Tufera Cove on the Island of Šćedro – A Hidden Pebble Beach, Turquoise Sea, and Tranquility Among Pines

Tufera Cove is located on the northwestern part of the island of Šćedro, not far from the southern coast of Hvar. It is one of the more beautiful natural coves of this nearly uninhabited island, known for its clear turquoise waters, pebble beach, and pines that reach almost to the shore. Due to its secluded location and lack of tourist infrastructure, it is particularly appealing to visitors who wish to enjoy peace away from crowded beaches and large tourist spots.

Tufera is also interesting for sailors navigating between Hvar and Korčula. The cove extends deep into the land, and its shelter from certain winds allows for comfortable anchoring when weather conditions are favorable.

What is the Beach Like at Tufera Cove?

At the bottom of the cove, there is a natural pebble beach surrounded by low pines and dense Mediterranean vegetation. The coastline is predominantly rocky on both sides, while at the end of the cove, a pebble shore opens up, suitable for relaxation and swimming.

The sea is particularly attractive due to its colors. Lighter turquoise shades dominate near the shore, transitioning to deep blue towards the middle of the cove. The sandy seabed and underwater vegetation create characteristic contrasts that are best visible on calm, sunny days.

The pines along the coast provide natural shade in some areas, while the shore itself is more exposed to the sun.

Tufera does not resemble a developed tourist beach. There are no constructed piers, large facilities, or rows of sun loungers, and its greatest advantage is its preserved natural landscape.

Swimming and Snorkeling

Tufera Cove is excellent for swimming during calm weather. The water is clear, and the pebble shore allows for easier access than the surrounding rocky parts of the island.

Particularly interesting are the edges of the cove, where rocks, sandy areas, and seagrass meadows alternate beneath the water's surface. This underwater landscape is appealing to those who enjoy snorkeling.

Smaller fish and various forms of marine life can be observed near the rocks, while the more open part of the cove is interesting due to visibility and contrasts of the seabed.

Since the cove also serves as an anchorage, care should be taken while swimming regarding boats and their maneuvers. It is most pleasant to stay closer to the shore, away from areas where vessels drop anchor.

Tufera Cove as an Anchorage for Sailors

Tufera is known among sailors as one of the natural anchorages on the western part of Šćedro.

The cove extends approximately 400 meters inland, and the seabed is predominantly sandy, with areas covered in seagrass. Depths in the cove range from approximately 2 to 15 meters.

For anchoring, depths of approximately 5 to 8 meters are most commonly chosen, with a mandatory check of the bottom, depth, and available space.

Tufera provides good protection from southern and eastern winds, while western winds can create waves. When selecting an anchorage, local changes in wind direction and sea conditions should also be considered.

There are no organized moorings or communal infrastructure at the anchorage. It is particularly important to avoid dropping anchor on seagrass meadows and to choose appropriate sandy areas where anchoring is permitted.

For sailors, Tufera is primarily interesting as a place for swimming, relaxation, and enjoying nature, rather than as a port with hospitality or supply facilities.

How to Reach Tufera Cove?

The simplest way to reach Tufera is by boat.

The cove is located on the northwestern side of Šćedro, opposite the southern coast of Hvar between Zaval and Ivan Dolac. It can be reached by private vessel or as part of a private boat excursion.

For guests without their own boat, there is also the option to reach Šćedro via seasonal boat transport from Zaval. Boats usually dock in the Porat area, from where other parts of the island can be accessed on foot.

A walking trail from Lovišće to Tufera is approximately 3.5 kilometers long and takes about an hour to walk. From the direction of the settlement of Nastane, the route is about four kilometers and takes around 70 minutes.

The trails pass through the natural island landscape, with rocky sections, dry stone walls, and Mediterranean vegetation. For such an excursion, sturdy shoes, sufficient water, and good sun protection are necessary.

During the summer heat, it is best to start hiking early in the morning, and before departure, it is advisable to check the possibility of returning by boat.

Are There Restaurants and Other Facilities in Tufera Cove?

Tufera is a completely natural cove without organized tourist facilities.

There are no restaurants, cafes, shops, showers, or sanitary facilities on the beach. There is also no organized rental of sun loungers or umbrellas.

For a stay, it is necessary to bring sufficient drinking water, food, sun protection, and anything else that may be needed during the day.

The nearest hospitality offerings are in other coves of Šćedro, particularly in the Porat and Lovišće areas, where restaurants catering to sailors and excursionists operate during the tourist season.

