Stipanska Beach — Carpe Diem Beach (Pakleni, Hvar)

If you’re staying in Hvar and have heard of Carpe Diem, this is where you’ll find it. Stipanska Beach, on the small island of Marinkovac, is one of the three or four names any young traveller who has been to Hvar instantly recognises — on a par with Pacha in Ibiza or Nikki Beach in Marbella, but in a much more island-style, Mediterranean setting. It’s a sheltered cove combined with an internationally famous beach club.

In this guide I tell you exactly what the beach is like, how Carpe Diem works (prices, dress code, music, events), how to get there from Hvar and why many visitors end up combining it with the neighbouring cove of Zdrilica to get the best of both worlds in one day.

Stipanska Beach at a glance

Location	Marinkovac Island (Pakleni archipelago), opposite Hvar harbour
Distance from Hvar	~1.5 km · 10-15 min by water taxi
Water taxi price (one way)	8-12 € per person
Beach club	Carpe Diem Beach Club
Seabed	Pebbles and stones (bring water shoes)
Carpe Diem sunbeds	25-40 € per day, depending on the season
Beach club hours	12:00 – 02:00 (summer), reduced out of season
Best time	June-September (peak: July-August)
Good for	Partying, electronic music, young crowd, groups of friends

What Stipanska Beach is like

Stipanska Beach occupies a sheltered cove on the south side of Marinkovac, one of the islands closest to Hvar harbour (just 10-15 minutes by water taxi). It’s a long cove of about 200 metres, lined with pines that provide natural shade and surrounded by the turquoise water typical of the Pakleni.

The seabed is pebbles and small stones, not sand — an important detail. Bring water shoes if you have sensitive feet or are with children. The water is crystal-clear (10-15 metres visibility on windless days) and it’s one of the most popular snorkelling spots near Hvar.

The cove became famous for one reason: Carpe Diem Beach Club, which takes up almost all of it in high season. That means that rather than a public beach in the traditional sense, Stipanska works as an extension of the beach club, with sunbeds for hire, bar service on the sand (or rather, the pebbles), non-stop music and security staff.

Carpe Diem Beach Club

Carpe Diem is probably the best-known party address in the Adriatic among young visitors. It’s the island offshoot of the original Carpe Diem (a historic bar on Hvar’s waterfront that opened in the 1990s), which moved to this island as a beach club in 2009. Since then it has hosted international brand parties and sets by big-name DJs, and has become a must on the “Sailing Croatia” circuit for groups of young people from all over Europe.

Music and atmosphere

The soundtrack is dominated by electronic music: house, deep house, tech house, with sets that change mood with the time of day. From midday to mid-afternoon it’s melodic chill-out, ideal for sunbathing cocktail in hand. From 17:00-18:00 the beat picks up and the cove fills up until sunset. The big parties (Sundance Sessions, one-off events with well-known DJs) are mostly at weekends and start after dinner.

In July and August parties often go on until 02:00, and at special events until dawn, with the last water taxi back to Hvar leaving at first light.

Sunbed prices and bookings

Access to the beach is free, but if you want a sunbed and shade you have to pay:

• Single sunbed: 25-30 € per day in low season, up to 40 € in July and August
• Double sunbed (two people): 50-70 €, depending on the season
• Bali beds with premium service: 150-300 € per day (4-6 people)
• Minimum spend: usually applies at VIP tables and Bali beds

At weekends in July and August it’s worth booking a sunbed in advance through the official website. On weekdays or in May, June and September there’s usually availability when you arrive.

Dress code and house rules

By day: swimwear and casual beachwear. At night, at special events with big DJs, smart casualapplies. There’s no nudism at Stipanska — leave that for Jerolim if that’s what you’re after.

Restaurant and bar

Carpe Diem has a restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine (bluefin tuna, seafood, salads, carpaccios) and an extensive cocktail list. Prices are what you’d expect from a place of its standing: 15-25 € per cocktail, 30-60 € per main course. Book ahead if you want a table for dinner in July and August.

