Sunday, November 11, 2012

Beaches In Croatia - Ten Of The Best On Hvar Island


If you are looking for the best Croatian beaches, the island of Hvar has plenty to offer. Here is a guide to ten beaches, from family and remote to nudist.
Beaches on Hvar - Dani Tic (http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Jagodna_beach_Wave.jpg)
Lucisce is a gem of a beach on the new road between Sveta Nedelja and Hvar Town, roughly 3.5km from the former. Access is down a steep path and a level of fitness is required, but the effort is rewarded by a great beach with stunning cliff backdrop. While parking is an issue and there are no toilets or refreshments, the snorkelling is excellent, as is the beach with its small pebbles.
Dubovica
Dubovica is the first bay after the tunnel on the main road from Starigrad to Hvar Town. Park at the top on the road (a challenge in peak season) next to the bus station with telephone box. A difficult descent is rewarded by a delightful shingle beach, complete with adjoining restaurant.
Skalinada/Terra Nova
For those brave enough to enter the Pitve - Zavala tunnel, the rewards are great. Descending the hill to Zavala, turn right at the sign for Skalinada. Apart from being an excellent restaurant, Skalinada is also located next to the Terra Nova cocktail bar. Snorkelling is especially good here. Additional wellness features are available at the Vino Vitalis tee pees for those who fancy a massage or facial. There is limited parking.
Zavala
From the Pitve – Zavala tunnel follow the road all the way down into Zavala and continue until you reach the small harbour, where water taxis to Scedro can be negotiated. Immediately on the right is a pizzeria and bar, a perfect vantage point to watch events on this child-friendly beach with easy access to the water.
Milna
The picturesque beach village of Milna is a popular place to while away an afternoon with its superb restaurants and good beaches, just a few kilometres from Hvar Town. There are two bays, each with great beaches and restaurants, and additional facilities, such as kayaking, are available from the local campsite reception. As elsewhere, there is ample parking for the requirements from September to June, but peak season can be difficult. Sun beds and parasols can be hired – this is a popular beach for families.
Ivan Dolac
A right turn after the Pitve tunnel leads to Ivan Dolac, a pretty town with some good family options for swimming. Access to the beaches varies in difficulty, from the very easy on the main shingle beach, to more difficult access by the rocks, where the snorkelling is recommended. Diving platforms are also available and there are several bars and restaurants to choose from.
Sveta Nedelja
For the more adventurous tourist in search of some serious rock diving head to Sveta Nedelja, just a few kilometres past Ivan Dolac (but also now accessible from Hvar Town). There is no beach as such. More paved areas. There are choices of restaurants, and construction and jetty by a local wine producer are also worth a look. The views of the majestic cliffs behind are impressive.
Hvar Town
For those too lazy to leave the main town, follow the signs for the petrol station into a residential area. Passing the football pitch on the right, the road eventually terminates as a lovely family beach with restaurant, café and parking facilities.
Soline
The main road from Starigrad to Jelsa has a turning to Vrboska to the left. Proceed down this and continue past the village and follow the brown signs for Soline, which has one of the best FKK nudist beaches on the island (to the left once you enter the pine trees). Alternatively, there is an excellent family beach by a small holiday camp, with numerous facilities including tennis and volleyball, as well as restaurants and cafes. Parking in the pine forest is plentiful but not free. This is a very popular beach for children.
Corni Petar
Although there is no beach as such, Corni Petar is a very popular sunbathing spot to the east of Jelsa on the Sucuraj road, about 3km out of town; there is a dirt track on the left after Camp Grebisce and as you go round the camp bay, on the far side take the first left hand track on your left. Park under the trees if you can for shade and then walk through the pine trees towards the little bar. There are plenty of sunbathing options, as well as a diving platform. Beer in the bar is cold and the music is good. Perfect!

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