Oključna Beach – A Quiet Cove on the Northern Side of Vis Island

Oključna Beach is located in the eponymous cove on the sparsely populated northern side of Vis Island, beneath a small settlement named Oključna. Unlike the more well-known beaches on Vis that attract large crowds during the summer, the main feature here is its seclusion. At the bottom of the deeply recessed and well-sheltered cove, there is a gravel shore, a few old fishing houses, and very little other construction, giving Oključna the appearance of a small island cove that is not adapted for mass tourism.

The beach is predominantly gravel, with rocky and paved sections near the houses and a small pier. The sea is generally calm and very clear due to its location in a sheltered cove, and entry from the main gravel area is easier than from the rocky edges. The beach itself is not large, but due to its distance from the main island towns, it usually attracts those who prioritize peace and natural surroundings over developed amenities.

To reach Oključna, a road branches off from the main road Vis – Komiža towards the settlement of the same name. The settlement can be accessed by car – local tourist sources indicate it is approximately 6 km from Vis and 13 km from Komiža – but the road from the settlement to the cove is gravel. This final section of the road is narrow and in some places poorly maintained, so Oključna may not be the best choice for drivers who prefer not to drive on island gravel roads or have very low vehicles. Local sources mention that the gravel road is suitable for off-road vehicles.

At the beach itself, there is no large organized parking area like those found at more popular beaches on Vis. The final approach passes through a small settlement and towards the cove, so vehicles should be parked where there is enough space without obstructing access to local houses and other vehicles. For this reason, arriving by boat is actually one of the most pleasant ways to visit Oključna. The cove is well sheltered from southern winds and the bora, and nautical sources indicate depths of approximately 5–15 meters. When anchoring, care should be taken with the ropes of local boats.

Oključna is primarily a natural, undeveloped beach. Visitors should not expect a beach bar, sunbed rentals, water sports, or other amenities found at urban beaches. For a longer stay, it is best to bring enough water, food, and everything else needed for the day. Shade should also be considered carefully – while the surrounding vegetation and houses can provide some shelter, the main gravel area of the beach is not a classic beach under dense pine trees.

It is also interesting for underwater enthusiasts. Oključna Cove is used as a diving location, and at approximately 14 meters depth, there is a section of the wing of an American B-24 bomber from World War II. This is not something that an ordinary swimmer will see from the surface, but it is an interesting feature of the cove and one of the reasons divers visit Oključna.

Oključna is a good choice for those who are already familiar with the main beaches of Vis and want to explore a quieter, more secluded side of the island. Getting there requires a bit more effort than visiting beaches along paved roads, but this difficult access helps preserve its tranquility. If arriving by car, it is advisable to prepare for the gravel road; if there is an option to arrive by a smaller boat, the cove can be experienced in a much simpler way.