Velo Zaraće Beach on Hvar – Pebbly Cove Surrounded by High Cliffs with Clear Water and Coastal Restaurants

Velo Zaraće Beach is located on the southern coast of Hvar Island, beneath the small settlement of Zaraće, approximately 8 kilometers east of the town of Hvar. It is situated in a deep cove surrounded by high rocky cliffs and is characterized by its pebbly shore, exceptionally clear water, and a long rocky cape that protects part of the cove from waves. Unlike the neighboring Malo Zaraće Beach, Velo Zaraće has restaurants right by the shore, making it more convenient for guests who wish to spend the entire day by the sea.

One of the unique features of this beach is its location between high cliffs that drop almost vertically into the sea. Along the shore, there are several stone houses and terraces, while steep slopes with Mediterranean vegetation rise in the background. During the summer, anchored sailboats and smaller boats can be seen in the cove, and the water is particularly beautiful when calm, allowing for clear visibility of the rocks and stones on the bottom.

Pebbly Beach, Rocky Bottom, and Sea Access

Velo Zaraće has a natural shore made up of pebbles and stones of various sizes. Some parts of the coast are covered with larger rocks, and large boulders can be found along the edges, extending beneath the water's surface.

The easiest access to the sea is over the pebbly part of the beach. In some areas, the bottom drops off relatively quickly, so Velo Zaraće does not have a long shallow area. Water shoes may be useful due to the larger pebbles and rocky bottom.

The water is very clear, and due to the light pebbles in the shallow part of the cove, it takes on turquoise hues. There are underwater rocks and a varied bottom along the rocky edges, making it particularly interesting for snorkeling.

In the outer part of the cove, there is also a secluded rock that some swimmers swim to. Although it is used for sunbathing and jumping into the water, it is necessary to check the depth and underwater obstacles before entering the water.

High Cliffs, Natural Shade, and Swimming Conditions

Velo Zaraće is surrounded by high rocky slopes and parts of the coast covered with pine trees and Mediterranean vegetation. Natural shade can be found near some rocks and trees, but most of the shore remains exposed to the sun during the day.

For a longer stay at the beach, it is advisable to bring an umbrella, especially during July and August. Shaded spots are limited and can fill up quickly.

The cove faces east and southeast, and the long rocky cape partially shelters it from the open sea. As a result, the water in the inner part can often be calm, but during the sirocco winds and stronger waves, swimming conditions can change significantly.

The most pleasant time to visit is during calm weather when the water is clear, and access over the pebbly shore is easier.

Restaurant Gego and Dining Options by the Beach

One of the main advantages of Velo Zaraće compared to the neighboring Malo Zaraće beach is the possibility of having lunch or refreshments right by the sea.

Along the beach is Gego, a well-known dining establishment in this cove, with a terrace near the shore. It is a convenient place to take a break from swimming, have a drink, or a meal without returning to the main road.

In the Velo Zaraće area, there is also additional seasonal dining options, making this part of the coast livelier than the neighboring Malo Zaraće cove.

Despite the restaurants, Velo Zaraće is not a large organized tourist beach. The sunbathing area mainly consists of the natural shore and rocky surfaces, so it is best to bring your own towel and sun protection.

How to Get to Velo Zaraće Beach?

Velo Zaraće can be reached by car via the road connecting the town of Hvar and Stari Grad. In the Zaraće area, a narrow asphalt road branches off that steeply descends towards the coast.

The turn towards the beaches leads to the lower part of the settlement, where the road splits towards two coves. Velo Zaraće is located on the eastern side, while Malo Zaraće is on the western side, across the rocky cape.

The access road is asphalted but narrow, winding, and in some parts, quite steep. Careful driving is necessary when passing other vehicles, especially during the summer season.

You can drive almost down to the beach, which is a significant advantage compared to some other well-known Hvar coves, such as Dubovica and Lučišća, which require a longer walk down a steep path.

