First-time guests to Croatia are sometimes startled by the placing turquoise hue of its sea and see-straight-to-the-bottom waters.
This Mediterranean solar vacation spot definitely has no scarcity of beaches – because of its 1,777-km-long (1,104 miles) Adriatic shoreline and near 1,200 islands, there’s a seashore for everybody. The query is, do you favor sandy or pebbly?
The professionals and cons of every are a subject of debate – some swear by the crystal-clear waters of a pebble seashore not clouded by sand, whereas others have to really feel the mushy powder between their toes. In Croatia, you’ll principally discover pebble beaches nestled in the coves of rocky shorelines, however there are additionally many sandy exceptions.
And do you know that each one beaches in Croatia are public? It’s the regulation! You possibly can lay down your towel the place you please – there’s no such factor as a non-public seashore right here.
Whether or not you’re searching for pebbly or sandy, family-friendly or sporty, we’ve got the seashore for you with our helpful information to the best beaches in Croatia.
1. Zlatni Rat, Brač Island
Croatia’s most photographed seashore, Zlatni Rat, doesn’t disappoint. Observe the pine-scented promenade from seaside Bol to this beautiful expanse of effective, mushy pebbles lapped by inky blue waters. Its astonishing V-shape adjustments and shifts with the tide and currents of the Adriatic Sea. The seashore’s windy japanese facet is a prime spot for windsurfers, whereas the cool youngsters hang around at beachside Auro.
Planning tip: It’s a 30-minute stroll from Bol. An alternate is to park at Parking Zlatni Rat, a 10-minute stroll away.
2. Dubovica, Hvar Island
Hvar City revelers get better from their boozy nights at Dubovica, a tiny cove swathed with a seashore of dazzling white pebbles 10km (6 miles) east of city. At its japanese finish, look out for the small cave hidden in the rocky shoreline. Once you’ve had sufficient solar, lounge below the pines at Duba Seaside Bar, the place chilly drinks include a relaxing soundtrack.
Planning tip: After a 15-minute drive east from Hvar City, it’s a 10-minute trek downhill alongside a stony zig-zagging path from the primary highway. Or simply catch a taxi boat.
3. Sveti Jakov, Dubrovnik
It’s a 30-minute stroll from the Outdated City and a hike down – and again up – 160 stone steps, however Sveti Jakov provides you some respiration area from the busyness of Dubrovnik’s primary seashore. And also you get chic views of the walled Outdated City, that are much more spectacular as the solar goes down. Secluded it is perhaps, however you’ll be able to nonetheless hire sunbeds and umbrellas and seize a chunk at the beachside bar.
Planning tip: From Pile Gate, take bus no. Eight to Sveti Jakov church. Behind the church, you’ll see steps all the way down to the seashore. Or take a taxi boat from the Outdated City port.
4. Stiniva, Vis Island
Off the southern coast of Vis Island lies placing Stiniva Bay, surrounded by a near-circle of rocky cliffs with solely a slender opening to the sea. Half of its enchantment is its inaccessibility – you’ll be able to attempt to courageous the steep downhill footpath from Žužeca, however most guests arrive by boat and swim by the passage to the white pebble seashore.
Planning tip: Set out early to keep away from the worst of the boat site visitors.
5. Zrće Seaside, Pag Island
Zrće Seaside is massive, straightforward to entry, amped up and affords little shade. In case you’re able to get together, that is completely the place to be. Lately, Zrće’s open-air beachfront Papaya Membership has taken up residency on DJ Magazine’s prestigious annual High 100 Golf equipment listing. From June to September, the “Ibiza of Croatia” fires up with festivals, themed get together weekends and visitor slots from famous person DJs.
Planning tip: Zrće Seaside is 3.5km (2 miles) from the port city of Novalja on Pag Island, which is linked to the mainland through a bridge.
6. Šunj, Lopud Island
One of Croatia’s loveliest sandy beaches is a dreamy day journey from Dubrovnik by boat to chilled-out Lopud Island in the Elaphiti archipelago. Stroll from the primary port by the pine woods to the large sandy seashore at Šunj, the place you’ll be able to set your self up for the day on the mushy sands or on a shaded sunbed. The shallow waters right here make this a favourite of households with small youngsters, whereas the japanese finish of the seashore is reserved for naturists. There’s a easy restaurant, too, and should you do not need to stroll 25 minutes from the harbor, rent one of the golf cart taxis to take you there.