Due to the lack of infrastructure, Tufera is most suitable for visitors who enjoy natural beaches and do not require additional facilities.

Nature and Tranquility of Western Šćedro

One of the greatest attractions of Tufera is its preserved nature.

The slopes around the cove are covered with pines, maquis, and aromatic Mediterranean herbs. Along the sea, bright rocks and greenery alternate, while from the deeper part of the cove, there is a view towards the open sea and the nearby coast of Hvar.

Šćedro is known for its small population and modest infrastructure. There are no classic tourist resorts or developed road networks on the island, contributing to a sense of seclusion.

However, during the peak of summer, Tufera may attract a few boats, especially in calm weather. The most tranquility can be expected outside of July and August or at times of day when there are fewer excursionists on the water.

While staying, care should be taken for nature, not leaving waste, and avoiding damage to coastal vegetation.

What Else to Visit on the Island of Šćedro?

A trip to Tufera can be combined with exploring other coves and historical sites of Šćedro.

West of Tufera are Vela Perna and Mala Perna, two smaller coves that are also interesting for swimming and stopping by boat.

To the east lies Maslinica, a winding natural cove on the northwestern coast of the island.

For visitors interested in the history of Šćedro, the remains of the 15th-century Dominican monastery in the Mostira area and the old settlement of Nastane, with traditional stone houses, are particularly interesting.

Porat Cove is one of the main arrival points for excursion boats from Zaval and a well-known anchorage, while Porteruša on the southern side of the island is interesting for swimming in a natural setting.

For a comprehensive tour of Šćedro, it is best to plan a boat trip, as some coves are distanced from each other, and walking trails are not always straightforward.

When is the Best Time to Visit Tufera?

The most pleasant period for swimming in Tufera is from June to September, when the sea is warmer and when weather conditions are generally more favorable for staying by the coast.

For a calmer experience, June and September are particularly appealing, as there are usually fewer vessels on the water than during the peak summer season.

Before each boat arrival, it is advisable to check the weather forecast, wind direction, and sea conditions. For a walking excursion, spring and early autumn are recommended when temperatures are not too high.

Tufera is most beautiful when the sea is calm, and the sun is high enough to illuminate the sandy bottom and highlight the turquoise shades of the water.

Why is it Worth Visiting Tufera Cove?

Tufera is one of the most beautiful examples of natural coves that make the island of Šćedro special.

Its appeal lies not in a large beach or numerous facilities, but in the combination of pebble shore, pine forest, clear sea, and a sense of distance from everyday crowds.

For sailors, it is interesting as a stopping point and swimming location, while nature lovers will particularly enjoy its preserved coastline and the possibility of accessing it via walking trails across the island.

If during your stay in Hvar you wish to discover a beach that is not accessible by car and where nature takes precedence, Tufera Cove is an excellent choice.

Useful Information

• Location: Northwestern coast of the island of Šćedro, south of Hvar.
• Type of location: Natural cove, pebble beach, and anchorage.
• Coastline: Pebble shore at the bottom of the cove and rocky edges.
• Seabed: Sand, rocks, and areas covered with seagrass.
• Sea: Very clear, with pronounced turquoise shades near the shore.
• Natural shade: Pines and Mediterranean vegetation in some parts of the coast.
• Swimming: Suitable for swimming during calm weather.
• Snorkeling: Interesting along the rocky edges of the cove.
• Anchoring: Sandy bottom with depths ranging from approximately 2–15 m; depths of 5–8 m are often used for anchoring.
• Wind protection: More sheltered from southern and eastern winds; western winds can create waves.
• Mooring buoys: No organized mooring field.
• Arrival by boat: By private vessel or private boat excursion.
• Arrival on foot: Trail from Lovišće, approximately 3.5 km or about 60 minutes of walking; from the direction of Nastane, about 4 km or 70 minutes.
• Car access: Not possible.
• Parking: No parking in the cove; vehicles remain on the island of Hvar before departing by boat.
• Hospitality facilities: None in the cove itself.
• Showers and sanitary facilities: Not available.
• Sun loungers and umbrellas: No organized rental.
• What to bring: Drinking water, food, sun protection, and appropriate footwear.
• Best time to visit: June – September for swimming; spring and early autumn for walking.
• Nearby: Mala Perna, Vela Perna, Maslinica, Lovišće, and historical sites of Šćedro.
• Recommended for: Lovers of natural beaches, sailors, snorkeling, and peaceful relaxation by the sea.