Stiniva Cove

Stiniva Cove is a staple of 5-island boat trips, which typically combine free time at the cove with stops at the Bisevo Blue Cave (Modra Spilja) off Bisevo Island; the traditional fishing village of Komiza; and the historic town of Hvar, where you’ll find an ancient fortress and cathedral. Cruises tend to be conducted on either a luxury yacht, RIB, or by speedboat—the ideal choice for time-pressed travelers—and usually depart from Split.

• There’s only a rustic beach bar at the cove so ensure you take plenty of water and pack a picnic if you plan to stay for a white.
• Though the cove is shaded from midafternoon, it soaks up the sunshine during peak hours, making sunscreen and a hat essential.
• Most tours include the use of snorkel equipment, using which you can view the marine life that call the cove home.

Stiniva Cove is best reached by a taxi boat from the village of Rukavac. From inland, it’s a steep, 30-minute walk from the village of Žužec near Plisko Polje. For maximum convenience, visit the cove as part of an island-hopping tour.

The cove is accessible during the hours of daylight and sees complete shade coverage by mid-to-late afternoon. Most tour groups arrive at the cave from mid-morning until mid-afternoon so try to arrive as early as possible in order to feel like you have the place all to yourself.

Vis has plenty of cultural and natural attractions beyond Stiniva Cove and several pristine beaches. Top picks include the 1,925-foot (587-meter) Mt. Hum, the highest point on the island, and the white-washed fishing village of Komiza, where you can feast on freshly-caught seafood at a restaurant overlooking the quaint marina.