Malo Zaraće Beach on Hvar – a Hidden Pebble Cove with Unusual Rocks, Natural Shade and Turquoise Waters

Malo Zaraće is one of the most beautiful small coves on the southern coast of Hvar Island, located beneath the settlement of Zaraće, not far from the town of Hvar. It is characterised by large, unusually shaped stone boulders, exceptionally clear waters, and pine trees that almost reach the shore. In contrast to the neighbouring Velo Zaraće beach, which features restaurants and a larger pebble beach, Malo Zaraće has a more natural appearance, with more rocky areas and significantly fewer facilities.

The uniqueness of this cove lies in its position on the opposite side of a long rocky cape that separates the two Zaraće beaches. Along the coast, smaller pebbly sections alternate with large rocks and stone surfaces suitable for sunbathing, while the pine forest provides pleasant shade. Due to the limited space and indented coastline, Malo Zaraće is not a typical large beach, but rather a series of small swimming spots among the rocks.

Unusual Rock Formations and a Small Pebble Beach

What sets Malo Zaraće apart from other Hvar beaches are the large limestone rocks with unusual rounded shapes. Some are located right on the shore, while others emerge from the sea or extend below the water's surface. Their layered surfaces and rounded edges give the cove a distinctive appearance.

The main swimming area consists of a narrow beach made up of finer pebbles and cobbles, with rocky sections at the edges. The cove is not wide, so during the summer months, there is not much space for larger groups of bathers. Visitors often spread out across the rocky surfaces by the sea.

In certain parts of the beach, there are also small concrete areas and steps that facilitate access to the water. However, a large portion of the coastline remains naturally rocky.

This is a beach where it is particularly worthwhile to find your own corner among the rocks and pines, rather than expecting a long, straight beach with neatly arranged sun loungers.

The Sea, Seabed and Swimming Conditions

The water at Malo Zaraće is known for its exceptional clarity. In the shallower part of the cove, the light stony seabed gives the water an intense turquoise colour, while towards the middle of the cove, lighter and darker sections of the seabed alternate.

Entry into the sea is easiest via the pebbly part of the beach. Near the larger rocks, the seabed is uneven, with stones and underwater blocks, so extra caution is needed there. Water shoes are particularly useful if you are swimming outside the main beach area.

The depth increases as you move away from the shore, but in certain areas between the rocks, there are shallower spots suitable for calmer swimming. For families with children, the pebbly section is the most practical, with the usual adult supervision.

Malo Zaraće is particularly interesting for snorkelling. Along the rocky edges of the cove, you can observe underwater rocks, fish, and a varied seabed. Due to the large rock formations, the underwater landscape is more diverse than on beaches with uniform pebbly bottoms.

Natural Shade Under the Pines – One of the Beach's Greatest Advantages

One of the most important advantages of Malo Zaraće is its natural shade. Behind the beach and along the edges of the cove, pine trees grow, with their canopies overhanging the shore in some places.

The shade changes throughout the day depending on the sun's position, and parts of the beach remain sunny. In addition to the pines, the tall rocks surrounding the cove also provide shade. Therefore, you can find a more pleasant refuge from the sun here than on many completely open pebbly beaches on the southern coast of Hvar.

The most comfortable spots in the shade are limited, so it is advisable to arrive early during July and August. If you plan to stay all day with children, it is wise to bring additional sun protection.

The cove is partially sheltered by a large rocky cape, but in stronger winds and waves, swimming conditions can change. Extra caution is needed when entering the water over the rocks when the sea is choppy.

How to Get to Malo Zaraće Beach?

Malo Zaraće is located beneath the settlement of Zaraće, along the road between the town of Hvar and Stari Grad. A narrow asphalt road branches off from the main road, steeply descending towards the coastal part of Zaraće.

Driving to the lower part of the settlement requires caution as the road is winding, narrow, and steep in certain sections. Meeting other vehicles can be tricky, especially during the peak tourist season.

After descending towards the coast, you need to follow the path to the western side of Zaraće. Malo Zaraće is located to the west of the large rocky cape, while Velo Zaraće beach is on its eastern side.

From the place where you can park your car, a short walking path leads to the beach, partly over steps and rocky terrain. The last few dozen metres are covered on foot, so a long and demanding hike is not necessary to reach the beach, unlike at Dubovica beach.

