Zavala

Maybe you fell in love with its beaches with crystal clear sea, vineyards bathed in the sun where grapes of exceptionally high quality ripen, or a climate that fills you with energy and vitamin D?

About the place

Whatever you love most about Zavala, and wise people say that to escape from stress, to rest the body and reset the organism, the best medicine is to seek it in nature. That’s why we suggest you pack your bags and treat yourself to real holiday tourism.

Small places like Zavala are not too noisy and very safe in terms of traffic, for walks, cycling and a large selection of natural beaches will win you over with a combination of a relaxing ambience and luxurious nature. Don’t forget to wake up once before dawn, because you will hear something you certainly haven’t heard in a long time, endless silence and peace.

History

Established in the 17th century when Prince Tadija Kačić, having distinguished himself in the Venetian naval service against the Turks, received a property in the Zavala area as a gift, and settled with several families. Nicknamed Zaca, and then Zavala, today it is also called Plaža. Which symbolically suits Zavala because this is the place with the largest number of beaches on the island of Hvar.

Zavala was named after Cape Zači (žalac), which has been mentioned since the 15th century. There was a Roman villa rustica on the site of Mirka, and in prehistoric times, a settlement, judging by the finds of ceramics.

Located 7 km from Jelsa or about a 15-minute drive, the southern side of the island of Hvar and Zavala can be reached by driving through a tunnel, which looks more like a cave than a tunnel, you will have the feeling that you are traveling to another world. Through the “cave” the light guides you all the way to the end of the tunnel. The real scenario for all lovers of panoramic views is just beginning here. Nearby islands, vast sky and endless sea are just some of the advantages that this side of the island of Hvar offers.

Although Zavala was created as an extension of Pitve, as we have already mentioned for Svirče and Ivan Dolac, today more people live in Zavala than in Pitve, which, for example, did not happen with the towns of Svirče and Vrisnik.

Tourism

Zavala carefully preserves another asset for you. Family pensions have a special tradition where Mediterranean food is exceptionally well-cultivated. The climate for growing grapes here is exactly what is needed for top-quality wines. The abundance of wild pebble beaches, small, medium, large and hidden, gives you the choice to visit a new beach every day. The cleanliness and transparency of the sea, which you can find in few places, are the characteristics of Zavala.

Opposite Zavala is the islet of Šćedro, with lush vegetation of aromatic herbs. During the season, a boat runs twice in the morning and twice in the afternoon for all guests who want to go on an excursion. Along the 26 kilometers of indented coastline, there are as many as 87 bays that lap the turquoise clear sea of ​​the island of Šćedro.

Construction of the new church of St. Nicholas in Zavala began in 2001. The church houses a valuable collection of the Stations of the Cross, which Rato Radonić lovingly carved over the years and donated to Zavala.

Zavala is most visited for its many beaches, clear sea and pleasant atmosphere. Along the 2 km long promenade, everyone can find their own corner for swimming, diving and relaxation.

Regardless of whether you are a fan of apartments, camps, guesthouses, holiday homes or hotels, Zavala truly has a diverse range of accommodation.

If you want to enjoy beautiful bays, traditional island food in several excellent restaurants and turquoise blue sea, you are in the right place, you will discover a kind of island mini paradise!

How to get to Zavala:
From the town of Hvar, Stari Grad, Jelsa or Sućuraj you have to take the main road 116, at the turnoff for Pitve. After the village of Pitve you drive through the Vratnik tunnel, after the tunnel turn left where the road branches off towards Zavala.

What you can see and visit:
A place for relaxation and a real rest for the soul and body. Be sure to take a day to visit the islet of Šćedro, for active guests we recommend climbing St. Anthony or on two wheels on the Hvar bike paths.

A list of beaches in Zavala can be found on this map – LINK

Where you can eat and drink:
Restaurant “Davor”
Beach bar “Zaca”
Restaurant “Zavala”
Beach bar “Terra nova”
Beach bar “Petarčica”
Restaurant “Skalinada”

Special experiences:
The feast of St. Peter is celebrated on April 29th.