Molunat Gornji (Molonta piccola)

Molunat Gornji (Small Molonta) is a small village in the southernmost part of Croatia, a few miles from the border with Montenegro. The name is derived from the Greek word molos, ports, and the settlement has about 100 souls mostly fishermen and workers in the tourist industry. Basic services are offered such as: mini-market, sale of fresh fish at the ports, post office, but also a dive equipment store. If you are arriving from Montenegro and want to enter Croatia then you have to head to Cavtat (a town to the north with harbormaster’s offices) to do the entry paperwork. The area being on the border is highly controlled by law enforcement. The town is in close proximity to Dubrovnik airport (40 km); a bus or cab can take you downtown in no time.

Given the size and population density here one cannot hope to find much nightlife, although in high season the place is frequented by tourists staying in the various apartments available. The place is very quiet and relaxing, and there are pebble beaches in the vicinity of Molunat, plus the season here is long, even in May and September the days are warm.

Since the time of the Republic of Ragusa in the 15th century, the anchorage has been considered as an ideal spot for boats to anchor, in the village there are also remains of the ancient fortifications, so one can be very quiet and drop anchor in this bay. Between the mainland and the two islets you are well protected and the depth is 8 meters, 3 meters instead at the dock moorings. For night entry from the southwest there are two lights, a beacon on the left located on the larger island, white light flashing 15 seconds and a light on the right with white light flashing 3 seconds, Recommended to keep to the right and stay close to the second light described for easier entry.

The bay may be a good choice as an intermediate stop before a visit to the coast of Montenegro, avoiding the crowding usually created in Cavtat but forgoing some services such as water and electricity. As a final recommendation, landing on the nearby Prevlaka peninsula is not recommended; the soil is Croatian but until recently was the subject of contention between the 2 countries given its strategic location; in 2010 there was still a UN Blue Helmets garrison there. Present on the southern tip of the peninsula is a 10-second white flashing beacon.