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 challenging 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.

Plaza Banje Beach

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!

Zlatni Rat Beach (Bol)

Dubovica Beach (Hvar Island)

A true beach highlight in Croatia is Dubovica Beach, where visitors are greeted with a setting as beautiful and unique as a scene from a travel magazine. This enchanting hidden natural bay is tucked away in the southern part of Hvar Island and can only be reached via a fairly steep footpath from the coastal road. Particularly impressive is the stunning ambiance created by the old, picturesque stone house, which, along with the turquoise sea and natural surroundings, crafts a truly special panorama.

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.

Dubovica Beach

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!

Punta Rata Beach (Brela)

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.

Sakarun Beach (Dugi Otok)

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.

Hawaii Beach

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.

Beach Podvrske

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.

Beach Pupnatska Luka

Sandy Beach Prapatno (Peljesac)

The sandy beach Prapatno, located on the Peljesac Peninsula near the charming towns of Ston and Mali Ston, is a true hidden gem among Croatia’s most beautiful beaches. This idyllic bathing bay is beautifully surrounded by lush pine forests, and the sea dazzles with its most spectacular shades of blue. A unique feature is the fine natural sand, which is rare in Croatia and makes this dream beach a true highlight. Additionally, the serene and unspoiled nature of the area adds to its appeal, making it a perfect spot for a relaxing getaway.

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.

Sandy Beach Prapatno

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.

Beach Nugal

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.

Mala Raduca Beach

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!

Beach Vela Plaza (Baska)

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.

Kacjak Beach (Dramalj-Crikvenica)

Beritnica Beach

One of the most extraordinary beaches in Croatia is Beritnica Beach, which is located on Pag Island, around 2 km from the charming village of Metajna. This coastal strip is characterized by a rocky, almost surreal lunar landscape with three imposing rocks in the azure blue sea. Especially the 20-minute walk there is an experience that no one should miss. Beritnica Beach is part of the spectacular Life on Mars Trail, which leads through an impressively barren landscape and offers a magnificent view of the coast.

Beritnica Beach

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!

Sandy Beach Duboka Draga

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.

Beach Penizule

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.

Velika Plaza Beach

Sipar Beach (Moscenicka Draga)

The picturesque Sipar Beach, situated in the holiday resort of Mošćenička Draga in the Kvarner Bay, is another gem on our list of Croatia’s most beautiful beaches! This fine, clean pebble beach is ideal for a perfect beach holiday. It captivates visitors with its stunning turquoise sea, and the backdrop of colorful townhouses along the bay is truly breathtaking. Additionally, the charming promenade behind the beach is delightful, featuring cozy bars and restaurants where you can relax and enjoy the view.

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

Moscenicka Draga (Beach Sipar)

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.

Beach Sveti Jakov

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.

Kasjuni Beach

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.

Martinica Beach (Bol)

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 of a travel magazin. 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!

Beach Labadusa

Read Beaches in Croatia:

• Top 10 Amazing Beaches in Dubrovnik

• Top 12 Most Amazing Beaches of Hvar Island

• The 10 Best Beaches in Split

• The 12 Best Beaches in Zadar

• The 10 Best Beaches on Korcula Island

• Top 10 Beaches on Brac Island

• Top 15 Amazing Beaches on Krk Island

• Top 10 Amazing Beaches in Istria

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