Mala Stiniva Beach – Pebble Cove, High Cliffs, and Jumping into the Sea near Poljica
Mala Stiniva Beach is located on the northern coast of Hvar, beneath the village of Poljica, about two kilometers from the village and approximately 16 kilometers east of Jelsa. It is a small, deeply carved cove among steep rocky slopes and is completely different from the organized beaches of Mina and Grebišće closer to Jelsa.
At the end of the cove, there is a small shore made of white and light pebbles, a few houses, and exceptionally clear water. The cliffs steeply descend towards the water on both sides, creating a recognizable, almost enclosed atmosphere that makes Mala Stiniva appear much more dramatic than a typical Hvar cove.
A special attraction is the natural cliffs for jumping into the sea located at one of the rocky edges of the cove. On Google Maps, they are marked as Cliffjumping rocks, and the combination of high cliffs and deep clear water attracts swimmers who enjoy a more active stay by the sea.
Small Pebble Shore under High Cliffs
The main beach is not large.
The shore consists of rounded pebbles that are pleasant for walking and lying down, while the edges quickly transition to rocks. Due to the limited space, a few dozen swimmers can make the beach appear crowded, especially in July and August.
However, Mala Stiniva does not have the feel of a large tourist beach. There is no long promenade, rows of sunbeds, or beach bars occupying the shore.
Its greatest value lies in the natural setting of high cliffs that almost vertically descend into the sea.
Clear Water and Good Swimming Spot
The water is very transparent, and during calm weather, it is one of the most beautiful aspects of the entire cove.
From the main shore, entry into the water is over smooth pebbles, after which the depth gradually increases. There is no particularly long shallow area like at Mina or Grebišće, making Mala Stiniva better for swimming than for prolonged play in shallow water for very young children.
It is interesting to swim with a mask near the rocks, as the pebbly bottom quickly changes to rocky underwater, and the transparency of the water allows for a nice view along the coast.
Cliffjumping Rocks – Cliffs for Jumping into the Sea
One of the features of Mala Stiniva is the natural cliffs from which one can jump into the sea.
They are located at the rocky edge of the cove, separate from the main pebble shore, and can be easily recognized when swimming along the coast. There are several natural jumping spots, from lower cliffs to significantly more challenging jumps.
For jumping enthusiasts, this is one of the reasons why Mala Stiniva remains more memorable than an ordinary beautiful beach. The deep blue sea below the steep cliffs creates an excellent natural setting for this type of activity.
However, the cliffs are not a regulated or supervised jumping area. Before each jump, one should check the depth, the position of underwater rocks, waves, and the landing area. What is safe one day may not be equally safe after a storm or under different sea conditions.
It is best to choose only spots that can be clearly assessed and not attempt more jumps just because other swimmers are doing so.
Attraction for Those Who Do Not Jump
The cliffs are worth seeing even if there is no intention to jump.
In this part of the cove, it is best to see how steep the rocky slopes are and how geologically different Mala Stiniva is from the calmer, more open beaches around Jelsa.
One can swim to the cliffs, explore the edges of the cove with a mask, or simply watch the jumps from the sea.
Therefore, cliff jumping here is not a separate commercial attraction but a natural part of the cove itself.
No Restaurants or Beach Bars on the Beach
There is no traditional hospitality establishment at Mala Stiniva.
It is best to bring enough water and food for a stay, especially if coming for a few hours. In the newer season, vending machines with drinks and snacks may appear, but one should not plan an entire day around them.
There are no showers, sunbeds, or organized beach services.
This is one of the reasons why Mala Stiniva still has a simpler character than many more famous Hvar beaches.
Is There Natural Shade?
Some natural shade exists in certain parts of the beach and around trees above the shore.
However, do not expect the entire beach to be shaded during the day. A few better shaded spots are quickly occupied, and the position of the shade changes as the sun moves across the high slopes.
For a longer stay in the middle of summer, a personal umbrella or other sun protection is still useful.
Later in the afternoon, the cliffs themselves begin to shade certain parts of the cove, making the atmosphere more pleasant than during the hottest part of the day.
Mala Stiniva Belongs to Poljica
Although it often appears in tourist searches alongside Jelsa, Mala Stiniva belongs to the village of Poljica.
Poljica is located inland along the main road D116, and it is about two kilometers away from Mala Stiniva in a straight line and local distance towards the northern coast.
For Holiday Link, it makes sense to list the beach under Jelsa as a larger tourist area, but in the text, it should always be clearly stated that it is the cove of Poljica.
How to Get There by Car?
