Žukamice Beach near Komiža

Žukamice Beach, also referred to as Zakamica in local sources, is one of the beaches on the island of Vis that is visited intentionally. It is located behind Cape Barjaci, on the northern side of the island, outside the bay of Komiža and completely separated from the urban swimming areas. The easiest way to reach it from Komiža is to take a smaller boat or taxi boat, navigate around the cape, and after a short ride, arrive at a tranquil cove with pebble shores and just a few old fishing houses.

There are no passersby, cars, or people who have just stopped by for a swim. Those who come to Žukamice usually stay for several hours and arrange their return in advance. This seclusion is the main reason why the cove can maintain a sense of tranquility even in the middle of summer, which is increasingly difficult to find on the beaches closer to Komiža.

Beach Description

Žukamice is a small natural pebble beach located at the end of the cove under steep, green slopes. The central part of the shore is covered with pebbles, while towards the edges, the beach transitions into rocks and a coarser rocky substrate. It is not a maintained beach where the pebbles are leveled and the shore is cleaned after every storm, so the appearance of the beach can change throughout the year.

The most comfortable spot for a towel is the central part of the beach, but a thicker mat is advisable as the pebbles can be somewhat larger in places. In front of the cove, a small rocky islet is visible, and the entire scene appears significantly wilder than the beaches within the bay of Komiža.

The easiest entry into the sea is over the pebbly part. Underfoot, there are pebbles and stones, so water shoes can be useful, especially for children and sensitive swimmers. The depth increases without a sharply defined transition right by the shore, but after a few steps, there is no completely shallow area like on organized family beaches.

Sea and Swimming

The sea at Žukamice is most beautiful when it is completely calm. At such times, the rocky bottom is clearly visible through the surface, and along the rocks at the edges of the cove, one can swim with a mask for a long time. Since there are no settlements, traffic, or large numbers of swimmers nearby, the water often gives the impression of complete cleanliness and transparency.

The edges of the cove are better suited for experienced swimmers, while it is more practical for children to stay near the central part of the beach. Outside the cove, the shore becomes rocky and more exposed to the sea, so it is advisable not to venture far when the wind is blowing or when waves start to appear.

Žukamice is not a suitable destination during unstable weather. On the northern side of Vis, the sea can change more quickly than in the sheltered harbor of Komiža, and there is no safe docking area on the beach where one could wait for conditions to improve.

Is There Shade?

There is plenty of greenery in the hinterland, but on the pebble beach itself, one should not count on wide and reliable shade. Some shade can be found along the back edge of the beach and closer to the vegetation, but the position of the shade changes throughout the day, and the most pleasant spots are quickly occupied if several boats arrive at the same time.

For a longer stay, it is advisable to bring an umbrella or other sun protection. The beach is small, open, and lacks enclosed spaces where one can seek shelter during the hottest part of the day.

Arrival by Boat from Komiža

It takes approximately ten minutes to reach Žukamice by boat from Komiža, depending on the vessel and sea conditions. After exiting the bay of Komiža, the route passes along the western coast of Vis and navigates around Cape Barjaci, behind which the cove opens up.

It is best to arrange a taxi boat a day in advance or in the morning before departure. One should also determine the return time immediately, as there is no regular boat service, reception, or place to easily order another transport at Žukamice. Mobile signal in the secluded parts of the coast is also not something to rely on unconditionally.

There is no dock at the beach. Disembarkation is done directly onto the pebbles or through shallow water, depending on the type of boat. In calm weather, this is usually not a problem, but in waves, boarding can become uncomfortable, especially for small children, elderly individuals, and those with mobility difficulties.

It is also possible to reach the beach by one's own or rented boat. In this case, one should pay attention to the depth, rocks along the edges of the cove, and other vessels. Anchoring is not allowed directly in front of the swimming area.

Can You Arrive on Foot?

There are land paths to the area of Žukamice, but this is not a realistic walking approach for a typical swimming trip. The route leads over demanding, steep, and poorly maintained terrain, and one should expect several hours of walking to arrive from the direction of Komiža.

The path is not marked as a designated tourist trail; in some parts, it may be narrow or overgrown, and after descending to the sea, a similarly demanding return awaits. Without good knowledge of the terrain, sufficient water, and appropriate footwear, such an arrival is not advisable.

Therefore, Žukamice should be viewed as a beach that is reached by sea. This is safer, simpler, and allows enough time for swimming without an exhausting return through the interior of the island.

Arrival by Car and Parking

It is not possible to reach the beach by car. There is no road leading to the shore, there is no parking near the cove, and access from the interior ends far above the sea.

The most practical option is to leave the vehicle in a public parking lot in Komiža and continue on foot to the port. Attempting to approach by car via side and field paths is not very sensible, as it does not avoid a long and demanding final stretch.

Facilities at the Beach

There are no tourist facilities at the location.

There is no beach bar, restaurant, shop, sanitary facilities, shower, changing cabin, or rental of sun loungers and umbrellas. Everything must be brought from Komiža, including sufficient water, food, sun protection, and basic equipment for staying at a natural beach.

There is also no designated waste disposal area on the beach, so everything brought must be taken back to the boat. Since returning is not possible at any time, it is not advisable to set out with just a small bottle of water and assume that something can be purchased in the cove.

Is the Beach Suitable for Children?

Žukamice can be a nice choice for a family outing when arriving by boat and when children are accustomed to natural pebble beaches. The cove is small, there is no traffic or large numbers of swimmers, and the central part of the beach allows for relatively easy entry into the sea.

However, there is no long shallow area, playground, sanitary facilities, or food service. Parents must bring all necessary equipment and pay special attention when disembarking and entering over larger pebbles.

For infants and very young children, the lack of reliable shade can be an issue. Therefore, it is best to organize the visit in the morning and arrange an earlier return with the transport provider if the stay becomes tiring for the children.

The beach is not adapted for strollers or individuals using wheelchairs. For those with limited mobility, the biggest challenge is disembarking from the boat directly onto the natural beach.

Best Time to Visit

The most pleasant time to depart from Komiža is in the morning when the sea is usually calmer, the sun is not yet strong, and it is easier to find a spot along the back edge of the beach. For a full-day stay, it is important to carefully assess the amount of water and sun protection needed.

Before departure, it is advisable to check the weather forecast and listen to the recommendations of local skippers. When they say that the return should be organized earlier due to wind, it is not a day to stay at the beach until sunset.

Žukamice is most suitable for visitors seeking a small, natural, and truly secluded beach. There are no comforts of an urban bathing area, but this is precisely why one can enjoy what they came for – several hours of swimming in clear water, without music, traffic, and summer crowds from Komiža.