10 Best Beaches in Croatia, it is a home to over a thousand islands and an intricately carved coastline that spans 3,600 miles, making it a natural haven for stunning beaches. These beaches have been admired for their picturesque beauty for centuries, and their popularity has only increased since Croatia gained independence. With Croatia’s inclusion in the European Union in 2013, exploring the beaches and hopping from island to island has become more convenient than ever before. Although sandy beaches are scarce in Croatia, the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic Sea and the breathtaking views of the rocky, lush shores make the country’s beaches a must-visit destination.
Makarska Beach
The Makarska Riviera, a stunning stretch of coastline spanning approximately 65 km (40 miles) from Makarska to Split, is renowned for its beauty. Nestled at the base of the majestic Mount Biokovo, the town of Makarska boasts a picturesque bay with pebbled beaches.
Along the promenade, which is adorned with palm trees, visitors can enjoy the town’s main beach. This family-friendly beach offers a range of amenities, including peddle-boat and jet-ski rentals, allowing for thrilling adventures on the glistening blue waters. Additionally, the promenade is lined with trendy cafés, upscale restaurants, and boutique shops, creating a vibrant and stylish atmosphere.
Stara Baska
Stara Baska, a quaint Croatian village, is situated on the southwest coast of the Island of Krk. It is located at the end of the island’s main road and was once renowned for its locally grown and milled wheat. However, nowadays, the main attraction of Baska is its pebbly beach, which is approximately one mile away from the town.
The beach is nestled in the protected cove of Oprna Bay and can be accessed by hiking down a steep path on foot. While there are some facilities available at the Skrila campsite situated above the beach, there is only a small bar directly on the beach itself. Therefore, visitors are advised to bring their own supplies when visiting. Alternatively, the beach can also be reached by boat from Stara Baska.
Queen’s Beach
Queen’s Beach, also known as Kraljicina Plaza, is situated in the town of Nin in the northern region of Dalmatia. Croatia’s coastline is mostly rocky, making sandy beaches a rarity, and those that extend for long distances are even more uncommon. This is why Queen’s Beach is so popular among tourists. Another reason for its popularity is the peloid mud found in the shallow areas of Nin’s lagoon. This mud is highly valued for its ability to alleviate sore joints and muscles, and people from all over Europe come to the beach to cover themselves in it and bask in the sun. The beach is also a favorite spot for kite and wind surfing enthusiasts due to the windy conditions.
Sveti Ivan
Sveti Ivan, also known as Saint John, is a renowned beach situated at the base of the charming village of Lubenice. This ancient fortress city, constructed entirely of stone, adds to the allure of the beach. It is a popular stopover for yachts sailing in the area. The beach can only be accessed on foot, and the 45-minute scenic descent to the secluded beach is one of its highlights. Visitors can follow the red arrows to reach the pristine white pebble beach and the crystal-clear water. The ascent back up takes approximately one and a half hours.
Punta Rata
Deeped & Amanda Strandh / Flickr
Punta Rata, situated in the quaint town of Brela on the Dalmatian Coast, approximately 14 km (9 miles) north of Makarska, is a sought-after resort beach renowned for its stunning beauty and excellent amenities.
Nestled amidst lush olive and fig tree groves, Brela offers a charming setting for this gently sloping beach. With the presence of lifeguards, sports facilities, and a promenade adorned with restaurants and coffee shops, this beach is a beloved choice for families, providing an ideal spot for leisurely wading.
Rajska Plaza
Situated in the charming resort village of Lopar on the Island of Rab, Rajska Plaza, also known as Paradise Beach, holds a prominent status among the renowned beaches in the Adriatic region. While Rab has gained recognition as a preferred destination for naturists due to its clothing-optional beaches, Rajska Plaza stands out as an excellent choice for families seeking an idyllic vacation spot.
One of the remarkable features of Rajska Plaza is its tranquil and shallow waters, allowing visitors to comfortably wade for nearly half a mile without submerging their heads. Moreover, this beach distinguishes itself from the rocky coastlines of Croatia’s islands by offering a rare sandy shoreline.
Zlatni Rat
The renowned beach Zlatni Rat is the main attraction on the southern coast of the Island of Brac, located west of the picturesque town of Bol. This unique beach, formed by the currents in the Hvar Channel, stretches around 450 meters (1,500 feet) into the crystal-clear waters, resembling a narrow and elongated “spit” of land.
Visitors who choose to sunbathe on the narrow white pebble beach are treated to breathtaking views of the sea on both sides. Equally captivating are the vistas of the shoreline, where remnants of Roman ruins can be spotted amidst groves of pine trees, all framed by the majestic Vidova Mountain, the highest peak in the Adriatic islands.
Omis Beach
Omis Beach, situated in the coastal town of Omni along the Omis Riviera, is renowned for its extensive and spacious golden sand stretches. The beach is adorned with pine and tamarisk trees strategically planted to create a picturesque promenade.
The presence of the Cetina River is responsible for the beach’s velvety sand, as it replenishes the otherwise rocky shoreline annually. The canyons carved by the river in the surrounding mountains add a dramatic touch to the captivating scenery of this beach.
Banje Beach
Dubrovnik, situated on the southern coast of Croatia, is renowned as a premier tourist destination within the country, largely due to its abundance of beautiful beaches. Among these, Banja Beach stands out, located east of the city’s Old Town district, and is highly favored by visitors.
This pebble beach is encompassed by some of Dubrovnik’s finest hotels and offers all the luxurious amenities that discerning travelers seek, such as comfortable deck chairs, umbrellas, and well-appointed changing rooms complete with showers. In addition to its appeal to celebrities, this beach is also a fantastic option for those seeking thrilling water sports activities like jet skiing and paragliding, right within the city limits.
Dubovica Beach is one of the 10 Best Beaches in Croatia
Dubovica, situated on the renowned southern coast of Hvar Island, stands as the largest beach on the island. Just a brief drive away from Milna town, this pebble beach finds solace in an emerald green lagoon, surrounded by a charming collection of ancient stone houses nestled amidst undulating hills.
The availability of limited parking spaces plays a crucial role in preventing overcrowding at this beach. The serene and translucent waters beckon adventurers to explore the underwater world, making snorkeling a highly sought-after activity. Being one of the sunniest destinations in Europe, Hvar’s idyllic beaches attract sun worshippers from far and wide.
