Zaca Beach in Zavala – white pebbles and crystal-clear water on the southern coast of Hvar
Zaca Beach is located on the eastern part of Zavala, next to a small harbour of the same name and just a few steps from the waterfront houses. On Google Maps, it is marked as Zavala Beach, but this part of the coast and the small harbour are known locally as Zaca.
This beach is one of the more convenient options in the area: it has a lovely pebbly shore, very clean water, easy access, and a bar with a restaurant right by the water. From the beach, there is a wide view towards Šćedro, and on clear days, you can even see the distant island of Korčula.
Zaca is a good choice if you wish to swim at a natural beach while still having a coffee, cold drink, or lunch just a few steps from your towel.
What is Zaca Beach like?
The main part of the beach consists of light pebbles, while the edges gradually transition to rocks and stones.
The beach is neither large nor wide, which gives it a more pleasant character compared to larger organised bathing areas. The water next to the white stones takes on a bright turquoise hue, and just a few metres further out, it changes to the characteristic deep blue of the southern side of Hvar.
In July and August, the shore tends to fill up during the day, while in June and September, the atmosphere is significantly quieter.
Entry into the sea and seabed
The easiest access to the water is from the central pebbly part of the beach.
Along the shore, the pebbles are smaller, while larger smooth stones can be found in the water. The depth increases gradually, making it pleasant for swimming with children near the shore.
At the rocky edges, entry can be a bit more challenging, and some stones may be slippery. Water shoes are not essential, but they are useful, especially for children and anyone who finds walking on larger pebbles uncomfortable.
Crystal-clear water
The water is one of the main reasons to return to Zaca.
The southern coast of Hvar is open to the clean sea between Hvar, Šćedro, and Korčula, and the water here is very transparent. When the sea is calm, the seabed is clearly visible just a few metres from the shore.
The best time to enjoy it is early in the morning when the surface is calm and there are not many bathers on the beach yet.
Is there shade?
There is not much natural shade on the pebbly part of the beach.
Some shade can be found along the edges of the beach and among the vegetation, but during the middle of the day, most of the shore remains exposed to the sun.
For a full day’s stay, it is advisable to bring a sunshade. A good alternative for a break from the sun is the terrace of the establishment right by the beach, where you can sit in the shade and return to swimming when the heat eases.
Zaca Bar & Restaurant by the beach
It is only a few steps from the sea to the terrace.
Zaca Bar & Restaurant is located right by the beach and is one of the reasons why Zaca is convenient for a full day’s stay. You can stop by for a morning coffee, a cold drink, or lunch without leaving the coastal part of Zavala.
The terrace faces the sea and is particularly pleasant during the hottest part of the day.
This means you do not need to bring large quantities of food and drink as you might need to at more remote and completely natural beaches on the southern side of Hvar.
A family-friendly beach
For families staying in Zavala, Zaca is a very good choice.
There is no long access or steep goat paths to navigate, entry into the sea is straightforward, and food and drink are available right by the beach.
Children can swim most easily in the central pebbly area. More caution is needed at the rocky ends of the beach due to larger and slippery stones.
When a strong south wind blows, the sea on this side of the island can become choppy, so the best days for families are the calm ones.
Exploring the underwater world with a mask and snorkel
For exploring the underwater world, it is best to head towards the rocky edges of the cove.
While the seabed in front of the main part of the beach is mostly covered with pebbles, there are more crevices, larger stones, and marine life near the rocks.
Visibility is usually very good, especially in the morning when the sea is calm.
View towards Šćedro
From Zaca, you are almost always looking towards the island of Šćedro, which stretches out in front of the southern coast of Hvar.
Šćedro protects part of the coast from the completely open sea and is one of the most recognisable sights from Zavala. On very clear days, Korčula and Pelješac can be discerned on the horizon behind it.
The view over the turquoise shallows towards Šćedro is one of the most beautiful details of this beach.
How to get to Zaca?
From Jelsa, you drive towards Zavala via Pitava and through the Pitve – Zavala tunnel, after which the road emerges on the southern side of the island.
After descending into Zavala, continue along the local road towards the eastern part of the village and the Zaca harbour.
The roads through the coastal part of Zavala are narrow, so you should drive slowly in summer, especially when passing other vehicles.
If you are staying in Zavala, the most pleasant way to reach Zaca is on foot along the coast.
Parking at Zaca Beach
You can park your car in the designated areas around Zaca and along the access roads in the coastal part of Zavala, and the last few minutes to the beach are easiest to walk.
Space is limited along the coast, so in July and August, it is worth arriving early in the morning. Later in the day, the nearest spots are usually occupied, and you may have to park further from the beach.
If you are staying in Zavala itself, you will generally not need a car to get to Zaca.
When is the best time to visit?
During the peak season, the best time to arrive is in the morning.
At this time, the sea is often completely calm, the temperature is more pleasant, parking is easier to find, and there is still plenty of space on the beach.
Late afternoon is also very pleasant as the heat eases.
For the most tranquil experience at Zaca, June and September are the best months, when the water is either warm enough for swimming or still warm, and there are significantly fewer people on the beach.
Zaca or other beaches in Zavala?
Zavala has several smaller beaches and rocky bathing spots, so it is not necessary to spend your entire holiday in one place.
The advantage of Zaca is the combination of a beautiful pebbly beach and amenities right by the sea. If you prefer a completely natural cove without facilities, there are quieter options nearby. However, if you want to get out of the water, sit in the shade for a coffee or lunch, and then continue swimming, Zaca is one of the more practical choices.
Who is Zaca Beach best for?
Zaca will appeal most to visitors who enjoy smaller pebbly beaches, very clean water, and a relaxed atmosphere without large hotel complexes.
It is suitable for families, couples, and guests staying in Zavala who wish to walk to the beach.
It is not ideal if you are looking for plenty of natural shade or a long, wide beach with lots of space. Its main advantages are crystal-clear water, white pebbles, easy access, views of Šćedro, and dining facilities right by the beach.
Useful information
- Name: Zaca Beach
- On Google Maps: marked as Zavala Beach
- Location: Zavala, Hvar Island
- Position: eastern part of Zavala's coast, by Zaca harbour
- Type of beach: pebbly with rocky and stony edges
- Seabed: pebbles and stones
- Entry into the sea: easy and gradual from the central part of the beach
- Water: very clean and transparent
- Natural shade: limited
- Sunshade: recommended for longer stays
- For children: yes, especially the central pebbly area
- Water shoes: useful due to larger pebbles and stones
- Snorkelling: best near the rocky edges
- Food and drink: Zaca Bar & Restaurant right by the beach
- Parking: along access roads and in the Zaca area; best to arrive early during peak season
- Access: by car via Pitava and the Pitve – Zavala tunnel, then along the local road through Zavala
- View: Šćedro and open sea
- Best time to visit: morning in July and August; June and September for fewer crowds
- Best for: families, couples, swimming in clear water, and full-day stays with available food and drink
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