Gornji Pelinovik Beach – a Quiet Southern Cove Below Bogomolje

Gornji Pelinovik Beach is located on the southern coast of eastern Hvar, just east of Donji Pelinovik and a few kilometers below Bogomolje. The cove is small, deeply carved into the coast, and surrounded by rocky slopes covered with Mediterranean vegetation, with only a few houses by the sea.

This is a typical beach for this part of Hvar – lacking significant tourist infrastructure, beach bars, and rows of sun loungers, but with very clean water and enough tranquility to spend a relaxing day by the shore even in the middle of summer.

At the end of the cove, there is a small natural beach. The coast is predominantly pebbly, while the seabed inside Gornji Pelinovik is largely sandy. Due to the light seabed, the water takes on beautiful blue and turquoise tones during sunny and calm weather.

Gornji and Donji Pelinovik – Two Neighboring Coves

Pelinovik is not a single large cove.

On this short stretch of the southern coast, there are Donji Pelinovik to the west and Gornji Pelinovik to the east. Both belong to the Bogomolje area and are very close to each other, but each has its own small beach and separate bay.

Gornji Pelinovik continues east towards Lađena cove, while to the west of Donji Pelinovik lies Smrska.

This entire stretch is one of the quietest parts of the southern coast of eastern Hvar, with a small number of houses and coves that still have an almost Robinson Crusoe character.

A Small Pebble Beach

The main swimming area is located at the very bottom of Gornji Pelinovik.

The beach is neither large nor wide. The shore is dominated by pebbles and smaller stones, while natural rocks begin at the sides of the cove.

This small size is actually one of its advantages. There is no space for hundreds of bathers or a large organized beach infrastructure, so the cove maintains a much calmer atmosphere than the well-known beaches of western Hvar.

There are a few houses by the sea, but no real tourist resort.

Sandy Seabed

One of the most pleasant features of Gornji Pelinovik is found underwater.

Inside the cove, the seabed is predominantly sandy, making the water very pleasant for swimming and anchoring.

The sand is particularly visible during calm weather when the sun illuminates the shallow part of the cove, giving the water a lighter color.

Thus, Gornji Pelinovik is sometimes perceived as a sandy cove, but for bathers, it is more accurate to expect a pebbly beach at the shore and a sandy seabed in the water.

Entering the Water and Depth

Entry into the water from the main beach is relatively easy.

After the initial pebbly strip, the seabed transitions to sand, and the depth increases gradually. There is no sudden rocky drop immediately along the shore as found in some open parts of southern Hvar.

This makes Gornji Pelinovik pleasant for children who can enter the water independently.

Along the sides of the cove, the shore becomes rockier, making these areas more interesting for snorkeling and exploring the underwater world.

Limited Natural Shade

The surrounding slopes are covered with Mediterranean vegetation, but at the main beach, one should not expect a large area of dense natural shade throughout the day.

Some shade can be found along the edges of the cove and near the houses, depending on the position of the sun, but for a full day stay in summer, it is advisable to bring an umbrella or other sun protection.

Gornji Pelinovik faces south, so it is well-sunned for most of the day.

No Beach Bar or Other Amenities

Gornji Pelinovik is one of those beaches where one should come prepared.

There is no classic beach bar, public restroom, shower, shop, or organized sunbed rental immediately by the beach.

A few houses in the cove are mostly associated with private and Robinson-style accommodations, so their amenities should not be counted as public beach infrastructure.

For a few hours by the sea, it is best to bring:

enough water
food or snacks
sun protection
towels and swimming gear
water shoes if planning to walk on the rocks

Shops and other basic services are located up in Bogomolje.

How to Reach Gornji Pelinovik

Gornji Pelinovik can be reached by car from Bogomolje.

From the village, a local road descends towards the southern coast leading to Pelinovik, Smrska, and neighboring coves. Most of this area is connected by narrow local and gravel roads.

Gornji Pelinovik is among the more accessible coves in this stretch – it is possible to drive directly to the area of the cove.

