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Zavala Beaches and Old Tunnel

4.6
·160 reviews·Zavala, Croatia

Discover Zavala's tranquil beaches and unique tunnel access on Hvar Island. A peaceful escape with clear waters and delicious seaside dining.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Secure parking & beat crowds

CrowdLow
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Escultura

Zavala Beaches and Old Tunnel

Best Time

Early mornings

Secure parking & beat crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover Zavala's tranquil beaches and unique tunnel access on Hvar Island. A peaceful escape with clear waters and delicious seaside dining.

4.6
(160 reviews)

"Excellent beaches, reasonable prices, and quality food make Zavala a rewarding, peaceful escape on Hvar Island."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Tunnel & Road Caution

The road is very steep with a unique one-way tunnel. Drive with extreme care! :car:

🅿️ Arrive Early for Parking

Parking fills up fast in high season. Aim for an early arrival to secure a spot. :parking:

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Zavala Beaches

Zavala Beaches

Zavala village

Pristine shores with crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming and enjoying marine life. Less crowded than other Hvar spots.

The Old Tunnel

The Old Tunnel

Road to Zavala

A unique, challenging one-way tunnel that's an adventure in itself. Drive carefully!

Seaside Restaurant

Seaside Restaurant

Beachfront

Enjoy delicious, high-quality food at reasonable prices with professional and friendly service.

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Planning Your Visit

Navigating the Steep Descent

The road to Zavala is famously steep, featuring a unique, challenging one-way tunnel. Consider visiting early, especially in high season, as parking fills up quickly. If you miss out, nearby beaches offer great alternatives.

Embrace the Tranquility

Zavala offers a peaceful escape with excellent beaches and clear waters. While accommodation is available, it's known for being less crowded than other Hvar Island spots, making it ideal for relaxation.

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Secure parking & beat crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour for photos
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#zavala #zavalaedit #zavalaedit
@clip.goddess
225K likes • 2.4M views

🚗 Tunnel & Road Caution

The road is very steep with a unique one-way tunnel. Drive with extreme care! :car:

🅿️ Arrive Early for Parking

Parking fills up fast in high season. Aim for an early arrival to secure a spot. :parking:

Anahi was CREEPED out after Zavala said this…💀😭 | Daily Clipz | #zavala #anahi #fyp
@2clipper2
218K likes • 2M views
Bros dad sees his tiktoks aswell 😯😲#fyp #goviral #blowthisup #zavala @⚠️ ZAVALA ⚠️
@chisme.yer
189.8K likes • 2.6M views

☀️ No Natural Shade

Bring your own umbrella or shade as there's very little natural cover on the beach. :umbrella:

🐠 Great for Snorkeling

The waters are pure with abundant marine life, making it excellent for snorkeling. :fish:

WISHING I WAS BRITNEYY AT THAT MOMENTT 😫😫😍😍🙏🏼🙏🏼😭😘 @⚠️ ZAVALA ⚠️ @Zavalaaaaaaaaaaa @⚠️ | #zavalaseditor #zavala #zavalaishot #ilovezavala #zavalacomeeatdis #zavalacomegetsum #zavalaspepino #zavalaedit #edit #viral #viraltiktok #fyppppppppppppppppppppppp
@zavalaspepino
186.4K likes • 1.1M views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Tunnel & Road Caution

The road is very steep with a unique one-way tunnel. Drive with extreme care! :car:

🅿️ Arrive Early for Parking

Parking fills up fast in high season. Aim for an early arrival to secure a spot. :parking:

☀️ No Natural Shade

Bring your own umbrella or shade as there's very little natural cover on the beach. :umbrella:

🐠 Great for Snorkeling

The waters are pure with abundant marine life, making it excellent for snorkeling. :fish:

🍽️ Delicious Local Food

The beachfront restaurant offers great food at reasonable prices with excellent service. :forkandknifewithplate:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(160 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Zavala's beautiful, clear beaches and the peaceful, less crowded atmosphere, making it a rewarding escape on Hvar Island. The unique tunnel access adds an adventurous element, and the beachfront restaurant is praised for its delicious food and reasonable prices. However, the extremely steep access road and limited parking, especially in peak season, can be challenging.

"The restaurant here on beach is very good they have reasonable prices and quality is high.The water and the beaches here are excellent...good accommodation possibilities, not so many people, children friendly ... Hvar Island is expensiver then mainland, but in many ways more rewarding...still pure waters with a lot of marine life"

Tomáš Hrdina

"We were told by our host that beach and facilities are lovely, but be aware that the road leading there is extremely steep and includes a truly unique (and challenging) one-way tunnel. When we arrived in the village, all the parking spaces were already taken, so we had no choice but to turn around and head back to Jelsa. If you’re visiting during high season, I’d strongly recommend going early to secure a spot and avoid disappointment. Thankfully, there are plenty of other beautiful beaches nearby, so you’ll have lots of great alternatives to explore!"

