Veliki Pokrivenik Beach – a pebble beach beneath Hvar's towering cliffs
Veliki Pokrivenik Beach is located at the end of one of the deepest arms of the large Pokrivenik bay on the northern coast of Hvar. Above the clear waters rise high limestone cliffs, while Mediterranean greenery flourishes behind the pebble shore, and only a few houses surround the beach. This combination of cliffs, greenery, and the deeply carved bay gives Veliki Pokrivenik a distinct appearance compared to most of Hvar's more open beaches.
Although Pokrivenik is well-known among sailors, climbers, and visitors who have holidayed in this part of Hvar for years, the beach itself has not been transformed into a large, organised bathing area. There is no promenade filled with cafés or a series of beach bars – the greatest value of the location remains the sea, the pebble beach, and the dramatic natural setting of the bay.
Veliki Pokrivenik is just one part of a large bay
Pokvinenik is not a small, uniform bay. It extends deeply into the northern coast of Hvar and branches into several parts.
Veliki Pokrivenik Beach is situated in the deepest arm of the bay, where the main pebble beach is located. Hotel Timun and Restaurant Preza are found in another arm of the wider Pokrivenik and should not be considered facilities immediately adjacent to this beach.
This is practically important for tourists who see everything marked on the map as Pokrivenik and expect the restaurant, hotel, and beach to be just a few steps apart.
Pebbles, stones, and exceptionally clear water
The main part of the beach is covered with pebbles and stones. Towards the edges, the beach transitions into rocky shores and cliffs, while the terrain rises quickly behind the beach towards greenery and high cliffs.
Access to the water is via pebbles and stones, which continue into the shallows. The water is exceptionally clear due to the light seabed near the shore, taking on turquoise hues, while towards the middle of the deep bay, it shifts to a more intense blue.
Therefore, the beach should not be described as sandy. Footwear for the water is not mandatory, but it may be comfortable for children and anyone bothered by the stones underfoot.
A sheltered feeling of a deep bay
From the land, Veliki Pokrivenik appears almost like a natural amphitheatre. High cliffs enclose both sides of the bay, with the opening to the sea visible only to the north.
Due to this position, the beach has a completely different feel compared to long open coastlines. The view from the shore is directed through a narrow exit towards the sea, while behind, there are cliffs, pines, and a few structures.
This is also one of the reasons why Pokrivenik is popular among sport climbers. The cliffs around the bay feature a climbing area with several sectors, some of which are just a few minutes' walk from the road.
How much shade is there?
Behind the beach, trees and Mediterranean vegetation grow, and the high cliffs and configuration of the bay create additional shade during parts of the day.
However, the main pebbly part of the beach is not shaded all day. During the sunny part of a summer day, a large portion of the shore remains exposed, so it makes sense to bring your own sunshade for a longer stay.
It is easier to find natural shade along the back and sides of the beach, but during peak season, one should not rely on it as a guaranteed free spot.
How to reach Veliki Pokrivenik?
Veliki Pokrivenik can be accessed by car via an asphalted local road that descends from the main island road towards Pokrivenik.
This is a significant advantage compared to Dubac and Kruševa, where the approaches are more challenging and include unpaved sections.
However, the road to Pokrivenik is not a main thoroughfare. As it descends, it becomes narrower and winding, so caution is needed when meeting another vehicle, using pull-offs where available. The final stretch to the beach passes through a sparsely populated area of the bay.
Parking – no large organised car park
At the end of the road, there are places where cars can be left along the road and in available pull-offs. A climbing guide for Pokrivenik indicates that parking for approximately twenty cars is possible in the wider area at the end of the road.
However, this is not a large, organised public car park with marked spaces. The distance from where the car is left to the beach can involve a short walk, depending on where a free spot is found.
It is important to distinguish private parking spaces of apartments and houses from areas that are genuinely available for day visitors.
In July and August, arriving earlier makes it easier to find a spot and navigate the final part of the road.
No restaurants immediately by the shore
At Veliki Pokrivenik Beach, do not expect a beach bar or a classic restaurant just a few metres from your towel.
