Uvala Makarac – a hidden pebble beach east of Prapatna

Uvala Makarac is located on the northern coast of Hvar, east of Prapatna, in the area between Jelsa and Poljica where settlements almost completely recede, leaving behind rocks, maquis, and small coves accessible mainly on foot or from the sea.

Makarac is completely different from Mine, Grebišća, or Zenčišće. There are no beach bars, sun loungers, roads ending a few meters from the towels, or a large number of houses. The main feature is a small pebble beach surrounded by large rounded rocks that give the entire cove a very recognizable appearance.

The easiest way to reach Makarac is by boat or on foot from nearby Prapatna.

A small beach among large rounded rocks

Makarac is not a large beach.

At the end of the small cove, there is a pebble beach, and on both sides, large, smoothly shaped rocks descend towards the sea.

These rocks distinguish Makarac from numerous other small coves on the northern side of Hvar. Instead of high cliffs like those at Mala Stiniva, the landscape here is lower and rounder, with large stone blocks around the beach.

The water is clear, and the depth gradually increases after entering over the pebbles.

A beach without tourist facilities

There are no restaurants, beach bars, shops, or organized beach infrastructure at Makarac.

Visitors should bring water, food, and everything needed for a stay by the sea. This is especially important in summer, as it is not practical to return to Prapatna just for drinks or something to eat after arriving on foot.

There are also no sun loungers, showers, or changing cabins.

Makarac is the opposite of an organized city beach – it is visited for the sea and natural environment, not for facilities.

Accessing the beach by car is not possible

The most important practical information is that it is not possible to reach the beach directly by car.

If coming from land, one first heads towards Prapatna cove, and from Prapatna, one continues on foot towards Makarac.

This means that Makarac is not a beach for visitors who want to park a few meters from the sea and carry a large amount of equipment.

A light day trip requires only a backpack with water, food, and basic swimming items.

Walking from Prapatna

Prapatna is the most natural land starting point.

From there, one continues along the coast towards the east, through rocky Mediterranean terrain without a classic paved promenade. The walk is not a long hiking tour, but appropriate footwear is necessary – flip-flops are not the best choice for a rocky path.

This final walking section is one of the reasons why Makarac usually does not have the same crowds as beaches accessible by paved roads.

If already staying or swimming in Prapatna, Makarac is an interesting continuation of exploring the coast.

Arriving by boat is the easiest option

From the sea, Makarac is much more accessible.

A small boat allows one to approach the cove without walking from Prapatna, making Makarac a nice stop during a tour of the northern coast of Hvar.

However, there is no marina or organized public mooring here. When arriving by boat, one should monitor sea conditions and choose the approach method according to the day's conditions.

The northern coast of Hvar requires particular caution when the bora wind is blowing.

The bora can completely change the cove

Makarac is located on the northern side of the island and is open to the Hvar Channel.

On a calm summer day, this is not a problem, and the water in the cove can be very pleasant for swimming. However, with stronger northern and northeastern winds, the situation can change quickly.

This is especially important for arriving by small boat, kayak, or SUP.

If strong bora is forecasted, Makarac is not a place I would plan to visit just because the sea in Jelsa appeared calm in the morning.

Shade is limited

The surroundings are natural, but that does not mean the beach is in deep shade all day.

Large rocks can provide some shade during certain parts of the day, and low Mediterranean vegetation grows along the coast, but one should not rely on safe natural shade.

For a few hours of stay in mid-summer, sun protection should be brought.

This is particularly important as there are no bars or other covered spaces to retreat to during the hottest part of the day.

Makarac or Prapatna?

Prapatna and Makarac are very close, but they are not the same type of beach.

Prapatna has houses by the sea, is accessible by car, and is more practical if carrying more items or coming with children.

Makarac is noticeably more natural and secluded. The last part requires walking or arriving by boat, there are no facilities, and the entire area appears much less altered.

If easier access is sought, Prapatna is the better choice. If the goal is to find a small pebble beach that is not accessible by car, Makarac is more interesting.

Who is Makarac a good choice for?

It will appeal most to couples, swimmers, and visitors who enjoy exploring lesser-known parts of the coast.

It is not ideal for those who prioritize restaurants, showers, sun loungers, or easy access with a lot of equipment.

For families with very young children, Mina or Grebišće are much more practical, while Prapatna itself is also a simpler option.

Makarac is valuable precisely because of what is not here – there is no large development, no traffic along the beach, and no tourist infrastructure that would take over the entire cove.

Useful information

  • Location: northern coast of Hvar, east of Prapatna cove
  • Area: wider vicinity of Poljica, in the municipality of Jelsa
  • Type of beach: small pebble beach
  • Environment: large rounded rocks and natural rocky coast
  • Entry into the sea: over pebbles
  • Shade: limited; do not rely on safe all-day natural shade
  • Food and drink: no catering facilities, everything must be brought
  • Access by car: it is not possible to reach the beach by car
  • Access on foot: from Prapatna cove along the coastal path
  • Shoes: sturdy footwear is recommended for the walking approach
  • Access by boat: one of the easiest ways to arrive
  • Mooring: no organized marina or public mooring
  • Wind: the northern coast is exposed to bora, and conditions should be checked before arrival
  • Facilities: no showers, sun loungers, or organized beach infrastructure
  • Special feature: small pebble beach between large rounded rocks, accessible mainly on foot from Prapatna or from the sea