However, due to the steps and uneven terrain, access is not suitable for wheelchairs, and arriving with pushchairs can be challenging.

Parking at Malo Zaraće Beach

Near the beach, there is a small parking area along the access road. The parking spaces are relatively close to the shore, but their number is limited.

During July and August, parking is one of the biggest challenges when visiting. Free spaces fill up quickly, especially in the morning hours. There are free parking spaces available in the vicinity, but there are also paid parking options, depending on the specific area.

It is important to leave your car in a permitted area, without blocking the narrow road and access to private properties. Given the steepness of the road, care should also be taken to park the vehicle safely.

For those who wish to avoid crowds and the search for parking, it is most pleasant to arrive early in the morning or outside of July and August.

Are There Restaurants and Other Facilities at Malo Zaraće Beach?

Malo Zaraće is a natural beach without developed tourist infrastructure. There are no restaurants or permanent food and drink offerings right on the beach, so it is best to bring water and something to eat for a longer stay.

Do not expect organised showers, public toilets, or changing cabins at the beach. There is also no large organised area with sun loungers and umbrellas, which is why the cove has retained a simpler, more natural character.

For lunch or drinks, you can head to the neighbouring Velo Zaraće, where there are hospitality establishments, including the Gego restaurant. However, it is necessary to walk through the settlement area between the two coves, so it is not the same as having a restaurant right by the beach.

Malo Zaraće is best suited for guests who want a few hours of swimming and relaxation in nature, with their own equipment and without a large number of facilities.

Malo Zaraće or Velo Zaraće – Which Beach to Choose?

Although they are very close to each other, these two beaches offer different experiences.

Malo Zaraće is located on the western side of the cape. It has a smaller beach, more rocky surfaces, large unusual boulders, and plenty of natural shade under the pines. Due to its quieter appearance and lack of larger hospitality establishments, it is particularly suited to guests who prefer more natural beaches.

Velo Zaraće is located on the eastern side of the cape. There, the pebbly beach is more pronounced, and there is hospitality offering right by the shore. It is more practical for guests who want to combine swimming with lunch or drinks at a restaurant.

For photography enthusiasts and those interested in exploring the underwater world, Malo Zaraće is particularly appealing due to its large rocks and exceptionally clear waters. For families seeking a simpler stay with a restaurant, Velo Zaraće may be the more practical choice.

Who is Malo Zaraće Beach Most Recommended For?

Malo Zaraće is an excellent choice for couples, lovers of natural beaches, and guests who want to swim among the rocks, away from large beach clubs.

It will particularly appeal to those seeking natural shade, beautiful underwater scenery, and the opportunity to sunbathe on rocky surfaces by the sea. The cove is also interesting for families with children, but due to the rocky sections of the shore and limited space, it requires a bit more attention than larger pebbly beaches.

The main attraction of Malo Zaraće is not additional facilities, but the unusual rocks, small pebbly areas, pines by the sea, and the exceptionally beautiful colour of the water.

Useful Information

• Location: Zaraće, southern coast of Hvar Island, west of Velo Zaraće beach.
• Type of Beach: Small natural pebble and rocky beach.
• Surface: Finer pebbles, cobbles, large rocks, and stone surfaces.
• Seabed: Pebbly and rocky along the shore, with larger underwater rocks.
• Entry into the Sea: Easiest via the pebbly section; rocky and uneven near the boulders.
• Natural Shade: Pines and surrounding rocks provide shade in parts of the beach.
• Special Feature: Large rounded and layered boulders along the shore and in the sea.
• Car Access: Narrow and steep asphalt road branching off from the main road Hvar – Stari Grad.
• Parking: Limited number of spaces along the access road, including free and possible paid areas.
• Walking Access: Short path from the parking area, partly over steps and rocky terrain.
• Hospitality: There are no permanent restaurants or bars on the beach; hospitality offerings are in neighbouring Velo Zaraće.
• Showers and Toilets: No organised public sanitary facilities on the beach.
• Child-Friendly: Yes, with adult supervision and choosing the pebbly section for entering the sea.
• Snorkelling: Particularly interesting due to numerous underwater rocks and clear waters.
• Wind: The cove is partially sheltered by the cape, but caution is needed in stronger winds and waves.
• Nearby: Velo Zaraće beach, the settlement of Zaraće, and Dubovica beach.
• Recommendation: Bring water, food, sun protection, and water shoes, and arrive early during the peak season.