Ciovo Island: Things to Do & Best Beaches!
Ciovo Island is a fabulous choice for a summer vacation in Croatia! It is located right next to the famous UNESCO city of Trogir and is connected to the mainland by a bridge. The absolute highlight are the numerous beaches of Ciovo, which are spread around the island and are a guarantee for unforgettable days by the sea. In addition to the lively island’s main beach, Okrug Gornji Beach, you will also find numerous picturesque natural bays, nestled in a beautiful Mediterranean landscape. On top, there are many delightful resorts that captivate with fabulous restaurants and amazing activities. All in all, is the island’s location just perfect, from where you can quickly reach the region’s most beautiful attractions via an excursion.
In this travel guide, you will find all the important information and tips about the island of Ciovo in Croatia. We show you beautiful pictures, the best sights and beaches, and where to find great accommodations.
Good to know!
On Ciovo there are several resorts spread around the island. The biggest one is Okrug Gornji in the north. The villages of Okrug Donji, Slatine, Arbanija and Mastrinka are much quieter.
The best time for a vacation on Ciovo Island is from May to October. At this time, you can count on summer temperatures, lots of sun and few rainy days.
The absolute highlight are the numerous beautiful bays on Ciovo! Many of them are known as the most beautiful beaches in Trogir and surroundings.
Getting to Ciovo is possible by car because the island is connected to the mainland by 2 bridges. The nearest airport is the main airport of the Split region, only 9 kilometers away.
General Information about Ciovo Island
Ciovo Island is located in the region of Dalmatia, right next to Trogir and also the famous port city of Split is only 33 kilometers away. With a size of about 28.12 km², it is one of the smaller Croatian islands. Earlier, in Roman times, the island was called Bavo and only later received the name Ciovo, which means “the head of Jupiter”. In the imperial times, the island was a place of exile, later a famous island of medicinal plants and today Ciovo is a vacation paradise that has no equal in Croatia! Every year, countless tourists from all over the world come to spend their vacations on the beautiful bays and beaches of the island.
On Ciovo Island you will find several resorts, all with stunning beaches and wonderful flair. The largest tourist center with numerous bars, restaurants and shopping opportunities can be found in Okrug Gornji, where there is always something going on. On the other hand, if you love peace and quiet, choose one of the island’s more relaxed resorts and enjoy the flair away from the hustle and bustle. Fabulous are also the many possibilities of activities such as hiking, cycling, stand-up paddling and snorkeling, and also the offer of excursions in the region does not leave on this island pearl guaranteed boredom.
Best Things to Do on Ciovo Island
On a visit to Ciovo, you can expect numerous enchanting beaches, plenty of exciting activities and fantastic attractions in the immediate vicinity. Here we have summarized all the best things to do, the beaches of Ciovo island and the most beautiful places for you at a glance.
Okrug Gornji
The vacation resort Okrug Gornji forms the largest tourist center of the vacation island Ciovo and is the visitor magnet par excellence. Especially popular is the almost 2 kilometer long Okrug Gornji Beach, better known as Copacabana Beach. This dreamlike stretch of coast is divided into several small bathing bays, which inspire with turquoise sea colors and an exuberant vacation atmosphere. Just behind it runs the promenade, where numerous beach bars and restaurants invite you to linger, enjoy and celebrate. Another must-see is the romantic harbor, where numerous boats rock in the sea and conjure up a wonderful ambience.
Tip: Especially recommended are the Apartments Maja, directly on the beach and with a magnificent view of the sea!
Labadusa
One of the most beautiful beaches in Ciovo is definitely the beach Lapadusa. This gorgeous stretch of coast is located in the south of the island and fascinates with breathtaking picture book scenery. Here you will find a cozy campsite and a few nice apartments and restaurants. Travelers love the mix of stone and pebble beaches, where you can find many places to sunbathe and relax. The sea shines almost kitschy in the most beautiful turquoise blue colors, and the clear water invites you to snorkel and splash around. Also fantastic are the numerous fragrant pine trees, which give this bay a lot of Mediterranean flair.
Tip: The vacation cottage Salum is an insider tip. This accommodation is situated in a unique quiet location not far from the beach and also the equipment is of the finest!
Church Gospe od Prizidnice
One of the most beautiful attractions on Ciovo Island is the church Gospe od Prizidnice, also known as the hermit church of Our Lady of Prizidnica. It is located in the southeast and is a pilgrimage church from 1546. Impressive and a real feature is its breathtaking location on a steep rock face high above the sea. A short hike through the pine forest and the path along the high cliffs allows you to explore Ciovo from one of its most spectacular sides. The path alone is worth coming here! The view is gigantic, and also the small church is absolutely worth seeing.
Tip: Another path leads from the church Gospe od Prizidnice down to the sea, where round rocks invite you to cliff jumping and sunbathing.
Okrug Donji
Okrug Donji is a small picturesque resort on the west of Ciovo Island. During a vacation, you can enjoy a quiet flair, and numerous beaches and bays invite to relax and linger. One of the most beautiful bathing places is the beach Kava, a wonderful pebble beach which is also ideal for families with children. Another must-visit is Plaza Porat, a truly idyllic beach, where are numerous shady places. Among the most important attractions in Okrug Donji is the chapel of St. John the Baptist and the viewpoint “Okrug Panorama”, from which you can enjoy a magnificent view of the island world.
Tip: Okrug Donji consists of several small vacation settlements with many lovely apartments. Really nice is the Apartments Sundance in a fabulous location with sea view!
Natural Beach Kava
The most beautiful natural bays and the quietest bathing places of Ciovo can definitely be found at the eastern tip of the island. Here you will find numerous dreamlike beaches embedded in beautiful nature and picturesque coastal landscape. Only a gravel road connects these dreamlike bays, which offer unique peace and relaxation. An absolute highlight is the picturesque beach Kava at the easternmost end of the vacation island. Here you can bathe in absolute idyll, far away from the hustle and bustle of the big main beaches. A real insider tip on Ciovo, for all those who are looking for that exceptional beach experience.
Slatine
One of the most beautiful resorts on Ciovo is Slatine in the northeast of the island. The coastline is especially beautiful, with numerous picturesque bays lined up along the coast, creating an incredible vacation flair. Formerly a fishing village, Slatine is now the perfect vacation destination. There are cool beach bars, fabulous restaurants and numerous accommodations, some of which are even located directly by the sea. In the center of the village there is a small harbor, where you can take the ferry “Bura Line” even to UNESCO city Split. There is also a taxi boat to Trogir.
Tip: In the north of Slatine is the Villa La Bomboniera, which inspires with beautiful large apartments and fabulous views of the sea.
Arbanija & Dominican Monastery
The resort of Arbanija is a beautiful village on the north coast of the island of Ciovo and on top of that, a fabulous tip for a quiet stay. Here you will find really beautiful beaches and there are numerous private apartments for rent. Arbanija is most famous for the Dominican Monastery of the Holy Cross, built in the 15th century. The complex consists of several buildings, a garden and a mighty fortress wall. A real must-see is also the beach Sveti Kriz, where you can enjoy the breathtaking view of the monastery even while swimming in the sea.
Tip: The Apartment Porat is a great choice for a vacation. Guests love the modern facilities and the jacuzzi.
Uvala Mavarstica Bay
A beautiful place, which is also ideal for a stay on Ciovo, is the large bay Uvala Mavarstica. It delights visitors with a wonderful ambience and with a relaxed atmosphere. Beautiful in this place is especially the picturesque pebble beach Bocici, which delights with the most spectacular sea colors. The underwater world is also stunning and invites for snorkeling. This bathing bay is mostly visited only by guests of the apartments there, which promises pleasant bathing pleasure, even in the high season.
Tip: The apartments of Villa Jana are located only a few meters away from the sea and also the view from the balcony is stunning.
Excursions from Ciovo Island
Not only is Ciovo Island beautiful, but also the surrounding area is really worth visiting. Many of the best attractions of the Dalmatian coast as well as beautiful islands are not far away. Here are the most recommend excursions that should not be missed on any vacation.
Connected by a bridge, you can be in the UNESCO-City of Trogir in a short time. Taxi boats also run from the larger resorts on the island and take guests directly to the old town.
An absolute highlight is the famous city of Split, which is only about 30 kilometers away. Worth seeing is especially the historic old town, where you can visit numerous historical attractions.
Very popular are also excursions to the Primosten and to the Dragon Eye Lake in Rogoznica. Also the world-famous Krka National Park is only about 60 kilometers away from Ciovo.
From Ciovo Island, you have the possibility to go on unforgettable boat trips. Tours to the Blue Lagoon, the Blue Cave and Solta Island are very popular.
Where to Stay on Ciovo Island
Ciovo Island offers visitors a wide range of fantastic accommodations. From beach hotels, small guesthouses, privately run apartments and camping, everything is represented here. If you are looking for tips on where to stay in Ciovo, then we can give you these recommendations along the way…It’s worth a look!
- Apartment in Okrug Gornji: Really recommended is the Apartments Maja, centrally located directly on the lively main beach and with a wonderful view of the sea!
- Cottage in a Quiet Location: Holiday cottage Salum is a great choice for a quiet vacation in Ciovo. Also it is situated in a unique location not far from the beach!
- Apartments in Slatine: The Villa La Bomboniera is located near Slatine and enchants with several beautiful large apartments and fabulous views of the sea.
- Villa with Pool near Okrug Donji: The Villa Vesna is a large vacation home with pool and sea access. With 5 bedrooms, it is perfect for small groups and also for young people.
Find the best accommodation on Ciovo Island:
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