Uvala Makarac – a hidden pebble beach east of Prapatna

Uvala Makarac is located on the northern coast of Hvar, east of Prapatna, in an area between Jelsa and Poljica where the settlements largely recede, leaving behind rocks, maquis, and small coves that are mainly accessible on foot or by sea.

Makarac is entirely different from Mine, Grebišća, or Zenčišće. There are no beach bars, sun loungers, roads ending just a few metres from the towels, or a significant number of houses. The main feature is a small pebble beach surrounded by large rounded rocks, giving the entire cove a very distinctive appearance.

The easiest way to reach Makarac is by boat or on foot from nearby Prapatna.

A small beach among large rounded rocks

Makarac is not a large beach.

At the end of the small cove, there is a pebble beach, with large, smoothly shaped rocks dominating on both sides, sloping down towards the sea.

These rocks set Makarac apart from many other small coves on the northern side of Hvar. Instead of high cliffs like those at Mala Stiniva, the landscape here is lower and rounder, with large stone blocks around the beach.

The water is clear, and the depth gradually increases after entering over the pebbles.

A beach without tourist facilities

At Makarac, there are no restaurants, beach bars, shops, or organised beach infrastructure.

Visitors should bring water, food, and everything necessary for a stay by the sea. This is particularly important in summer, as it is not practical to return to Prapatna just for drinks or snacks after arriving on foot.

There are also no sun loungers, showers, or changing cabins.

Makarac is the opposite of an organised city beach – it is visited for the sea and natural surroundings, rather than for facilities.

Access to the beach is not by car

The most important practical information is that it is not possible to drive directly to the beach.

If arriving by land, one first heads towards Prapatna, and from Prapatna, continues on foot to Makarac.

This means that Makarac is not a beach for those who wish to park just a few metres from the sea and carry a large amount of equipment.

A light day trip requires only a rucksack with water, food, and basic swimming essentials.

Walking from Prapatna

Prapatna is the most natural land starting point.

From there, one continues along the coastal path heading east, through rocky Mediterranean terrain without a classic paved promenade. The walk is not a long hiking tour, but appropriate footwear is necessary – flip-flops are not the best choice for a rocky path.

This final walking section is one reason why Makarac usually does not have the same crowds as beaches accessible by asphalt roads.

If one is already staying or swimming in Prapatna, Makarac is an interesting continuation of coastal exploration.

Arriving by boat is the easiest option

By sea, Makarac is much more accessible.

A small boat allows one to approach the cove without the need to walk from Prapatna, making Makarac a lovely stop during a tour of the northern coast of Hvar.

However, there is no marina or organised public mooring here. When arriving by boat, it is important to monitor sea conditions and choose the approach method based on the day's circumstances.

The northern coast of Hvar requires particular caution when the bura wind is blowing.

The bura can completely change the cove

Makarac is located on the northern side of the island and is open to the Hvar Channel.

On a calm summer day, this is not an issue, and the water in the cove can be very pleasant for swimming. However, with stronger northern and northeastern winds, the situation can change rapidly.

This is especially important for arriving by smaller boat, kayak, or SUP.

If strong bura is forecasted, Makarac is not a place I would plan to visit just because the sea in Jelsa appeared calm in the morning.

Shade is limited

The surroundings are natural, but that does not mean the beach is in deep shade all day.

Large rocks can provide some shade at certain times of the day, and low Mediterranean vegetation grows along the coast, but one should not rely on guaranteed all-day natural shade.

For a few hours spent in mid-summer, sun protection should be brought.

This is particularly important as there are no bars or other covered spaces to retreat to during the hottest part of the day.

Makarac or Prapatna?

Prapatna and Makarac are very close, but they are not the same type of beach.

Prapatna has houses by the sea, is accessible by car, and is more practical if carrying more items or visiting with children.

Makarac is noticeably more natural and secluded. The last part requires walking or arriving by boat, there are no facilities, and the entire area feels much less altered.

If easier access is sought, Prapatna is the better choice. If the aim is to find a small pebble beach that is not easily reached by car, Makarac is more intriguing.

Who is Makarac a good choice for?

It will appeal most to couples, swimmers, and visitors who enjoy exploring lesser-known parts of the coast.

It is not ideal for those who value restaurants, showers, sun loungers, or easy access with a lot of equipment.

For families with very young children, Mina or Grebišće are much more practical options, while Prapatna itself is also a simpler choice.

Makarac is worthwhile precisely because of what it lacks – there is no large development, no traffic along the beach, and no tourist infrastructure that would dominate the entire cove.

Useful information

  • Location: northern coast of Hvar, east of Prapatna cove
  • Area: wider vicinity of Poljica, in the municipality of Jelsa
  • Type of beach: small pebble beach
  • Surroundings: large rounded rocks and natural rocky coastline
  • Entry into the sea: over pebbles
  • Shade: limited; do not rely on guaranteed all-day natural shade
  • Food and drink: no catering facilities, everything must be brought
  • Access by car: cannot drive to the beach
  • Access on foot: from Prapatna via coastal path
  • Shoes: sturdy footwear recommended for the walk
  • Access by boat: one of the easiest ways to arrive
  • Mooring: no organised marina or public mooring
  • Wind: northern coast exposed to bura; conditions should be checked before arrival
  • Facilities: no showers, sun loungers, or organised beach infrastructure
  • Feature: small pebble beach between large rounded rocks, primarily accessible on foot from Prapatna or by sea