Uvala Tufera on the island of Šćedro – A Hidden Pebble Beach, Turquoise Sea and Tranquillity Among the Pines

Uvala Tufera is located on the north-western part of the island of Šćedro, not far from the southern coast of Hvar. It is one of the more beautiful natural bays on this nearly uninhabited island, known for its clear turquoise waters, pebble beach, and pine trees that descend almost to the shore. Due to its secluded position and lack of tourist infrastructure, it is particularly appealing to visitors seeking peace, away from crowded beaches and large tourist resorts.

Tufera is also interesting for sailors navigating between Hvar and Korčula. The bay extends deep into the land, and its shelter from certain winds allows for comfortable anchoring when weather conditions are favourable.

What is the Beach Like at Uvala Tufera?

At the bottom of the bay, there is a natural pebble beach surrounded by low pine trees and dense Mediterranean vegetation. The coastline is predominantly rocky on both sides, while at the end of the bay, a pebble shore opens up, suitable for relaxation and swimming.

The sea is particularly attractive due to its colours. Near the shore, lighter turquoise shades prevail, transitioning to deep blue towards the centre of the bay. The sandy seabed and underwater vegetation create characteristic contrasts that are best visible on calm, sunny days.

The pines along the coast provide natural shade in certain areas, while the shore itself is more exposed to the sun.

Tufera does not resemble a developed tourist beach. There are no constructed piers, large facilities, or rows of sun loungers, and its greatest advantage is its preserved natural landscape.

Swimming and Snorkelling

Uvala Tufera is excellent for swimming during calm weather. The water is clear, and the pebble shore allows for easier access than the surrounding rocky parts of the island.

The edges of the bay are particularly interesting, where beneath the water's surface, stones, sandy areas, and seagrass meadows alternate. This underwater landscape is appealing to those who enjoy snorkelling.

Smaller fish and various forms of marine life can be observed near the rocks, while the more open part of the bay is interesting due to visibility and the contrast of the seabed.

As the bay also serves as an anchorage, care should be taken while swimming to be aware of boats and their manoeuvres. It is most pleasant to stay closer to the shore, away from areas where vessels drop anchor.

Uvala Tufera as an Anchorage for Sailors

Tufera is well-known among sailors as one of the natural anchorages on the western part of Šćedro.

The bay extends approximately 400 metres inland, and the seabed is predominantly sandy, with areas covered in seagrass. Depths in the bay range from approximately 2 to 15 metres.

For anchoring, depths of around 5 to 8 metres are most commonly chosen, with a mandatory check of the seabed, depth, and available space.

Tufera provides good protection from southern and eastern winds, while western winds can create waves. When selecting an anchorage, local changes in wind direction and sea conditions should also be considered.

There are no organised mooring buoys or communal infrastructure at the anchorage. It is particularly important to avoid dropping anchor on seagrass meadows and to choose appropriate sandy areas where anchoring is permitted.

For sailors, Tufera is primarily interesting as a place for swimming, relaxation, and enjoying nature, rather than as a port with hospitality or supply facilities.

How to Reach Uvala Tufera?

The simplest way to reach Tufera is by boat.

The bay is located on the north-western side of Šćedro, opposite the southern coast of Hvar between Zaval and Ivan Dolac. It can be reached by one's own vessel or as part of a private boat excursion.

For guests without their own boat, there is also the option of reaching Šćedro via seasonal boat transport from Zaval. Boats usually dock in the Porat area, from where one can continue on foot to other parts of the island.

A walking trail leads from the area of Lovišće to Tufera, approximately 3.5 kilometres long, which takes about an hour to walk. From the direction of the settlement of Nastane, the route is about four kilometres and takes around 70 minutes.

The trails pass through the natural island landscape, featuring rocky sections, dry stone walls, and Mediterranean vegetation. For such an outing, sturdy shoes, sufficient water, and good sun protection are necessary.

During the summer heat, it is best to start the hike early in the morning, and before setting off, it is advisable to check the possibility of returning by boat.

Are There Restaurants and Other Facilities at Uvala Tufera?

Tufera is a completely natural bay without organised tourist facilities.

There are no restaurants, cafés, shops, showers, or organised sanitary facilities on the beach. There is also no organised rental of sun loungers or umbrellas.

Visitors need to bring sufficient drinking water, food, sun protection, and anything else that may be needed throughout the day.

The nearest hospitality offerings can be found in other bays of Šćedro, particularly in the Porat and Lovišće areas, where restaurants catering to sailors and day-trippers operate during the tourist season.

