Things To Do
in Šćedro
Šćedro is a small, mostly undeveloped island off the southern coast of Hvar in the central Dalmatian archipelago, known for its sheltered bays, crystal-clear water and fragrant Mediterranean vegetation. It is largely uninhabited outside the summer season and is popular with day-trippers, sailors and nature lovers seeking quiet beaches and short coastal hikes. There are no regular car roads or big tourist facilities on the island, so visitors should come prepared with water, sun protection and a plan for transport back to Hvar or the mainland.
The island’s remoteness, scenic coves and low lights at night make it ideal for swimming, snorkeling, photography and escaping crowded tourist centers nearby.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your adventure with a serene morning stroll along the picturesque beaches of Šćedro, soaking in the Mediterranean ambiance. The gentle sound of waves and the smell of salt in the air will set a calming tone for the day. Enjoy a light breakfast at a local café, sampling fresh pastries and local cheeses while appreciating the tranquil scenery.
In the afternoon, embark on a hiking trail that leads you through the island's lush landscapes filled with fragrant wild herbs and vibrant wildflowers. Discover hidden coves and stunning viewpoints, perfect for capturing the breathtaking beauty of the coastline. Take a moment to relax on a secluded beach, enjoying a packed lunch as you listen to the soothing sounds of nature.
As the sun begins to set, gather at a local konoba and indulge in traditional Dalmatian cuisine, featuring freshly caught seafood and regional wines. Engage with locals and fellow travelers while sharing stories over dinner, as the ambiance fills with laughter and music. Watch the sky transform with hues of pink and orange, creating a magical backdrop for an unforgettable evening.
Begin your day by visiting the small chapel of St. Mary, nestled in the island's heart, where you can admire its charming architecture and peaceful surroundings. Join a guided tour that highlights the rich history of Šćedro, learning about its significance during the Byzantine era. Capture the essence of local life with a visit to the nearby olive groves and vineyards.
In the afternoon, participate in a traditional cooking class, where you will learn to prepare regional dishes using fresh, local ingredients. Enjoy the fruits of your labor with a homemade lunch, paired with local wines that embody the region's flavors. Afterward, explore local artisan shops and galleries, where you can find handmade crafts to take home as souvenirs.
As dusk falls, head to a beachside bar to enjoy refreshing cocktails while watching the sun dip below the horizon. This is the perfect opportunity to unwind and reflect on the day's adventures while meeting other travelers. Feel the island's rhythm come alive with soft music as you savor the last moments of the day.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| 🍽 ️Three-course meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $50-80 |
| ☕Coffee (espresso) | $2-4 |
| 🍺Local beer (0.5 L) | $3-6 |
| ⛵Short boat taxi / excursion | $20-60 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Pristine, uncrowded bays and excellent water for swimming and snorkeling
- Quiet, natural setting ideal for relaxation and photography
- Close to Hvar and other Dalmatian islands for easy day trips
- Low light pollution makes for great stargazing
- Very limited facilities and no regular restaurants or shops on the island
- Accessible only by boat—dependence on weather and seasonal services
- No medical facilities or shops, so you must bring supplies
- Can be busy with private boats in peak summer bays
- "Dobar dan" - Good day / Hello
- "Hvala" - Thank you
- "Molim" - Please / You're welcome
- "Koliko košta?" - How much does it cost?
- "Gdje je pristanište?" - Where is the pier?
- "Mogu li dobiti vodu?" - Can I get some water?
- "Pomoć!" - Help!
Places to Visit in Šćedro
Visit one of these nice places.
Crystal-clear water, pebble shores and sheltered coves provide excellent foregrounds for sunrise and midday photos with visible seabed and vibrant blues.
Low cliffs and rocky promontories create dramatic compositions—especially late afternoon when the light warms the limestone and scrub.
Old stone walls, terraces and abandoned structures scattered across the island offer rustic subjects framed by Mediterranean vegetation.
With minimal light pollution, Šćedro is a good spot for astrophotography and long exposures of the Milky Way when conditions are clear.
Food in Šćedro
Šćedro Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional Dalmatian fisherman's stew made with white fish, potatoes, onions, garlic and olive oil; a comforting local specialty found in konobas on Hvar.
