Veliki Pokrivenik Beach – a pebble beach under high cliffs of Hvar
Veliki Pokrivenik Beach is located at the end of one of the deepest branches of the large Pokrivenik bay on the northern coast of Hvar. Above the clear sea rise high limestone cliffs, behind the pebble shore grows Mediterranean greenery, and only a few houses are situated around the beach. This combination of cliffs, greenery, and the deeply carved bay gives Veliki Pokrivenik a distinct appearance compared to most of Hvar's more open beaches.
Although Pokrivenik is known among sailors, climbers, and guests who have been vacationing in this part of Hvar for years, the beach itself has not been transformed into a large organized bathing area. There is no promenade filled with cafes or a series of beach bars – the greatest value of the site remains the sea, the pebble shore, and the dramatic natural setting of the bay.
Veliki Pokrivenik is just one part of a large bay
Pokrovnik is not a small uniform bay. It deeply penetrates the northern coast of Hvar and branches into several parts.
Veliki Pokrivenik Beach is located in the deepest branch of the bay, where the main pebble beach is situated. Hotel Timun and Restaurant Preza are located in another branch of the wider Pokrivenik and should not be presented as facilities immediately behind this beach.
This is practically important for tourists who see everything marked on the map with the name Pokrivenik and expect the restaurant, hotel, and beach to be just a few steps from each other.
Pebbles, stones, and exceptionally clear water
The main part of the beach is covered with pebbles and stones. Towards the edges, the shore transitions into rocky coastline and cliffs, while behind the beach the terrain quickly rises towards greenery and high cliffs.
Access to the water is over pebbles and stones, which continue into the shallows. The water is exceptionally clear due to the light bottom along the coast, taking on turquoise shades, while towards the middle of the deep bay it transitions to a more intense blue color.
Therefore, the beach should not be described as sandy. Water shoes are not mandatory, but they can be comfortable for children and anyone who finds stones underfoot bothersome.
A protected feeling of a deep bay
Veliki Pokrivenik appears almost like a natural amphitheater from the land. High cliffs close off both sides of the bay, and the opening to the sea is only visible to the north.
Due to this position, the beach has a completely different feel compared to long open coasts. The view from the shore is directed through a narrow exit towards the sea, while behind are cliffs, pines, and a few buildings.
This is also one of the reasons why Pokrivenik is popular among sport climbers. The cliffs around the bay have been developed into a climbing area with several sectors, some of which are just a few minutes' walk from the road.
How much shade is there?
Behind the beach, trees and Mediterranean vegetation grow, and the high cliffs and configuration of the bay create additional shade during parts of the day.
However, the main pebbly part of the beach is not shaded all day. During the sunny part of the summer day, a large portion of the shore remains exposed, so it makes sense to bring your own umbrella for a longer stay.
Along the back and sides of the beach, it is easier to find natural shade, but during peak season, one should not count on it being a guaranteed free spot.
How to reach Veliki Pokrivenik?
Veliki Pokrivenik can be accessed by car via an asphalted local road that descends from the main island road towards Pokrivenik.
This is an important advantage compared to Dubac and Kruševa, where the approaches are more challenging and include unpaved sections.
However, the road to Pokrivenik is not a city thoroughfare. As it descends, it becomes narrower and winding, so caution is needed when meeting another vehicle, and one should use pullouts where available. The last part towards the beach passes through a sparsely populated area of the bay.
Parking – no large organized parking area
In the area at the end of the road, there are places where cars can be left along the road and in available pullouts. A climbing guide for Pokrivenik indicates the possibility of parking approximately twenty cars in the wider area at the end of the road.
However, this is not a large organized public parking lot with marked spaces. From where the car is left to the beach, a short walk can be expected, depending on where a free spot is found.
It is important to distinguish private parking spaces of apartments and houses from areas that are actually available to day visitors.
In July and August, arriving early makes it easier to find a spot and navigate the final part of the road.
No restaurants immediately by the shore
At Veliki Pokrivenik Beach, do not expect a beach bar or a classic restaurant just a few meters from your towel.
In the wider Pokrivenik bay, there is Restaurant Preza, part of Hotel Timun, but it is located in another branch of the bay. Therefore, for a full day at Veliki Pokrivenik, it is practical to bring enough water and what is needed for the beach, rather than relying on purchasing everything right by the shore.
This arrangement is also a reason why the beach retains a quieter and more natural character.
Badanj Cave and the history of Pokrivenik
In the Pokrivenik area, there is also the Badanj Cave, one of the more interesting natural and archaeological points in this part of Hvar.
Traces of prehistoric human habitation have been found in the cave, which is why Pokrivenik is not only interesting as a bathing spot. The entrance to the cave is visible in the high cliffs along the bay and adds to the unusual landscape.
However, the cave should not be treated as an organized tourist attraction with established paths and organized entry. For a regular day at the beach, it is sufficient to observe it as part of the natural and historical ambiance of Pokrivenik.
A good place for swimming and exploring along the cliffs
The clear water and rocky edges of the bay are good for swimming with a mask and snorkel. Along the side cliffs, the bottom becomes more varied than in the central part of the shore, making the underwater scenery more interesting to observe.
When swimming further from the shore, it should be noted that Pokrivenik is a well-known nautical bay, and during the summer, sailing boats, motorboats, and smaller vessels enter it.
Swimming by the shore is therefore straightforward, while heading towards the middle of the bay requires monitoring boat traffic.
The bora is the biggest weather weakness
Pokrovnik is a deep and well-sheltered bay, but it is located on the northern side of Hvar and is not a good place to ignore strong bora winds.
Local sources particularly warn of unfavorable conditions in Pokrivenik when the bora blows strongly. This is important for both swimmers and sailors.
Before descending into the bay, it is advisable to check the forecast. In calm summer weather, the water in the deep part of Pokrivenik can be very tranquil, while strong bora winds completely change the experience of the northern coast.
Who is Veliki Pokrivenik a good choice for?
The beach is particularly interesting for those who want a natural environment but do not want to drive on challenging unpaved roads to reach the sea.
It can be accessed via an asphalted road, and upon arrival, a small pebble beach under high cliffs awaits. This makes it more practical than some of the more hidden bays of Zastražišće, while still not feeling like a large tourist bathing area.
Families will appreciate the pebbly entry into the sea and the relatively easy access, while those who enjoy a more active holiday will find climbing, swimming along the cliffs, and exploring the wider bay particularly interesting.
If visiting the northern coast of Zastražišće, Veliki Pokrivenik is worth connecting with Kruševa, Little Blue Cave, and Vela Stiniva, but each of these locations offers a different type of excursion.
Useful information
- Name: Veliki Pokrivenik Beach
- Bay: Pokrivenik
- Location: Zastražišće area, Hvar Island
- Coast: northern side of the island
- Position: deepest branch of the large Pokrivenik bay
- Type of beach: pebbles and stones, with rocky edges
- Sea bottom: pebbly and rocky along the coast
- Entry into the sea: over pebbles and stones; water shoes may be useful
- Shade: some natural shade is found behind and along the edges of the beach, but the main part of the shore remains in the sun during parts of the day
- Access by car: possible via an asphalted local road
- Road: the final part is narrower and winding, so caution is needed when passing
- Unpaved road: a long unpaved approach is not required to reach the beach area as with some other bays in Zastražišće
- Parking: limited parking along the road and in available pullouts; no large organized public parking
- Private parking: parking spaces of accommodation facilities are not public parking for the beach
- Catering: there is no classic beach bar immediately by the main shore; Restaurant Preza is located in another part of the wider Pokrivenik bay
- Beach facilities: do not expect a large organized beach service
- Activities: swimming, exploring the underwater world, and sport climbing on the surrounding cliffs
- Nearby: Badanj Cave, Kruševa, and Little Blue Cave
- Wind: conditions on this northern coast can significantly worsen during strong bora winds
- Special feature: a pebbly shore located deep between high limestone cliffs
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