If you leave your car up by the main road, it is possible to continue on foot to the coast, but you should expect about a ten-minute descent and a significantly more strenuous return uphill.

Velo Zaraće can also be reached by boat, which is an interesting option for guests exploring the southern coast of Hvar.

Parking at Velo Zaraće Beach

Parking is one of the important details when planning a visit to Velo Zaraće. In the lower part of the settlement, there is a limited number of parking spaces, and part of the parking area is associated with nearby restaurants and other establishments.

During July and August, available spots near the beach can fill up quickly. For restaurant guests, parking may be available near the establishment, but this does not mean that all such spots are intended for other beach visitors.

Cars should be parked in permitted areas, without blocking the narrow roadway, access to houses, or space needed for vehicle turning.

For those not accustomed to very narrow and steep island roads, a simpler option is to park in a suitable spot along the main road and walk down. However, returning uphill during the hottest summer days can be tiring.

Velo Zaraće or Malo Zaraće – What is the Difference?

Zaraće is unique in that two completely different coves are located in a small area, separated by a high and elongated rocky cape.

Velo Zaraće is on the eastern side. It has a pebbly shore, dining establishments by the sea, and a somewhat livelier atmosphere. It is particularly suitable for guests who want to combine swimming with lunch or drinks on the terrace.

Malo Zaraće is on the western side of the cape. It is recognizable by large rock formations, a smaller shore, and natural shade provided by the rocks and surrounding pines. The cove has a calmer, more natural character and fewer facilities directly by the beach.

Both beaches have very clean water and interesting rocky underwater landscapes, but they are not interchangeable. For a full-day stay with the option to go to a restaurant, Velo Zaraće is more practical, while Malo Zaraće is better suited for guests seeking a more natural bathing experience.

Who is Velo Zaraće Beach Recommended For?

Velo Zaraće is a good choice for couples, families with older children, and guests who want a natural pebbly beach that can be accessed almost by car.

Due to the restaurants by the sea, it is particularly convenient for a full-day stay, while swimming enthusiasts will enjoy the clear water and rocky parts of the cove.

For families with very young children, it is important to consider the larger pebbles and areas where the water deepens more quickly. The beach is suitable for swimming under adult supervision, but it does not have a wide shallow area like some larger family beaches.

The main attraction of Velo Zaraće is the combination of the pebbly shore, high cliffs, clear water, and the possibility to spend the entire day by the coast without going to another location.

Useful Information

• Location: Zaraće, southern coast of Hvar Island, about 8 km east of the town of Hvar.
• Type of Beach: Natural pebbly beach surrounded by high cliffs.
• Surface: Pebbles and stones of various sizes, with larger rocks along the edges.
• Sea Bottom: Pebbly near the shore, rocky and stony at the edges of the cove.
• Access to the Sea: Over the pebbly shore; in some areas, the depth increases relatively quickly.
• Natural Shade: Limited, near pines and rocks.
• Wind: The cove is open to the eastern and southeastern sea; waves may occur during the sirocco.
• Car Access: Narrow and steep asphalt road from the main road Hvar – Stari Grad.
• Parking: Limited number of spaces in the lower part of Zaraće; part of the parking area belongs to restaurants and private establishments.
• Walking Access: Short from the lower part of the settlement; approximately ten minutes of descent from the main road.
• Boat Access: Possible when exploring the southern coast of Hvar.
• Dining: Restaurant Gego and other seasonal offerings along the coast.
• Showers and Sanitary Facilities: Do not expect the infrastructure of a large organized beach; sanitary facilities depend on dining establishments.
• Suitable for Children: Yes, with adult supervision, due to pebbles and areas where the water deepens more quickly.
• Snorkeling: Particularly interesting along the rocky edges and underwater rocks.
• Nearby: Malo Zaraće Beach, the settlement of Zaraće, and Dubovica Beach.
• Recommendation: During the peak season, arrive early due to limited parking and shaded spots.