Due to the lack of infrastructure, Tufera is most suitable for visitors who enjoy natural beaches and do not require additional facilities.

The Nature and Tranquillity of Western Šćedro

One of the main attractions of Tufera is its preserved nature.

The slopes around the bay are covered with pines, maquis, and aromatic Mediterranean herbs. Along the coast, bright rocks and greenery alternate, while from the deeper part of the bay, there is a view towards the more open sea and the nearby coast of Hvar.

Šćedro is known for its small population and modest infrastructure. The island lacks typical tourist resorts and a developed road network, contributing to a sense of seclusion.

However, during the peak of summer, Tufera may attract a few boats, especially in calm weather. The most tranquillity can be expected outside of July and August or during parts of the day when there are fewer day-trippers on the water.

While staying, care should be taken to respect nature, not to leave waste, and to avoid damaging coastal vegetation.

What Else to Visit on the Island of Šćedro?

A trip to Tufera can be combined with exploring other bays and historical sites on Šćedro.

West of Tufera are Vela Perna and Mala Perna, two smaller bays that are also interesting for swimming and stopping by boat.

Further east lies Maslinica, a rugged natural bay on the north-western coast of the island.

For visitors wishing to learn about the history of Šćedro, the remains of a 15th-century Dominican monastery in the Mostira area and the old settlement of Nastane, with its traditional stone houses, are particularly interesting.

Uvala Porat is one of the main arrival points for excursion boats from Zaval and a well-known anchorage, while Porteruša on the southern side of the island is appealing for swimming in a natural setting.

For a complete tour of Šćedro, it is best to plan a boat trip, as some bays are distanced from one another, and the walking trails are not always straightforward.

When is the Best Time to Visit Tufera?

The most pleasant period for swimming in Tufera is from June to September, when the sea is warmer and the weather conditions are generally more favourable for staying by the coast.

For a quieter experience, June and September are particularly appealing, when there are usually fewer boats on the water than during the peak summer season.

Before each boat trip, it is advisable to check the weather forecast, wind direction, and sea conditions. For a walking excursion, spring and early autumn are recommended, when temperatures are not too high.

Tufera is at its most beautiful when the sea is calm, and the sun is high enough to illuminate the sandy bottom and highlight the turquoise shades of the water.

Why is it Worth Visiting Uvala Tufera?

Tufera is one of the most beautiful examples of natural bays that make the island of Šćedro special.

Its appeal lies not in a large beach or numerous facilities, but in the combination of pebble shore, pine forest, clear sea, and the feeling of being away from everyday crowds.

For sailors, it is interesting as a place to stop and swim, while nature lovers will particularly enjoy its preserved coastline and the possibility of arriving via walking trails across the island.

If during your stay in Hvar you wish to discover a beach that is not accessible by car and where nature takes precedence, Uvala Tufera is an excellent choice.

Useful Information

• Location: North-western coast of the island of Šćedro, south of Hvar.
• Type of Location: Natural bay, pebble beach, and anchorage.
• Coastline: Pebble shore at the bottom of the bay and rocky edges.
• Seabed: Sand, stones, and areas covered in seagrass.
• Sea: Very clear, with pronounced turquoise shades near the shore.
• Natural Shade: Pines and Mediterranean vegetation in certain parts of the coast.
• Swimming: Suitable for swimming during calm weather.
• Snorkelling: Interesting along the rocky edges of the bay.
• Anchoring: Sandy bottom with depths of approximately 2–15 m; depths of 5–8 m are often used for anchoring.
• Wind Protection: More sheltered from southern and eastern winds; western winds can create waves.
• Mooring Buoys: No organised mooring buoy field.
• Arrival by Boat: By one's own vessel or private boat excursion.
• Arrival on Foot: Trail from Lovišće, approximately 3.5 km or about 60 minutes walk; from the direction of Nastane about 4 km or 70 minutes.
• Car Access: Not possible.
• Parking: No parking in the bay; vehicles remain on the island of Hvar before departing by boat.
• Hospitality Facilities: None in the bay itself.
• Showers and Sanitary Facilities: Not available.
• Sun Loungers and Umbrellas: No organised rental.
• What to Bring: Drinking water, food, sun protection, and appropriate footwear.
• Best Time to Visit: June – September for swimming; spring and early autumn for walking.
• Nearby: Mala Perna, Vela Perna, Maslinica, Lovišće, and historical sites of Šćedro.
• Recommended for: Lovers of natural beaches, sailors, snorkelling, and peaceful relaxation by the sea.