Terra Nova in Zavala – Beach & Cocktail Bar Above Skalinada Beach with Sea Views

Terra Nova is a small beach & cocktail bar in Zavala, situated just a few steps above Skalinada beach on the southern side of Hvar Island. It is part of the Skalinada complex but has its own relaxed character – a shaded terrace among oleanders, a view of the sea and Šćedro, and a menu focused primarily on cocktails and refreshing drinks.

This is not a typical beach club with loud music, rows of sun loungers, and a full-day programme. Terra Nova aligns much better with the rhythm of Zavala itself: swimming, a short climb from the beach, shade on the terrace, and a drink accompanied by the sound of the sea.

It is particularly pleasant in the late afternoon when the heat of the day begins to ease and the sun starts to set in the west.

A Few Steps from Skalinada Beach

The location is the greatest advantage of Terra Nova.

The bar is located just above Skalinada beach, so it takes only a few minutes from your towel to the terrace. There’s no need to change and head to the upper part of Zavala just for a coffee or a cold drink.

The terrace is elevated enough above the sea to provide a lovely view of the coast, yet close enough to the beach to hear the waves.

Thus, Terra Nova is a natural extension of a day spent at Skalinada – especially during the hottest hours when there is little natural shade on the pebbly shore.

Shaded Terrace Among Oleanders

Unlike the beach itself, the terrace offers good shelter from the sun.

The area is surrounded by Mediterranean greenery and pink oleanders, creating a calm atmosphere without the feel of a large tourist establishment.

The shade is one of the bar's greatest practical advantages. During July and August, when the sun is very strong on the southern side of Hvar, a few hours on the beach can easily be interrupted by a longer break on the terrace.

There’s no need to rush – Terra Nova is a place for a leisurely drink, a view of the sea, and a return to the beach when the temperature becomes more pleasant.

Cocktails by the Sea

The main focus of the menu is on cocktails and refreshing drinks.

Terra Nova works particularly well later in the day, when you can sit down for a cocktail after swimming and remain on the terrace as the light changes over the sea.

The ambience is relaxed, with unobtrusive music and the sound of the sea in the background. Don’t expect the atmosphere of large party beach bars from the nearby town of Hvar – here, the emphasis is on a quieter summer retreat.

Lemonade with Sage and Mint

A drink that particularly sets Terra Nova apart is its homemade lemonade.

It is made from lemons from their own garden, along with sage syrup made from their own recipe and fresh mint grown in the garden.

This is one of those details that suits Zavala well: a simple local drink instead of a complicated tourist offering.

If you don’t want an alcoholic drink after the beach, this lemonade is the most interesting choice.

A Good Spot for Sunset

Terra Nova is especially lovely in the late afternoon and evening hours.

Zavala faces south, and the open view across the sea allows for prolonged enjoyment of the twilight light. The sun descends towards the western horizon, while the sea and coast gradually take on warmer tones.

From the terrace, you look out over the open sea, and Šćedro appears in the panorama.

If you spend the day at Skalinada, there’s no need to leave and return – it’s enough to stay for a drink after swimming and wait for the evening light.

Terra Nova or Restaurant Skalinada?

Terra Nova and Restaurant Skalinada are located right next to each other, but they are not the same.

Terra Nova is primarily a beach & cocktail bar, a place for drinks, a break after the beach, and an evening cocktail.

For a proper lunch or dinner, just a few steps away is Restaurant Skalinada, focused on Mediterranean and Dalmatian cuisine, fish, and seafood.

This combination is practical as you can spend the whole day in the same area: swimming at Skalinada beach, having a drink at Terra Nova, and then lunch or dinner at the restaurant.

Atmosphere

Terra Nova is best suited for guests looking for a quiet beach bar, rather than a place for a big party.

The terrace is far enough from the main road and the bustle of the upper part of the village, and the proximity to the sea gives the entire space a distinctly summery character.

It is well-suited for couples, families wanting a break from the sun, and guests already staying at Skalinada beach.

You can also come just for an evening drink without going to the beach.

How to Get There?

To reach Terra Nova, you descend from the upper part of Zavala via a local road towards Skalinada and the sea.

The roads through Zavala are narrow, so drive slowly, especially in the main season when cars of guests and locals pass each other.

If you are staying in the coastal part of Zavala, it is most pleasant to walk along the coastal route to Skalinada beach.

It’s just a short climb from the beach to the terrace.

Parking

You can drive to the Skalinada area, where you can leave your vehicle in the parking area near the complex and available spots along the access road.

The number of spaces is not unlimited, so during July and August, the nearest spots can fill up, especially in the middle of the day.

For guests staying in Zavala, it is much more practical to walk and leave the car at their accommodation.

When to Visit?

For a short break from the beach, Terra Nova is pleasant throughout the day, but the best time is late afternoon and evening.

At this time, the sun is not as strong, the terrace is comfortable, and the view of the sea is particularly beautiful.

In the morning, the bar is good for a quieter drink after the first swim, while in the evening, the atmosphere is more focused on cocktails and relaxed socialising.

Who is Terra Nova Best For?

Terra Nova will appeal most to guests who are not looking for a large beach club, but rather a small, quiet place just a few steps from the sea.

It is particularly practical for swimmers from Skalinada, but it is worth coming from other parts of Zavala just for an evening drink.

The shaded terrace, cocktails, homemade lemonade with sage and mint, and the view of the southern coast of Hvar make it one of the more pleasant spots to relax after a day spent at sea.

Useful Information

  • Name: Terra Nova
  • Type of establishment: Beach & cocktail bar
  • Location: Zavala, Hvar Island
  • Position: Part of Skalinada, just above Skalinada beach
  • Ambience: Shaded terrace among oleanders and Mediterranean greenery
  • View: Sea, southern coast of Hvar, and Šćedro
  • Offer: Cocktails and other refreshing drinks
  • Specialty: Homemade lemonade made from garden lemons, with sage syrup and fresh mint
  • Music: Relaxed background music
  • Food: For lunch or dinner, Restaurant Skalinada is located right next to the bar
  • Beach: Skalinada beach is located just below the bar
  • Parking: Parking area in the Skalinada area and available spots along the access road
  • Access on foot: Easy from the coastal part of Zavala
  • Best time to visit: Late afternoon and evening
  • Best for: Cocktails after swimming, resting in the shade, couples, and a quiet evening drink by the sea