The best beaches of Croatia

The best beaches in Croatia are pebbly and sandy, on the islands and in South and North Dalmatia, hidden and popular family beaches.

Croatia is a country with a long coastline and many islands scattered along the Adriatic coast. Therefore, it is not surprising that Croatia has countless wonderful beaches. This beautiful pearl of Eastern Europe, which for decades was undeservedly ignored by foreign tourists. And relatively recently gained well-deserved recognition, thanks to the beautiful sea and beaches, where you can relax both in wild hidden coves and in all-inclusive hotels and on long beaches with sun loungers and umbrellas.

Croatia has a very beautiful indented long coastline, surrounded by more than 1000 islands. Almost all of them are not damaged by people, industry or motor boats.

The variety of beaches is impressive: some are pure peace and solitude, while others attract families with children who are looking for sunny places with a gentle entrance to the sea. On some you will hear the background buzz of bars and cafes, on others – only the waves and the wind.

It is up to you to choose – which ones you like.

What beaches are there in Croatia?

The first thing a tourist planning to visit Croatia should know is that there are very few sandy beaches. In most cases, sand is considered to be small pebbles – that’s the best you can get. In the vast majority of cases, beaches in Croatia are smooth small pebbles or rocks.

There is artificially filled sand in rare cases – for example, on the city beach of Bačvice in Split. Or in the town of Omiš, where the Cetinje River flows into the sea, which deposited a layer of sand, creating a large sandy beach. That is, the choice of sandy beaches is small.

I recommend to read: Omis, Croatia – a pirate town with sandy beaches

The most beautiful beaches in Croatia

1. Punta Rata, Brela

Access to the sea: gentle entrance for children, further from the shore for adult swimming.
Infrastructure: refreshments, bars, toilets, showers, sunbeds and umbrellas, shady places among the pine trees.
Parking: available, but very busy, parking is often a problem.
Good to know: the beach is really famous, especially in high season expect a lot of people, but in September there are much fewer people.

Punta Rata Beach in Brela is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. If you really need to go somewhere where you can enjoy the sea and pine trees every day, this is the place. You will find crystal clear water, many stalls with fresh fruit and soft drinks, and a beautiful promenade here. And if you stay until the evening, you can enjoy the view of a magical sunset.

Punta Rata is part of the popular Makarska Riviera. The famous resort of Baška Voda is just 7 minutes away by car, from Makarska it can be reached in 18 minutes, from Omiš in half an hour. So even if you are not spending your vacation directly in Brela, it is worth a trip.

I recommend you to read: Brela – the most beautiful beaches of the Makarska Riviera

Where to stay near Punta Rata Beach

Bluesun Hotel Soline – a large hotel with rooms with sea views, a swimming pool and a wellness center.
Hotel Sunceva Postelja Brela – A small family-run boutique hotel on the coastline.

2. Zlatni Rat, Brac Island

Entrance to the sea: the entrance to the water quickly becomes deep, so you need to be careful with children here.
Facilities: showers, toilets, changing rooms, lifeguards, water sports, playground, volleyball court, trampolines, pedal boats, soft drinks, sun loungers, umbrellas.
Parking: parking near the beach.
Good to know: you can also come here from the opposite island of Hvar, from where the ferry to Bol departs.

Another famous beach is located on the island of Brač near the town of Bol – it is called Zlatni rat. Most people think that it is sandy, but in fact it consists of small pebbles, not sand. It has an unusual triangular shape, the tip of which changes as the sea currents play with the pebbles. Most photos of this beach are taken from the air, but from sea level it looks a little simpler.

The beach has been awarded the Blue Flag, which is only given to beaches with exceptional water quality, cleanliness and service. You will also find good leisure facilities here, from refreshments to lifeguards, water sports and attractions.

This is undoubtedly the most famous beach in Croatia, which is why it is so crowded in the summer. But the sea is always crystal clear.

Where to stay near Zlatni rat beach

Hotel SOL≫ – Very nice apartments with a kitchen and all the appliances for preparing drinks and food. Location in Bol, near the Zlatni rat beach.
Bluesun Hotel Borak≫ – Very cozy hotel with great staff. Great location, just a few minutes walk from Bol town and Golden Horn beach.

3. Nugal Beach, Makarska

Facilities: No amenities, no toilets, showers or refreshments, just a few trees for shade.
Parking: The nearest parking is in Makarska, about a 30-minute walk away, or on the road above the beach.
Good to know: You can also get there from the center of Makarska, about an hour’s walk along the sea. There are several viewing platforms nearby, be sure to stop at at least one to see the sea and cliffs from above.

Nugal Beach is ideal for those who do not mind walking along the paths, or like to sunbathe and swim without a swimsuit. Because it is quite difficult to access and half of it is reserved for nudists. You can find it on the Makarska Riviera between Makarska and the resort of Tučepi. It is a small beach between the rocks, which can only be reached on foot or by boat. The walking path is quite difficult. But if you decide to walk – wear sturdy shoes.

The beach is located in the middle of untouched nature. It means there are no food outlets or amenities on it. So bring a snack, enough drinks and everything you might need on a wild beach.

