Top 20 Best Beaches in Croatia!

The beaches in Croatia are a highlight of the country and an absolute magnet for visitors from all over the world. Along the 2,000 kilometer coastline of the Croatian Adriatic and on the more than a thousand islands you will find countless dream beaches, one more beautiful and spectacular than the other! The variety is also huge because in addition to the popular pebble beaches, there are also idyllic stone beaches, secluded naturist beaches and even many fine sandy beaches in Croatia. As many as 116 of the beaches in Croatia carry the blue flag, an award for fabulous water quality, perfect cleanliness and top facilities. With this sheer endless choice of options, it’s hard to decide which beach to spend your beach vacation in Croatia.

This travel guide is all about the best beaches in Croatia! In addition, we show you great pictures, the best insider tips, the absolutely most amazing dream bays, and where you can find particularly good accommodation in the vicinity.

 

Banje Beach (Dubrovnik)

The Banje Beach is the popular city beach of the famous southern Dalmatian city of Dubrovnik and moreover it is high up on any list of the most spectacular beaches in Croatia. Plaza Banje is a fine light pebble beach with beautiful turquoise sea colors and wonderful views of the historic old town. There is a cool beach club on the beach and the atmosphere is always exuberant. If you like, you can borrow a kayak right on the dream beach and admire the city of Dubrovnik from the sea.

Tip: Nearby are some of the best hotels in Dubrovnik. Especially gorgeous for a vacation is the 5-star hotel Villa Dubrovnik not far from the dream beach and the old town.

Zlatni Rat Beach, Golden Horn (Brac Island)

The Golden Horn on Brac Island, also known as Zlatni Rat Beach, is probably one of the most famous beaches in Croatia. The Zlatni Rat, which is often thought of as a sandy beach, is actually a pebble beach, which stretches like a giant golden horn 500 meters into the azure blue sea. Due to the unique shape of a sickle, it is world-famous and has become a very popular destination for a beach holiday in Croatia. The next village to the dream beach is Bol, a lovely place for holidays with plenty of accommodations.

Tip: The BRETANIDE Sport & Wellness Resort – All Inclusive is located 300 meters from the beach. From here you can easily walk to the Golden Horn!

Dubovica Beach (Hvar Island)

A real highlight in Croatia is Dubovica Beach, as beautiful and unique as it looks in travel magazines. This fascinating natural bay is located somewhat remotely in the south of Hvar Island and can only be reached from the coastal road via a rather steep footpath. Particularly impressive here is the ambiance of the old picturesque stone house, which together with the turquoise sea colors and the natural surroundings conjures up a very special backdrop.

Tip: There is no accommodation directly on the beach. If you like to plan your vacations, you can find the most beautiful places to stay in our “where to stay in Hvar” guide.

Punta Rata Beach (Brela)

The Punta Rata beach is located in the pretty resort of Brela and is one of the most famous beaches in Croatia with its striking rock. Even Forbes magazine already counted this dream beach among the 10 most beautiful beaches in the world. It is located on the picturesque Makarska Riviera and attracts numerous vacationers from all over the world to this region every year. Due to the special appearance and the incredibly magnificent sea colors, this beach is an absolute postcard motif that has earned a special place on our list of the most beautiful bays in Croatia.

Tip: For a holiday in Brela we recommend the Villa Dalmatia Apartments, which are located not far from the Brela stone and offer top apartments in a prime location!

Sakarun Beach (Dugi Otok)

The Sakarun Beach, often spelled Saharun, on the island of Dugi Otok is probably the most famous sandy beach in the Zadar archipelago. This 800 meters wide bay enchants with bright white sand, and the Caribbean blue colors of the sea make Sakarun an absolute eye-catcher. Due to its extraordinary beauty, Sakarun beach is often advertised in magazines and commercials for Croatia. Nevertheless, the vacation island of Dugi Otok is still quite tranquil, and a beach vacation there is definitely an absolute highlight.

Tip:The Hotel Maxim is the only 4-star hotel on the island. It is in a quiet location and from the pool, you have a beautiful view of the sea and the quiet harbor.

