Žukamice Beach near Komiža

Žukamice Beach, also known locally as Zakamica, is one of the beaches on the island of Vis that is specifically sought out. It is located behind Cape Barjaci, on the northern side of the island, outside the bay of Komiža and completely separated from the town's bathing areas. The easiest way to reach it from Komiža is to take a small boat or water taxi, navigate around the cape, and after a short ride, arrive at a tranquil cove with pebble shores and just a few old fishing cottages.

There are no passers-by, cars, or people who have merely stopped by for a swim. Those who come to Žukamice generally stay for a few hours and arrange their return in advance. This seclusion is the main reason why the cove can maintain a sense of calm even in the height of summer, a rarity on the beaches closer to Komiža.

What the Beach is Like

Žukamice is a small natural pebble beach situated at the end of a cove beneath steep, green slopes. The central part of the shore is covered in smooth pebbles, while towards the edges, the beach transitions into rocks and a coarser stony base. It is not a maintained beach where the pebbles are levelled and the shore cleaned after every storm, so the appearance of the beach can change throughout the year.

The most comfortable spot for a towel is the middle section of the beach, although a thicker mat can be useful as the pebbles can be larger in some areas. In front of the cove, a small rocky islet is visible, and the entire scene feels significantly wilder than the beaches within the bay of Komiža.

Entry into the sea is easiest over the pebbly section. Underfoot, there are smooth stones and rocks, so water shoes can be beneficial, especially for children and more sensitive swimmers. The depth increases without a sharply defined drop immediately off the shore, but after just a few steps, there is no completely shallow area as found on family-friendly beaches.

The Sea and Swimming

The sea at Žukamice is most beautiful when it is completely calm. At such times, the rocky bottom is clearly visible through the surface, and one can swim with a mask along the rocks at the edges of the cove for quite a while. Since there are no settlements nearby, no traffic, and fewer bathers, the water often gives the impression of complete cleanliness and transparency.

The edges of the cove are better suited for more experienced swimmers, while it is more practical for children to stay near the central part of the beach. Outside the cove, the shore becomes rocky and more exposed to the sea, so it is advisable not to venture too far when the wind picks up or when waves start to appear.

Žukamice is not a suitable destination during unstable weather. On the northern side of Vis, the sea can change more rapidly than in the sheltered harbour of Komiža, and there is no safe landing area on the beach to wait for improved conditions.

Is There Shade?

There is plenty of greenery in the hinterland, but on the pebble beach itself, one should not expect wide and reliable shade. Some shade can be found along the back edge of the beach and closer to the vegetation, but the position of the shade changes throughout the day, and the most pleasant spots are quickly taken if several boats arrive at the same time.

For a longer stay, it is advisable to bring an umbrella or other sun protection. The beach is small, open, and lacks any enclosed space where one could seek refuge during the hottest part of the day.

Getting There by Boat from Komiža

It takes approximately ten minutes to reach Žukamice from Komiža by boat, depending on the vessel and sea conditions. After leaving the bay of Komiža, the route passes along the western coast of Vis and rounds Cape Barjaci, behind which the cove opens up.

It is best to arrange a water taxi a day in advance or in the morning before departure. It is also important to specify a return time, as there is no regular boat service, reception, or place to easily order another transport at Žukamice. Mobile signal in the more secluded parts of the coast is also not something to rely on unconditionally.

There is no dock at the beach. Disembarkation is done directly onto the pebbles or through shallow water, depending on the type of boat. In calm weather, this is usually not a problem, but in rough seas, boarding can become uncomfortable, especially for small children, the elderly, and those with mobility difficulties.

Access to the beach is also possible by one's own or rented boat. In this case, care should be taken regarding depth, rocks along the edges of the cove, and other vessels. Anchoring is not permitted directly in front of the bathing area.

Can You Get There on Foot?

There are land paths to the area of Žukamice, but this is not a realistic walking route for a typical swimming trip. The route leads over challenging, steep, and poorly maintained terrain, and one should expect several hours of walking from the direction of Komiža.

The path is not marked as a designated tourist trail; in some sections, it may be narrow or overgrown, and after descending to the sea, a similarly demanding return awaits. Without a good knowledge of the terrain, sufficient water, and appropriate footwear, such a journey is not advisable.

Therefore, Žukamice should be viewed as a beach accessible by sea. This is safer, simpler, and allows ample time for swimming without the exhausting return trek across the island's interior.

Arriving by Car and Parking

It is not possible to reach the beach by car. There is no road leading to the shore, there is no parking near the cove, and access from the interior ends far above the sea.

The most practical option is to leave the vehicle in a public car park in Komiža and continue on foot to the port. Attempting to approach by car via side and rural roads is not very sensible, as it does not avoid a long and demanding final stretch.

Facilities at the Beach

There are no tourist facilities at the location.

There is no beach bar, restaurant, shop, toilet, shower, changing room, or rental of sun loungers and umbrellas. Everything must be brought from Komiža, including sufficient water, food, sun protection, and basic equipment for a stay at a natural beach.

There are also no designated waste disposal areas on the beach, so everything brought must be taken back to the boat. Since returning is not possible at any moment, it is unwise to set off with just a small bottle of water and assume that something can be purchased in the cove.

Is the Beach Suitable for Children?

Žukamice can be a lovely choice for a family outing when arriving by boat and when children are accustomed to natural pebble beaches. The cove is small, there is no traffic or large numbers of bathers, and the central part of the beach allows for relatively easy entry into the water.

However, there is no long shallow area, playground, toilet facilities, or catering establishment. Parents must bring all necessary equipment and pay special attention during disembarkation and when entering over the larger pebbles.

For infants and very young children, the lack of reliable shade can be an issue. Therefore, it is best to organise the visit in the morning and arrange an earlier return with the transport provider if the stay becomes tiring for the children.

The beach is not accessible for pushchairs or wheelchair users. For those with limited mobility, the biggest challenge is disembarking from the boat directly onto the natural shore.

The Best Time to Visit

The most pleasant time to set off from Komiža is in the morning when the sea is usually calmer, the sun is not yet strong, and it is easier to find a spot along the back edge of the beach. For a full day stay, it is important to carefully assess the amount of water and sun protection needed.

Before departure, it is advisable to check the forecast and heed the recommendations of local skippers. When they advise that the return should be organised earlier due to wind, it is not a day to stay on the beach until sunset.

Žukamice is best suited for visitors seeking a small, natural, and truly secluded beach. There are no comforts of a town beach here, but that is precisely why one can enjoy what they came for – a few hours of swimming in clear waters, without music, traffic, or the summer crowds from Komiža.