphill, among stone houses, gardens, and vineyards.

For sailors who prefer quieter moorings, this is a significant advantage. After arrival, it is possible to stroll through the village, swim, or dine by the sea, without the crowds of larger island tourist centres.

The marina is particularly interesting during sailing between the western part of Hvar, Vis, and other Dalmatian islands, when Sveta Nedjelja can be a pleasant place for a break or a short visit.

What to visit near Marina Bilo Idro?

Immediately west of the marina is Veli Kamik, a large rock with a solitary pine tree on top, connected by a bridge to the mainland. Once serving as a boat landing, it is now one of the most recognisable landmarks of Sveta Nedjelja.

East of the marina lies Zogon Beach, a small natural cove with a large rock providing shade during part of the day. It can be reached on foot from the village.

For history enthusiasts, the Cave of Sveta Nedjelja is particularly interesting, located high above the village. In this large natural cave, remnants of an Augustinian monastery and the Church of Our Lady of Snow are preserved, and a hiking trail leads to it from the village.

Sveta Nedjelja is also known for sport climbing, the Via Ferrata Hvar, and the hiking ascent to Sveti Nikola, the highest peak on the island of Hvar.

Arrival by car and parking near the marina

To reach Sveta Nedjelja by car, the most common route is via Ivan Dolac. From the direction of Jelsa, the road leads through Pitve and the Pitve – Zavala tunnel, continuing through Zavala and Ivan Dolac to Sveta Nedjelja.

Marina Bilo Idro is located in the lower part of the village, right by the sea. Access to the marina area is via a local road, and parking is available in permitted spaces around the marina.

During the main tourist season, parking space is limited, especially in the evenings when guests from other places come to the restaurant. Access to the berths and port areas should be kept clear.

Guests staying in Sveta Nedjelja can easily reach the marina on foot, although returning to the higher parts of the village involves an uphill walk.

Useful information

  • Location: Sveta Nedjelja, southern coast of Hvar.
  • Alternative name: Marina Zlatan Otok.
  • Type of marina: Small seasonal marina with a restaurant and wine tasting room.
  • Number of berths: Approximately 15, depending on the size and arrangement of vessels.
  • Inner basin: Vessels up to 18 m in length and up to 4 m draft; due to the narrow entrance and limited manoeuvring space, it is more practical for vessels up to approximately 15 m.
  • Outer breakwater: Yachts up to 40 m in length and up to 7 m draft, subject to checking depth and conditions at the specific berth.
  • Mooring: Available at inner and outer berths, according to the size of the vessel and available space.
  • Boat supplies: Connections for water and electricity.
  • Sanitary facilities: Showers and toilets.
  • Wind protection: The inner basin is more sheltered; the outer breakwater is more exposed to waves, especially during sirocco.
  • Berth reservation: Recommended during the main tourist season.
  • Restaurant: Bilo Idro, offering Dalmatian cuisine and seafood specialities.
  • Wine offerings: Zlatan Otok wines, tastings, and underwater wine cellar.
  • Operating season: Generally from mid-May to mid-October.
  • Arrival by land: Via road through Ivan Dolac to the coastal part of Sveta Nedjelja.
  • Parking: Limited number of permitted parking spaces around the marina.
  • Nearby: Veli Kamik, Zogon Beach, Cave of Sveta Nedjelja, and vineyards of Plavac Mali.