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

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Secure parking & beat crowds

Zavala Beaches and Old Tunnel
Best Time
Secure parking & beat crowds

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

🚗 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:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

Seaside Restaurant
Beachfront
Enjoy delicious, high-quality food at reasonable prices with professional and friendly service.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Steep Descent
Embrace the Tranquility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 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:
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
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
Public transport options are limited for reaching Zavala directly due to its remote and challenging access. It is primarily accessible by private vehicle.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
No, there is no entry fee for the restaurant. You can visit and dine there without any additional charges beyond your meal.
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.
🎫 🏞️ 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.
Yes, Zavala is considered child-friendly due to its calm waters and less crowded environment compared to other Hvar destinations.
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.
The water is described as excellent, pure, and clear, with a lot of marine life, making it ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
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.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The beachfront restaurant offers delicious food with high quality at reasonable prices. It's known for its professional and positive service.
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.
Prices at the restaurant are considered reasonable, offering good value for the quality of food and the beachfront location.
Specific dietary options like vegetarian or vegan might vary. It's advisable to inquire directly with the restaurant staff about their menu offerings.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
🚗 Road Trip Enthusiasts
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.
🧘♀️ Peace Seekers
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Zavala Tunnel: An Adventurous Entrance
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.
Beach Bliss and Marine Wonders
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.
Dining Delights by the Sea
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.

Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit