Tucked along the rugged north coast of Šolta island, the Stomorska coves are a chain of intimate, pine-fringed rocky inlets that most visitors to the Split archipelago never discover. These hidden coves near the fishing village of Stomorska offer some of the clearest water you will encounter anywhere on the Dalmatian coast—brilliant shades of turquoise and emerald that shift with the sun throughout the day. For sailors who anchor in these sheltered nooks, Stomorska beach Croatia delivers something increasingly rare: genuine solitude backed by the scent of Aleppo pine and wild rosemary. Whether you arrive on a crewed yacht charter with Splendid Yachting or a bareboat charter, Šolta island swimming simply does not get better than this.
Getting There: By Land & Sea
Reaching Stomorska Village by Ferry & Car
If you’re arriving to Stomorska by land before joining a yacht charter or exploring the coves on foot, the journey begins in Split. Regular car ferries and catamarans connect Split with Šolta island year-round, docking at Rogač on the island’s eastern shore (25-minute crossing). From Rogač, Stomorska village is a scenic 12-kilometre drive north along the island’s main road—expect about 20 minutes by car or taxi. In summer, local buses coordinate with ferry arrivals, offering an affordable connection to Stomorska. Once in the village, the coves are accessible via a coastal footpath that departs from the western end of the harbour.
How to Reach Stomorska Coves by Boat
Stomorska sits on the north-central coast of Šolta, roughly 8 nautical miles south of Split city harbour and about 5 NM from the Splitska Vrata channel. From the ACI Marina Split, set a course of approximately 190° and you will spot the entrance to Stomorska’s harbour within an hour under sail in moderate conditions. If you are coming from Milna on Brač, the passage is around 7 NM on a north-westerly heading. The series of hidden coves Šolta is famous for stretches west of the village harbour—look for the first indentation about 300 metres past the breakwater. Navigation is straightforward: keep a lookout for unmarked rocks close to shore near the second and third coves and favour the centre of each inlet when entering. A depth sounder reading of 4–6 metres at the mouth is typical.
The Beach & Water
Unlike the sandy crescents that dominate Croatia’s tourism marketing, the Stomorska coves Šolta are defined by smooth limestone shelves and large, flat rocks that step gently into the sea. The rock platforms are ideal for sunbathing and make entry into the water effortless—simply slip off the edge into depths of 1.5 to 3 metres. The seabed is a mosaic of white stone, scattered posidonia meadows, and small sand patches that give the water its extraordinary colour palette. Visibility regularly exceeds 20 metres, and summer surface temperatures climb to 24–26 °C between late June and mid-September. The northernmost cove has a tiny pebble strip—perhaps 10 metres wide—where you can spread a towel, but most visitors swim directly from the rocks or from the swim platform of their yacht.
What to See & Do
Snorkelling is the star activity here. The rocky walls that form each cove drop to 6–8 metres and host colonies of sea urchins, colourful wrasse, damselfish, and the occasional octopus hiding in crevices. Bring a mask and fins and explore the underwater boulders between coves—there is a natural swim-through arch near the second inlet that is a highlight for confident swimmers. The clear Adriatic waters around Stomorska are home to protected noble pen shells (Pinna nobilis), though this species has suffered catastrophic population declines since 2016 due to a parasitic epidemic and is now critically endangered throughout the Mediterranean. While sightings of any marine mammals remain extremely rare, all encounters should be reported to Croatian conservation authorities and observed from a respectful distance without disturbance.
On land, a footpath connects the coves back to the village of Stomorska, where you can wander narrow stone lanes, admire 17th-century summer houses, and stop at a waterfront konoba for grilled fish and local Šolta olive oil. The village harbour itself is photogenic, lined with traditional wooden boats. For a longer walk, follow the island trail south-west toward Nečujam Bay, a 40-minute hike through olive groves and macchia scrubland that rewards you with panoramic views of the Split channel. If you’re exploring more of the island, don’t miss the nearby Maslinica Bay on Šolta’s west coast, another stunning anchorage just a short sail away. Sailors looking to venture further afield will find exceptional snorkeling at the Blue Lagoon (Krknjasi) near Drvenik islands, or can explore the secluded Budikovac Blue Lagoon for even more pristine swimming.
