Mala Pogorila Beach – A Tranquil Pebble Cove Near Bogomolje
Mala Pogorila Beach is located in the cove of the same name on the northeastern coast of Hvar, beneath Bogomolje. It is a small, peaceful stretch of coastline far removed from larger settlements, beach bars, and busy roads, surrounded by steep green hills and just a few houses by the sea.
The cove is sufficiently secluded to maintain a quieter atmosphere even in the height of summer. Access is possible by car, but the final stretch is on an unpaved road, making the journey take longer than reaching a well-maintained beach along the main island route.
The greatest asset of Mala Pogorila lies not in amenities—of which there are virtually none—but in its clear waters, small pebble beach, tranquil surroundings, and the feeling of being far from tourist crowds.
A Small Cove on the Northeastern Coast of Hvar
Mala Pogorila is one of several coves beneath Bogomolje.
Looking from west to east along this stretch of the northern coast, you will find Bristova, Vela Pogorila, Mala Pogorila, and further on, Vodice. The settlement of Bogomolje is situated further inland, at approximately 250 metres above sea level, while its coves descend towards the sea on the northern side of Hvar.
As a result, reaching the beach from the centre of the village is not a short walk. From Bogomolje, a local road descends towards the sea, with the final part of the access passing through the typical landscape of eastern Hvar—stone, maquis, olive trees, and low Mediterranean vegetation.
Pebble Beach and Clear Waters
At the very end of the cove, there is a small pebble beach.
The seabed consists mainly of light, finer pebbles and stones, while the edges of the cove transition into natural rock formations. Therefore, water shoes are advisable, especially when moving from the main beach to the rockier areas.
The water is very clear, with the shallow parts displaying lighter turquoise tones.
Nautical sources for Mala Pogorila indicate a sandy bottom in the cove, but this does not mean that the entire beach is sandy. Swimmers should expect a pebble beach with a mixed, partly sandy seabed.
Entry into the Sea and Depth
Entry from the main pebble area is relatively straightforward.
The depth increases gradually to a moderate level, so Mala Pogorila is not the type of beach where one immediately steps into deep water after just one step. However, it also does not feature an exceptionally long shallow area like those found in Mlaska or Perna.
For children who can already enter the water normally, the pebble beach can be quite pleasant. For very young children, beaches with longer shallow areas and more infrastructure are more practical.
Along the side rocks of the cove, the water is more interesting for snorkelling as the rocky seabed alternates with more open parts of the cove.
Shade is Available, but Not Guaranteed All Day
The slopes around Mala Pogorila are covered with Mediterranean vegetation, providing some shade for the beach.
Due to the terrain's configuration, there can be natural shade at certain parts during the day, especially when the sun begins to set in the west. However, one should not expect the entire beach to have dense pine shade throughout the day.
For a full day’s stay, it is advisable to bring your own sun protection, particularly in July and August.
Because of its position between the slopes, Mala Pogorila can be more pleasant in the afternoon than completely open rocky beaches.
How to Reach by Car
Mala Pogorila can be accessed by car from the direction of Bogomolje.
From the main island road, a local route descends towards the northern coast. Information for accommodation facilities directly by the cove indicates that car access is possible, but the last approximately 2.5 km is on an unpaved road.
This is an important detail to consider before setting off.
The unpaved road should not deter visitors from the cove, but those with very low vehicles should drive slowly and assess the current condition of the road. After heavy rains or intense summer traffic, the surface may be rougher than it appears on the map.
I would not describe Mala Pogorila as a 'roadside' beach in terms of easy asphalt access. It is reachable by vehicle, but the last part of the journey has the character of accessing a remote cove on Hvar.
Parking
There is no large, organised public parking area by the beach at Mala Pogorila.
Alongside the houses and access road, there are places where vehicles can be left, and some apartments have their own private parking. However, this does not mean that these spots are automatically available to day visitors.
The safest option is to leave your vehicle in a suitable widening or another location where it does not block the road, access to houses, or private parking.
During the main season, it is advisable to arrive early as space in the small cove is naturally limited.
No Beach Bar, Showers or Sun Loungers
Mala Pogorila is a natural beach without classic tourist infrastructure.
Visitors should not expect a beach bar, restaurant, public toilet, showers, sun lounger rentals, or shops. There are a few houses and apartments in the cove, but it is not a tourist centre with public facilities.
For a day visit, it is therefore essential to bring:
water
food and snacks
sun protection
water shoes
everything needed for a beach stay
It is particularly important to bring enough water as it is not easy to walk to a shop and return in a few minutes.
Suitable for Families, but with Some Limitations
The sea and pebble entry can be good for children, but Mala Pogorila is not the most practical family beach on eastern Hvar.
The reason is not the quality of the water but the logistics: unpaved access, limited parking, and the lack of toilets, showers, restaurants, and shops.
For a family wishing to spend a quiet day in nature and willing to bring everything necessary, the cove can be an excellent choice.
For parents with very young children who want maximum ease of access and facilities closer to the sea, more developed beaches are more practical.
Protected from Southern and Western Winds
The position of the cove is also important for choosing a day for swimming.
Mala Pogorila is well sheltered from southern and western winds, making it a good choice when the southern coast of Hvar experiences rougher seas.
On the other hand, it is located on the northeastern side of the island and is more open to northern and northeastern directions. During strong bora winds, conditions can be significantly worse.
This is one of the advantages of staying on eastern Hvar: depending on the weather, one can choose between northern and southern coves.
Arriving by Boat
Mala Pogorila is also of interest to sailors.
The cove is deep enough for anchoring, and nautical data indicate depths of approximately 2 to 15 metres with a predominantly sandy bottom.
However, in the western part of the cove, there is a submarine electric cable, which means that anchoring should not be done randomly in that area. It is advisable to check the current nautical chart and markers before anchoring.
This does not particularly affect swimmers, but it is useful information for guests visiting the beach by their own vessel.
Mala Pogorila or Vela Pogorila?
The two neighbouring coves can easily be confused.
Vela Pogorila is located immediately to the west, while Mala Pogorila is further east and smaller. Both are situated on the northeastern side of Hvar and are well protected from southern and western winds.
If both are opened as separate locations on Holiday Link, it is important to use the correct Google Maps pins as they are close enough that visitors may easily confuse them.
Mala Pogorila is particularly suited to those seeking a small, more enclosed space with fewer people.
Who Will Enjoy Mala Pogorila the Most?
This is not a beach for visitors seeking animation, cocktails, and sun lounger rentals.
Mala Pogorila is best suited for guests who desire peace, clear waters, a small pebble beach, and a few hours away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
It is a good choice for couples, solo travellers, families willing to bring their own equipment, and guests staying in Bogomolje or the eastern part of Hvar who wish to explore lesser-known coves.
It is advisable to arrive early, bring enough water, and stay for several hours—the journey along the unpaved road is not worth it for a brief swim.
Useful Information
Location: Mala Pogorila Cove, Bogomolje, northeastern Hvar
Type of Beach: Natural pebble beach
Coast: Fine pebbles and stones, rocks at the edges
Seabed: Mixed, with sandy sections in the cove
Entry into the Sea: Relatively easy
Depth: Gradually increases to moderate
Natural Shade: Partial, depending on the part of the beach and time of day
Facilities: No classic tourist facilities
Car Access: Yes
Final Access: Approximately 2.5 km of unpaved road
Parking: No large organised public parking
Arriving by Boat: Yes
Protection: Good from southern and western winds
Caution: More open to northern directions; there is a submarine cable in part of the cove important for sailors
Best for: Peaceful swimming, nature, and guests seeking a less crowded cove
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