Croatia boasts a long coastline along the Mediterranean and thousands of islands and islets. It is understandable, therefore, that it is home to some of the world's most truly picturesque beaches. Some are typically pretty long stretches of golden sand perfect for days out with family and friends, some are more unique and unusual-looking, some popular, some secluded, and some are utterly beyond picturesque. A perfect example of this latter-type of totally scenic and too-charming-to-be-real beaches is Stiniva Beach.
Stiniva Beach is located on the beautiful island of Vis, in the Split-Dalmatia region. Known for its mild Mediterranean climate that is ideal for growing delicious food and supporting excellent vineyards, the island is pretty, full of lovely old buildings, dotted with great places to eat, home to wonderful attractions like the Blue Grotto, and a long-standing popular tourist destination. However, one of its greatest selling points are the wonderful beaches of Vis. There are lots of truly spectacular examples to choose from and they all boast crystal-clear waters and considerably smaller tourist crowds compared to other parts of the Dalmatian Coast but Stiniva Beach is extra-special. If you have found a vacation rental in Split and you're looking to spend a day on the beach, a day-trip to Vis and to Stiniva Beach is just the thing!
Stiniva Beach is located on the beautiful island of Vis, in the Split-Dalmatia region. Known for its mild Mediterranean climate that is ideal for growing delicious food and supporting excellent vineyards, the island is pretty, full of lovely old buildings, dotted with great places to eat, home to wonderful attractions like the Blue Grotto, and a long-standing popular tourist destination. However, one of its greatest selling points are the wonderful beaches of Vis. There are lots of truly spectacular examples to choose from and they all boast crystal-clear waters and considerably smaller tourist crowds compared to other parts of the Dalmatian Coast but Stiniva Beach is extra-special. If you have found a vacation rental in Split and you're looking to spend a day on the beach, a day-trip to Vis and to Stiniva Beach is just the thing!
While the beaches of Vis are less crowded than others on the beloved Dalmatian Coast, Stiniva Beach is the most popular beach on the island and, therefore, can often be quite busy during July and August. However, this is all for a very good reason! Stiniva Beach truly is quite the sight to behold and utterly singular in its appearance: majestically framed by tall and craggy white cliffs that are topped by lush vegetation and with a only a rather small opening or, “sea door,” that allows the rich sea (that can vary in hue from navy to jade) in to form this secluded and charming little bay.
Located in the south of the island, Stiniva Beach has been voted as the Most Beautiful Beach in Europe by the tourism organisation European Best Destinations in 2016 in a poll of 10,000 travellers and has been a protected natural monument since 1967. Secluded as it is, there are only two ways to get to this little gem: by boat or by foot. If you are going by boat, there are a number of different boat tours offered on Vis that will take you around to the various secluded bays and beaches of the island, including Stiniva. However, if you want a more direct route to just Stiniva itself, then you can drive to Stiniva Cove, park in the parking lot located at the top of the hill, and then take the hiking trail that leads down to Stiniva Beach. This is not particularly easy terrain (the trail is a combination of steps, rocks, and loose gravel and many unprepared visitors can be spotted struggling to undertake the hike to the beach in flip-flops) and will take around twenty to thirty minutes each way, which can be a trek in the sun. Obviously, this is not a readily accessible beach for those with mobility issues or small children and the elderly but if you're fit and able to hike a little and you're prepared with sunblock, appropriate footwear, hats, and water then it shouldn't be much of an issue. Plus, the hike itself is rather pretty, affording lovely views over the bay and the coast, and the reward of the stunning Stiniva Beach at the end makes it all completely worth it. If you're in need of more of an incentive, you might also be happy to know that there is a little taverna, Tavern Peruka, set in the shade of the high cliffs that offers food from breakfast to dinner and beverages including juices, soft drinks, coffees, beer, and some of those excellent local wines. So, after sweating down to the beach, you can set yourself up for a lovely day by the sea with a cold brew or a great glass of wine to really get in the holiday spirit!
Like many beaches in Croatia, the strand of Stiniva Beach is lined with pebbles but that's not nearly enough to take away from the incredible beauty of this gem. Just be sure to pack some pool shoes, and there won't be a problem! If you're interested in cliff-diving, however, you might want to pack some waterproof non-slip shoes instead as there are cliffs and rocks aplenty from which to leap and test your mettle but they are rather rugged and you're likely need the protection that suitable footwear can afford in this case. Those who are less daring themselves can also enjoy the show that is put on on busy days by the youths that are attracted to the bay's impressive cliffs. If you're not interested in watching the human escapades, bring your snorkel along as the bay is a brilliant spot to greet the local marine life.
Finally, if you have found a vacation rental in Split and are spending this day exploring this beautiful island in Croatia and time on Stiniva Beach, in particular, then it is important to know when to visit, depending on your needs and interests. Sun-worshippers should intend to be there before 4pm as after this time shade will come down over the entire shore of the bay. However, those interested in less busy times and avoiding tourist crowds should come precisely at this time or before 10.30am or during the less busy months of the year. Sunset in this stunning bay is also rather special. However, if you have kids with you or are sensitive to the sun, it is worth noting that it is extremely strong on the beach at noon and it probably should be avoided around this time.