In the wider Pokrivenik bay, there is Restaurant Preza, part of Hotel Timun, but it is located in another arm of the bay. Therefore, for a full day at Veliki Pokrivenik, it is practical to bring enough water and what is needed for the beach, rather than relying on purchasing everything right by the shore.
This arrangement is also why the beach retains a quieter and more natural character.
Badanj Cave and the history of Pokrivenik
In the Pokrivenik area, there is also the Badanj Cave, one of the more interesting natural and archaeological sites in this part of Hvar.
Evidence of prehistoric human habitation has been found in the cave, which is why Pokrivenik is not only interesting as a bathing spot. The entrance to the cave is visible in the high cliffs along the bay and adds to the unusual landscape.
However, the cave should not be treated as an organised tourist attraction with marked paths and structured entry. For a typical day at the beach, it is sufficient to observe it as part of the natural and historical environment of Pokrivenik.
A good spot for swimming and exploring along the cliffs
The clear water and rocky edges of the bay are good for snorkelling. Along the side cliffs, the seabed becomes more varied than in the central part of the beach, making the underwater scenery more interesting to observe.
When swimming further from the shore, it is important to remember that Pokrivenik is a well-known nautical bay, and during the summer, sailing boats, motorboats, and smaller vessels enter it.
Swimming right by the shore is straightforward, but when heading towards the middle of the bay, one should keep an eye on boat traffic.
The bora is the main weather concern
Pokvinenik is a deep and well-sheltered bay, but it is located on the northern side of Hvar and is not a place to ignore strong bora winds.
Local sources particularly warn of adverse conditions in Pokrivenik when the bora blows strongly. This is important for both swimmers and sailors.
Before descending into the bay, it is worth checking the forecast. In calm summer weather, the sea in the deep part of Pokrivenik can be very tranquil, while strong bora winds can completely change the experience of the northern coast.
Who is Veliki Pokrivenik a good choice for?
The beach is particularly appealing to those who desire a natural setting but do not wish to drive on challenging unpaved roads to reach the sea.
It can be accessed via an asphalted road, and upon arrival, one is greeted by a lovely little pebble beach beneath high cliffs. This makes it more practical than some of the more secluded bays of Zastražišće, while still lacking the feel of a large tourist bathing area.
Families will appreciate the pebbly entry into the sea and the relatively easy access, while those who enjoy a more active holiday will find climbing, swimming along the cliffs, and exploring the wider bay particularly interesting.
If visiting the northern coast of Zastražišće, Veliki Pokrivenik is worth linking with Kruševa, Little Blue Cave, and Vela Stiniva, although each of these locations offers a different type of outing.
Useful information
- Name: Veliki Pokrivenik Beach
- Bay: Pokrivenik
- Location: Zastražišće area, Hvar Island
- Coast: northern side of the island
- Position: deepest arm of the large Pokrivenik bay
- Beach type: pebbles and stones, with rocky edges
- Seabed: pebbly and rocky near the shore
- Access to the sea: via pebbles and stones; footwear may be useful
- Shade: some natural shade is available behind and along the edges of the beach, but the main part of the shore remains sunny for part of the day
- Car access: possible via an asphalted local road
- Road: the final part is narrower and winding, so caution is needed when passing
- Unpaved roads: a long unpaved approach is not required to reach the beach area as with some other bays in Zastražišće
- Parking: limited parking along the road and in available pull-offs; no large organised public car park
- Private parking: parking spaces for accommodation are not public parking for the beach
- Catering: there is no classic beach bar immediately by the main shore; Restaurant Preza is located in another part of the wider Pokrivenik bay
- Beach facilities: do not expect a large organised beach service
- Activities: swimming, exploring the seabed, and sport climbing on the surrounding cliffs
- Nearby: Badanj Cave, Kruševa, and Little Blue Cave
- Wind: conditions on this northern coast can deteriorate significantly with strong bora winds
- Special feature: a pebbly shore set deep among high limestone cliffs
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