However, do not expect a well-maintained wide asphalt road. The final approach is gravel and can be uneven, so it is advisable to drive slowly, especially with a lower vehicle.

The condition of the road may change after winter and heavy rains.

Parking

There is no large organized public parking near the beach.

In the cove and along the access road, there is limited space for vehicles, but some spots belong to private houses and accommodation facilities.

Vehicles should be parked in appropriate widenings or other places where they will not obstruct the passage of other vehicles and access to houses.

Gornji Pelinovik is also practical as a place to leave a car if one wishes to continue on foot to the neighboring Lađena cove, which is not as easily accessible by road.

Gornji Pelinovik as a Starting Point to Lađena

Immediately east of Gornji Pelinovik lies Lađena cove.

There is a walking connection between them, so Gornji Pelinovik can be used as a starting point for heading to this even more secluded cove.

This is an interesting option for visitors who want to combine swimming with a short walk along the natural southern coast.

Appropriate footwear is necessary for walking as it is not a paved coastal promenade.

Good Natural Anchorage

Gornji Pelinovik is particularly interesting to sailors.

The cove is well protected from almost all winds except the south. Anchoring is possible at depths of approximately 2 to 10 meters, and the seabed is sandy, allowing for good holding of the anchor.

For daytime swimming and lunch on the boat, this is a very pleasant anchorage.

There are no organized commercial berths or marinas, so the natural character of the cove is felt even from the sea.

South Wind is the Main Concern

Like Donji Pelinovik, Smrska, and other coves in this stretch, Gornji Pelinovik is open to the south.

During stronger south winds, waves enter directly into the cove, making it unsuitable for swimming or anchoring.

When winds from other directions are present, the cove is significantly better protected.

If strong south winds are forecasted, it is much more logical to head to the northern side of Bogomolje, for example, towards Bristovi, Stari, or Pogorila.

Gornji or Donji Pelinovik?

The two coves are very similar and both are suitable for guests seeking tranquility.

Donji Pelinovik is located slightly to the west and has its own small pebble beach with a sandy seabed.

Gornji Pelinovik is closer to Lađena and is more practical if one wishes to continue on foot to that neighboring cove.

Both have very few amenities, a few houses, and a natural character. If staying in Bogomolje for several days, it is much better to dedicate a separate day to each rather than trying to visit all coves in a few hours.

Robinson Crusoe Character of the Southern Coast

The entire Pelinovik area is characterized by small houses by the sea and accommodations that often operate more simply than in classic apartments in a settlement.

In this part of Hvar, gravel roads, solar energy, water tanks, and weaker mobile signals are not uncommon.

This is precisely why visitors come to these coves for a holiday – a few days by the sea without the need for extensive tourist amenities.

For day visitors, this means that they should bring everything they need with them and not expect to find a shop or restaurant immediately by the beach.

Who Will Gornji Pelinovik Suit Best?

Gornji Pelinovik is best for guests who value peace, a small natural beach, and clean water more than tourist amenities.

It is well-suited for couples, families willing to bring all necessary equipment, guests staying in Bogomolje, and sailors.

It is particularly interesting for those who wish to continue on foot to Lađena.

It is not the best choice for those seeking asphalt roads to the water, large parking areas, beach bars, showers, and sun loungers.

This location offers a different image of Hvar – a small pebble beach, sandy seabed, a few houses, and the tranquility of the southern coast far from the main tourist centers on the island.

Useful Information

Location: Gornji Pelinovik, Bogomolje, southern coast of Hvar

Type of Beach: natural pebble beach

Coast: pebbles, small stones, and rocks along the edges

Seabed: predominantly sandy

Entry into the Water: relatively easy

Depth: gradually increases

Natural Shade: limited

Amenities: no classic tourist infrastructure

Access: by car via local and gravel roads or by boat

Parking: limited, without a large organized public parking area

Arrival by Boat: yes

Anchoring: approximately 2–10 m depth

Shelter: good from most winds, open to the south

Nearby Cove: Lađena, accessible on foot from the Gornji Pelinovik area

Best for: peaceful swimming, nature, Robinson-style vacation, and sailors