Petarčica Beach in Zavala – a small pebble cove, clear waters and tranquility at the western end of the village
Petarčica Beach is situated at the western end of the coastal area of Zavala, in a small natural cove beneath houses and pine trees. It is neither large nor wide, but this is part of its charm – a few dozen metres of small pebbles, calm and exceptionally clear water, and rocks that enclose the cove on both sides.
Petarčica is particularly well-suited for families with children and visitors who prefer smaller beaches that can be reached on foot from the village. The entry into the water is gentle, the pebbles are small and smooth, and just a few steps from the beach is the Cafe Bar Petarčica for coffee, cold drinks, ice cream, or a light snack.
A small beach in a natural cove
Petarčica is not one of those beaches where you will always find plenty of empty space.
The shore is relatively small and narrow, and immediately behind it rises the coastline with houses, pines, and Mediterranean greenery. Therefore, in July and August, it can fill up quickly, while in June and September, the entire cove has a significantly quieter character.
The shore consists of small, smooth pebbles, which are more pleasant for walking and lying on than the large stones found on some other beaches on the southern side of Hvar.
Gentle entry into the water is excellent for children
One of the best features of Petarčica is the gradual entry into the water.
From the main part of the shore, you enter over small pebbles, without large stone slabs and a steep drop right by the shore. The water deepens gradually, leaving enough space along the edge for children and less confident swimmers.
At the ends of the cove, the seabed becomes rockier, but for regular swimming, water shoes are not necessary. They are useful if you wish to explore the rocks at the sides.
Clear and generally calm water
Petarčica is a small and fairly sheltered cove, so in calm weather, the sea is very pleasant for swimming.
The water is extremely clear, and the pebbles and rocks on the seabed are clearly visible through the surface. Due to the light-coloured shore, the shallower part takes on a turquoise hue, while towards the open sea, it transitions to a deep blue.
However, the southern coast of Hvar is open to the south, so during stronger southerly winds, waves should be expected here as well.
The natural cave of Petarčica
On the rocky part of the cove, there is also a small natural cave, which further distinguishes Petarčica.
This is not a large cave that is specifically visited, but an interesting part of the coastline worth seeing during swimming or a short exploration of the rocks around the cove.
Along the rocks, the seabed is more varied than in front of the pebbly shore, making this area particularly interesting for snorkelling.
Is there shade?
Behind the beach, pines and other Mediterranean greenery grow, so natural shade can be found along the back and edge of the cove during parts of the day.
However, the majority of the shore remains exposed to the sun, especially around midday.
For a full day stay, it is advisable to bring a sunshade or arrive earlier when the sun is milder. A break from the heat can also be taken at the Cafe Bar Petarčica right by the cove.
Cafe Bar Petarčica by the beach
In the area of the cove, there is a small Cafe Bar Petarčica.
This is not a restaurant with an extensive menu, but a simple bar by the sea where you can sit for coffee, beer, cold drinks, or ice cream, and toast sandwiches are available for a light meal.
The bar is particularly convenient for families as it is not necessary to leave the beach just for drinks or a short break from the sun.
The quieter western end of Zavala
Petarčica is located at the end of the developed coastal area of Zavala, and the atmosphere here is calmer than around Zace and the central part of the village.
There is no large flow of passers-by or marinas immediately next to the bathing area. Most of the day is spent here by guests from nearby houses, apartments, and a few smaller accommodation establishments.
This is why Petarčica is very pleasant in the early morning and late afternoon hours.
Snorkelling
In front of the main part of the beach, the seabed is simple, with pebbles and smaller stones.
For exploring the underwater world, the rocky edges of the cove are more interesting, where larger stone blocks, crevices, and more marine life can be found.
Visibility is very good when the sea is calm, so it is not necessary to swim far from the shore to see something.
How to get to Petarčica Beach?
If you are staying in Zavala, the most pleasant way to reach it is on foot along the coast to the west.
From the central part of the village, you pass by several other beaches and bathing areas, including Skalinada and nearby small coves, before arriving at Petarčica.
You can also approach the western part of Zavala by car, but the final road is narrow, and there is not much space to turn around.
For guests already staying along the coast, using a car does not make much sense.
Parking at Petarčica
Petarčica does not have a large separate public car park by the beach.
In the western part of Zavala, the road becomes narrow, and the number of places to leave a car is limited. The most practical option is to park in an available spot before the final part of the approach and continue on foot to the cove.
In July and August, it is especially worthwhile to arrive early. Later in the day, the nearest spots are usually occupied, and turning a car around at the end of the narrow road can be tricky.
When is the best time to visit?
For the calmest sea and more space, it is best to arrive in the morning.
At this time, the sun is more pleasant, the sea is often almost completely calm, and the shore is not yet crowded.
Late afternoon is also pleasant, especially when a light maestral breeze blows and the temperature by the sea becomes much more comfortable.
June and September are ideal if you want to experience Petarčica without the summer crowds.
Is Petarčica good for families?
Yes, and the gradual entry into the water is one of its greatest advantages.
The small smooth pebbles are more pleasant than large stones, the cove is calm enough for family swimming, and the bar with drinks and ice cream is right by the beach.
The only downside for day visitors is parking. For families staying in Zavala who can walk, Petarčica is significantly more practical.
Who is Petarčica Beach best suited for?
Petarčica is excellent for guests who prefer small, quiet pebble coves over large organised beaches.
It does not offer rows of sun loungers, water sports, or a large car park, but it has very clean water, a gentle entry into the sea, a natural environment, and a small bar just a few steps from the shore.
It is particularly well-suited for families, couples, and guests staying in the western part of Zavala who wish to swim daily without using a car.
Useful information
- Name: Petarčica Beach
- Location: Zavala, Hvar Island
- Position: western part of the Zavala coast
- Type of beach: small natural pebble cove
- Surface: small and smooth pebbles, rocks at the edges
- Seabed: pebbles and stones
- Entry into the water: gentle and gradual
- Water: very clean and clear
- For children: very good choice due to gradual entry and smaller pebbles
- Natural shade: partial along the edges and behind the beach
- Sunshade: useful for longer stays
- Water shoes: not necessary in the main area, useful by the rocks
- Special feature: small natural cave along the rocky part of the cove
- Snorkelling: best at the ends of the cove
- Food and drink: Cafe Bar Petarčica by the beach
- Parking: limited in the western part of Zavala; best to continue on foot to the beach
- Access on foot: easy along the coastal path from Zavala
- Crowd: fills up quickly during the main season due to small size
- Best time to arrive: early in the morning or late afternoon; June and September for the most peace
- Best for: families, calm swimming, couples, and guests staying in Zavala
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