Stiniva Bay – the hidden pearl of the island of Vis
Somewhere along the southern coast of the island of Vis, hidden between towering cliffs that almost touch at the sea entrance, lies one of the Adriatic’s most special places-Stiniva Bay. This natural beauty regularly appears on lists of the most beautiful beaches in Europe, and we proudly include it as one of the stops on our Blue Cave & 5 Islands boat tour.
🏞️ A natural amphitheater that takes your breath away
Stiniva Bay is surrounded by high cliffs that lean over a narrow sea entrance-creating an almost hidden natural amphitheater. Because it’s difficult to access from land, most visitors arrive by boat, which adds an extra sense of exclusivity. The moment you enter the bay, it feels like stepping into a secret world-quiet, sheltered, and wonderfully untouched.
Inside the bay, you’ll find a small pebble beach, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and taking in views of cliffs shaped patiently by nature over thousands of years.
🏊♀️ Perfect for swimming and snorkeling
With tall cliffs providing patches of shade throughout the day, the sea in Stiniva is pleasantly fresh, crystal clear, and rich in marine life. The bay is shallow near the shore but deepens quickly, making it ideal for:
- relaxed swimming
- snorkeling-around rocks and seagrass
- photography-the water here literally glows in the sunlight
On our tour from Split, guests have about 30 minutes to swim and enjoy this magical spot that many call paradise.
📸 A perfect place for photos and memories
Stiniva is a dream for photographers and nature lovers. Whether you’re using a professional camera or your phone, the scenes of cliffs rising above the sea, boats gliding quietly into the bay, and sunlight dancing on the water create unforgettable visuals.
If you love authentic places, be sure to read our blog about Komiža-an authentic jewel of Vis, another must-see stop on our island adventure.

🗺️ Part of an unforgettable island adventure
Our Blue Cave & 5 Islands boat tour lets you visit the most beautiful locations of the Central Dalmatian archipelago in just one day-including the famous Blue Cave, Komiža, Hvar, the Pakleni Islands, Budikovac Island and-of course-the magical Stiniva Bay.
It’s this variety of landscapes and the tour’s well-paced rhythm that make it a perfect choice for anyone who wants to experience the very best of the Croatian coast-in a single day.
📅 When is the best time to visit Stiniva?
Stiniva is at its best in spring and summer, when sea and weather conditions are ideal for swimming. Early summer (May and June) is often less crowded, making the experience especially calm and intimate. In peak season (July and August), arriving by boat still allows visitors to enjoy this location without overwhelming crowds-especially on well-organized tours.
🎒 Tips for visitors
When visiting Stiniva on our tour, we recommend:
- bringing a towel, swimsuit, and light water shoes/sandals (the pebbles can be sharp)
- a snorkeling mask-the view below the surface is just as spectacular
- a waterproof phone/camera case-these views are worth every memory card!
- sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
📍 Ready to swim in one of Croatia’s most beautiful bays?
If you’re ready to experience the peace, beauty, and uniqueness of Stiniva, don’t wait! Book your spot on the Blue Cave & 5 Islands boat tour and spend a dream day exploring the most stunning parts of the Adriatic.
For any additional questions, available dates, reservations, or information, feel free to contact us here-our team will be happy to help.