Stiniva beach
Located on the southern part of Vis Island in the gulf of the same name, Stiniva Beach was recognized as the best European beach in 2016 and was honored with the European Best Destinations award. This accolade heightened the interest of tourists, making the place very lively and often crowded. To truly enjoy its fantastic beauty, it is advisable to arrive early in the morning and avoid the peak of the season. Outside of these times, the beach scarcely resembles the idyllic scenes depicted in travel brochures, instead taking on the atmosphere of a noisy oriental bazaar.
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Beach description
Stiniva Beach, nestled in a quaint, cozy bay on Vis Island, Croatia, is encircled by majestic cliffs that loom overhead. Approaching from the sea, the bay's entrance is nearly concealed, revealing itself as a narrow passage merely five meters across. The beach itself is charmingly small - no more than forty meters in length - adorned with fine pebbles. It bears a striking resemblance to the renowned Thai beach on Phi Phi Leh, immortalized in the film "The Beach" starring Leonardo DiCaprio.
The sea near the shore is delightfully shallow and pleasantly warm, boasting crystal-clear waters of an amazing turquoise hue. These conditions are a magnet for scuba divers who revel in the underwater splendor for hours on end. The water's entrance is gentle, with a bottom that is both comfortable and safe. However, caution is advised near the bay's edges, where large stones and rock fragments provide refuge for sea urchins; wearing protective footwear is recommended. While the beach lacks amenities such as sunbeds and umbrellas, this is hardly an inconvenience. In the afternoon, the sun retreats behind the mountains, casting a generous expanse of cool shade onto the beach.
A quaint snack bar on the beach offers a selection of refreshments, including sandwiches, chips, soft drinks, and ice cream. Adjacent to this spot are several ancient fishermen's cottages, which hold historical significance and are preserved as state-protected landmarks.
- Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit Vis for a beach vacation is during the summer months, from June to September. This period offers the most favorable weather conditions for enjoying the island's stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters.
- June: The beginning of the summer brings pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds, making it an ideal time for those seeking a more peaceful beach experience. The sea is warm enough for swimming, and the island's natural beauty is in full bloom.
- July & August: These are the peak tourist months on Vis. Visitors can expect hot, sunny days perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and various water sports. While these months are the busiest, the vibrant atmosphere and full range of open restaurants and shops add to the holiday experience.
- September: As the summer winds down, September offers a quieter alternative with the advantage of still-warm seas and milder temperatures. It's an excellent time for those looking to enjoy the beaches without the peak season crowds.
Regardless of the month you choose, Vis's unique charm and the allure of its beaches are sure to provide an unforgettable beach vacation.
Video: Beach Stiniva
Infrastructure
The fastest and most comfortable way to reach the beach is by renting a boat, speedboat, or kayak, or by purchasing a guided tour along the coast. In both cases, tourists are taken only to the narrow "neck" in front of the bay entrance, after which they must swim to the shore wearing life jackets. During the tour, travelers have the opportunity to explore other stunning bays and caves, swim in the open sea, and, with a bit of luck, admire dolphins and sea turtles in their natural habitat.
Traveling by land is considerably more challenging and is suitable only for those who are physically fit and resilient. Stiniva Bay is situated just below the village of Žižec, requiring visitors to leave their cars at the top and then descend a steep, rocky path marked with signs for about twenty minutes - and, of course, make the return journey. Wearing sturdy, comfortable shoes is essential!
The closest accommodation to the beach is Villa Luana, perched atop a cliff with a breathtaking sea view. Designed to accommodate six guests, it features two bedrooms, a living room, a dining room, a balcony, and a spacious garden terrace. The villa is fully equipped with a modern kitchen and bathroom, and a barbecue area is also available. Guests can enjoy free parking near the villa and dine at the nearby Roki's restaurant, renowned for its exquisite octopus dishes. For more information, visit Villa Luana.
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Vis is a relatively small island (only 90 sq.km.), which can fully explored in a couple of days. The most convenient way to rent a car is to be independent of public transport and visit the most protected places. Among the most famous sights of the island are Titov's Cave, from which the road to the top of Mount Hum, the highest point of the island, the Franciscan monastery, built in the Middle Ages, and the famous Blue Bay with a naturally lit grotto of fantastic beauty.