Uvala Stračinska – turquoise sea and hidden beaches beneath Gornje Selo

Uvala Stračinska is located on the southern coast of Šolta, beneath Gornje Selo. It consists of two arms nestled between steep rocky slopes covered with pine trees and Mediterranean vegetation. Along the shore, there are a few houses and small piers, but there is no proper settlement, promenade or significant tourist facilities.

For us, Stračinska is one of the more attractive swimming spots in this part of the island. The sea is exceptionally clear during calm weather, and due to the light rocky seabed, it takes on turquoise and greenish hues. In July and August, the cove can see more boats, but it remains much quieter on land than the beaches near the island's towns.

Beaches and sea access

The main beach is located at the end of the cove and consists of finer pebbles, cobbles, and stones. Entry into the sea is relatively straightforward, with depth increasing gradually at first.

Along the edges of the cove, rocky areas, concrete platforms in front of houses, and smaller spots for entering the water dominate. Water shoes are advisable due to the stones, slippery rocks, and potential sea urchins.

In addition to the main beach, there are smaller hidden coves along the coast. Some can be accessed via a short path through the pines or over rocky sections of the shore, but care should be taken not to pass through private yards.

Stračinska is very good for swimming and snorkelling. Along the rocky sides of the cove, one can see the rocky seabed and small fish, while the sea quickly deepens further from the shore.

Shade and facilities

There is some natural shade available among the pines and along the beach, but it is insufficient for all visitors on the main beach. During midday, most of the beach remains exposed to the sun.

There are no beach bars, shops, or restaurants in the cove that can be relied upon throughout the season. There are also no public toilets, showers, changing cabins, or organised sunbed rentals.

Water, food, and all necessary items for swimming should be brought from Gornje Selo, Stomorska, Grohote, or another larger settlement. It is advisable to bring a bag for your waste, as Stračinska is a natural cove rather than a regularly maintained urban beach.

How to reach Stračinska

From Gornje Selo to Stračinska, there is a dirt and field road. The distance is not great, but the road quality varies along the route.

Some sections may be narrow, uneven, and rocky, and conditions change after rain and during the season. I would not recommend descending with a regular car with low clearance without checking the road first.

The safest option is to leave your vehicle at a suitable widening before the poorer section and continue on foot. There is not much shade along the way, so it is best to set off early in the morning during the summer.

For walking, I recommend trainers or sturdy sandals, especially if you are carrying bags, an umbrella, and other equipment. The return to Gornje Selo is mostly uphill and can be strenuous in the height of summer heat.

Navigation can assist in finding the main direction, but some turn-offs lead to private houses and olive groves. It is important to stay on the existing public road and not cross private plots.

Parking

There is no large, organised public parking area right by the beach. The space near the houses and the end of the road is limited, and part of the area is used by homeowners and their guests.

Do not leave your car in front of entrances, in turning areas, on access roads to houses, or in the middle of narrow paths. Larger vans, campers, and vehicles with trailers are not practical for descending to the cove.

Due to limited space, Stračinska is easier for guests staying in the cove itself, arriving on foot or descending in a vehicle suitable for rougher dirt roads.

Arriving by boat and anchoring

Many visitors arrive at Stračinska by boat. The cove is deep and visually very appealing, but there are no marinas, receptions, electricity, water, or organised transit moorings.

Anchoring is at your own risk, with a mandatory check of depth, seabed, and weather forecasts. In the western arm, at a depth of approximately nine metres, there is a submerged boat, so extra caution is advised when lowering and raising the anchor.

Do not anchor too close to the beach, buoys, or areas designated for swimmers. When approaching the shore by boat, it is essential to do so very slowly, as there are often swimmers and snorkelers in the water.

Stračinska opens to the south. When the sirocco blows or waves come from the open sea, it is not a good place for safe anchoring or overnight stays.

Stračinska with children

The pebbly entry into the sea may be suitable for families with children, especially when the sea is calm. However, there are no lifeguards, fenced shallow areas, sanitary facilities, or other family amenities.

Children need to be constantly supervised due to the stones, depth, and boats entering the cove. For small children, the land access can also pose an additional challenge, especially if a significant part of the path must be walked.

Pushchairs are not practical on the final dirt and rocky section of the path. The beach is also not equipped for individuals using wheelchairs.

Wind and best times to visit

The best time to visit is when there have been several days without the sirocco and when the sea is calm. At such times, the water is exceptionally clear, and the cove provides very pleasant swimming conditions.

In July and August, I recommend arriving early in the morning. It is easier to walk, simpler to find a spot along the shore, and there are usually fewer boats in the cove.

June and September are even more pleasant for arriving by land as temperatures are not as high. After a strong sirocco, seaweed, branches, and other natural materials may wash up on the beach, so the appearance of the shore depends on the weather.

Who will enjoy Stračinska

Stračinska is suited to guests who appreciate natural coves, clear waters, small pebble beaches, and tranquility away from tourist crowds. It is particularly appealing to swimmers, snorkelers, and sailors who monitor weather conditions.

It is less suitable for those seeking easy access by regular cars, secure parking, restaurants, showers, sunbeds, or a well-maintained beach with all-day amenities.

Getting there requires a bit more planning, but when the sea is calm, Stračinska is one of those Šolta coves that make it worthwhile to deviate from the main road – a few houses, pines, a pebble shore, and water that looks even more beautiful than in photographs.