Zaraće Beach – A Tranquil Pebble Cove on the Northern Coast of Hvar
Zaraće Beach is located in the eponymous cove on the northern coast of eastern Hvar, beneath the area of Gdinj and just east of the more well-known cove of Pokrivenik. It is a small pebble beach surrounded by holiday homes and a natural rocky coastline, sufficiently secluded to maintain a peaceful character, yet still accessible by car.
This Zaraće should not be confused with Velo and Malo Zaraće on the southern side of Hvar, closer to the town of Hvar. It is a completely different cove on the eastern part of the island, linked to the area of Gdinj.
The main advantage of the beach is the simple combination that is becoming increasingly rare on eastern Hvar: fine pebbles, a gentle entry into the sea, a few houses along the shore, and very little traditional tourist infrastructure.
A Small Pebble Beach in a Protected Cove
The main beach is situated at the bottom of Zaraće.
The shore is predominantly pebbly, with finer pebbles gradually changing to stone and natural rocks towards the edges of the cove.
The beach is not large, but the cove is sufficiently indented that other spots for entering the water can be found alongside the main shore. There are small piers and stone areas next to some houses, which are mainly used by their guests.
As a result, Zaraće does not resemble a large public bathing area. It feels more like a small summer hamlet by the sea, where the beach is the natural centre of life.
Gentle and Gradual Entry into the Sea
One of the greatest advantages of Zaraće is its gradual entry into the sea.
From the main pebble shore, one can enter the water without encountering large rocks or a sudden drop-off. The first few metres are more comfortable for both children and less confident swimmers.
This makes Zaraće one of the better choices in the Gdinj area for families seeking a natural beach without steep rocky entries into the sea.
Of course, this is a natural bathing area without lifeguard services or organised children's facilities, so usual supervision is required for small children.
Clear Water and Calm Swimming
The position of the cove protects the main shore from direct exposure to the open sea.
During stable summer weather, the water is calm and very clear, and the pebbly and rocky bottom along the shore allows for good visibility.
Towards the edges of the cove, the seabed becomes rockier, making these areas more interesting for snorkelling.
In the central part, there is enough space for normal swimming, although care should be taken with smaller boats and local moorings near the houses.
A Good Choice for Families with Children
When compared to other small coves around Gdinj, Zaraće is particularly appealing to families.
The main reason is the pebble shore with a gentle entry, eliminating the need for children to descend into the sea over rocks.
The second reason is the size of the cove itself. There is no intense traffic or large tourist complexes immediately by the beach, so the entire area feels calmer.
For a family that does not require a water park, sun loungers, and a row of cafés, but simply wants a few hours of ordinary swimming, Zaraće works very well.
Holiday Homes Almost on the Beach
Along the cove, there are several houses and apartments, some just a few metres from the sea.
Some of the properties have a nearly Robinson Crusoe character, although Zaraće is now accessible by road and has more houses than some completely isolated Gdinj coves.
For guests staying here, the greatest advantage is clear: it takes just a few moments to walk to the sea.
For day visitors, it is important to distinguish between public space and private terraces, piers, and parking areas belonging to accommodation facilities.
Natural Shade
In parts around the beach, there is natural shade, but Zaraće is not a beach completely covered by dense pine trees.
Shade can be found along the vegetation, the edges of the shore, and certain areas behind the beach, with the amount varying throughout the day.
For a prolonged stay during July and August, it is advisable to bring a sunshade, especially if visiting with small children.
How to Reach Zaraće Beach?
Zaraće can be reached by car from the Gdinj area, descending from the main island road towards the northern coast.
From Gdinj to the cove is approximately six kilometres.
You can drive quite close to the sea, but the final approach to some houses and parts of the cove involves a short unpaved section. In several places, vehicles are left ten or several dozen metres above the beach, and the last part is continued on foot.
For a normal car, access is generally not a problem, but, as elsewhere on eastern Hvar, it is advisable to drive slowly on unpaved sections.
Parking
There is no large, organised public parking area immediately by the beach.
Houses and apartments generally have their own spaces for their guests, while day visitors need to find available space along the access road without blocking private entrances and access for other vehicles.
In some places, vehicles can be parked approximately 20–50 metres from the sea.
