Ploče Beach in Stari Grad on Hvar – Large Pebble Area, Organized Sunbathing Spots, and Swimming by the Pines

Ploče Beach is located on the northern shore of Stari Grad Bay, west of Bonj Beach and the Helios tourist complex on Hvar Island. It is marked on Google Maps as Stari Grad Bathing Area and is recognizable for its large organized pebble section in the center, stone and concrete sunbathing areas along the edges, and greenery surrounding the coast. Due to its easy access to the sea and spacious beach, it is appealing to families with children as well as visitors seeking a quieter swimming experience close to the town.

Unlike the smaller rocky bathing areas along Stari Grad Bay, Ploče offers ample space for a traditional stay on a pebble beach. The central area is suitable for laying towels and enjoying the sea, while the organized platforms provide additional sunbathing options. In the background, there are pine trees and Mediterranean vegetation, with views opening towards the southern shore of the bay.

What is Ploče Beach Like?

The main feature of Ploče is the large organized pebble area that occupies the central part of the beach.

The beach has a wide surface covered with pebbles, allowing for comfortable sunbathing and easy access to the sea. The pebble area is particularly practical for families, as children have more space to play than on narrow rocky beaches.

Along the edges of the beach, there are stone and concrete sunbathing surfaces, as well as natural rocky sections of the coast. This arrangement allows bathers to choose whether they prefer to stay on the pebbles or on a flatter, solid surface.

The water is clear on calm days, with blue and green hues. In the background, there are pine trees and other Mediterranean greenery, which pleasantly complement the organized coastal space.

Ploče thus combines the advantages of a classic pebble beach and an organized urban bathing area, without the need to travel to remote coves of Hvar.

Swimming and Entering the Water

In the central pebble area, entering the water is easier than over rocks or high concrete platforms.

The seabed is predominantly pebbly and rocky, with depth gradually changing towards the more open part of the bay. Bathers can choose between entering from the beach or accessing the organized parts of the coast.

For children, the central pebble area is the most practical, where they can play and enter the water under adult supervision.

On the rocky edges, water shoes are advisable, especially due to the uneven surface and potential slippery areas.

Since the beach is located within Stari Grad Bay, it generally provides pleasant swimming conditions for most calm summer days. However, during stronger winds, one should expect waves and changing conditions along the coast.

Ploče Beach for Families with Children

The large organized pebble area is one of the main advantages of this beach for family vacations.

Children have space to play by the sea, while parents can settle on the pebble surface nearby. Unlike bathing areas that consist almost exclusively of concrete platforms, here there is no need to use stairs for every entry into the water.

The pebbles are also practical for laying towels, mats, or personal umbrellas.

For families staying in Stari Grad, Ploče offers an interesting alternative to the more well-known Bonj, especially if they prefer a larger pebble area and the option to choose between several different sunbathing spots.

During July and August, it is advisable to arrive in the morning when it is easier to find a suitable spot on the beach.

Sunbathing Areas, Pines, and Natural Shade

In addition to the central pebble area, there are organized stone and concrete sunbathing surfaces along the beach.

These can accommodate towels or mats, and are particularly practical for guests who do not prefer lying on pebbles.

Pine trees and Mediterranean vegetation in the background create a pleasant natural setting. In some parts of the coast, shade can be found, but the majority of the open pebble area is exposed to the sun throughout the day.

For longer stays, it is advisable to bring sun protection and enough drinking water.

The proximity to the tourist zone also allows for the use of seasonal catering facilities in the vicinity, without the need to return to the center of Stari Grad.

Facilities Near the Beach

Ploče is located in an area where the natural coast merges with the organized tourist zone of Stari Grad.

Nearby is the Arkada Hotel and other facilities of the Helios complex, so catering services are available during the tourist season.

In the broader bathing area, there is also the possibility of renting sun loungers and umbrellas, depending on the seasonal organization of individual parts of the beach.

Some services are associated with hotel facilities and may incur separate charges.

For guests planning a full-day stay, Ploče is practical due to the combination of a large pebble area, organized sunbathing spots, and proximity to tourist infrastructure.

How to Get to Ploče Beach?

The beach is located on the northern side of Stari Grad Bay, west of Bonj Beach and the Helios tourist area.

From the center of Stari Grad, it is possible to walk along the coastal promenade, following the path towards Bonj and the hotel complex.

