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written by Jonathan Bousfield
updated 14.03.2023
Beaches in Croatia offer a range from golden bays to dramatic peninsulas. They stretch along the coastline between northern Rijeka and Dubrovnik in the south. Not to mention the several seductive shorelines sit on the southerly Dalmatian coast. But where to begin? Start with our rundown of the best beaches in Croatia.
The information in this article is inspired by The Rough Guide to Croatia, your essential guide for visiting Croatia.
Gorgeous gems of Hungary, Slovenia and Croatia
From the spas of Budapest to Lake Bled with its castle and further on to Croatia - this itinerary takes you across 3 countries, with a special focus on Slovenia's lake area and the Dalmatian coast in Croatia.
customize ⤍Sailing Croatia
If you want to experience the Dalmatian coast from a whole different perspective, then this trip is for you! Hop aboard a beautiful cruiser and sail along some of Croatia's most stunning islands.
customize ⤍Southern Pearls
This ten-day trip will take you around three adjacent countries, Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Montenegro. Your tour starts in Split, Croatia, moving south (hence the name "Southern Pearls") over the island of Hvar and Mostar in Bosnia & Herzegovina to end up in Montenegro.
customize ⤍Gourmet Tour
You will visit three different adjacent countries and experience traditional local food and wines. You will visit some of the most intriguing restaurants and wineries in the area taste the delicious contrast between fine restaurants, and more traditional, authentic taverns.
customize ⤍Culinary Secrets of Croatia
This vintage holiday celebrates the wine and olive oil-making traditions of Croatia’s Adriatic coastline, which form the foundations of the country's Mediterranean culinary heritage. Visit world-class wineries, and sample Dalmatian delicacies as you travel south to Dubrovnik.
customize ⤍Balkan Extended
The Balkan Extended tour truly showcases the finest of Balkan’s heritage and natural beauty as you make your way through the 5 countries. Learn about the Serbian Athens, climb the splendid Old Bridge in Mostar, observe Slovenia's water castle and dive into the pearl of Croatia's beauty in Istria.
customize ⤍Love Thy Neighbor - Croatia and Slovenia
Slovenia and Croatia are neighboring countries, and the close proximity of Slovenian and Croatian Istria make them a perfect destination for a single trip. The area has numerous stories waiting to be discovered, from magical alpine landscapes of Slovenia to charming historical towns inland.
customize ⤍Croatia's Best Kept Secret - Vis Island
Surrounded by an archipelago of other islands and islets, the island of Vis is simple, sleepy and authentic. As a military base, the island was closed until 1991 and has remained its original charm. Come for the unique experience, stay for the hospitality and friendliness of the locals.
customize ⤍The Ultimate Croatian Adventure
This trip is designed for people searching for an exciting lifestyle and never-ending adventure. With so many different landscapes, beautiful nature, stunning mountains, and picturesque Adriatic coast, Croatia is a place that can offer a truly incredible and adventurous experience.
customize ⤍Dalmatian Honeymoon
This honeymoon trip was inspired by love towards our home that Dalmatia is. The tour is planned out to the last possible detail, but still respecting the time you wish to spend at your own pace in privacy. It will take you around the most romantic islands of Korcula and Hvar.
customize ⤍Spiaza is the main beach on Susak. A moon-grey crescent, edged with shallow seas, it spreads out from Susak village and if you want to swim, be prepared to wade out a bit for deep enough water. Bok Bay is another sandy beach further to the east, it's always quieter than Spiaza because of the walk to get there.
Don’t be alarmed to see sludge covered bathers here, the reedy area behind Kraljičina plaža is rich in peloid mud, thought to be a natural treatment for muscle and joint pain. Take a look at another 6 reasons why you should visit Zadar Croatia.
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However, Bačvice is definitely the most famous of all as the home of picigin — the uniquely Dalmatian game involving much leaping around to stop a small ball from hitting the water. It's hard to describe the passion for picigin in Split, so just head for the beach and see for yourself.