Anchoring & Mooring
The largest of the Stomorska coves offers room for two or three yachts to anchor comfortably on 4–7 metres over a mixed bottom of sand, rock, and some weed. Set your anchor carefully and check the hold with moderate reverse—posidonia patches can make initial setting tricky. The coves are well protected from the south and south-east (jugo), and the high limestone walls block the afternoon maestral to some extent, though a strong north-westerly bura can funnel between the islands and create a short chop at the mouth. In that case, the inner harbour of Stomorska village is only minutes away and offers better all-round shelter. Stern-to mooring on the village quay is possible (depths 2.5–4 m alongside), but space is limited in July and August. There are no mooring buoys in the coves themselves, so a well-set anchor with a long line ashore to the rocks is the safest arrangement for an overnight stay. Experienced crew aboard a Splendid Yachting motor yacht can assist with anchoring techniques and ensure a secure hold in these conditions.
Best Time to Visit
May and June offer the finest balance of warm weather and empty anchorages—water temperatures hover around 20–23 °C, wildflowers carpet the hillsides, and you may have an entire cove to yourself all day. July and August bring peak Šolta island swimming season with water at a balmy 25 °C, but you will share the coves with day-trip boats from Split and fellow charterers. September is a hidden gem: the sea retains its summer warmth, the crowds thin dramatically, and the light takes on a golden quality that makes every photograph spectacular. October sailing is possible for the hardy—air temperatures around 18 °C and cooler water—but local restaurants begin closing for the season after mid-month. For those planning an extended sailing adventure, consider a Šibenik to Hvar & Korčula itinerary that includes Šolta as a peaceful stopover.
Essential Tips for Visitors
Bring reef shoes or neoprene aqua socks—the rocks, while smooth on top, can be sharp at the waterline where sea urchins congregate. There are no facilities, shade structures, or fresh water at any of the coves, so pack drinking water, sun protection, and snacks for the day. A kayak or dinghy with a small outboard makes exploring the full chain of inlets far easier than swimming between them. If you plan to eat ashore in Stomorska village, lunch service at the konobas typically runs 12:00–15:00, and booking ahead on summer weekends is wise. There is no entrance fee for the coves, and overnight anchoring is free. Dispose of all rubbish back on the boat—these pristine coves stay beautiful because visiting sailors respect them.
Facilities & Features
⚓ Anchorage Information
- Depth: 4–7 metres
- Holding: Mixed sand, rock, and posidonia—check anchor hold carefully
- Shelter: Excellent from south and south-east winds; moderate protection from maestral; exposed to strong bura
- Capacity: 2–3 yachts in the main cove
- Overnight: Suitable for calm conditions; move to village harbour if weather deteriorates
- Facilities: None on site; all amenities in Stomorska village (300 m walk)
Frequently Asked Questions
Where exactly are the Stomorska coves located?
The coves are located along the north coast of Šolta island, stretching west from Stomorska village harbour. Stomorska itself sits on the north-central part of the island, approximately 8 nautical miles south of Split.
Can I reach Stomorska coves without a boat?
Yes, but access is limited. A coastal footpath from Stomorska village connects to the nearest coves (10–15 minute walk), but the path is uneven and rocky. The most remote coves are only accessible by boat or by swimming between inlets.
Are there any beaches near Stomorska coves worth visiting?
Absolutely. In addition to the Stomorska coves themselves, nearby options include:
Ravni Žakan: A small islet south of Šolta with excellent snorkelling and anchoring at Ravni Žakan—crystal-clear water and complete seclusion.
Dubovica Beach: On nearby Hvar island, Dubovica Beach is one of the most beautiful pebble bays in Dalmatia, just a short sail from Šolta.
Luka Levrnaka: A spectacular natural harbour on the tiny island of Veliki Barjak near Korčula, Luka Levrnaka offers pristine anchorage and world-class swimming.
Location & Map
Stomorska coves are situated on the northern coast of Šolta island, west of Stomorska village, in the central Dalmatian archipelago between Split and Brač island. The village is accessible by regular ferry service from Split to Rogač, followed by a 12-kilometre drive or bus connection north to Stomorska.