How to get to Stipanska from Hvar

Water taxi from Hvar’s old harbour

The simplest option. The water taxis leave from Hvar’s main quay between 9:00 and 22:00 (later in July and August), going direct to Stipanska. The trip takes 10-15 minutes and costs between 8 and 12 € per person each way. They’re usually small boats with 10-20 seats, no advance booking needed.

Carpe Diem itself runs private shuttles for its guests, timed to fit the events, including the last one at 02:00 or later on big nights.

Licence-free boat hire

For those who want to combine Stipanska with other beaches on the same day. A Pasara 5HP licence-free one can be hired for 80-150 € a day and lets you reach Stipanska, Zdrilica, Mlini, Vinogradišće and Palmižana without relying on timetables.

Organised tour

Our Blue Cave and 5 Islands tour from Hvar includes a stop in the Pakleni, although a group schedule doesn’t fit with partying at Carpe Diem into the early hours.

Combine it with Zdrilica: the best of both worlds

Here’s the trick many people don’t know: Stipanska and Zdrilica are on the same island (Marinkovac), separated by a very narrow isthmus just 5 minutes’ walk. Stipanska is the south side (noisy, festive, Carpe Diem); Zdrilica is the north side (quiet, family restaurant, small coves, ideal for a nap after the party).

My recommendation if you have the whole day: morning at Zdrilica to swim and have a leisurely lunch, afternoon at Stipanska with the sunset and the DJs.

Best time to visit Stipanska

July and August are the peak months: Carpe Diem is in full swing, with guest DJs, international parties and an atmosphere reminiscent of Ibiza. It’s also when everything is pricier and busier.

June and September are ideal if you want fewer crowds: the beach club is still open, the water is 22-24 °C, but there’s more space on the sunbeds and prices are slightly more reasonable. My personal favourite.

At May and October the beach club opens only at weekends or for special events, and the water can be cold (18-20 °C). From November to April it’s closed and the water taxi runs much less often.

Stipanska vs other Pakleni beaches

• Stipanska vs Mlini: Stipanska is partying and a beach club. Mlini is families, children and calm.
• Stipanska vs Zdrilica: same island, opposites. You can combine them on the same day.
• Stipanska vs Palmižana: Stipanska for dancing; Palmižana for eating at Toto’s or Meneghello.
• Stipanska vs Jerolim: Stipanska is noise and music; Jerolim is nudism and silence.

Stipanska FAQ

Is there an entry fee for Carpe Diem Beach Club?

No, access to the cove and the beach club is free. You only pay if you want a sunbed (25-40 €/day), a Bali bed (150-300 €/day) or drinks at the bar.

Can you go to Stipanska with children?

During the day, yes, outside high season. But the atmosphere isn’t ideal for children. Better to cross the isthmus to Zdrilica or go straight to Mlini.

When are the biggest parties?

At July and August, with international guest DJs, especially at weekends.

How do I get back to Hvar after the party?

Carpe Diem runs shuttle boats back to Hvar at 02:00 or later on party nights. Ask about the last return time when you arrive.

Is there sand at Stipanska?

No. The seabed is pebbles and small stones. Bring water shoes.

Can you eat at Carpe Diem without a sunbed?

Yes, the restaurant and bar are open to everyone. Prices: 15-25 € for cocktails, 30-60 € for mains. Book a table in July-August.

Are there showers and toilets at Stipanska?

Yes, the beach club has free showers and toilets for customers.

Can I kayak to Stipanska from Hvar?

Yes, it’s 1.5 km, 30-40 minutes at a gentle pace. Rentals in Hvar harbour.

Is Stipanska worth visiting?

If you like electronic music, beach clubs and a Mediterranean party vibe, Stipanska is a must on any trip to Hvar. If, on the other hand, you’re after peace and quiet, snorkelling without the noise or a family beach day, this isn’t your beach. There are alternatives 10 minutes away: Zdrilica, Mlini, o Palmižana.

For the full picture of the archipelago, read the guide to the Pakleni Islands from Hvar.

Book your day in the Pakleni Islands

• Pasara 5HP boat hire in Hvar — licence-free, up to 5 people.
• Blue Cave and 5 Islands tour from Hvar — full-day group tour.

Personal support via WhatsApp, payment by PayPal/card, free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Message us at +34 600 988 287.

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