If you want to experience the Dalmatian coast from a whole different perspective, then this tailor-made sailing Croatia trip is for you! Hop aboard a beautiful cruiser and sail along some of Croatia's most stunning islands.
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Parking at the beach is very limited so despite the loveliness it's never as crowded as it should be. If Brač puts you in the mood for a spot of voyaging, start with a look at Island-hopping in Croatia: a practical guide.
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You’ll find several fine coves and bays to the east but the most attractive by far is Uvala Dubovica, a broad pebbly beach near a historic manor house. The shallow seas here make it a top pick for families, although in high season it also attracts yachts and motorboats.
Uvala Dubovica isn’t the easiest beach to reach which tends to reduce crowds. Parking on the main road is limited to only 50 vehicles, so don’t drive. Instead, rent a bike or scooter in Hvar town and have some fun beach-hopping along the coast.
It’s a narrow beach with little shade although that doesn't deter visitors to this lovely, shallow and sandy bay. If it gets too hot, the local campsite café serves drinks and snacks and there's often a summer beach bar on Grebišće itself.
On this tailor-made active trip to authentic Hvar you will meet an entirely different Hvar, discover its hidden corners, learn about the local food and wine production and day-to-day life of a typical island family. Easy hikes will allow you to experience the island with a local, through many vineyards, olive groves and dense pine forests.
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Iconic images of this silvery tongue of shingle stretching out into vivid turquoise waters are instantly recognisable the world over so the beach does attract crowds during summer. Don't let that put you off, it's still a compelling place to visit and you may actually find it hard to leave.
Each beach is a natural sun trap and spots on the rocks are prized, although all three are very popular with skinny dippers too. So if you're a sun worshipper and asking Split or Dubrovnik: where should you go first? Proizd might push you in Dubrovnik's direction.
But Šunj Bay is worth the effort. A graceful crescent of fine shingle and sand strung between rocky promontories, it's simply beautiful and completely unspoiled. Although after your trek, you'll be pleased to find there's a casual beach bar here.
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Don't worry, it's not all gloom and doom as Kupari is also home to one of the best beaches in Croatia where fine shingle and sand crescent contrasts starkly with the ruined buildings.
Please don't go exploring, the hotels are unprotected, potentially quite dangerous and definitely not on our list of where to stay in Dubrovnik.
There’s a sequence of smaller, progressively less crowded, sandy beaches beyond the headlands to the north, beginning with Livačina Bay, followed by the predominantly naturist Kaštelina Bay slightly further up.
One of the local attractions here is Sakarun Beach which is known thanks to its crystal-clear turquoise waters, soft white sand, and pine trees that provide natural shade. The beach is relatively secluded and visitors can reach it by car or by boat. Sakarun Beach is surrounded by lush Mediterranean vegetation and offers stunning views of the Adriatic Sea.
Punta Rata Beach is a stunning beach located in the town of Brela, along the Makarska Riviera. One of the most iconic features of Punta Rata Beach is the Brela Stone, a large rock formation rising from the sea just off the beach.
Discover Croatia, with its fascinating history and glistening Adriatic coast. Your tailor-made trip to highlights of Croatia begins in the capital, Zagreb, before moving on to Split, via the stunning Plitvice Lakes. Continue to the beautiful Hvar Island, before ending your trip in dazzling Dubrovnik, 'the Pearl of the Adriatic'.
The other famous beach in Makarska Riviera is naturist-friendly Nugal, an enticing stretch of pebble squeezed between red-streaked cliffs 3km southeast of town. To get there, head to the eastern end of Makarska’s Riva and pick up the marked trails leading up into the woods.
Ready for a trip to Croatia? Check out the snapshot of The Rough Guide to Croatia.
If you prefer to plan and book your trip to Croatia without any effort and hassle, use the expertise of our local travel experts to make sure your trip will be just like you dream it to be.
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written by Jonathan Bousfield
updated 14.03.2023
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