Must-Try!
Meat or seafood slow-cooked under a bell with vegetables and herbs; hearty and often available in family-run restaurants on nearby islands and the mainland.
Rice cooked with cuttlefish or squid ink and seafood; popular along the Dalmatian coast and a must-try for seafood lovers.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A small market in Hvar where you can buy fresh fruit, vegetables, local olive oil, cheese and bread to pack for a day trip to Šćedro.
In summer some ports have seasonal stalls selling pastries, bottled water and snacks—good for last-minute supplies before boarding boats.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Do not litter, avoid damaging fragile vegetation and respect protected areas; open fires and camping may be restricted—check local rules.
A simple 'Dobar dan' (good day) or 'Hvala' (thank you) goes a long way; locals appreciate basic courtesy and friendliness.
Casual, modest dress in villages is fine; on beaches swimwear is fine but cover up when entering towns, churches or restaurants.
Respect quiet hours in small communities—noise can carry and residents often value peaceful evenings.
Safety
Tipping in Šćedro
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but discretionary in Croatia—around 5–10% in restaurants if service is good; small change or rounding up for cafés, taxis and guides is common.
Croatia uses the euro; credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Hvar and larger towns, but on Šćedro there are no card facilities—bring cash (euros) for boat taxis or small seasonal services.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
High season with warm, dry weather and many private boats and day trips visiting the island; facilities on Šćedro are minimal and bays can be busy—bring sun protection and plan transport in advance.
Mild temperatures and abundant wildflowers make spring ideal for hiking and photography; fewer visitors than summer but boat services are less frequent.
Pleasant weather for swimming and walking, with cooler evenings; sea temperatures remain comfortable early in the season and crowds thin out.
Quiet and mostly deserted; many boat services stop for the winter, access can be limited and weather is cooler and wetter with stronger winds—visit only with proper planning.
Šćedro at Night
Hiking in Šćedro
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
An easy to moderate loop that follows the shoreline between several bays, offering scenic seaside views and access to swimming coves; rocky underfoot in places.
A short climb to a higher vantage point inland that rewards hikers with panoramic views over the Adriatic and neighboring Hvar—best at sunrise or late afternoon.
A flexible route linking two or more sheltered bays; suitable for picnics and exploration, but bring water and navigation aids as signage can be limited.
Airports
How to reach Šćedro by plane.
Main international airport for central Dalmatia; from Split you can reach Hvar by ferry or catamaran (via the port of Split or Stari Gradska) and then take a boat to Šćedro. Travel time to Hvar varies depending on connections (typically 1.5–3 hours including ferries).
Small regional airport on the island of Brač with seasonal flights; from Brač you can take a ferry to Split or directly to ports that connect to Hvar in summer months.
Further to the southeast but serves many international flights; reaching Šćedro from Dubrovnik requires a longer transfer by road and ferry or domestic flights to Split followed by ferries to Hvar.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Day-trippers, sailors, yachtspeople and tourists who visit Šćedro mainly in the summer months for swimming and short hikes.
Residents of nearby Hvar and smaller Dalmatian communities who use Šćedro for day trips, fishing and occasional seasonal stays.
Hikers, photographers and birdwatchers attracted to the island's quiet landscapes and biodiversity.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The central Dalmatian coast is a major sailing destination; many visitors arrive by private yacht or charter and include Šćedro on island-hopping itineraries.
Clear seas and diverse underwater habitats make diving and snorkeling popular activities; local dive operators based on Hvar run excursions in the area.
Football remains Croatia's most popular sport on the mainland and nearby islands, played by locals and young people in organized and informal settings.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Šćedro.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Dalmatian cuisine offers vegetable-based dishes, salads, grilled vegetables, cheese and olive oil; in tourist towns vegetarian options are widely available but on Šćedro you should bring snacks and supplies.
Vegan options exist in Hvar (salads, grilled vegetables, bean dishes) but are limited on small islands—carry legumes, fruit and water for island visits.
Many seafood and grilled dishes are naturally gluten-free, but always check sauces and bread; restaurants in Hvar can usually accommodate with advance notice.