Tom C

"Delicious food, good prices and very, very professional service. Owner is always positive and good mood. Recommended"

Igor

What People Like

Beautiful clear beaches
Peaceful, less crowded
Delicious beachfront food

What People Dislike

Steep access road
Limited parking
Lack of natural shade

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Accessing Zavala involves a famously steep road with a unique, challenging one-way tunnel. It's best reached by car. Be prepared for a demanding drive, especially if you're not accustomed to such inclines. Many visitors recommend arriving early to navigate the tunnel and secure parking more easily. Reddit

Yes, the road is extremely steep and features a challenging one-way tunnel. It requires careful driving and is not recommended for inexperienced drivers or those with large vehicles. Reddit

Parking can be very limited, especially during peak season. Visitors are strongly advised to arrive early in the morning to secure a parking space. If parking is full, you may have to turn back. Reddit

Public transport options are limited for reaching Zavala directly due to its remote and challenging access. It is primarily accessible by private vehicle. Reddit

If parking is full, don't despair! There are many other beautiful beaches nearby on Hvar Island that offer great alternatives and are worth exploring. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there are no entrance fees or tickets required to visit Zavala Beaches. Access to the beaches and the village is generally free. Reddit

There are typically no direct fees for using the Old Tunnel itself, as it's part of the public road access to Zavala. However, parking fees might apply in the village. Reddit

The Old Tunnel is part of the road and is generally accessible at all times. However, due to its one-way nature and potential for traffic, it's best navigated during daylight hours. Reddit

No, there is no entry fee for the restaurant. You can visit and dine there without any additional charges beyond your meal. Reddit

Zavala can be visited year-round, but the experience is best during the warmer months (spring to early autumn) when the beaches are most enjoyable and facilities are fully operational. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

You can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling in the clear waters. The peaceful atmosphere is perfect for relaxation. The pure waters offer a lot of marine life to observe. Reddit

Yes, Zavala is considered child-friendly due to its calm waters and less crowded environment compared to other Hvar destinations. Reddit

Unfortunately, there is very little natural shade on the beaches. Visitors are advised to bring their own umbrellas or seek shade from nearby structures if available. Reddit

The water is described as excellent, pure, and clear, with a lot of marine life, making it ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Reddit

Zavala is generally less crowded than other popular spots on Hvar Island, offering a more peaceful experience. However, it can get busy during peak high season. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The beachfront restaurant offers delicious food with high quality at reasonable prices. It's known for its professional and positive service. Reddit

While the beachfront restaurant is a primary recommendation, options might be limited in the small village. It's best to check local listings or ask your accommodation provider for other possibilities. Reddit

Prices at the restaurant are considered reasonable, offering good value for the quality of food and the beachfront location. Reddit

Specific dietary options like vegetarian or vegan might vary. It's advisable to inquire directly with the restaurant staff about their menu offerings. Reddit

During peak season, it might be a good idea to book a table, especially for dinner, to ensure you get a spot, though it's generally not as crowded as other tourist hotspots. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Zavala is a great choice for families looking for a peaceful beach experience. The calm, clear waters are child-friendly, and the beach is generally less crowded than other Hvar destinations, allowing kids more space to play. Reddit

Remember to pack plenty of shade (umbrellas or pop-up tents) as natural shade is scarce. The drive through the tunnel can be an adventure for kids, but ensure they are secured safely. The local restaurant offers a good option for family meals with reasonable prices. Reddit

🚗 Road Trip Enthusiasts

For those who enjoy a scenic and adventurous drive, Zavala offers a unique challenge. The steep, winding roads and the iconic one-way tunnel are a memorable part of the journey. It's an experience that sets Zavala apart from more easily accessible locations. Reddit

Arriving early is crucial to navigate the tunnel and secure parking without stress. If you're exploring Hvar by car, Zavala provides a destination that rewards the effort with its tranquility and natural beauty. Be sure your vehicle is in good condition for steep ascents and descents. Reddit

🧘‍♀️ Peace Seekers

If your goal is to escape the crowds and find a truly peaceful spot, Zavala is an excellent destination. It's known for its serene atmosphere and less populated beaches, offering a perfect retreat for relaxation and rejuvenation. Reddit

The clear waters and natural beauty provide a calming backdrop. While amenities are simple, the focus here is on tranquility. The seaside restaurant offers a pleasant dining experience without the hustle and bustle of busier tourist hubs. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Zavala Tunnel: An Adventurous Entrance

The journey to Zavala is an experience in itself, largely due to the unique Old Tunnel. This single-lane passage is carved directly through the rock and serves as the primary access point for vehicles. It's a thrilling, albeit challenging, part of the drive, requiring careful navigation and awareness of oncoming traffic. Many visitors find the tunnel to be a memorable part of their trip, adding an element of adventure before even reaching the beaches. Reddit

Be prepared for a steep incline on both sides of the tunnel. Drivers should exercise caution, use their headlights, and be mindful of the tunnel's narrowness. The experience is often described as a unique engineering feat that adds to Zavala's secluded charm. It's a testament to the ingenuity required to access this beautiful, less-traveled part of Hvar Island. Reddit

Beach Bliss and Marine Wonders

Zavala boasts beautiful beaches with exceptionally clear and pure waters. These shores are ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and simply unwinding in a peaceful environment. Unlike some of the more bustling tourist spots on Hvar, Zavala offers a tranquil escape, making it a favorite for those seeking relaxation. The lack of crowds contributes significantly to its serene atmosphere. Reddit

The underwater world is also a highlight, with abundant marine life making it a fantastic spot for snorkeling. Visitors can expect to see a variety of fish and other sea creatures in the pristine waters. However, a key point to note is the lack of natural shade on the beaches. It's highly recommended to bring your own umbrella or portable shade to ensure comfort during sunny days. Reddit

Dining Delights by the Sea

The beachfront restaurant in Zavala is a standout feature, offering a delightful culinary experience. Visitors consistently praise the delicious food, noting its high quality and reasonable prices. The service is also frequently highlighted as being very professional and friendly, with the owner often described as being in a positive mood. Reddit

This establishment provides a perfect setting to enjoy a meal with a view of the sea. Whether you're stopping for lunch after a swim or enjoying a relaxed dinner, the restaurant is a highly recommended part of the Zavala experience. It contributes to the overall peaceful and rewarding nature of visiting this charming village. Reddit

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