Hawaii Beach (Pula)

Hawaii Beach in Pula is a beach as unique and beautiful as straight out of a travel magazine! This white pebble bay, surrounded by spectacular rock formations and green pine trees, is an absolute dream beach that should not be missed on any vacation in Istria. Almost surreal are the turquoise blue sea colors, which conjure up a true Caribbean flair on this beach. The water is extremely clear and truly invites you to snorkel. In addition, there are many other beautiful bays in the immediate vicinity.

Tip: Hawaii Beach is located in the popular resort of Verudela, right next to the beautifully renovated 3-star Hotel Park Plaza Arena Pula.

Podvrske Beach (Murter Island)

The Plaza Podvrske is definitely one of the most beautiful beaches in Croatia. This natural beach with the most spectacular blue sea colors is located on Murter Island, nestled in a truly idyllic landscape. Families with children also love this flat-sloping dream beach, which even turns into a fine white sandy beach in the water. Impressive is also the small peninsula in front of the beach, where you can find more stunning bathing places in wonderful nature. In addition, you will find a few quiet nudist spots nearby.

Tip: The Camp Rehut mobile homes, which are not far from Podvrske beach and the main beach of Slanica, are really great for a beach vacation.

Pupnatska Luka Beach (Korcula Island)

The Pupnatska Luka Beach on the popular holiday island Korcula is definitely one of the most stunning beaches in Croatia. This bay is located in the island’s south and impresses with a fine pebble beach and an amazingly beautiful atmosphere in the midst of untouched nature. This bay is surrounded by dense pine forests, which provide cool shade in summer. Meanwhile, the Pupnatska Luka beach is easy to reach by car and a popular destination for tourists in Korcula.

Sandy Beach Prapatno (Peljesac)

The sandy beach Prapatno is located on the Peljesac peninsula, just near the charming towns of Ston and Mali Ston and is a real insider tip among the most beautiful beaches in Croatia. This idyllic bathing bay is beautifully surrounded by green pine forests, and the sea shines in the most spectacular water colors. Something very special is also the fine natural sand, which is rare in Croatia and makes this dream beach a real highlight!

Tip: The nearest hotels and apartments can be found in the towns of Ston or Mali Ston. We recommend the dreamy Hotel Ostrea with its great location by the sea.

Nugal Beach (Makarska)

The Nugal Beach is located on the Makarska Riviera, between Tucepi and Makarska Old Town and is one of the most impressive natural bays in the region of Dalmatia. Several times, this hidden beach has been voted one of the most beautiful beaches in Croatia by various magazines and the media. Nestled between high rocks and deep forest, it enchants with stunningly beautiful beach scenery. Since this bay can only be reached by a short hike through a nature park, you can enjoy the wonderful seclusion and a unique tranquility at Nugal Beach.

Mala Raduca Beach (Primosten)

The beach Mala Raduca is the main beach of Primosten and, at the same time, it is one of the most beautiful bays of this highly recommended holiday region. Here you can enjoy an incredible ambience because while swimming in the turquoise sea you always have a picturesque view of the beautiful old town. Behind it runs a picturesque promenade, where you can also find very many good bars and fabulous restaurants. The perfect beach for an unforgettable beach vacation.

Tip: The charming Apartments Jerko are located near the beach and offer a fantastic view of the bay and the charming old town.

Vela Plaza Beach (Krk Island)

The beautiful, almost 2 kilometers long Vela Plaza is the main beach of Baska on Krk Island and a real paradise for sun-seeking beach vacationers! For many, this is even one of the absolutely most beautiful beaches in Croatia. Here, a crescent-shaped dream bay fascinates with turquoise-blue sea colors, and the high mountains behind it conjure up a true postcard backdrop. The tourist offer is also fabulous! There are campsites, hotels, apartments and restaurants right nearby, making this beach perfect for a vacation.

Tip: Very popular for a beach holiday on the Croatian island is the Valamar Atrium Baška and Apartments Toni, both just a few steps away from the dream beach!

