When it comes to the best beaches in Croatia, you’ll have wide a range to choose from. Whether you’re looking for an idyllic spot for some peace and quiet, a beach that’s suitable for kids to swim or a place to enjoy water sports, there’s something for everyone.
The best beaches in Croatia: Beaches in Dubrovnik
Check out our top tips and find the best beaches on the mainland and the islands, so you’ll be able to get your holiday underway in style.
Koločep Island
If you’re after a popular beach where you can have fun and relax, then head over to Koločep Island from Dubrovnik. One of a group of islands known as the Elaphiti Islands, a small archipelago northwest of Dubrovnik, you can reach it in about 20 minutes by boat. Once on Koločep Island, there are two villages for you to explore, Upper Celo and Lower Celo, as well as a selection of delightful sandy beaches. There are also some fab rocky swimming areas where you can snorkel and check out the marine life.
Whether you’re there to swim, search for shellfish in the rock pools or soak up some sun, there’s something for everyone. It’s a great location if you have less confident swimmers in the group, as the waters are calm and shallow. Add some stunning scenery, and you have a beach you can call paradise. To make things even better, there tend to be fewer tourists at this beach compared to the larger ones in Dubrovnik – great if you want to get away from the crowds.
Uvala Lapad Beach
Another of the best beaches in Croatia is Uvala Lapad Beach, an excellent place for families. One of the more frequented beaches in and around Dubrovnik, you’ll find that it can get quite busy at times. Popular with tourists and locals alike, it boasts a sandy-pebbled shore, crystal clear waters and plenty of sun. There is also a range of walking paths that lead off the beach to smaller and more secluded beaches.
With it being a family-orientated beach, there is a spectrum of activities available, including water slides, that your children can enjoy. Once you’ve worked up a hunger, you can head to the beach bars and restaurants, where your family can refuel for the rest of the day. Offering a range of amenities, such as sunbeds and umbrellas, it’s a great place to get comfortable for the day and watch the world go by. You can get to the beach either by driving in around five minutes or if you are walking in about 30 minutes.
The best beaches in Split
Žnjan Beach
If you’re looking for space, look no further than Žnjan Beach. Being the largest of Spilt’s beach offerings, it is great for those looking to avoid the crowds. If it does get a bit too busy, you can always move to Trstenik Beach, located next to Žnjan Beach. At the classic pebbled shoreline with clear waters, you can ensure that you’re comfortable by taking advantage of the lounge chair rental offered on the beach.
There are many restaurants and bars nearby, so it’s easy to re-energise after an afternoon of swimming. There are also plenty of places to hire out water sports equipment, so you’ll never be far away from that adrenaline hit. If you’re travelling with kids, there’s a playground you can take them to, so it’s easy to keep everyone entertained. Once your day comes to an end, you can head over to the showers, toilets, and changing rooms to get ready for the evening’s festivities.
From Split, it’s about a 15-minute drive to Znjan Beach. Alternatively, if you don’t mind the walk, you can get there on foot in about one hour.
Bačvice Beach
If you want a tried and tested beach that’s got the stamp of approval from the locals, then take a trip to Bačvice Beach. Since 1919, this sandy beach, which was opened as an official bathing area, has been welcoming locals on a regular basis. With its capacity for thousands of beach-goers at once, Bačvice Beach is great for anyone looking for some space. It’s located about a 15-minute walk from the centre of Split, so you’ll be able to get to it with ease.
Perfect if you want to soak up the sun or get involved in more physical activities, this beach caters to the masses. With plenty of space for beach sports, such as football and rugby, it’s excellent for those that don’t like to spend their day sunbathing. There’s also a promenade with a range of coffee shops, bars and restaurants, so it is easy to spend the whole day here without having to move too far.
The best Zadar beaches
Borik Beach
One of the best beaches in Zadar is Borik Beach, which offers more than one kilometre or just under a mile of pebbled coastline. Along this stretch, there are numerous spots that offer great swimming opportunities, especially if you want to snorkel and observe marine life. A combination of clear, blue waters and good water quality makes this a great place to dip your toes in. During the summer months, you can escape the hot sun under the many tall pine trees that line the coast.
This is another excellent location for families travelling with young children, as the waters are calm and shallow. For those who prefer sandy beaches, there is also another option, Borik Sandy Beach, located nearby. Surrounded by food and drink establishments, you won’t have to travel far to fill up after a long day soaking up the sun.
Kolovare Beach
Another of the best beaches in Croatia is Kolovare Beach, which is located about a 15-minute walk from the Old Town. As popular with locals as it is with tourists, you’ll know you’ve picked a good beach for the day. With a mixture of sand and pebbles, as well as concrete bathing platforms, it won’t be hard to find somewhere to set up for the afternoon. The waters are warm, calm and clear, so it’s a great location for swimmers of all abilities.
Similarly to Borik Beach, you will find pine trees lining the coast, so you can escape the sun should you want to cool down. Alternatively, parasols are available for hire across the beach, which can come in very handy during the hot summer months. For visitors looking for more information about the local area, there is a tourist office nearby. In addition, you will find a range of low-cost bars and restaurants only a stone’s throw from the beach.
The best beaches in Pula
Gortan Cove
If you’re looking for an idyllic beach that’s located just a little distance from the city of Pula, then Gortan Cove should be top of your list. Around an eight-minute drive or a 40-minute walk from Pula Old Town, you’ll stumble across a rocky cove with turquoise waters. The number 2a bus also runs from the city centre to the beach in about 20 minutes, which adds to its convenience. Renowned for being a great swimming spot, you can snorkel around the cliffs, jump off the rocks or just paddle along the shoreline.
With fewer buildings surrounding this beach, facilities are at a minimum; however, that’s part of its charm. You’ll be able to access toilets, though, as well as a small bar, so the essentials are there. There is also a mini forest surrounding the beach, so you’ll be able to avoid being out in the sun for too long during the hotter months.
Cyclone Beach
Cyclone Beach is another beautiful beach to visit, which doesn’t tend to get overcrowded. Whilst it’s a bit more rugged than some of the other beaches, you’ll be rewarded with still and clear waters you can swim in for hours. As it’s made up primarily of rocks and stones, it’s a good idea to take sensible (beach) shoes and something comfortable to sit on if you’re planning on staying for the day. Ideal for snorkelling, sunbathing and relaxing, there aren’t many better beaches around.
You can reach the beach via public transport, with the No 1 bus taking about 30 minutes. Upon arrival, you’ll have to walk through some woodland to get to this gem of a location. It’s worth noting that this beach isn’t accessible for those with mobility issues, so it’s probably worth checking out the nearby beach of Stoja Strand, which is accessible for all age groups. You must come prepared with food and drinks for this beach, as there aren’t any facilities nearby.
The best beaches in Croatia: The best of the rest
Makarska Beaches
Some of the best beaches in Croatia can be found in Makarska, which is about a one-hour trip by car or public transport from Split. In particular, one of the best beaches in Makarska is Nugal Beach, which is popular with travellers from around the world. It’s a natural beach with few facilities, so it’s always worth remembering to bring food and drink for the day. However, there is a picnic area where you can sit down with your family and enjoy the view.
Many of the Makarska beaches are linked by walking trails, so it’s easy to reach them. For instance, you can go from Nugal Beach to Solarić Beach or Kraljev Gaj Beach, only a short walk apart. If you want a beach with more facilities, you should walk to Plaža Jadran, which is larger than the aforementioned beaches and offers a beach bar, sun loungers and umbrellas.
Zlatni Rat Beach
Having received rave reviews from travellers over the past few years, Zlatni Rat Beach deserves a mention, too. Located on the island of Brac, you can reach it from Split via ferry. Once you’ve arrived on the island, you need to take a 50-minute bus to the stunning beach. Whilst the trip may sound like a long way to go, you’ll be rewarded upon arrival with turquoise waters, golden sands, and a lush green forest.
Baska Beach
Many of the best beaches in Croatia are found on islands, with Baska Beach being no different. Located on Krk Island, you can reach it from Rijeka on the mainland in about 50 minutes by car. Boasting a selection of beaches, Baska is a great destination for those seeking a relaxed holiday with sun and warm waters. Beaches vary from being rather basic with very few amenities to larger, better-equipped beaches that cater for tourists and families.
Peljesac Beach
Located about a 30-minute drive from Dubrovnik, Peljesac Beach is a must-see for all holidaymakers. Nestled at the foot of a cliff, this beach was created by accident in 1955 when a tunnel was built into the cliff to drain the flooded fields above. It is quite a small beach, so it’s always a good idea to get there early to avoid disappointment.
The best beaches of Croatia: FAQs
What part of Croatia has the best beaches?
Croatia is blessed with many great beaches along its coastline. If you’re looking for quieter and more secluded areas of paradise, you should look to travel away from the larger towns and cities. Beaches on the islands, such as Brac, will often be quieter due to fewer people staying there. However, the busier beaches have advantages, too, as they tend to have more facilities and amenities close by – great if you’re visiting with the family.
Where are the sandy beaches in Croatia?
Whilst Croatia isn’t renowned for its long sandy beaches, it does have a few of them dotted along its coastline. The islands with the biggest sandy beaches are Rab and Susak, whilst you will always be able to find a sandy rather than pebbly beach close to every major resort.
What is the nicest beach in Croatia?
To narrow the best beaches in Croatia down to just one depends on your personal preferences. If you’re after your own corner of paradise, heading to one of the island beaches is a great idea. If you want easy transport links, great facilities and stunning coastlines, then the mainland is probably more suitable. No matter where you go in Croatia, you’ll be sure to find amazing beaches around every corner.
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