From Jelsa, drive east along road D116 to Poljica, where you turn towards Mala Stiniva.
The local road to the sea is narrow and winding, but most of the approach is paved. Only the final approximately 100 to 200 meters transitions to an unpaved section where parking is also available.
The drive is not technically demanding, but due to the curves and narrowness, one should drive slowly and be prepared for oncoming vehicles.
Unlike many more remote Hvar coves, there are no kilometers of bad gravel roads.
Parking Above the Cove
The car is left above the final part of the cove, along the road and in available widenings.
There is no large organized parking lot with marked spaces, but access is easier than at some small coves where it is difficult to turn a car around at the end.
From the parking area to the main shore, there is a short descent on foot.
In the main season, it makes sense to arrive early since the beach itself is small, and the most practical parking spots fill up quickly.
Arrival by Boat
Mala Stiniva looks particularly impressive from the sea.
Only upon entering by boat can one clearly see how the cliffs rise steeply on both sides of the cove. Therefore, Mala Stiniva is often one of the stops on smaller excursions along the northern coast of Hvar.
The cove does not have a marina or a designated public mooring.
If arriving by one's own vessel, the anchoring spot should be chosen based on depth, other boats, and weather conditions, with additional caution due to swimmers and people jumping from the cliffs.
Pay Attention to Jumpers
If entering the cove by boat or swimming near the rocky part, it is advisable to pay attention to the area around the cliff jumping rocks.
Jumpers may enter the water several meters from the cliffs, so boats, SUPs, and swimmers should not pass directly beneath where someone intends to jump.
The same applies to swimmers who are climbing onto the rocks – before jumping, one should check that there are no other people in the landing zone.
On a calm day with a moderate number of swimmers, the area is easily visible, but in the peak season, greater caution is required.
The Bora Wind is Important on the Northern Coast
Mala Stiniva is located on the northern side of Hvar, and the bora wind can significantly change conditions here.
On a calm day, the sea in the depth of the cove can be almost completely flat, but with a stronger northern wind, the entrance to the cove becomes much more turbulent.
This is particularly important for jumping from the cliffs, arriving by smaller boats, SUP, or kayak.
If a strong bora is blowing, cliff jumping and moving away from the main shore are not a good idea, even if part of the cove near the beach appears relatively calm.
Do Not Confuse with Vela Stiniva
There are two Stinivas in this part of Hvar.
Mala Stiniva belongs to Poljica and is smaller, quieter, without restaurants, with a small pebble shore and known jumping cliffs.
Vela Stiniva is located further east, belongs to Zastražišće, is larger, and has hospitality facilities and known climbing spots.
The well-known Stiniva on Vis is a completely different location.
If using navigation, it is best to search for the full name Mala Stiniva Beach, Hvar.
Mala Stiniva or Vela Stiniva?
For a more practical all-day stay with a restaurant and more amenities, Vela Stiniva is the simpler choice.
Mala Stiniva has a completely different character. It is smaller, more intimate, and much more defined by the cliffs and the sea.
If you enjoy swimming, jumping from cliffs, and small coves without much tourist infrastructure, Mala Stiniva is more interesting.
The combination of Cliffjumping rocks, high vertical cliffs, a small white pebble shore, and clear blue water distinguishes this cove from other beaches around Jelsa.
Useful Information
- Location: northern coast of Hvar, beneath the village of Poljica
- Affiliation: Mala Stiniva belongs to Poljica
- Distance from Poljica: about 2 km
- Distance from Jelsa: approximately 16 km to Poljica, plus an additional descent via local road to the cove
- Type of beach: small shore of white and light pebbles
- Entry into the sea: over smooth pebbles
- Depth: no long shallow area; suitable for swimming
- Cliffjumping rocks: natural cliffs for jumping into the sea at the rocky edge of the cove
- Jumping: several natural levels, but without a regulated and supervised jumping area
- Safety when jumping: always check depth, underwater rocks, waves, and the area below the cliffs before jumping
- Shade: available in certain parts, but not over the entire shore
- Food and drink: no restaurants or beach bars; best to bring your own supplies
- Facilities: no showers, sunbeds, or organized beach services
- Access by car: from Poljica via a narrow and winding local road
- Road: mostly paved; the final approximately 100–200 m is unpaved
- Parking: along the end of the road above the cove, with limited spaces
- To the beach: short descent on foot
- Access by boat: possible, without a marina or designated public mooring
- Wind: bora can significantly change conditions in the cove
- Special feature: one of the few beaches in this part of Hvar where the natural cliffs for jumping are almost as recognizable as the shore itself
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