Secret Bays of Hvar: Hidden Coves Only Locals Know (2026)
From the noble house of Dubovica where our family origins lie to the dramatic cliffs of Red Rocks, here is the local guide to Hvar's secret bays.
Hvar's coastline is riddled with hidden bays, rocky inlets, and sheltered coves that never appear in guidebooks. While most visitors stick to the town beaches and the Pakleni Islands, the real magic lies in the places you can only reach by boat — or by a long walk down an unmarked trail.
Here are the secret bays we take our guests to, and how you can find them yourself.
Hvar's South Coast
Hvar's south coast faces the open Adriatic, carved by wind and waves into dozens of deep inlets. This is the wild side of the island — dramatic cliffs, empty bays, and water colours that change from deep blue to emerald green as you cruise east from Hvar Town.
Borće Green Lagoon
Just a few minutes from Hvar Town on the south coast, before you reach Milna, you'll find the Borće Green Lagoon — a sheltered emerald-green inlet that changes colour throughout the day as the light shifts. The water is calm, shallow enough to stand in places, and glows with an otherworldly green hue.
This is one of our favourite stops — perfect for a 30-minute swim between other destinations. The rocky shores provide ledges for jumping in, and the underwater visibility is exceptional.
How to get there: By boat, just 5–10 minutes from Hvar harbour heading south toward Milna. A regular stop on our South Coast & Hidden Beaches tour.
Zaraće
Zaraće is a dramatic bay flanked by towering rock formations that jut out of the sea like giant fins. The swimming is outstanding — deep, clear water with a rocky seabed that's perfect for snorkelling.
There are few nice restaurants with local food right next to the beach. The approach by boat is spectacular — the rock formations are even more impressive from the water.
How to get there: By boat, about 20 minutes east of Hvar Town. Also accessible by a narrow road and steep footpath from above.
Dubovica
Dubovica is not exactly a secret anymore, but it remains one of the most beautiful bays on the island. A deep horseshoe-shaped inlet with a pebble beach, backed by an old stone farmhouse and terraced vineyards.
You can drive to the ridge above and walk down (about 10 minutes on a steep path), but arriving by boat is far more enjoyable. Drop anchor, swim in, and have the beach to yourself in the morning before the land visitors start arriving.
Tip: Visit before 11:00 or after 16:00 to avoid the midday crowds in peak season.
Lučišće
Further east along the south coast, narrow fjord-like inlet on the south coast, Lučišće is surrounded by steep cliffs and dense pine forest. The bay faces south-east, making it a sheltered spot when the bura (north-easterly wind) is blowing.
There is nothing here — no buildings, no paths, no people. Just you, the sea, and the sound of cicadas.
The Pakleni Islands
The Pakleni Islands are an archipelago of eleven islands just off Hvar's southwest coast. While Palmižana and Jerolim get most of the visitors, the south side of Sveti Klement hides some of the most beautiful and empty bays in Dalmatia.
Stori Stoni
Stori Stoni sits on the south side of Sveti Klement, west of Vinogradišće. It's a deep, narrow bay with dramatic cliffs on either side and a small pebble beach at the end.
This bay is almost impossible to find unless you know it exists. The water is deep blue and exceptionally clear — on calm days, you can see the bottom at 15 metres.
Taršće
Right next to Stori Stoni on the south coast of Sveti Klement, Taršće is another secluded cove that locals treasure. Even quieter than its neighbour, it's the kind of bay where you won't see another boat all day. The bay faces south, so it gets sun all day — a few flat rocks at the water's edge make perfect spots for sunbathing.
Perna
East of Palmižana on the south side of Sveti Klement, Perna is one of the most beautiful bays in the entire archipelago. The water is an almost unreal shade of turquoise, sheltered from all but the strongest southerly winds. No restaurant or beach bar — just crystal-clear water, a pebble shore, and pine trees for shade.
Vlaka
Vlaka is a quiet bay on the north side of Sveti Klement with a rocky shoreline, pine forests, and two excellent restaurants: Dionis and The Fisherman's House. One of the few places on the islands where locals still live year-round.
Mlini
Mlini is a favourite among our skippers — a small, sheltered beach with turquoise "Caribbean" water on the south side of Marinkovac. The sandy seabed creates that incredible light-blue colour that photographs so well. No facilities, just pure nature.
How to get there: All Pakleni Islands bays are 15–25 minutes from Hvar harbour by boat. The south-side bays (Stori Stoni, Taršće, Perna) require going around the islands — your skipper will know the way.
When to Visit
- June and September — Warm enough to swim, few other boats around. The best time for bay-hopping.
- July and August — Hot and busy, but there's always an empty bay if you go far enough. Leave early.
- May and October — Water temperature still comfortable (19–22°C). You'll likely have every bay to yourself.
How to Explore These Bays
The best way to see Hvar's hidden bays is by boat. You have two main options:
- Private skippered tour — A local captain takes you to the best spots based on weather and your preferences. Browse our tours.
- Rent a boat — If you have a valid boating licence, rent a boat and explore at your own pace. Check our licence guide first.
Whatever you choose, bring water, sunscreen, a snorkel, and something to eat. The best bays have no facilities — and that is exactly why they are special.
