Buffet Kod Mate – Café by the Sea in Vela Stiniva

Buffet Kod Mate is located right by the sea in the bay of Vela Stiniva on the northern side of Hvar. Despite its name, it is best described today as a simple seasonal café by the beach, where visitors come for coffee, soft drinks, beer, and other cold beverages during a day spent by the sea.

Its greatest advantage is not the variety of offerings but its location. After swimming at Vela Stiniva beach, there is no need to leave the bay or get into a car to enjoy a cold drink – Kod Mate is practically right next to the bathing area.

A Classic Beach Café

Kod Mate is neither a restaurant nor a place to go for lunch or dinner. The offerings are typical of a small seasonal café: coffee, soft drinks, beer, and other refreshments.

This straightforward concept suits Vela Stiniva well. The bay is small, surrounded by high cliffs, and lacks the number of dining establishments found in larger tourist areas, making a café right on the beach a very practical amenity for bathers and guests staying in nearby apartments.

A Few Steps from the Sea

Buffet Kod Mate is situated in close proximity to the pebbly beach of Vela Stiniva. A short walk separates it from the sea, allowing for easy trips to grab a coffee or cold drink and return to the beach.

The high limestone cliffs enclosing Vela Stiniva create a unique atmosphere. Unlike urban cafés on large promenades, here one sits within a small bay dominated by the sea, cliffs, and a few houses along the shore.

A Good Spot for a Break from the Sun

During the hottest part of the day, Kod Mate is a practical place for a short break from the beach. Instead of spending the entire day under the sun, one can sit down with a drink and rest before resuming swimming.

This is particularly useful as there is some natural shade on Vela Stiniva beach, but it is not sufficient for all visitors to rely on shaded spots throughout the day.

Kod Mate and Šer Zane are Not the Same Establishment

There are two separate hospitality establishments in Vela Stiniva that should not be confused.

Buffet Kod Mate is a café for coffee, soft drinks, beer, and other beverages, while Šer Zane is a separate restaurant and pizzeria where one can expect a more substantial meal.

For beach visitors, this is a practical combination – Kod Mate serves coffee and refreshments during the day, while lunch or dinner can be had at Šer Zane.

How to Get There

Vela Stiniva can be reached from Zastražišće via a local asphalt road that descends towards the northern coast of Hvar.

The road leads directly to the bay, but in some sections, it is narrow and winding, so caution is advised, especially during the summer when traffic increases in both directions.

Upon arriving in the bay, Kod Mate is easy to find as it is located along the coastal and bathing area, just a few steps from the sea.

Parking in Vela Stiniva

There is public parking available in Vela Stiniva, but the number of spaces is limited. It is advisable to arrive early during the busiest summer days.

Private parking spaces near the apartments should not be used as public parking.

After parking, the entire coastal area of the bay, including the beach, Kod Mate, and the restaurant Šer Zane, can be explored on foot.

A Café That Makes Sense Due to Its Location

Buffet Kod Mate is not an attraction in itself nor a destination that warrants a special trip across the island. Its value lies in its location – right by one of the most beautiful and striking bays in this part of Hvar.

For a guest spending the day at Vela Stiniva beach, the opportunity to enjoy a coffee, soft drink, or cold beer just a few steps from the sea represents the kind of simple amenity that makes a more remote beach more pleasant for a full day’s stay.

Useful Information

  • Name: Buffet Kod Mate
  • Type of establishment: seasonal café
  • Location: Vela Stiniva, Zastražišće, Hvar Island
  • Position: right by the coastal and bathing area of the bay
  • Offerings: coffee, soft drinks, beer, and other cold beverages
  • Food: do not expect food offerings; it is primarily a café
  • Best for: coffee, cold drinks, and a short break during the day at the beach
  • Beach: the pebbly Vela Stiniva beach is immediately adjacent to the establishment
  • Restaurant in the bay: Šer Zane is a separate restaurant and pizzeria
  • Access: via an asphalt local road from Zastražišće to Vela Stiniva
  • Parking: public spaces are available in the bay, but capacity may be limited during peak season
  • Special feature: one of the few drinking establishments right by the beach in Vela Stiniva