Kacjak Beach (Crikvenica)

Kacjak Beach is a real jewel on the Crikvenica Riviera. This paradisiacal dream bay is located on the green peninsula of Kacjak on the outskirts of the village of Dramalj. Really impressive are the imposing rocks that surround the bay and together with the Mediterranean forests and the blue sea colors conjure up a picture-book backdrop. The water is crystal clear and snorkeling allows you to explore an interesting underwater world. The tourist offer is also top! For families with children, there is a water bouncy castle, pedal boat rental, and there are also umbrellas with sunbeds for rent.

Pinizule Beach (Premantura)

The Pinizule beach is located in the Kamenjak Nature Park at the southern end of Istria and is probably one of the most beautiful beaches in Croatia. This elongated bay fascinates with an extremely romantic scenery and dreamlike sea colors. Due to the crystal clear water, many people come here, especially for snorkeling and stand-up paddling. In addition, on the rocky coast you will find the footprints of dinosaurs from the Cretaceous period, which can be visited during a walk on the beach. The best resorts around the Cape Kamenjak Nature Park are Premantura, Medulin and Pula.

Tip: Particularly recommended is the Aparthotel Punta Blu, a new, very nicely equipped hotel with pool and large rooms in the resort of Premantura.

Duboka Draga Beach (Vir Island)

The picturesque Plaza Duboka Draga is a breathtakingly beautiful natural beach on Vir Island in Croatia. This paradise bay is somewhat hidden in the north of the vacation island and impresses especially with the imposing red cliffs and with a fine natural sandy beach, which slopes very shallowly into the blue sea. The entire coastal panorama is unique and lies in a spectacular natural landscape! Despite the sand, the water is crystal clear and with the blue sea colors gives a spectacular contrast to the red rocks. Definitely one of the most special and idyllic beaches in Croatia!

Velika Plaza Beach (Omis)

A real highlight on the Croatian coast is the Velika Plaza, the main beach of Omis. This great, fine pebble beach has a length of about 700 meters and therefore offers enough space for everyone, even in the high season. As this beach very gently slopes into the sea, it is especially popular with families, the elderly and non-swimmers. Due to the perfect location on the Omis Riviera and the proximity to the old town of Omis, the Velika Plaza is a perfect place to spend your beach holidays in Croatia!

Tip: The Hotel Plaža is located directly on the large sandy beach and impresses with a breathtaking sea view and a huge breakfast buffet.

Sipar Beach (Moscenicka Draga)

The picturesque Sipar beach is located in the resort of Mošćenička Draga in the Kvarner Bay and is a wonderful jewel of our list of the most beautiful beaches in Croatia! This very fine, clean pebble beach delights with the most gorgeous turquoise sea colors, and the backdrop of colorful townhouses along the bay is breathtaking. The promenade behind it is also gorgeous, where you can find really cozy bars and restaurants.

Tip: The Aparthotel Gimi is a great choice for a beach vacation! This accommodation inspires with great small apartments, with a delicious breakfast and best location on the dream beach.

Sveti Jakov Beach (Dubrovnik)

Sveti Jakov Beach is a real dream beach in Dubrovnik. This bay has already been chosen by several magazines and travel guides as one of the absolutely most stunning beaches in Croatia, and not without reason! Impressive is the breathtaking scenery with the high rocks as well as the insanely beautiful view of the city of Dubrovnik, which you can enjoy while swimming in the turquoise sea. Also great are the small beach bar and the romantic restaurant, where you can enjoy the beach panorama with a cool drink.

Tip: Just above the bay of Sveti Jakov Beach is the Beach House Sveti Jakov in a quiet location with a magnificent view and beautiful rooms.

Kasjuni Beach (Split)

The Kasjuni Beach is located in the famous coastal city of Split in the beautiful Marjan Forest Park and is certainly one of the most beautiful city beaches in Croatia. This picturesque long bay conjures up an incredibly wonderful vacation ambience with its beautiful pebble beach, turquoise sea and Mediterranean vegetation. The beach club on the beach is also really cool, where the motto is: see and be seen! If you like, you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas at the stylish Joes Beach Bar or enjoy your coffee with a magnificent view of the sea.

