Mala Stiniva Beach – Pebbled Cove, High Cliffs and Jumping into the Sea near Poljica
Mala Stiniva Beach is located on the northern coast of Hvar, beneath the village of Poljica, approximately two kilometres from the village and about 16 kilometres east of Jelsa. It is a small, deeply carved cove surrounded by steep rocky slopes and is completely different from the organised beaches of Mina and Grebišće closer to Jelsa.
At the end of the cove, there is a small shore made up of white and light pebbles, a few houses, and exceptionally clear water. The cliffs on both sides drop steeply into the sea, creating a distinctive, almost enclosed atmosphere that makes Mala Stiniva appear much more dramatic than a typical Hvar cove.
A particular attraction is the natural cliffs for jumping into the sea located at one of the rocky edges of the cove. On Google Maps, they are marked as Cliffjumping rocks, and it is precisely the combination of high cliffs and deep clear water that attracts swimmers who enjoy a more active seaside experience.
Small Pebbled Shore under High Cliffs
The main beach is not large.
The shore consists of rounded pebbles that are pleasant for walking and lying on, while the edges quickly transition to rocks. Due to the limited space, a few dozen bathers can make the beach appear crowded, especially in July and August.
However, Mala Stiniva does not have the feel of a large tourist beach. There is no long promenade, rows of sun loungers, or beach bars occupying the shoreline.
Its greatest value lies in the natural setting of high cliffs that almost vertically descend into the sea.
Clear Water and a Good Swimming Spot
The water is very transparent, and in calm weather, it is one of the most beautiful aspects of the entire cove.
From the main shore, entry into the water is over smooth pebbles, after which the depth gradually increases. There is no particularly long shallow area like at Mina or Grebišće, making Mala Stiniva better for swimming than for hours of play in shallow water for very young children.
It is interesting to swim with a mask near the rocks, as the pebbly bottom quickly changes to rocky underwater terrain, and the clarity of the water allows for a lovely view along the coast.
Cliffjumping Rocks – Cliffs for Jumping into the Sea
One of the features of Mala Stiniva is the natural cliffs from which to jump into the sea.
They are located at the rocky edge of the cove, separate from the main pebbled shore, and are easily identifiable when swimming along the coast. There are several natural jumping spots, from lower cliffs to significantly more challenging jumps.
For jumping enthusiasts, this is one of the reasons why Mala Stiniva remains memorable beyond just being a beautiful beach. The deep blue sea beneath the steep cliffs creates an excellent natural setting for this type of activity.
However, the cliffs are not a managed or supervised jumping area. Before each jump, one should check the depth, the position of underwater rocks, the waves, and the landing area. What is safe one day may not be the same after a storm or under different sea conditions.
It is best to choose only spots that can be clearly assessed and not attempt more jumps simply because other bathers are doing so.
An Attraction for Those Who Don’t Jump
The cliffs are worth seeing even if one does not intend to jump.
In this part of the cove, one can best see how steep the rocky slopes are and how geologically different Mala Stiniva is from the calmer, more open beaches around Jelsa.
One can swim to the cliffs, explore the edges of the cove with a mask, or simply observe the jumps from the water.
Thus, cliff jumping here is not a separate commercial attraction but a natural part of the cove itself.
No Restaurants or Beach Bars on the Beach
Mala Stiniva does not have a traditional hospitality establishment.
It is best to bring enough water and food for your stay, especially if you are coming for a few hours. In the newer season, vending machines with drinks and snacks may appear, but one should not plan an entire day’s stay around them.
There are no showers, sun loungers, or organised beach services.
This is also one of the reasons why Mala Stiniva still has a simpler character compared to many more famous Hvar beaches.
Is There Natural Shade?
Some natural shade exists in certain parts of the beach and around the trees above the shore.
However, do not expect the entire beach to be shaded throughout the day. A few better shaded spots are quickly occupied, and the position of the shade changes as the sun moves across the high slopes.
For a longer stay in the height of summer, bringing your own sun umbrella or other sun protection is still advisable.
Later in the afternoon, the cliffs begin to shade certain parts of the cove, making the atmosphere more pleasant than during the hottest part of the day.
Mala Stiniva Belongs to Poljica
Although it often appears in tourist searches alongside Jelsa, Mala Stiniva actually belongs to the village of Poljica.
Poljica is located inland along the main road D116, and it is about two kilometres away from Mala Stiniva by air and local distance towards the northern coast.
For Holiday Link, it makes sense to associate the beach with Jelsa as a larger tourist area, but in the text, it should always be clearly stated that it is the cove of Poljica.
How to Get There by Car?