Where to stay near Nugal Beach

ATLANTIS LUX with pool≫ – The apartment is clean, has everything you need. Good contact with the owners. Great location, a few steps to Lidl, close to the beach, restaurants 300 meters from the property.
Apartel Park Osejava≫ – Hotel with incredible views of Makarska and right next to the path leading to Nugal beach. Clean room, comfortable bed, good air conditioning.

4. Donja Luka Beach, Makarska

Entry into the sea: gradual.
Services: showers, toilets, changing rooms, restaurants, bars, sun loungers, umbrellas, water attractions, water slides, water sports, pedal boats.
Parking: parking near the beach.
Good to know: there are ferries from Makarska to the islands of Brač or Korčula, if you want to explore these islands.

Donja Luka is the main beach of the popular resort of Makarska. In addition to the clear sea, Donja Luka beach offers many restaurants, bars and entertainment for children and athletes. If you don’t want to sit in the sun all day, the pine trees will be a shady haven for you. And if you want to take a walk, go to the promenade that stretches along the beach.

Hotels near Donja Luca Beach

Beach Spot Apartments≫ – inexpensive accommodation a minute’s walk from the beach. Cozy apartment with a beautiful view from the balcony of both the sea and the mountains. You can quickly walk to the old town, there are many different shops, cafes and restaurants nearby. There is a playground nearby.
Beach Marin≫ – The apartments are comfortable, everyone has their own room, which is great when you are traveling with a large group. Very close to the sea, the center. There are no slopes or climbs to the sea, and the beach is very beautiful.

5. Banje Beach, Dubrovnik

Entry into the sea: gradual.
Facilities: sun loungers, umbrellas, showers, changing rooms, toilets, restaurant, water sports.
Parking: parking is difficult, use the nearby city parking lots.
Good to know: part of the beach is paid, part is free.

One of the most popular beaches in Croatia is located in Dubrovnik. You will swim in truly beautiful landscapes of the historic city. If you want to combine a beach holiday with a tour of the city streets and attractions, this is a great choice.

But be aware that Banje is a very popular place. Because of this, you will find good amenities here, from restaurants to various water sports and nightlife. If you like to ride on the water, rent a kayak and go for a swim along the coast. The view of the historic city is worth it.

Accommodation near Banje beach, Dubrovnik

Apartment Majestic≫ – The location is very convenient, close to the beach, old town with a great view of Lokrum island. The apartment is well maintained with amenities, clean, cozy and tastefully decorated.
Hotel Excelsior≫ – Great location, not so close to the busiest part of town but perfectly accessible to all the main attractions. Good size rooms, great views of the sea and beach and good facilities.

6. Sveti Ivan Beach, Lubenice, Cres Island

Entry into the sea: gradual.
Services: none, it is a purely natural beach without any amenities.
Parking: parking is in Lubenice, then you have to walk.
Good to know: the walking route from the town of Lubenice takes about 30 minutes and leads down a steep rocky slope. Be sure to take sturdy shoes and enough water for the way back.

This beach is also considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. If you get a rash from crowded city beaches, head to Sveti Ivan beach on the Cres island. It can be reached by boat or by a challenging hiking trail from the town of Lubenice.

The beach is located in the middle of untouched nature under a steep cliff. This has its undeniable advantages, especially the fewer tourists. On the other hand, there are no amenities here, so you will have to pack a lot of water and food. There are no sunbeds or umbrellas. It is a bit of a wild swim, but it is worth it.

Accommodation near the beach Sveti Ivan, Lubenice

Lubenice-Rodinis Room and Apartment≫ – An old stone house, beautifully renovated with such attention to detail, beauty everywhere you look. The view from the terrace is magnificent and the village is so quiet that a real vacation is guaranteed. The bed is very comfortable and the hosts are extremely welcoming and relaxed.
Apartman DINKO≫ -Authentic accommodation for a stopover in Ljubenice and take some time to enjoy the place. Friendly welcome. Modest, comfortable and clean, located in the very center of the town.

7. Stiniva Beach, Vis Island

Entry into the sea: gradual.
Facilities: bar only.
Parking: parking is located approximately 500 meters above the bay.
Good to know: due to the cliffs are surround the bay, half of the beach is usually in the shade.

Another fascinating place can be found on the island of Vis. This is a well-hidden bay of Stiniva with a small pebble beach. The place is unique mainly for its natural scenery, the bay is surrounded by rocks, between which you can swim to the open sea.

After all, this is one of the ways to get to the bay. The easiest way is to arrive by boat, jump into the sea and swim to the bay. Alternatively, you can walk for about 15-20 minutes down a steep slope. Don’t bring flip-flops, you will need really sturdy shoes.

Accommodation near Stiniva beach:

Holiday home Stiniva≫ – a very authentic fisherman’s hut with everything you need for a beach holiday, great location near the beach, very friendly host and staff, and great food at the nearby Peruka tavern.
Molo Trovna Apartments≫ – Wonderful environment. The whole bay is just stunning, silence, peace, crystal clear sea. It’s like in a fairy tale, that from your own terrace you can jump straight into the most beautiful sea. The bedroom is very comfortable, spacious, the terraces too and all the equipment is in the kitchen and everywhere.

