Žanićovo Beach in Komiža

Žanićovo is a small cove located on the northern side of the harbour, nestled among stone houses and narrow passages in the old part of the town. It is only a few minutes' walk from the waterfront, easily accessible without a car or special planning, making it primarily a beach for locals and visitors staying nearby.

The beach is often frequented by families with children, grandparents with grandchildren, and bathers who come with just a towel. It does not have the atmosphere of a well-equipped tourist beach, nor is there much space for large beach gear. Its advantage lies in its simplicity: one can quickly descend from their house or the waterfront onto the pebbles, take a dip, and return to town.

A Small Cove with a Family Atmosphere

The beach is pebbly, with rocky sections and old coastal structures still in use for mooring small boats. The most pleasant area for lying down is in the middle of the cove, where the ground is flatter, while the edges have more stones, ropes, and access to the houses.

Žanićovo is not large and can fill up quickly in July and August. However, people generally do not stay all day, so spots tend to become available throughout the day. The beach is quietest early in the morning when mostly local bathers are present, and there is little boat traffic in the harbour.

The beach is named after a family surname, which is not unusual for small coves in Komiža. This local character is still felt today – Žanićovo feels more like a communal bathing spot than a typical tourist beach.

The Koluna – A Recognisable Feature of Žanićovo

A distinctive feature of the beach is the stone koluna, a place where boats are tied up and where generations of Komiža children have learned to jump into the sea. This is one of the details that locals immediately associate with Žanićovo.

Before jumping, it is advisable to check the depth, the position of the ropes, and whether there are any obstacles beneath the surface. The sea and moorings can change, so the fact that jumping from the koluna is traditional does not guarantee that every moment is equally safe.

From the beach, one can see the Komuna, a stone castle on the Komiža waterfront, which now houses the Fishing Museum. The view towards its tower once served bathers as a simple way to check the time.

Entering the Water

The easiest entry is via the central pebbly area. The water is shallow near the shore, gradually increasing in depth. The ground consists of pebbles and, in places, larger stones, so sensitive bathers may find water shoes helpful.

On calm days, the water is very clear, but it is important to remember that Žanićovo is within the Komiža harbour. There are moorings in front of the beach, and small boats pass by, making it unwise to swim towards the middle of the harbour. For swimming with children, it is more practical to stay close to the shore, away from the ropes and the direction from which boats approach.

The beach is suitable for children who are accustomed to pebbles and the sea without a long sandy shallow. Due to its small size, it is easy to keep an eye on them from the shore, but the proximity of boats and moorings requires constant supervision.

Sun and Shade

There are no trees or extensive natural shade directly on the cove. Parts of the beach are shaded during the day by the surrounding stone houses and walls, but the shade moves and is not equally accessible along the entire shore.

For longer stays during the day, it is advisable to bring sun protection. A large parasol is not always practical due to the small size of the cove, and pathways to the houses and boats need to remain clear.

Žanićovo is most pleasant in the morning or later in the afternoon. At these times, the sun is milder, there is more space on the beach, and it offers exactly what locals appreciate – peaceful swimming without special preparation.

How to Get to Žanićovo from the Komiža Waterfront

From the main waterfront, head towards the northern side of the harbour, through the old part of Komiža. The path runs along the coast and between stone houses, and it takes just a few minutes of leisurely walking to reach Žanićovo.

The beach is located near other small town coves, including Pol Cimprijanovo, Šporku žolo, and Bjažićovo. The names are not always clearly marked on the ground, so it is easiest to follow a map and the position relative to the Komuna.

Access is not demanding, but the final descent onto the pebbles is not particularly suitable for those with reduced mobility. Pushchairs can be brought close, but navigating the cove itself is not practical.

Parking

It is not advisable to attempt to reach Žanićovo by car. The streets in the old part of Komiža are narrow, there are almost no parking spaces near the houses, and the area along the coast is designated for pedestrians and local access.

It is best to leave the car in a public car park in Komiža and continue on foot. Since the beach is very close to the waterfront, searching for a parking spot in the narrow streets would only complicate access.

Facilities at the Beach and Nearby

There are no tourist facilities directly on the cove. There are no beach bars, showers, toilets, changing cabins, or rentals for sun loungers and parasols.

This is not a significant drawback, as shops, bakeries, cafés, and restaurants on the waterfront are just a few minutes away. Žanićovo is therefore suitable for spontaneous swimming without the need to carry food, large bottles of water, or other equipment required for more isolated beaches.

It is best to bring only the essentials to the shore. Care should be taken not to block the pathways to the houses, boats, and mooring spots with towels and bags.

Who is Best Suited to Žanićovo

Žanićovo is a good choice for families staying in the centre of Komiža, older bathers who do not wish to walk far, and anyone who values proximity over facilities. It is particularly practical for morning swims before the crowds or a quick refreshment in the evening.

For a full day with a lot of equipment, reliable shade, and more space, there are more practical beaches. Gusarica is a better option for families seeking a larger cove, while Žanićovo is more enjoyable for those who prefer small local bathing spots and the atmosphere of old Komiža.

This is not a beach remembered for sun loungers or tourist offerings. It is remembered for the koluna, the view towards the Komuna, the boats along the shore, and the feeling of swimming in the same place where generations of Komižans learned to swim and jump into the sea.