With over 100 beaches along over 3,700 miles of coastline, the country of Croatia is the perfect destination for a beach getaway. You won’t find many sandy beaches there, though there are some. Instead, most of the Croatian beaches you must visit are covered in pebbles, which keep the waters clear and blue. But whether you’re looking to sunbathe or boarding a small ship cruising in Croatia, there’s something along the country’s shores for you.
As the home to many of Europe’s best beaches, many of Croatia’s beaches are packed with tourists, especially during the summer. But there are also hidden gems that make for a quieter, more relaxing seaside escape. These are the top 10 Croatian beaches you must visit!
Croatia’s most photographed beach, Zlatni Rat is a golden-hued pebble beach on the island of Brač. The beach is noted for its horn-like shape with a grove of Mediterranean pine trees in the center of the peninsula.
The beach changes shape based on the ocean currents. Because of its location, one side of the beach is optimal for surfers while the other side is calmer. Even though it gets touristy during the summer, it’s easily one of the top Croatian beaches you must visit!
Though Stiniva Beach on the island of Vis isn’t easy to get to, it’s become increasingly popular in recent years. It’s almost entirely shielded by sheer limestone cliffs and is noted for its striking blue waters. It’s one of the top Croatian beaches you must visit if you’re looking for beauty and seclusion.
It can be reached via a 2.5-hour ferry ride from Split or by descending a treacherous path to the white pebble beach below. It’s worth the trek; Stiniva Beach was named the best beach in Europe by European Best Destinations readers in 2016.
Located on the small island of Lopud, Sunj Beach is one of Croatia’s rare sandy beaches. Sandwiched between rocky, green hills, the beach may be a challenge for some to get to. Lopud is car-free, so the only way to get there is by foot, bike, or golf cart.
This magnificent Croatian beach you must visit is within close proximity to Lopud’s ruined monasteries, palaces, forts, and villas. The island can be reached via ferry from Dubrovnik and is a must-see!
Another hidden Croatian gem is Beach Mali Bok on the rugged and largely undeveloped Cres Island. Located between Istria and Dalmatia in the Kvarner Gulf, the island rarely attracts a high number of tourists.
This family-friendly pebble beach is surrounded by rocky cliffs. There’s no shade, so you’ll have to bring your own. The deep, turquoise waters are perfect for snorkelers and divers. Another reason why it’s a Croatian beach you must visit is the endangered Griffon vulture, which nests in the nearby cliffs. See if you can spot one!
No trip to Croatia is complete without a stop in Dubrovnik, a gorgeous seaside city that is known as the White Pearl of the Adriatic. Nearby, visitors will find another of the top Croatian beaches you must visit, Sveti Jakov.
Often overshadowed by nearby Banje Beach, Sveti Jakov is quieter and more secluded. This pebble beach offers ample shade and is a great spot for swimming and snorkeling. Dubrovnik’s city walls can be seen from the beach, making it an even more epic location.
The city of Dubrovnik’s busiest and most-touristed beach, Banje Beach, is located just south of the city center. It’s extremely popular throughout the summer months, as it’s located very close to the historic Old Town.
Another of Dubrovnik’s pebble beaches, Banje Beach makes up for the lack of sand with crystal clear waters. Enjoy the public side, or for a few Euros, get a lounger and umbrella on the beach club side. Either way, Banje Beach is one of the top Croatian beaches you must visit!
For those who want more than basic swimming and sunbathing, the rocky beaches of Kamenjak National Park may be what the doctor ordered. Located on the Kamenjak Peninsula on the southern tip of Istria, the area is known for its 70-foot-high cliffs. Cliff jumping is popular, but please heed the advice of locals before attempting it.
Explore via kayak to view the native dolphins and monk seals. Fossils and dinosaur footprints can be found on The Dinosaur Path. With so much to do, Kamenjak National Park is easily one of the best Croatian beaches you must visit!
As far as family-friendly beaches in Croatia go, it’s hard to beat Saharun Beach on the island of Dugi Otok in the Zadar Region. This 800-meter-long stretch of shoreline is often compared to Caribbean beaches because of its white sands and clear waters.
Facilities are available on the beach during the high season, and its shallow waters make it perfect for your little ones to splash around in. Take a charter boat there to experience one of the top 10 Croatian beaches you must visit while you’re in the country!
On the eastern side of the city of Rijeka is the excellent Pećine Beach. It’s a mix of pebbles, sand, and rock and offers a variety of family-friendly activities. Visitors can enjoy swimming, diving, and playing football and volleyball before retreating to a beach café for lunch.
Don’t miss the nearby Pelastis shipwreck, which is a popular spot for divers and snorkelers. The wreck alone makes Pećine Beach one of the best Croatian beaches you must visit!
In the unique and historic royal town of Nin in Zadar County, you’ll find Queen’s Beach. This 3-kilometer-long sandy beach’s shallow waters make it family friendly. From the Nin Lagoon, visitors have stunning views of nearby Mount Velebit.
Queen’s Beach’s most unique attribute is its medicinal mud peloid. The black mud found there is used to treat conditions such as arthritis, skin diseases, sciatica, and more. Without a doubt, Queen’s Beach is a Croatian beach you must visit!
With some of the world’s most beautiful and most unique beaches along its shores, visiting Croatia is a must! Whether you’re a diver, swimmer, sunbather, or thrill seeker, this country’s beaches will not disappoint. Book a trip to Croatia today to begin your Adriatic beach vacation!
NOTE: Before you travel, I suggest buying travel insurance to protect yourself in case any emergency situations come up. In my opinion, AXA Travel Insurance is the very best because it covers a wide array of issues. Buy your AXA Travel Insurance protection plan here!
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Robert says:
How can someone describe so beautifully..?? Now I have one more destination in my travel list. By the way.. the photos are amazing.
Brandon Moore says:
Thank you so much, Robert! I appreciate that!
Pablo Jones says:
Hello, your blog about rich in information and really compelled me to go for an adventure to these places, keep making such articles for traveling enthusiasts like us.
Brandon Moore says:
Thanks, Pablo!
Aca Mac says:
I read a lot of stuff and I found that the way of writing to clarifying that exactly want to say was very good so I am impressed and a like to come again in future..
Brandon Moore says:
Thank you for the kind words, Aca!
Find Tash says:
I never thought of Croatia as a beach destination, but these look beautiful and I’m lost for words at Stiniva Beach! Cheers for Sharing!
Brandon Moore says:
Thank you so much!