Pišćena Beach in Stomorska – a small cove with stone terraces and clear waters

Pišćena Beach is located on the eastern side of Stomorska, behind Pulenata and away from the main part of the settlement. It is nestled in a small cove beneath holiday homes, far enough from the waterfront to avoid passers-by, excursion boats, and the usual crowds from the town centre. It is primarily frequented by guests of nearby apartments and swimmers familiar with the eastern coast of Stomorska.

Despite its name, Pišćena does not feature sand or a wide sandy shallows. The shoreline consists of rocks, stone slabs, and several concrete terraces designed for sunbathing and entering the water. At the very bottom of the cove, one can find smaller pebbles and stones, but there is no classic gravel beach like those at Veli Dolac or Pelegrin.

The walk from the centre of Stomorska to Pišćena takes approximately fifteen to twenty minutes. You start on the eastern side of the cove, pass through the Pulenata area, and continue along a local road through a quieter part of the settlement. The final approach leads between houses and descends towards the shore, making the beach somewhat difficult to locate by simply following the coastline. It is advisable to use an accurate map and avoid attempting to descend through private yards.

Access to the surrounding houses is possible by car, but there is no designated public parking near the beach for swimmers. The road is narrow, and available spaces are mostly used by homeowners and their guests. In some areas, there is not enough room for safe passing or turning around. The most practical option is to leave your car closer to the centre of Stomorska or at a safe widening before the final approach, and then continue on foot.

The main area for lounging consists of smaller concrete platforms and flatter stone surfaces above the water. Some are spacious enough for a few towels or deck chairs, while others are merely small access points used by neighbouring houses. Due to the limited space along the shore, Pišćena can quickly become crowded with just a few families. For more comfortable lounging, a thicker mat or a foldable deck chair is useful, as the concrete and rocks are hard and heat up significantly during the day.

Entry into the water is via stone steps, metal ladders, or carefully over natural rocks. The entry points vary, so it is wise to check where the bottom is flatter and where it is easiest to return to the shore before descending. The water deepens relatively quickly, making Pišćena more suitable for swimmers than for small children who require a wide and safe shallow area.

Footwear for the water is highly recommended. The bottom has stones, rocks, and occasionally sea urchins, particularly along the edges of the cove and in less frequently used entry points. Wet stone surfaces can be slippery, so one should not descend by any route simply because it appears shorter.

The greatest advantage of Pišćena is the water. The cove is outside the harbour and the main shipping routes of Stomorska, so the water is usually very clear and transparent. Along the rocky edges, it is possible to swim with a mask, and the underwater landscape features stone slabs, larger rocks, and marine vegetation. On a calm morning, the bottom is clearly visible even at greater depths.

Pišćena is more exposed to the sea than the inner part of the Stomorska cove. When there is no wind, the sea is calm, but during a bora or stronger northern winds, waves may arise, making it difficult to exit onto the stone steps and rocks. In such cases, it is safer to choose a more sheltered beach closer to the town centre.

There is some natural shade in certain areas provided by pine trees and rocks, especially later in the afternoon when one side of the cove remains sheltered from the sun. However, most concrete terraces are exposed to sunlight throughout the day. It is not always easy to secure a parasol in the hard ground, so a model with a stable base or a shelter that can be tied down is more practical.

There are no beach bars, restaurants, shops, or organised rentals of deck chairs and parasols at Pišćena. There are also no public toilets, showers, or changing cabins. Visitors should bring everything they need from Stomorska, including sufficient water, as the return to the waterfront takes longer than from Pulenata.

The beach is not particularly accessible for those with reduced mobility. The final approaches can be narrow and steep, and entering the water generally involves steps, ladders, or rocks. Parents with pushchairs may find it easier to choose Veli Dolac or one of the more accessible beaches closer to the centre.

Pišćena is suited for couples, competent swimmers, and guests seeking a small, quiet corner without hospitality facilities. It is not a destination for those looking for the comforts of a well-equipped beach, but rather for the clear waters, stone terraces, and a sense of seclusion from Stomorska. The most pleasant time to visit is in the morning when there are fewer people, the rocks have not yet heated up, and the sea is typically completely calm.