Barjoška Beach near Komiža

Barjoška Beach is located in a secluded cove to the northwest of Komiža, on a stretch of coastline that remains outside the built-up area of the town. It is approximately four kilometres from the centre of Komiža via a walking path, making it unsuitable for a quick swim between strolls along the promenade. Barjoška is a destination beach that requires planning for both arrival and return, as well as bringing everything needed for a day by the sea.

The cove is particularly known as one of the filming locations for the 2017 movie Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again. For the filming, access paths and certain parts of the coastline were modified, but Barjoška has not been transformed into a typical tourist beach after the film crew's departure. It remains a tranquil natural cove, best accessed by boat.

Pebble beach with pine shade

The central part of the cove features a small pebble beach, while the sides are predominantly rocky. The pebbles extend into the shallows, and the depth increases gradually, without a sudden drop-off right by the shore. Water shoes are not essential, but they can be useful due to the stones and uneven ground at the beach's edges.

Behind the beach, a pine forest provides good natural shade. This shade is one of Barjoška's greatest advantages, especially during hot summer days, although the position of the shade varies throughout the day. There is also a concrete jetty along the coast where a small boat can be briefly moored when sea conditions allow. However, this is not a designated docking area or a port that can be relied upon in all weather conditions.

The water in the cove is generally very clear, and the rocky edges are suitable for snorkelling and observing marine life. There are no tourist facilities on-site, so visitors should bring sufficient water, food, and sun protection, and take all waste back with them.

How to reach on foot from Komiža

From Komiža, Barjoška can be reached via a walking route that leads towards Bonova and the Barjaci cape. One common starting point is above the area of the Biševo hotel, from where the path continues along rocky trails and old dirt roads towards the former military zone, before descending to the cove.

The walk takes approximately one to one and a half hours in one direction, depending on the chosen route, pace, and navigation at intersections. The path is not technically demanding, but it can be uneven, rocky, and exposed to the sun in places. The final section involves descending towards the sea, which becomes an ascent on the return journey.

Sturdy sports or hiking shoes are required for walking. Flip-flops and other beach footwear are not a suitable choice. It is advisable to bring significantly more water than for a typical beach visit, as there are no places to replenish supplies along the way. Before setting off, it is wise to prepare a map or navigation track, and to plan the return while there is still enough daylight.

A car can be parked at the public parking area in Rogači or another permitted location in Komiža, after which the trailhead can be reached on foot.

Arriving by car and parking

There is an old dirt road leading to the Barjoška area, which can be accessed by car under certain conditions. However, this is not a well-maintained access road to the town beach. The dirt track can be uneven, rocky, and damaged, and its condition may change after rain or roadworks.

For a standard car, this access is not always advisable. Before setting off, it is important to check the current state of the road, and a vehicle with higher clearance is more suitable for safer passage. There is no designated public parking near the beach, marked parking spaces, or guarantee that a vehicle can easily turn around and be left without obstructing traffic. Therefore, arriving by boat or walking from Komiža is a more reliable option.

Arriving by boat from Komiža

By boat, Barjoška can be reached from the port of Komiža in just a few minutes, making this the most practical access for most visitors. You can arrive in your own or a rented boat, or arrange for a taxi boat from Komiža.

When arriving, it is important to consider the wind, waves, and available space at the jetty. A small boat can be moored when conditions are calm, but the mooring is not as protected as in a harbour. In stronger winds, it is safer to remain on the boat or choose another day for the visit.

Swimming from Komiža is not a reasonable option due to the distance and boat traffic along the coast.

Is Barjoška suitable for children?

The pebble beach itself, the gradual entry into the sea, and the shade from the pines may be suitable for families, but only when arriving by a safe vessel and bringing everything needed for the stay. There are no facilities for purchasing water or food at the remote beach, and the return depends on the arranged transport and sea conditions.

Walking to the beach is not practical for small children due to the length of the journey, summer heat, and uneven terrain. The beach is also not accessible for wheelchair users, and disembarking from a smaller boat can be challenging for older adults and those with reduced mobility. Before organising a trip, it is advisable to check whether the type of vessel is suitable for all passengers.

Best time to visit

For swimming and a calmer boat arrival, it is best to set off in the morning, before the sun gets too strong and boat traffic increases. Walkers should aim to start early during the summer, as much of the route is exposed to the sun, and they face another long walk on the return.

Barjoška is also beautiful in the late afternoon when the western coast is pleasant for watching the sunset. Such a visit is better organised by boat, as returning along the rocky path after dark is not advisable.

The beach is accessible year-round, but swimming and organised boat transport are generally associated with the warmer part of the year. The most pleasant time to visit is from late spring to early autumn, with stable weather forecasts and calm seas.

Barjoška Beach is best suited for visitors seeking a natural cove, shade, and a retreat from urban beaches, as well as film enthusiasts wanting to see one of the most famous filming locations of Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again on the island of Vis. Its uniqueness lies not in facilities, but in its secluded position, pebble shore, and pines that almost reach the sea.