Stari Porat beach on Ciovo island is one of our go-to escapes when it gets too busy and crowded in Split. It's a small but beautiful stretch of shore tucked away in verdant pine forest which means there's plenty of shade even in high summer. And it's just a short drive from Trogir Old Town! Read on to discover all our local tips and recommendations for visiting this slice of paradise.
Where is Stari Porat Beach?
Stari Porat beach is located just outside the village of Okrug Donji on the western tip of the island of Ciovo. The beach is about 500 metres from the centre of Okrug Donji. Here is the Google maps location for Stari Porat beach: https://maps.app.goo.gl/2182d5xFFWtbCZCe6
How to Get to Stari Porat Beach, Okrug Donji
Stari Porat has the feel of a remote castaway beach, but it's actually really easy to get to if you're coming from Trogir or even Split. Here's some tips on how to get there:
Walking: Stari Porat beach is just 500 metres from the centre of tiny Okrug Donji village so it's super convenient if you're staying nearby. It's a nice and easy 10-15 minute walk from Okrug Donji to Stari Porat.
By Car or Uber/Taxi: From Trogir to Stari Porat beach is a 15-minute drive, while Split to Stari Porat takes around 50-60 minutes. In summer traffic can be very bad leaving Split and crossing from Trogir on to Ciovo, so be sure to leave early or allow extra time. The beach is accessed via narrow road and there's a small parking area a few metres from the beach.
By Taxi Boat or Charter Boat: For a truly unique experience you can take a taxi boat direct to Stari Porat from Trogir or other nearby towns on Ciovo. Or charter your own boat for a few days and explore all the islands in the area! We are happy to help with boat charter or taxi boat information - just fill out our contact form on this page.
For the ultimate experience take a taxi boat from Trogir to Beach Stari Porat.
Why Stari Porat Beach is So Special
So why should you visit Stari Porat beach? Here's just a few of the reasons we love it so much, and we know you will too!
Clean & Crystal-Clear Azure Waters: Since it's a little off the beaten track and far away from any major settlement, the water at Stari Porat is as clean and clear as your grandma's windows. And it's also that perfect shade of azure-blue that you just can't tear your eyes away from! There are lots of nice beaches near Trogir, but this one is definitely one of our favourites.
Relaxing & Tranquil: Stari Porat is a small beach and it doesn't tend to attract the large crowds that flock to more famous beaches on Ciovo island like Labadusa or Copacabana. It can get a bit busy in high summer, but outside of that you may well have it all to yourself.
Good for Families: The calm waters, clean pebble beach and shallow areas close to the shore are great for families with younger kids. There's also some activities to keep older kids entertained, such as SUP and kayak rental from the nearby Okruk Adventure Club.
Unspoilt Nature: Stari Porat enjoys a gorgeous setting surrounded by wild pines and olive trees. For us it feels like an undisturbed hidden paradise, yet it's just a short drive from civilisation.
What to Expect at Stari Porat Beach
It's a Pebble Beach!: Many visitors to Croatia are surprised that we have so many pebble beaches. Stari Porat is made up of lots of tiny white pebbles, so it's actually pretty comfortable to lay on and it's cleaner than sandy beaches. Just don't forget to bring a towel!
Amenities are Limited: Since it's tucked away on the western tip of the island, amenities here are limited. There's a small beach bar that's usually open during high summer and weekends with toilets and refreshments. But for restaurants and shops you'll need to go to nearby Okrug Donji which is just a 10-15 minute walk away. If you're looking for something a bit more fancy, check out these beach clubs!
Things to Do at Stari Porat Beach
Stari Porat is the kind of place where you bring a good book and spend the day relaxing and unwinding. Here's some of our favourite things to do at Stari Porat:
Take a swim or go snorkelling: Make the most of the amazingly clear waters by going swimming or snorkelling. Stari Porat has ropes marking the edge of the swimming area where you can splash around without worrying about being mown down by a jetski or motorboat.
