Ovčice Beach
Ovčice Beach (Split)
Ovčice Beach is located on the eastern side of Split, between the well-known beaches Bačvice and Firule, only about a fifteen-minute walk from Diocletian’s Palace and the city center. This small city cove is known for its calmer atmosphere and is often chosen by locals who want to avoid the biggest crowds found on nearby beaches.
The beach is mostly pebbly with sections of concrete sunbathing plateaus, while the sea is clean and gradually deepens, making it suitable for swimming and relaxed sunbathing. Along the shore there are showers, changing cabins, and a café, while the surrounding trees provide natural shade during hot summer days.
Thanks to its location close to the city center and easy access, Ovčice is popular among families, local residents, and visitors who want a quieter swim by the sea while still being near the city promenade, restaurants, and other attractions of Split.
During the summer season, Ovčice Beach offers basic amenities such as showers, changing cabins, and sunbed and umbrella rentals. There is also a beach bar and a small restaurant in the bay where visitors can enjoy a drink or a light meal, while the trees along the beach provide natural shade during hot days.
Activities: swimming and sunbathing on the pebble beach and concrete plateaus, swimming in the calm bay with a gradual entrance into the sea, and relaxing with a drink at the beach bar. During the season, recreational activities such as pedal boats and water sports are also available.
The beach is smaller than nearby Bačvice, but because of that it often has a more relaxed atmosphere and is popular among locals. Due to the limited space, during peak season it is recommended to arrive earlier in the day to secure the best spot for a towel or sunbed.
Nearby you can also find cafés, restaurants, and a seaside promenade that connects the beaches Firule, Ovčice, and Bačvice, making it easy to combine swimming with a short walk along the coast.
Near Ovčice
Ovčice Beach is located between two well-known Split coves – Bačvice and Firule. Bačvice are only a few minutes’ walk to the west and are known as the most famous sandy beach in Split, with a lively atmosphere and numerous bars. On the other side, to the east, you will find Firule, a quieter city beach with a mix of sand and pebbles, suitable for families and relaxed swimming. If you continue walking along the coast further east, you will also reach Trstenik, a spacious pebble beach with a long promenade and an open view of the sea.
Features
Beach photos
Where to stay:
If you are looking for accommodation in Split near Ovčice Beach, the best choice is apartments and rooms in the Bačvice, Firule, and Zenta neighborhoods. These areas are located right by the coast, so you can reach the beach on foot in just a few minutes while still being close to the city center, the Riva promenade, and Diocletian’s Palace. Ovčice lies between Bačvice and Firule, making this area ideal for combining beach time with exploring the old town.
A good option is also apartments near the city port and the old town, from where Ovčice can be reached with a pleasant seaside walk in about 10–15 minutes. This location is especially convenient if you want to stay close to the ferry port, the main bus station, and Split’s main tourist attractions.
If you prefer a quieter stay with a bit more space, many visitors choose accommodation in Firule or towards Zenta and Trstenik. These areas are still close to the center but offer a more relaxed atmosphere and often easier parking. For families, a apartment with a kitchen and balcony is practical, while couples often prefer smaller apartments close to the sea and the seaside promenade.
The easiest way: on adriatic.hr, filter Split and select apartments on the map near Ovčice, Bačvice, or Firule beaches. This way you can quickly find accommodation near Ovčice that suits you best.
Where to eat:
Here are a few reliable options (from Bačvice towards Firule and the city center):
- Caffe Bar Žbirac (Bačvice) – a legendary seaside bar; more for drinks and light bites, but with one of the best views of Split’s city beaches.
- Konoba Nevera (Firule) – traditional Dalmatian cuisine and fresh fish, a quieter option just a few minutes’ walk from Bačvice.
- Lanterna (Firule–Zenta promenade) – a seaside restaurant known for fish dishes and a romantic atmosphere.
- Konoba Fetivi (Varoš/Matejuška) – Dalmatian classics and seafood; often mentioned in the Michelin Guide.
- Konoba Matejuška (Varoš) – a family-run tavern with fresh fish and a local vibe, close to the Riva promenade.
- Bokeria Kitchen & Wine (Old Town) – a more modern menu with an excellent wine list, very popular (reservation recommended).
- Fife (Matejuška) – casual and affordable, large portions, a good option for lunch after the beach.
What to see:
Diocletian’s Palace (UNESCO): the historic center of Split located about a 10–15 minute walk from Ovčice. Within its walls you can find the Peristyle, the palace cellars, Roman streets, and numerous shops, restaurants, and museums.
Riva promenade and the city port: Split’s famous seaside promenade, perfect for an evening walk, coffee, or watching ferries and the islands in the Split archipelago.
Bačvice Summer Cinema: one of the oldest open-air cinemas in Dalmatia, located just a few minutes’ walk from Ovčice. During summer, film screenings are held here under the open sky.
Firule and Zenta Marina: a seaside promenade connecting several city beaches and a small marina – a great route for a morning walk or a relaxed dinner by the sea.
Cathedral of Saint Domnius and the bell tower: one of the oldest cathedrals in the world and a symbol of Split. Climbing the bell tower offers a panoramic view of the city, the port, and nearby beaches.
What to do:
Swimming and sunbathing on the pebble beach and concrete plateaus, with crystal-clear sea and natural shade from the surrounding trees.
Water activities – during the season, pedal boats, jet skis, and other recreational water activities are available.
Relax at a beach bar – enjoy a coffee, cocktail, or cold drink at one of the bars by the beach.
Seaside walk towards Bačvice, Firule, and Zenta Marina – an easy coastal route ideal for a morning walk or sunset stroll.
Play and recreation – there is a children’s playground and sports facilities for recreation on and around the beach.
Explore nearby beaches – Ovčice is a small bay between Bačvice and Firule, so you can easily visit several beaches in one day with a short walk.
Visit the Old Town – Split’s city center and Diocletian’s Palace are about a 10–15 minute walk away.
Other information:
Ovčice Beach is a small city cove located between Bačvice and Firule, so during the summer it is often quite busy, especially in July and August. Due to the limited space on the beach, it is recommended to arrive earlier in the day to find a good spot for your towel or sunbed. The beach is a mix of pebbles, small stones, and concrete plateaus, while the crystal-clear sea and gradual entrance make it suitable for swimming and families with children.
Parking spaces can be found near the beach, but during peak season they fill up quickly, so many visitors come on foot from the center of Split or nearby neighborhoods such as Bačvice and Firule. The beach also offers additional amenities such as showers, a beach bar, sunbed and umbrella rentals, a children’s playground, and seasonal recreational water activities.
If you have photos or videos from Ovčice, feel free to share them – we would be happy to publish them.