8. Beritnica Beach, Island of Pag

Entrance to the sea: gradual rocky
Equipment: nothing, the beach is small, there is a path leading to it or you can get there by boat.
Parking: none

Hiking enthusiasts will also enjoy the unusual scenery of the pebble beach of Beritnica, one of the most beautiful places on the enchanting island of Pag. You can reach this place by a rocky path from the much more famous beach of Ručica or by renting a taxi boat. Right above the beach is the famous Stogaj rock, one of the most beautiful stone towers on the Adriatic coast. Beritnica is an idyllic piece of paradise for people who dream of pristine peace.

This stunning beach with warm, medium-sized pebbles has the most amazing stone towers on the Adriatic coast. Many visitors regularly jump from this unusual rock directly into the beautiful crystal clear water, which is always pleasantly warm in summer. In addition, the nature of this beach is truly magnificent. This is real tropical nature, which delights all tourists again and again.

9. Pasjaca beach, Konavle

Entrance to the sea: the entrance to the water quickly becomes deep
Equipment: nothing, the beach is small, a path and stairs lead to it.
Parking: parking near the path that leads to the beach.
The beach is currently closed due to a landslide

If you’re exploring the world-famous city of Dubrovnik in the summer, make time to stop by the stunning Pasjaca Beach. Nestled among the majestic Konavle cliffs, the indescribable beauty of this beach earned it a spot on the list of the top 10 places in Europe for 2019.

This stunning beach is located just 30 km from Dubrovnik and near the border with Montenegro. Getting to this hidden gem is quite an adventure. You’ll have to walk a steep path through tunnels and stairs carved into the rock. This makes Pasjaca a place not accessible to everyone. Follow the signs that will lead you to the Konavle region, below the village of Popovići.

The picturesque turquoise water contrasting with the giant cliffs is breathtaking. Pasjaca Beach is a great place for people who love wildlife, as its remote location has saved it from the madness of mass tourism. If you decide to go on this trip, we highly recommend bringing food and water with you. There are no restaurants, bars or any other amenities on this beach. Its main attraction is its untouched, stunning nature. And it should stay that way.

10. Paradise Beach, Lopar, Rab Island

Entry into the sea: gradual
Infrastructure: sunbeds, umbrellas, changing rooms, toilets, restaurants, cafes, playgrounds, water sports
Parking: there are several parking lots near the beach
Good to know: thanks to the shallow water, the water heats up faster and becomes warm

Paradise Beach is one of the largest beaches in Croatia. It is located on the island of Rab, namely on the Lopar peninsula. Its length is 1.5 kilometers, so you will definitely find a place to sunbathe here. The beach has nice fine sand, which you can walk on without shoes.

The sea is incredibly shallow. Even 400 meters from the shore, you will still be in the shallows. This makes Rajská pláž particularly ideal for families with small children and those who do not swim. The beach also has very good amenities and has received the prestigious international Blue Flag award.

The best thing about Paradise Beach is that it is suitable for small children, because there is a long shallow area. However, active individuals will also find it interesting here. If you like beach volleyball, pedal boats, jet skis and other water sports, you will find something to suit you.

Accommodation near Paradise Beach, Lopar

Marin≫ – The apartment is very close to the beach. Clean room, all appliances are new, free parking.
Apartmani Sabbioso≫ – Ideal accommodation for a large family near the beach.

11. Sakarun, Dugi Otok Island

Entry into the sea: gradual.
Facilities: The beach does not have very good facilities, but you will find a few kiosks with soft drinks
Parking: There is a parking lot near the beach.
Good to know: Posidonia seagrass is often washed up on the beach. It is protected and is not removed from the beach due to its positive impact on the ecosystem.

On the island of Dugi Otok, not far from Zadar, you will find the bay with the beach Sakarun, with a beautiful turquoise sea and fine white sand. It is thanks to it that the water shines so beautifully.

The best way to get to the beach is by ferry from Zadar, and then by car or cruise ship. The beach is pebbly and sandy, the closer to the water, the more sand. The entrance to the sea is gradual, so you can go here with children. There are pine forests around the beach. So, if you are looking for shade, you know where to hide.

12. Kralichina Beach, Nin

Entry into the sea: gradual, more for children due to a long shallow water.
Facilities: sun loungers, umbrellas, toilets, showers, soft drinks, water attractions, sports activities.
Parking: parking near the beach.
Good to know: there are not many shady places on the beach.

Welcome to the longest sandy beach in Croatiaю It is located near the town of Nin, just 25 minutes by car from Zadar. It is called the Queen’s Beach and it is a truly unique place. The beach with wooden walkways and healing mud which especially useful for people with skin problems.

Kraljičina plaža is one of the 100 best beaches in the world. It is especially suitable for families with small children. The sea is shallow for a very long time and therefore also warm. There are also water attractions and refreshments. Adults will also be delighted with the beautiful view of the Velebit mountain range.

Useful articles and links:

Rent a car – Rentalcars.com
Booking of hotels and apartments – Booking.com

12 most beautiful beaches in Croatia

What beaches are there in Croatia?