Barjoška Beach near Komiža

Barjoška Beach is located in a secluded cove northwest of Komiža, on a part of the coast that remains outside the built-up area of the town. It is approximately four kilometers from the center of Komiža via a walking path, making it unsuitable for a quick swim between strolls along the promenade. Barjoška is an excursion beach that requires planning for arrival, departure, and bringing everything needed for a stay by the sea.

The cove is particularly known as one of the filming locations for the 2017 movie Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again. For the filming, access paths and certain parts of the coast were modified, but Barjoška has not been turned into a typical tourist beach after the film crew left. It remains a tranquil natural cove that is easiest to reach by boat.

Pebble beach with pine shade

The central part of the cove features a small pebble beach, while the sides are predominantly rocky. The pebbles continue into the shallow water, and the depth increases gradually, without a sudden drop-off right by the shore. Water shoes are not necessary, but they can be useful due to the stones and uneven ground at the edges of the beach.

Behind the beach, there is a pine forest that provides good natural shade. The shade is one of Barjoška's main advantages, especially during hot summer days, although the position of the shade varies throughout the day. There is also a concrete dock along the coast where a small boat can be briefly moored when sea conditions allow. This is not a designated mooring area or a port that can be relied upon in all weather conditions.

The water in the cove is generally very clear, and the rocky edges are suitable for snorkeling and observing marine life. There are no tourist facilities at the location, so it is advisable to bring enough water, food, and sun protection, and to take all waste back with you.

How to reach by foot from Komiža

From Komiža, Barjoška can be reached via a walking route that leads towards Bonova and the Barjaci cape. One common starting point is located above the area of the Biševo hotel, from where the path continues along rocky trails and old dirt roads towards a former military zone, and then descends towards the cove.

Expect to spend approximately one to one and a half hours walking in one direction, depending on the chosen route, pace, and navigation at intersections. The path is not technically demanding, but it can be uneven, rocky, and exposed to the sun in places. The final part involves descending towards the sea, which becomes an ascent on the return.

Sturdy sports or hiking shoes are required for walking. Flip-flops and other beach footwear are not a suitable choice. It is advisable to bring significantly more water than for a typical beach visit, as there are no supply points along the way. Before setting off, it is wise to prepare a map or navigation track, and to plan the return while there is still enough daylight.

A car can be parked at the public parking lot in Rogači or another permitted location in Komiža, after which the trailhead can be reached on foot.

Arriving by car and parking

There is an old dirt road leading to the Barjoška area, which can be accessed by car under certain conditions. However, this is not a paved access road to the town beach. The dirt road can be uneven, rocky, and damaged, and its condition may change after rain or road work.

For a regular passenger car, this access is not always a good choice. It is advisable to check the current road conditions before departure, and a vehicle with higher clearance is more suitable for safer passage. There is no designated public parking near the beach, marked parking spaces, or guarantee that the vehicle can be easily turned around and left without obstructing traffic. Therefore, arriving by boat or walking from Komiža is a more reliable option.

Arriving by boat from Komiža

By boat, it takes just a few minutes to reach Barjoška from the Komiža harbor, and this maritime access is the most practical for most visitors. You can arrive in your own or rented boat, or arrange for a taxi boat transfer from Komiža.

When arriving, be mindful of the wind, waves, and available space at the dock. A small boat can be moored when conditions are calm, but the mooring is not protected like in a harbor. In stronger winds, it is safer to remain on the boat or choose another day for the visit.

Swimming from Komiža is not a reasonable option due to the distance and boat traffic along the coast.

Is Barjoška suitable for children?

The pebble beach itself, the gradual entry into the sea, and the pine shade may be suitable for families, but only when arriving by a safe boat and bringing everything needed for the stay. There are no opportunities to buy water or food at the remote beach, and the return depends on the arranged transport and sea conditions.

Walking to the beach is not practical for small children due to the length of the route, summer heat, and uneven terrain. The beach is also not adapted for wheelchair users, while older adults and those with limited mobility may find disembarking from a smaller boat challenging. Before organizing a trip, it is important to check if the type of vessel is suitable for all passengers.

Best time to visit

For swimming and a calmer boat arrival, it is best to set off in the morning, before the sun gets stronger and boat traffic increases. Pedestrians should start early during the summer, as a large part of the route is exposed to the sun, and they face another long walk on the return.

Barjoška is also beautiful in the late afternoon, when the western coast is pleasant for watching the sunset. Such a visit is better organized by boat, as returning along the rocky path after dark is not advisable.

The beach is accessible year-round, but swimming and organized boat transport are generally associated with the warmer part of the year. The most pleasant time to visit is from late spring to early autumn, with stable weather forecasts and calm seas.

Barjoška Beach is best suited for visitors seeking a natural cove, shade, and a retreat from urban beaches, as well as film enthusiasts wanting to see one of the most famous filming locations of Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again on the island of Vis. Its uniqueness lies not in amenities, but in its secluded position, pebble shore, and pines that almost reach the sea.