Stiniva: one of the most beautiful beaches in Croatia

Stiniva is an unusually located beach among the rocks in Croatia. It is a small secluded bay with turquoise waters. The sand consists of small white pebbles that contrast with the surrounding green rocks. It was named the best beach in Europe in 2019.

This bay was formed during the Ice Age, when the sea level was 120 meters lower than today. Due to the waterways flowing through the canyon, an underground karst cave formed and collapsed thousands of years ago. This is evidenced by speleothems (columns formed by a cave stream) found on the eastern rocks of the current bay.

Thousands of years later, when the sea level rose, the impact of the waves destroyed part of the cave, dragging the stones into the sea. Over the past few thousand years, the sea has flooded the bottom of the canyon, and rounded pieces of limestone have collapsed from the ceiling of the cave, forming the pebbles of the current beach.

The bay of Stiniva is protected by two high cliffs, forming a “sea entrance”, where a pebbly beach with a length of about 35 meters is formed. For some, the strangeness of Stiniva Bay is reminiscent of an ancient Roman amphitheater, so you can feel like a spectator. Due to its unique natural beauties, Stiniva Beach, together with the Stiniva Bay, was declared a protected natural monument in 1967 and since then this status has remained unchanged. This is a place where you can enjoy your holiday in a relaxed atmosphere. If you love cliff jumping, you are in paradise with crystal clear waters as there are several rocks that you can climb up and jump into the water.

Due to the high cliffs surrounding it, part of the beach always has natural shade throughout the day. There is a small beach bar in the bay where you can cool off in the shade and enjoy the natural beauty of this still hidden gem of the Adriatic Sea.

On the beach, you can also rent a sun lounger for 30 kn per day, or rent a paddle board to take a stroll along the coast.

How to get to Stiniva beach

There are basically two ways to get to Stiniva beach in Croatia, one is by boat and the other is on foot.

On the boat. Stiniva can be reached by boat along the south coast of the island. Stiniva Bay is located close to the coastline of the beach, where the area is reserved for parking of larger vessels. From here you can swim to the shore. If we don't have our own sailboat, there is a series of Vis boat tours that will take you to all the secluded bays and beaches, including the incredible Stiniva Beach.

Hiking. If you are exploring the island of Vis by motorbike or car, you can drive by following the signs for the Stiniva Cave and Plisko Polje (where there are vineyards) and Marinje Zemle to reach the parking lot located at the top of the hill. From the parking lot to the beach there is a walking trail lasting from twenty to thirty minutes. There is usually not much shade here, so it's best to bring a hat, sunscreen, and water. Since the trail consists of stairs and dirt, it is best to wear comfortable closed shoes.

Adviсe

Early in the morning and late in the evening, with the sunset, the influx is less, but be aware that this is a famous beach in Croatia, and in August it becomes crowded.

There is a small bar on the beach if you want a snack, soft drinks or water.

Where is Stiniva beach

Stiniva beach is located on the south coast of the island of Vis in Croatia. The car ride from the port takes about fifteen minutes to cover just over 9 km.