Amazing Beaches in Croatia are found all over the country’s coast. From the party-friendly beaches of Pag to secluded naturist coves on the island of Cres, these stunning shores will make your summer getaway memorable.
The dazzling Zlatni Rat Beach on the island of Vis is a highlight of this natural splendor. The shallow waters and pine forrest on this beach make it a favorite of families and sun worshippers alike.
1. Dubovica Beach
Located in the city of Nin, this beach is a favorite amongst families who want to enjoy some laidback relaxation. The shallow waters of the lagoon are surrounded by soft white pebbles and transform color as the position of the sun changes throughout the day. The sandy beach is also famous for the peloid mud that locals believe has healing properties.
Known as the largest beach on Hvar Island, Dubovica Beach is a great spot to visit during a trip to Croatia. Located on the southern side of the island, this gorgeous beach features a large lagoon with a wide pebbled beach and beautiful submarine scenery. The beach is also home to a small cluster of stone houses and limited parking which helps keep the beach from becoming overcrowded.
If you prefer a more lively beach, head over to Zrce Beach on the island of Pag. This cosmopolitan beach has everything you need for a fun day by the water, including plenty of bars and clubs.
It is impossible to get acquainted with the sights of Croatia in one day, as well as in a week, but you can see the maximum number of new places with the help of a rented car at one of the country's airports. For example, in Dubrovnik you can rent a car from 16 euros per day, in Zagreb - from 18 euros per day.
2. Zlatni Rat Beach
Zlatni Rat is one of the most famous beaches in Croatia. Its unique shape makes it an iconic image of the country’s summer vacations. The beach is also a top destination for adrenaline junkies. A strong thermic wind called “Maestral” blows during warm weather, giving experienced windsurfers the thrill they need.
The best time to visit the beach is in the mornings when it is usually windless and calm. The water here changes from a dark blue to a turquoise color. Decades-old pine trees offer shade, which is a great advantage for people with sensitive skin.
Located in the south of the island of Brac, Zlatni Rat is a well-known destination for tourists and locals alike. It’s also a popular stop for many cruise ships that visit the coastline from Split to Dubrovnik.
You can reach this awe-inspiring beach by car or by boat. The road to the beach is pretty steep, but it is doable even for those with limited mobility. Make sure to take some drinks and snacks with you. Once you’re on the beach, don’t miss out on two curiosities: the remnants of an ancient Roman villa Rustica and a “stone of happiness” that some claim to bring good luck to the finders.
3. Hawaii Beach
If you want to visit one of the best beaches in Croatia, you should consider heading to the island of Vis. Here, you will find gorgeous beaches that are hidden between rocks. The beach is known for its crystal-clear waters and beautiful scenery. Moreover, the beach is also home to various water sports.
Located on the island of Krk, Politin is a pebbled Blue Flag beach that is favored by tourists and locals alike. The beach is a great place to relax, and past visitors have said that the white pebbles feel like soft sand. The beach is also popular for naturism, and it is surrounded by a number of cliffs.
Another stunning beach in Croatia is Brsec Beach. The beach is small in comparison to other Croatian beaches, but it offers spectacular views of the Kvarner Gulf and Cres Island. The beach is also a favorite spot for cliff jumping.
The last beach on our list is Cyclone Beach, a beautiful cove located near Pula. This is a great place to enjoy the beauty of one of the best beaches in Croatia without being disturbed by crowds of tourists. This beach is a great choice for families, as it has excellent facilities and is a good location for snorkeling.
4. Vela Przina Beach
Located near the village of Lumbarda on Korcula Island, Vela Przina Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Croatia. The sandy beach, which is the largest on the island of Korcula, is surrounded by vineyards and is a popular destination for tourists and locals during the summer months. This is a great place for young people who enjoy volleyball and other games in the water, but it's also suitable for families with children. You can rent chairs and umbrellas here, so it's easy to enjoy the beach all day long.
The beach's crystal clear waters reflect multiple shades of green and blue, and the beach's natural cave provides a cool retreat from the sun. Visitors also love the tepid sea temperature, perfect for snorkeling and swimming.
This iconic beach is a favorite among travelers and locals alike, but it can get crowded during peak travel season. If you're looking for a quieter spot, try Murvica beach in the town of Trpanj, which is shaded by pine trees. The natural shade offers protection from the intense sunshine and is ideal for people with sensitive skin who need breaks from the sun's rays. The water is calm and shallow, making it a great beach for kids.
5. Punta Rata Beach
The star of Makarska Riviera and a top Croatia beach, Punta Rata showcases the beauty of the country’s Adriatic Sea in its iconic views. A real eye-catcher, this jewel of the coastal town features a dense pine forest and the Brela Rock on its western end. Its turquoise blue waters and beautiful color combination with the sea and the pines make it a must-see.
You can stroll the paved promenade and claim your spot on the white pebble beach before dipping in to snorkel, kayak or enjoy water sports. The beach is also popular with kids thanks to the calm and shallow water. Afterwards, you can walk through the pines to the rocky headland for tree-framed views of the Brela Stone.
While on Krk Island, don’t miss Politin Beach, a Blue Flag beach near a popular naturist camp on the island’s west coast. It’s one of the most private beaches in Croatia, offering stunning blue sea colors and a charming landscape in a truly idyllic setting.
6. Kamenjak Beach
The cliff-top Kamenjak Beach, on the Kamenjak peninsula, was listed as one of Europe’s best beaches by Lonely Planet in June 2012. The area features flat rocks that are perfect for sunbathing and hidden caves. The beaches are secluded, making them popular among nudists and nature lovers.
Visitors who are interested in cliff jumping can enjoy the Cape of Kamenjak, which features up to 15-meter high cliffs that are ideal for cliff diving. Visitors can also swim in the clean water near the cape.
Those looking for a more lively beach experience can head to Zrce Beach on the Island of Krk, which is a popular destination for both locals and tourists. There are many open-air restaurants and bars, so visitors can easily transition from the beach to their accommodations.
Another option is Punta Rata Beach on the Island of Korcula. The shallow waters and good facilities make it a great place for families to spend the day. In addition, the beach offers views of Dubrovnik’s city walls and Lokrum Island. The best time to visit Croatia for beach vacations is from the end of spring until the beginning of fall. During this time, the weather is warm and sunny.
7. Vis Beach
The sandy and pebbly beaches of Vis island are a draw for all types of beach lovers. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly spot with shallow waters, rocky beaches that offer views of other islands, or a tranquil spot to meditate and read a book. You’ll find them all on this island in the Adriatic Sea, which is a popular stop for full-day cruises and daily boat tours around the region.
One of the most striking sights is Stiniva, a sheltered cove with a nearly-circle of cliffs that open to a small beach. This is a truly magical spot that was once the hideout of Tito’s Yugoslav paratroopers fighting Nazi invaders during World War II.
Another beach on the island is Porat, which is partially sandy and partially pebbly and offers calm and warm water that’s great for kids. The beach is a popular stop for families on the aforementioned cruises and also offers a couple of restaurants to enjoy a bite to eat.
For a more secluded and untamed experience, visit the rocky beaches on the northern part of Vis. The best ones include Ciganka, Sahara, and Stolac, which are all clothing-optional. To get to these secluded spots, you can hike or rent a moped scooter from Vis Town. You should bring good walking shoes, as the roads and trails on Vis are rough.