The Wild South: Discovering Sveta Nedjelja’s Secret Shores from Villa A Maria

If you ask a local where the "soul" of Hvar is hidden, they won’t point you toward the glittering yachts of Hvar Town. Instead, they’ll tell you to head through the Pitve Tunnel—a narrow, stone-carved passage that feels like a portal to another world. On the other side lies the rugged South Side, a landscape of vertical vineyards, limestone cliffs, and the azure depths of Sveta Nedjelja.

For those staying at Villa A Maria, this dramatic coastline is your playground. While the villa sits in the peaceful, wine-rich village of Svirče, it shares a deep connection with the south: they are both defined by the towering presence of Sveti Nikola, the island’s highest peak.

Sveta Nedjelja: Where the Cliffs Meet the Clouds

Sveta Nedjelja is a place of extremes. Above the village, a 15th-century cave monastery is tucked into the mountain, a silent witness to centuries of island history. Below, the famous vineyards of the Plavac Mali grape cling to slopes so steep that every grape must be harvested by hand.

But the real reward for the 20-minute drive from Villa A Maria is the water. The South Side’s sea is different—deeper, clearer, and a more vibrant turquoise than anywhere else on the island.

The Insider’s Choice: Zogon Beach

While many tourists flock to the larger bays, those "in the know" head to Zogon Beach.

• The Vibe: Unlike the rocky, jagged entries common on the south, Zogon offers a rare, gentle transition. It’s a mix of fine pebbles and sand that slopes slowly into the crystal water.

• Why we love it: It’s perfect for families. While the kids enjoy the shallow entry, serious swimmers can head just a few meters out where the sea floor drops into a deep, sapphire abyss—perfect for snorkeling and watching the sun dance on the limestone seabed.

• The Secret: Directly off the beach, cliffs jut out of the water, providing a natural platform for the adventurous to try some "Deep Water Soloing" (rock climbing over water).

Villa A Maria: Your Sanctuary After the South Side

After a day spent under the intense southern sun, returning to Villa A Maria in Svirče feels like a breath of fresh air.

While Sveta Nedjelja is about raw energy and dramatic views, Villa A Maria is about refined peace.

• The Connection: Many of our guests choose to hike from Svirče directly up to the summit of Sveti Nikola. From the peak, you can look down at the very beaches you'll be swimming in later that afternoon. It’s the ultimate way to understand the geography of Hvar.

• The After-Beach Ritual: There is nothing quite like rinsing off the salt from Zogon Beach in the villa’s private pool, with the late afternoon sun hitting the vineyards of Svirče. Because the villa is located in the heart of "wine country," you can pair your evening BBQ with a bottle of red picked up directly from the winemakers you passed on your drive back from the coast.

Our Personal Tip

Don't just visit Sveta Nedjelja for the beach. Stop at the underwater wine cellar at the marina for a tasting. Then, drive back through the tunnel as the sun starts to dip. By the time you reach the terrace of Villa A Maria, the "Hvar Vibe" will have settled in—authentic, peaceful, and completely unforgettable.

Ready to explore the south? Book your stay at Villa A Maria here.