Tip: Not far away is the beautiful Unique House Split, a dreamlike villa in a brilliant location and with top equipment.

Martinica Beach (Brac Island)

The picturesque Martinica Beach is located in the village Bol in the south of the vacation island Brac. Here you can swim in an incredibly beautiful setting, right next to the impressive Dominican monastery, and even in high season it is relatively quiet here. This great pebble beach slopes gently and is therefore very popular with families with children. Next to it, just behind the monastery, there is also another dream beach, Plaza Bijela Kuca, with no less spectacular ambience. There are also plenty of parking spaces on this stretch of coast.

Tip: The apartments Villa Miranda offer beautiful apartments in a top location and are situated between the two beaches Martinica and Plaza Bijela Kuca.

Labadusa Beach (Trogir)

Labadusa Beach is located in Okrug Gornji on the popular island of Ciovo, near Trogir and is a natural beach in a class of its own. Almost kitschy, the sea shines in the most beautiful turquoise blue water colors and offers optimal conditions for swimming and snorkeling. In addition, the pine forests together with the partly rocky coast conjure up a Mediterranean ambience as just out from a travel catalog. Behind the beach is an idyllic campsite, and there are also a few quiet accommodations nearby. A fabulous beach for unforgettable days on the Adriatic!

Tip: The vacation cottage Salum is a real insider tip for a beach vacation. This accommodation inspires not only by the unique location, also the equipment is ingenious!


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17 Comments

  1. Taylor Johnson Reply

    I really liked Punta Rate Beach. Glad I came across this because was planning a trip to Croatia for next summer! Thanks for the share!

  2. Wow,a really enticing post and knowledge sharing article.Love the clean beaches and the color of the waters

  3. I want to go to croatia soooo bad! Now i want to go even more! 🙂

    • Hi Allyson – next summer Croatia – I am sure you want regret 😉

      Have a nice day
      Martina and Jürgen

  4. I loved the reference to George Bernard Shaw. Croatia is on my list of destination, and you’ve just given me another reason to get there sooner than later. Great blog!

    • Thank you so much for your lovely words 🙂 We are happy that we could give you some nice travel inspirations!
      Have a nice day

      Martina and Jürgen

  5. What a gorgeous group of beaches. The clear and colorful water is beyond amazing. The only problem now if which of these beaches to pick. I know. Don’t pick one. It’s time to plan to go see all of them.

  6. Zlatni Rat was by far my favorite beach while I was in Croatia. The pebbles are so soft, and don’t get stuck in the suit like sand does. All of your picks look amazing though! Would love to do a tour of Croatian beaches some day.

    • Hi Grace,
      thanks for your comment! We are sure you would love the other Croatian beaches too 😉
      have a nice day

      Martina and Jürgen

  7. This has put Croatia firmly on my radar! Podvrske beach – Murter looks amazing with its blue water and how great to know about the laid back atmosphere. I would also love to visit the post card perfect Punta Rate beach – Brela, Makarska Rivijera. Great list, will save this for my next European adventure!

    • Hi Kreete,
      so happy to hear that 🙂 We are sure you wont regret 😉

      Have a nice day
      Martina and Jürgen

  8. This makes me realize how much I missed by only seeing Dubrovnik. Seems a trip back to Croatia needs to be in my plans!

    • Hi Jonathan
      Thats so true, Croatia has so much more to over 🙂
      We will go back next year for sure!

      Have a nice day,
      Martina and Jürgen

  9. Ughh it’s super cold and wintery where I am so reading this and looking at the different beach pictures seriously just makes me wanna book a flight over to Croatia. Cape Kamenjak definitely reminds me a bit of Greece and I simply can’t get over how blue the waters are!!! Beautiful recommendations!

  10. Nice choice, but you have forgot my favourite: Vela Rina, Island Mali Drvenik
    😍😍

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