During the main season, arriving early makes it easier to find a spot, as practical spaces along the road fill up quickly in the small cove.
Pokivenik is Less Than a Kilometre Away
One of the practical advantages of Zaraće is its proximity to Pokivenik cove.
The distance between the two coves is about 800 metres, which can be traversed by road on foot.
This is particularly useful as Pokivenik has more amenities. There is Restaurant Preza within Hotel Timun, allowing for a day to be easily organised with swimming in the quieter Zaraće and a later lunch or dinner in Pokivenik.
Thus, Zaraće offers the tranquillity of a small cove while not being completely cut off from restaurants and other facilities.
Should You Expect Amenities on the Beach Itself?
Zaraće is not a beach with a reliable large hospitality offering.
There have been smaller local amenities in the cove over the seasons, but for a full day stay, it is best to bring water and basic food, and for a proper lunch, plan to go to Pokivenik or another nearby cove.
A shop is located up in the Gdinj area, so it makes little sense to descend to the sea without basic supplies and then have to return several kilometres for them.
Arrival by Boat
Zaraće can also be reached by boat.
There are smaller private piers and moorings next to some houses, but these are not public marinas or organised tourist berths.
If arriving by your own boat, ensure to leave enough space for private moorings and bathers, and check the depth and seabed before anchoring.
For a small boat and calm weather, Zaraće is a pleasant spot for a day of swimming.
The Northern Side as an Alternative to the Southern Gdinj Coves
Zaraće is located on the northern side of Hvar, which is very useful if staying in the Gdinj area for several days.
Veprinova, Rapak, Torac, Skozanje, Srhov Dolac, and other well-known Gdinj coves are located on the southern shore. Zaraće, Pokivenik, and other northern coves provide an alternative when weather conditions are not the same on both sides of the island.
In the south, the northern side can often be calmer.
In strong north winds, the situation reverses, so it is always worth checking the wind direction before heading to the beach.
Zaraće or Pokivenik?
Although the coves are very close, they have different characters.
Pokivenik is larger, more dramatic, and more developed. It has a hotel, Restaurant Preza, more amenities, and larger pebble beaches.
Zaraće is smaller, simpler, and quieter, with a few houses and a small pebble shore.
For a guest seeking more amenities, Pokivenik is more practical.
For a family or couple wanting a quieter swimming experience without needing a restaurant right next to their towel, Zaraće is a very pleasant choice.
The best part is that they can easily be connected in the same day.
Do Not Confuse with Velo and Malo Zaraće
There are two different areas named Zaraće on Hvar.
Zaraće Beach near Gdinj is located here, on the northern coast of eastern Hvar.
Velo Zaraće and Malo Zaraće are located much further west, on the southern coast near the town of Hvar.
These are not alternative names for the same beach or neighbouring cove.
If using navigation, it is best to ensure that the location leads to Gdinj and Pokivenik, rather than the settlement of Zaraće near the town of Hvar.
Who Will Zaraće Beach Suit Best?
Zaraće is particularly suitable for families with children, couples, and guests seeking a quiet pebble beach without heavy tourist traffic.
The gentle entry into the sea makes it practical for children, and the few houses along the shore provide enough life so that the cove does not feel completely deserted.
At the same time, the proximity to Pokivenik means that one does not have to travel far for a restaurant and more amenities.
The greatest value of Zaraće is precisely this balance: a small pebble shore, calm waters, easy access, and a secluded atmosphere, while just a few minutes away lies one of the more developed coves of eastern Hvar.
Useful Information
Location: Zaraće Cove, northern coast of Hvar, Gdinj area
Note: not the same as Velo Zaraće and Malo Zaraće near the town of Hvar
Type of beach: natural pebble beach
Coastline: pebbles and finer stones, rocky edges of the cove
Entry into the sea: gentle and gradual
Suitable for children: yes
Natural shade: partially
Accommodation: several houses and apartments by the sea
Access: by car or boat
Distance from Gdinj: approximately 6 km
Final access: partly shorter unpaved sections, depending on the part of the cove
Parking: limited, without a large public parking area
Distance from Pokivenik: approximately 800 m
Nearest reliable restaurant: Restaurant Preza in Pokivenik
Best for: families, couples, quiet swimming, and relaxation away from large tourist beaches
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