Zapuntel

Zapuntel (Zapuntello) is located on the island of Molat (Melada), which is part of the Zadar Archipelago. The village is a good choice for mooring since it is a good alternative to the port of Ist, which is often crowded in the summer period. It also consists of the area adjacent to the pier and the old town center that climbs the hill. From here there is a road that connects all the settlements on the island very well.The island’s economy besides tourism is very much related to agriculture and fishing. For those who can appreciate nature and silence this location is perfect, for those seeking a more active vacation the stop is not recommended.

The island has a little more than 20 square kilometers and 200 inhabitants, the tourist who loves the Mediterranean scrub will be able to enjoy walks in the green with special reference to the variety of flowers, in times past honey was produced on the island (hence the name), there is also a notable presence of rosemary. The flora and fauna have remained intact on the island, there are few tourists and concrete has not yet arrived here.

At the ports of Zapuntel there are numerous buoys that can also be found in Mljake Bay just across the way. The head of the pier is reserved for the ferry while in the remaining part there are places available (few) where the water depth is 3 meters. Places can also be found at the inner pier on the west side where, however, the water depth is only 1.5 meters.

It is advisable to consult the chart carefully given the many hazards within the strait such as shoals, reefs and islets, also when maneuvering consider that the current here reaches 3 knots .

For entrance to the port facing the strait coming from the south rely on the flashing red and white light (4 seconds), arrived about half a mile from the strait keep to the right, will be visible the isolated distress signal with two overlapping black spheres on the left side. Facing the strait from the north rely on the flashing white light beacon (2 seconds).

Particular attention to strong bora, which can cause undertow. This wind can be found all along the Adriatic coast and can blow suddenly from the northeast. Gusts are violent especially when there is good weather, the difference in pressure and temperature between the interior of the continent and the coast creates this wind, the greater this difference the more intense the wind will be. In the summer period the bura is of lower intensity than in the winter and on average can last one to maximum three days, but it often happens that within a few hours it vanishes. Do not face the strait between the islands of Ist and Molat during bora.