Stiniva Beach – Complete Guide (Vis Island, Croatia)

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A complete guide to Stiniva Beach on the Croatian island of Vis. Includes options on how to get here, what to expect, and photos from my trip! Stiniva Beach (also known as Stiniva Cove or Stiniva Bay) is a beautiful pebble beach surrounded by high cliffs on the southern coast of the island of Vis. This beautiful beach is a true hidden paradise, with its narrow bay almost completely hidden from the outside by boats. It's only when you get closer to the end that you realize why this beach was named Europe's best beach! About Stiniva Beach Stiniva Beach is defined by a narrow, winding bay…

Stiniva Beach – Complete Guide (Vis Island, Croatia)

A complete guide to Stiniva Beach on the Croatian island of Vis. Includes options on how to get here, what to expect, and photos from my trip!

Stiniva Beach (also known as Stiniva Cove or Stiniva Bay) is a beautiful pebble beach surrounded by high cliffs on the southern coast of the island of Vis.

This beautiful beach is a true hidden paradise, with its narrow bay almost completely hidden from the outside by boats. It's only when you get closer to the end that you realize why this beach was named Europe's best beach!

About Stiniva Beach

Stiniva Beach is protected from the open sea by a narrow, winding bay that leads to a beautiful pebble beach. Here you can expect crystal clear water and a wild landscape that looks like it belongs in a James Bond film!

Stiniva Cove was once a large karst cave formed during the Ice Age, when sea levels were 120 meters lower than today. However, the cave collapsed thousands of years ago, forming this beautiful cliff-lined bay.

In fact, you can still see traces of stalactite caves on the eastern side of the cliff if you swim past the narrow entrance and look to the right.

While this secluded beach has long been a local insider tip, in 2016 it was named the best beach in Europe by European Best Destinations due to its unique natural beauty.

As a result, this is now the most popular beach on Vis, and many travelers head to this remote Adriatic island just to swim in its calm waters.
Stiniva-Strand auf der Insel Vis

Where is Stiniva Bay?

Stiniva is almost as remote as it is beautiful.

Stiniva Beach is located on the Croatian island of Vis, which is the most distant inhabited island on the Dalmatian coast. In addition, the beach is secluded even on the island itself, being located in the southern and furthest part of the island from the mainland.

I've pinned the exact location below to help you orient yourself. However, if you read on, I'll give you a detailed report on the best ways to get here.

How to get to Stiniva beach on Vis

Are you already on the island of Vis? Maybe you're hanging out in Split or Dubrovnik and looking for the best day trips.

I visited Stiniva Beach twice during my travels in Croatia. One was on a 5 island boat trip to the Blue Cave from Split and the other was independent by renting a scooter on the island of Vis.

In any case, visiting Stiniva Beach is an unforgettable experience! Below I'll show you how to get here by breaking down the two main options.

Vis boat tour

Due to its remote location, one of the best ways to get to Stinva Beach is by boat tour.

Below are two main options.

Boot an der kroatischen Küste
Stiniva-Bucht vom Boot aus

Independent hike to Stiniva Bay

For those already exploring the island of Vis and looking for a way to get to Stiniva Bay, you also have the option of hiking from the road.

I visited Vis on a 7 day trip with Sail Croatia (highly recommended) and decided to rent a moped in Vis town (26 – 40 euros per day). From here it was only a 15 minute drive to the starting point.

Alternatively, you can take a taxi or Uber, which costs between 9 and 10 euros.

The starting point is at the top of the hill right next to Villa Luana, where you will find a large dirt parking lot and a signpost.

GPS coordinates: 43°01’27.2″N 16°10’08.1″E

Stiniva-Strand vom Himmel

The hiking trail to Stiniva beach

From the trailhead, a narrow path leads down the steep cliffs to the beautiful Stiniva Beach. This trail is a combination of steps and some non-graded sections with loose rocks and pebbles leading to the shore.

Expect to reach the beach within about 15 minutes from the trailhead. In addition, as you descend you will have increasingly better views of this stunning beach that reveals itself between the trees and bushes.

Finally you reach the pebble shore next to a small bar right on the beach.
Mädchen wandern auf der Insel Vis
alt=“Stiniva Beach”>View of the beach from the hiking trail
Kleine Hütte auf der Insel VisSmall hut as you approach the pebble beach

What to expect at Stiniva

Entrance fee to Stiniva – Completely free!

As soon as you arrive at Stiniva Beach, you will understand why this remarkable bay is home to one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

The narrow sea entrance and unique rock formations create a beautiful sheltered bay. On all sides, high cliffs form a rounded amphitheater, providing natural shade and calm, crystal-clear waters throughout the bay.
Ruhiges Wasser am Strand von Stiniva
Along the white pebble coast you will find many places where you can sit down and enjoy the warm Dalmatian sun. The crystal clear sea in Stiniva Bay is also perfect for swimming and snorkeling, with great visibility all year round.

Additionally, climbing both sides of the rock formations at the entrance to the bay provides great cliff jumping opportunities. These are both at the mouth of the sea, with the highest jump at around 12 meters! So make sure you are prepared!
Bucht von Stiniva, Insel Vis
Bucht Stiniva auf Vis, Kroatien

Accommodation options on the island of Vis, Croatia

There are many accommodation options in Vis. However, most travelers stay in the towns of Vis or Komiža.

Below you will find the three best accommodation options on the island of Vis for different budgets.

  • Haus Bava – Dieses Apartment liegt in einer ruhigen Straße mit Kopfsteinpflaster und ist die perfekte Wahl für diejenigen, die die Altstadt von Vis erkunden möchten. Nur 5 Gehminuten vom Strand entfernt und in der Nähe vieler Cafés und Restaurants.
  • Hotel San Giorgio – Die perfekte Wahl für diejenigen, die einen erholsamen Aufenthalt in einem familiengeführten Hotel in der Stadt Vis suchen. Das Hotel bietet ein Frühstücksbuffet und wunderschön eingerichtete Zimmer.
  • Apartments Villa Glorija – In Komiža auf der gegenüberliegenden Seite von Vis gelegen, hat dieses kleine Dorf alles, was Sie brauchen! Dieses erstklassig bewertete Apartment verfügt über eine voll ausgestattete Küche, Klimaanlage und eine Lounge und ist nur 4 Gehminuten vom Strand entfernt.

Stadt Vis in Kroatien

Frequently asked questions about Stiniva Beach

Is this European beach worth visiting?

Of course! I am not exaggerating when I say that Stiniva Beach is one of the most beautiful bays I have ever visited.

How long to spend on the beach?

It is possible to spend a whole day at Stiniva Cove just relaxing, swimming, snorkeling or cliff jumping in this unique cove.

When is the best time to visit Stiniva Beach?

Since it is a popular beach, I recommend visiting early morning or late afternoon to beat the crowds.

What should I bring with me?

I suggest bringing sunscreen, sealed shoes for the hike, and water shoes for the beach. You can buy snacks and refreshments at the small bar, but it's also a good idea to take some water with you.

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More Croatia travel guides & adventure inspiration

I hope you enjoyed this quick but useful guide to visiting Stiniva Beach on the island of Vis in Croatia!

While you're here, be sure to check out some of my other articles below. I'm sure you'll find more amazing beaches and adventure inspiration for your Croatia itinerary!

Travel Guide: Things to Do in Split, Croatia

Stiniva-Strand, Kroatien
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