From Jelsa, take the D116 road east towards Poljica, where you turn towards Mala Stiniva.
The local road to the sea is narrow and winding, but most of the approach is paved. Only the final approximately 100 to 200 metres transitions to an unpaved section where parking is also available.
The drive is not technically demanding, but due to the bends and narrowness, one should drive slowly and be prepared to pass vehicles coming from the opposite direction.
Unlike many more remote Hvar coves, there are no kilometres of poor dirt roads.
Parking Above the Cove
The car is parked above the end of the cove, along the road and in available widenings.
There is no large organised car park with marked spaces, but access is simpler than at some small coves where it is difficult to turn a car around at the end.
From the parking area, there is a short walk down to the main shore.
In the peak season, it is advisable to arrive early as the beach itself is small, and the most practical parking spots fill up quickly.
Arriving by Boat
Mala Stiniva looks particularly impressive from the sea.
Only upon entering by boat can one clearly see how abruptly the cliffs rise on both sides of the cove. For this reason, Mala Stiniva is often one of the stops on smaller excursions along the northern coast of Hvar.
The cove does not have a marina or an organised public mooring.
If arriving by your own vessel, the anchoring spot should be chosen based on depth, other boats, and weather conditions, with additional caution due to swimmers and people jumping from the cliffs.
Be Aware of Jumpers
If entering the cove by boat or swimming along the rocky part, it is wise to pay attention to the area around the cliffjumping rocks.
Jumpers may enter the water several metres from the cliff itself, so boats, paddleboards, and swimmers should not pass directly beneath where someone intends to jump.
The same applies to bathers who are climbing onto the rocks – before jumping, one should check that there are no other people in the landing zone.
On a calm day with a moderate number of bathers, the area is easily visible, but in the height of the season, more caution is required.
The Bora Wind is Important on the Northern Coast
Mala Stiniva is located on the northern side of Hvar, and the bora wind can significantly change conditions here.
On a calm day, the water in the depth of the cove can be almost completely flat, but with a stronger northern wind, the entrance to the cove becomes much choppier.
This is particularly important for jumping from the cliffs, arriving by small boat, paddleboard, or kayak.
If a strong bora is blowing, cliff jumping and moving away from the main shore are not advisable, even if the part of the cove near the beach appears relatively calm.
Do Not Confuse with Vela Stiniva
In this part of Hvar, there are two Stinivas.
Mala Stiniva belongs to Poljica and is smaller, quieter, without restaurants, with a small pebbled shore and well-known jumping cliffs.
Vela Stiniva is located further east, belongs to Zastražišće, is larger and has hospitality facilities and well-known climbing spots.
The famous Stiniva on Vis is a completely different location.
If using navigation, it is best to search for the full name Mala Stiniva Beach, Hvar.
Mala Stiniva or Vela Stiniva?
For a more practical all-day stay with a restaurant and more facilities, Vela Stiniva is the simpler choice.
Mala Stiniva has a completely different character. It is smaller, more intimate, and much more defined by the cliffs and sea.
If you enjoy swimming, jumping from cliffs, and small coves without much tourist infrastructure, Mala Stiniva is more interesting.
It is precisely the Cliffjumping rocks, high vertical cliffs, small white pebbled shore, and clear blue sea that set this cove apart from other beaches around Jelsa.
Useful Information
- Location: Northern coast of Hvar, beneath the village of Poljica
- Affiliation: Mala Stiniva belongs to Poljica
- Distance from Poljica: Approximately 2 km
- Distance from Jelsa: About 16 km to Poljica, with an additional descent via local road to the cove
- Type of beach: Small shore of white and light pebbles
- Entry into the sea: Over smooth pebbles
- Depth: No long shallow area; suitable for swimming
- Cliffjumping rocks: Natural cliffs for jumping into the sea at the rocky edge of the cove
- Jumping: Several natural levels, but without a managed and supervised jumping area
- Safety when jumping: Always check depth, underwater rocks, waves, and the area below the cliff before jumping
- Shade: Available in some parts, but not across the entire shore
- Food and drink: No restaurants or beach bars; it is best to bring your own supplies
- Facilities: No showers, sun loungers, or organised beach services
- Access by car: From Poljica via a narrow and winding local road
- Road: Mostly paved; the last approximately 100–200 m is unpaved
- Parking: Along the end of the road above the cove, with limited spaces
- To the beach: A short walk down
- Access by boat: Possible, without a marina or organised public mooring
- Wind: Bora can significantly change conditions in the cove
- Special feature: One of the few beaches in this part of Hvar where the natural cliffs for jumping are almost as recognisable as the shore itself
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