Hire a kayak or paddleboard: The Okruk Adventure Club right by the beach offers kayak and paddleboard hire, as well as seabobs and jetskis.
Watch the sunset: Stay all day and watch the sun go down from the beach.
Hike along the coast: Ciovo island has so many hidden gems to explore. Bring your hiking shoes and take one of the many trails along the western tip or the southern side of the island where very few people go. We recommend checking out Kava Beach (20 minute walk from Stari Porat) or Uvala Krušica Beach (30 minutes walk from Stari Porat).
Cafes, Bars & Restaurants at Stari Porat Beach
At Stari Porat beach itself there is a simple beach bar with toilets and refreshments which should be open during high summer and at weekends during the shoulder season.
If you're hungry there are these restuarants about 10-15 minutes walk away from the beach:
Didina Dika: The best option nearby with seafood, pasta, pizza and meat dishes.
Restoran Mateja: Affordable traditional Croatian meat and fish dishes
Oko Moje: Simple fast food place
Best Time to Visit Stari Porat Beach
If you're looking to escape the crowds, we recommend visiting Stari Porat (and the Croatian coast in general!) during the shoulder seasons of May-June or September-October. The weather is still hot and sunny, but there'll be far less visitors compared to the peak season of July and August.
But if you're planning to come in July or August, don't panic! Stari Porat is still way less crowded than more famous beaches in the area. Try to arrive in the morning to secure a parking spot and lay out your towels.
Calm and shallow waters make Stari Porat a good choice for kids.
Stari Porat Beach for Kids
Stari Porat is great especially for younger kids since the waters here are so calm and shallow, and there's plenty of shade from the pine forest surrounding the beach. Close to the shore there are some pebble-free areas that won't hurt your little ones' feet. But it's also a good idea to pack water shoes for the rockier areas to avoid any injuries. Also keep an eye out for sea urchins which can be very painful if stepped on or brushed against. They tend to lurk in the rocks, so if you stick to pebbled and sandy areas you should be fine.
Older kids can be kept occupied with kayaks, SUPs ,sea bobs or jetskis that you can hire from the nearby Okruk Adventure Club. Or they might enjoy taking a hike or bike ride further along the coast to check out other nearby beaches like Timon Beach.
Facilities near the beach are fairly limited, but there is usually a beach bar open in the summer months with toilets and refreshments. Around 10-15 minutes walk away is Okrug Donji village which has a couple of restaurants and a Ribola supermarket. There are several nice family friendly accommodation options in Okrug Donji including this one-bedroom apartment at Villa Sandrina and this 2-bed apartment with exceptional reviews.
Stari Porat Beach for Couples
Stari Porat is also a nice option for couples looking for a bit of alone time. Pack a picnic and enjoy the sunset or take a late-night swim under the stars. If you're looking for a romantic getaway, this modern and chic apartment in Okrug Donji offers the most perfect sea views and it's just a short stroll from the beach.
What Else to See & Do on Ciovo Island
Whether you want to relax or feel the adrenaline, there are plenty of options on and around the island of Ciovo:
Island Boat Trips: We always recommend seeing Dalmatia from the water, so this 3-Island Speedboat Trip from Trogir is a great option to visit several beautiful spots in one morning or afternoon. Highlights include swimming in the gorgeous Blue Lagoon, wandering the atmospheric streets of Trogir Old Town, and visiting the charming fishing village of Maslinica on Solta island.
Off-Road Quad Biking: See even more of Ciovo island with this off-road quad biking adventure. We love this excursion because it's a real adventure - your guides will teach you how to master your beast before leading you up to the top of the island for spectacular views!
Trogir Walking Tour: For something a little more relaxed, check out the atmospheric backstreets of the charming city of Trogir on this guided walking tour. Daniela the main guide is a true daughter of Trogir, so you can expect to hear all the town gossip, both ancient and modern!
Looking for More Beach Recommendations?
Check out some of our other local guides for recommendations on beach life in and around Split and Trogir: