Cafe Bar Petarčica in Zavala – Coffee, Cold Drinks, and Swimming in a Small Cove by the Sea

Cafe Bar Petarčica is located by a small cove of the same name on the western part of the Zavala coast, just a few steps from the sea. It is a simple and very relaxed beach bar where visitors come for morning coffee, cold drinks, ice cream, or toast between swims.

Petarčica does not have the character of a large Hvar beach bar. There is no loud entertainment or extensive restaurant menu here – the main value is its location by a small pebble beach, a tranquil ambiance, and a view over the crystal-clear waters of southern Hvar.

It is particularly pleasant in the afternoon when the maestral breeze blows through the cove, alleviating the summer heat.

Small Beach Bar Right by Petarčica Cove

The bar is practically on the beach, so it takes just a few moments to reach the table from the sea.

In front of it is the small pebble cove of Petarčica, while along the coast are rocks and several spots suitable for entering the water. Due to its small size, the entire area feels more intimate than the larger beaches of Zavala.

If you are looking for a place to combine a few hours of swimming with coffee and drinks without leaving the beach, Petarčica is just such an option.

Coffee by the Sea

Coffee is one of the reasons to stop here.

The best time to visit is in the morning when the sea is still calm, the sun is not too strong, and the small cove is just beginning to come alive.

Petarčica also works well as a short stop during a walk along the western part of the Zavala coast – sit down for coffee, take a break by the sea, and then continue to the nearby beaches.

Cold Drinks and Ice Cream

The menu is simple and tailored to a small beach bar.

Along with coffee, you can order cold drinks, beer, and ice cream in a cone, which is quite sufficient for a break during a day spent by the sea.

Do not expect a long cocktail list or a large restaurant menu. Petarčica is much closer to a classic small island café on the beach.

This is why the atmosphere remains very informal.

Toast for a Light Lunch After Swimming

For something more substantial, toast sandwiches are available.

This is a practical choice if you do not want to leave the beach for lunch, but keep in mind that Petarčica is not a restaurant.

For a full lunch or dinner, it is better to go to one of the restaurants in Zavala, while here the offerings are primarily focused on drinks, ice cream, and simple snacks.

Petarčica Beach Right in Front of the Bar

The small cove in front of the bar features a pebble shore and very clear water.

The shallow area is bright, while larger stones appear a bit further out on the seabed. The depth increases gradually, without a sudden drop right by the shore.

Along the shore, there are also rocky spots for swimming.

The water is extremely clear in calm conditions, making Petarčica very pleasant for snorkeling along the edges of the cove.

Petarčica Cave

The cove is also known for the small natural cave Petarčica, one of the features that distinguishes this part of the coast from neighboring bathing spots.

This is not a large tourist cave or an organized attraction, but a natural part of the rocky coast worth seeing while swimming and exploring the cove.

The combination of rocks, pebbles, the cave, and clear water gives Petarčica the character of a small hidden cove.

Pleasant When the Maestral Blows

In the afternoon, a maestral often blows in this part of the coast, which can be very pleasant during the hottest summer days.

The light breeze cools the area by the sea and makes sitting by the bar more comfortable than on completely sheltered beaches.

If the wind is stronger, the surface of the sea may become choppier, but under normal summer maestral conditions, swimming remains enjoyable.

Quieter Part of Zavala

Petarčica is located at the western end of the coastal part of the village, and the atmosphere here is calmer than around the main restaurants and harbor in central Zavala.

There is no constant flow of large numbers of people, so during the day, mainly swimmers from Petarčica and guests from nearby apartments stay here.

In June and September, the entire cove can be particularly quiet.

How to Get There?

If you are staying along the Zavala coast, the most pleasant way to reach Petarčica is by walking along the coastal path.

From the central part of the village, continue westward, through the Skalinade area and further towards Petarčica.

Walking makes sense also because the last part of the coast is narrow, and parking space is limited.

Parking

Petarčica does not have a large public parking area right by the bar and beach.

It is best to leave your car in an available parking spot in the western part of Zavala and walk the last part. The access roads to this part of the coast are narrow, and some final sections of the road are rougher than the main roads through the village.

During July and August, it is pointless to try to get as close to the cove by car if the nearest spots are already occupied.

If you are staying in Zavala, walking is much simpler.

When is the Best Time to Visit?

For coffee and the first swim, the best time is in the morning.

If you want to sit by the sea for a longer time, late afternoon is also good when the maestral blows and the temperature becomes more pleasant.

Petarčica is especially nice in June and September when there is more space on the small beach and the atmosphere is even calmer.

Who is Cafe Bar Petarčica Best For?

Petarčica will appeal to guests looking for a small and simple bar right by a natural beach, without the atmosphere of a large beach club.

It is good for morning coffee, a break during swimming, ice cream with children, or a cold drink after a walk along the coast.

The greatest advantage is not a large selection of food and drinks, but the location of the bar – in a small cove by clear water, far enough from the livelier part of Zavala to still spend a very peaceful part of the day here.

Useful Information

  • Name: Cafe Bar Petarčica
  • Location: Zavala, Hvar Island
  • Type: small beach bar and café
  • Position: by the beach and Petarčica cove, on the western part of the Zavala coast
  • Offer: coffee, cold drinks, beer, and ice cream
  • Food: simple toast sandwiches
  • Beach: small pebble beach right by the bar
  • Water: very clean and clear
  • Cove Feature: small natural cave Petarčica
  • Swimming: possible right in front of the bar at several spots along the shore
  • Atmosphere: calm, simple, and informal
  • Wind: pleasant maestral often blows in the afternoon
  • Access on Foot: coastal path from Zavala
  • Parking: leave the vehicle in available spots in the western part of Zavala and walk to the cove
  • Best Time to Visit: morning for coffee and calm swimming; afternoon for pleasant maestral
  • Best For: coffee by the sea, light lunch, ice cream, calm swimming, and a break during a coastal walk