The walk largely runs along the sea, making it pleasant for a morning swim or an evening return to the town.

The tourist area can also be accessed by bicycle, while by car, it is possible to reach the road to nearby parking areas.

The final part of the journey to the beach is most conveniently completed on foot.

Parking at Ploče Beach

For those arriving by car, parking areas are available in the vicinity of the Helios tourist complex and Arkada Hotel.

It is important to pay attention to signs, as some parking spots may be reserved for hotel guests or other users of tourist facilities.

During the peak summer season, available spots may be limited, especially during the busiest hours.

For guests staying in Stari Grad, walking or biking is often the simplest way to avoid searching for parking.

Ploče, Bonj, and Helios – Which Beach to Choose?

The northern shore of Stari Grad Bay has several bathing areas that are close to each other but differ in appearance and facilities.

Ploče Beach is particularly distinguished by its large organized pebble section in the center and stone and concrete sunbathing areas along the edges. It is a good choice for guests who want a classic pebble beach, but also the option to sunbathe on organized surfaces.

Bonj Beach is known for its pebble shore, catering and family facilities, and accessible entry into the water for persons with disabilities.

Helios Beach is connected to the tourist zone and organized coastal sunbathing areas.

For guests who prefer more space on the pebbles, Ploče is a very interesting option, while Bonj and Helios offer a different arrangement of bathing and accompanying facilities.

What Else to Visit Nearby?

After swimming at Ploče, it is worth taking a walk to the historic core of Stari Grad.

Particularly interesting is the Tvrdalj of Petar Hektorović, a Renaissance summer residence with a fish pond, as well as the town promenade with traditional stone houses, restaurants, and cafes.

On the opposite side of the bay is the Lanterna Beach, known for its organized platforms and pine trees along the sea.

Near the ferry port is the Maslinica Cove, one of the few sandy beaches in this part of Hvar.

For a nature excursion, the Kabal Peninsula is also interesting, featuring smaller coves, pine forests, and numerous swimming spots.

When is the Best Time to Visit Ploče?

The most pleasant period for swimming is from June to September, when the sea is warm and the days are long enough for a full-day stay.

During July and August, the beach may be busier due to the proximity of hotels and easy access from Stari Grad.

If you prefer quieter swimming and more options for finding a spot on the pebbles, it is best to arrive early in the morning.

June and September are particularly pleasant due to fewer tourists, while late afternoon hours are good for swimming and walking along the coast.

Why Visit Ploče Beach?

Ploče Beach is interesting due to the combination of a spacious organized pebble area, stone sunbathing spots, and proximity to the tourist facilities of Stari Grad.

For families with children, the greatest advantage is the central pebble area, which allows for easier entry into the water and more space to stay by the coast.

Adult bathers also appreciate the organized sunbathing areas and the option to walk from the town.

If you are looking for a pebble beach in Stari Grad Bay and want to avoid a long drive or boat trip, Ploče is a practical and pleasant choice.

Useful Information

• Name: Ploče Beach, Stari Grad.
• Name on Google Maps: Stari Grad Bathing Area.
• Location: Northern shore of Stari Grad Bay, west of Helios Beach.
• Type of Beach: Organized pebble beach with stone and concrete sunbathing areas.
• Central Area: Large organized pebble area.
• Edge Areas: Stone and concrete platforms and natural rocks.
• Seabed: Pebbly and rocky, depending on the part of the coast.
• Entry into the Water: Via pebble beach and organized edge sections.
• Suitable for Children: Yes, especially the central pebble area.
• Natural Shade: Pines and Mediterranean greenery along some parts of the beach.
• Sunbathing Areas: Spacious pebble area and organized platforms.
• Sun Loungers and Umbrellas: Seasonal offer in the broader bathing area.
• Catering Offer: Seasonal facilities in the area of Arkada Hotel and Helios complex.
• Access on Foot: Coastal promenade from Stari Grad.
• Access by Bicycle: Possible.
• Access by Car: Via road to the tourist zone, then on foot.
• Parking: Parking areas near hotels and tourist complex, with respect to usage restrictions.
• Entry: Free access to the public beach.
• Best Time to Visit: June – September.
• Nearby: Helios and Bonj Beaches, Arkada Hotel, Stari Grad, and Lanterna Beach.
• Recommended for: Families with children, couples, and guests who enjoy pebble beaches with organized sunbathing areas.