Planning tip: The ferry journey from Dubrovnik’s Gruž port takes slightly below an hour and stops at Sipan island on the approach.
7. Stračinska, Šolta Island
Šolta is so near Break up, but it surely appears to slide below individuals’s radar in the headlong rush to achieve Hvar and Brač. However this splendidly laid-back island has a deeply indented shoreline sheltering tiny beaches, together with the pebbly cove at Stračinska Bay. It’s a tiny, secluded spot lined with aromatic pine timber and rocky shores – and that’s about it. No bar, simply glowing blue-green waters excellent for lazy swims and snorkeling.
8. Cape Kamenjak, Istria
The shoreline of this rugged and rocky peninsula on Istria’s southernmost tip is traced by quiet bays and coves. Its western coast is right for swimming and snorkeling, whereas its breezy japanese facet is the place the windsurfers congregate. When it is time to hunt down some shade and refreshments, head to the quirky Safari Seaside Bar, a neighborhood favourite.
9. Plaža Ušće (Delta Seaside), Neretva Delta
Kitesurfers and windsurfers – you’ve discovered one of the best beaches in Croatia to fly throughout the sands and waves of Plaža Ušće. Delta Seaside, because it’s recognized in English, is the large sandy expanse that hugs the delta of the Neretva River because it empties into the Adriatic. Stare upon the lovely mountains of the Pelješac peninsula in entrance of you as you flop on the sands and order a chilly drink in the easy little seashore bar.
10. Lopar peninsula, Rab Island
The Lopar peninsula is the place you will discover some of Croatia’s best sandy beaches. Simply over a mile lengthy, half-moon-shaped Paradise Seaside is the largest and most family-friendly, because of its shallow waters. For one thing extra secluded and untamed, head to the beaches on the northern edge of the peninsula. Right here, rocky outcrops stretch like lengthy fingers into the sea with sheltered coves and swathes of golden sand nestled in between.
Planning tip: Ciganka and Sahara beaches are “clothes elective” – supreme for individuals who wish to take all of it off earlier than diving in. Stolac seashore is solely nudist.
11. Punta Rata, Brela
The rocky shoreline round the city of Brela, on the stretch of the Dalmatian mainland often called the Makarska Riviera, is made up of a succession of fairly, pebbly beaches. This 300m (1,000ft) pebble seashore with see-right-to-the-bottom waters is fashionable with native households. Its Aleppo pines present some welcome shade from the scorching summer season solar. Take your masks and snorkel to the waters round the tree-covered Brela Stone at the seashore’s western finish to discover the underwater world.
Planning tip: It is a great spot for some water sports activities, with stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, pedal boats and jet skis accessible to hire. There are additionally outfits providing parasailing experiences.
12. Lubenice, Cres Island
From Lubenice, a scenic hamlet perched on the edge of a 378m-high (1,240ft) cliff, Cres Island’s most idyllic seashore appears tantalizingly shut however can solely be reached through a steep and demanding one-hour descent alongside a rocky path. The intrepid are awarded by pristine white pebbles and turquoise waters, however so are these arriving by boat – a a lot better concept. Half a mile southwards in close by Žanje Bay is the magical Blue Cave with a small pebble seashore tucked inside.
Planning tip: There aren’t any seashore bars or meals stalls – convey meals and ample water.
13. Sunčana Uvala, Lošinj Island
On Lošinj Island’s western coast lies Sunčana Uvala (Sunny Cove), skirted with white pebble beaches and impossibly turquoise waters. Shadowed by a big lodge, pretty Veli Žal seashore can get busy with households. On this case, observe the promenade southwards alongside a rocky shoreline to the smaller however simply as pristine Borik seashore, a favourite with native beachgoers. Afterward, relax with a cocktail as you ogle the sundown from Borik Mediterranean Bar.
14. Veruda Island seashore, Istria
Hop on a ship from Pula for the quick journey to tiny Veruda Island – recognized by locals as Fratarski Otok (Friar’s Island). That is dwelling to Croatia’s solely “eco-beach” because of its undeveloped and unblemished panorama, in addition to native efforts to guard its plant, sea and animal life. It’s additionally delightfully car-free.
Planning tip: Bunk down for the night time at the vacationer camp and get up to the sound of water lapping the shore.