The island of Ist, located in the Zaratino Archipelago, has a small pier with a dock for recreational boats. The harbor is located in the village of Ist, which overlooks Siroka Bay. It has 66 berths and is well-equipped, making the island a very attractive destination for boaters.
At the breakwater and the small north pier, there are mooring buoys, a current, and water. During peak season, you can moor at a wooden pier secured to the south side of the breakwater, taking care to avoid the shallow rocks. When the Bora blows, there are very strong gusts, and the Scirocco creates some waves. Anchorages west of the pier are not permitted due to ferry traffic. The port has mooring buoys, so in windy weather, it’s best to tie up inside the breakwater. The marina is open from April through November.
To reach the port, you must sail past Cape Jabučni in the southeast of the island and proceed through the Zapuntel Strait, between Ist and the nearby island of Molat, before entering Široka Bay. The town of Ist is located at the end of the bay and is protected from the sirocco by a large pier. The passenger ferry connecting Ist with Zadar docks at the head of the pier.
Ist resembles a butterfly flying northward, with its wings separated by a short, narrow valley between two inlets. The town has shops, restaurants, the Harbor Master’s Office, the post office, and a diving center. A trail leads to Mount Straza (174 meters above sea level), which overlooks the village and is home to a small church. From the summit, you can enjoy a view of the island of Molat and Dugi Otok.
The hillsides are forested and covered with olive groves and vineyards. Off the western coast lie numerous islets, and others can be found to the south near the island of Molat, from which Ist is separated by a channel. The coastline is steep and covered with shrubs, except for the southern part. Here, there are sandy beaches lapped by crystal-clear waters in small bays shaded by pine trees.
Ist restaurants serve excellent wines and oils that accompany dishes of freshly caught fish, lobster, octopus, crab, and snapper.
