Lovišće (Šćedro)

Lovišće (Šćedro)

This is one of my favourite bays, and I enjoy visiting it for its wonderful atmosphere and rich history. The island is almost uninhabited today. But as the weather warms up, it comes alive, and its thirty or so summer residents arrive from Hvar and Split, and move into their holiday homes around Lovišće and the next bay, Monastir (or Moster). Of course, this is the time of year when sailors also arrive. There are good fishing grounds around Šćedro, so you will see both professional and recreational fishermen, who often stay overnight. Lovišće was known in ancient times. It was on Diomedes’ route, used by Greek sailors to navigate along the Adriatic. The same route was used later by the Romans and in the Middle Ages, in fact up to the advent of the steamship, as it was the only refuge for sailing ships on the south coast of Hvar. Its many underwater archaeological sites have revealed that it was the site of a significant sea battle between Pompey and Caesar’s fleets, in the year 47 BC. As you sail into the bay, which is half a mile long and has four arms, you will see Rake arm on the east side, a small, uninhabited cove, exposed to the maestral, with only one old house. In calm weather, this is an oasis of peace for solitary yachts. The bed is sandy, covered in sea grass, providing good purchase, and the depth is between 5 and 10 metres. Immediately south is Srida, the SW arm is called Karakovac, and the most westerly is Lovišće. Most yachts and boats anchor in front of one of these bays. There is plenty of room for mooring and anchoring, and there are often around twenty boats here. There are moorings on buoys for about ten boats, placed by the restaurant owners, while other vessels drop anchor in the middle of the bay at a depth of about 10 metres. In Lovišće arm, you can drop anchor and tie up stern to shore. The bed is sandy everywhere, with patches of sea grass. You do not need to worry about bad weather. It may be a little uncomfortable during the bura, which causes swell. Once you have anchored safely, you will not go hungry on Šćedro. Each of its three bays has a good summer restaurant serving fresh fish. You can explore the island on foot, and you should certainly walk to the next bay, Mostir, and visit the remains of the Dominican monastery, dating back to the end of the 15th century.

Nearby locations

Explore our carefully selected destinations.

READ NEXT