Best Beaches in Croatia

A Croatia beach holiday offers an incredible mix of scenic beauty, rich history, and crystal-clear waters. The country’s coastline stretches over 1,700 km, boasting idyllic islands, dramatic cliffs, and pristine beaches. Enjoy everything from luxury resort beaches to secluded, off-the-beaten-path shores, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing.

Does Croatia Have Sandy Beaches?

Yes, Croatia does have sandy beaches! While Croatia is famous for its pebble beaches and rocky coves, it does have some spectacular sandy beaches to experience and enjoy. The most well-known sandy beach in Croatia is Paradise Beach on Rab Island, featuring soft, golden sand and shallow waters - making it ideal for families. The other best beaches in Croatia for sand include Saharun Beach on Dugi Otok and Slanica Beach on Murter Island in Sibenik. These sandy Croatian beaches offer a rare but delightful contrast to the country’s typical pebble beaches.

Split Beaches

Split is home to some of the best beaches in Croatia, blending history and coastal beauty. The most famous is Bačvice Beach, known for its sandy shore and lively atmosphere. For a more tranquil setting, Kašjuni Beach and Bene Beach offer crystal-clear waters and scenic Split Riviera views, while Žnjan Beach is a perfect year-round beach spot for families with small children as well as groups, with plenty of cafes, relaxed bars and family-friendly entertainment options, including trampoulines, bouncy castles, electric scooters and all-weather indoor games.

Pula Beaches

Located in the Istrian Peninsula, Pula boasts a mix of rocky bays and sandy stretches. Ambrela Beach in Verudela is a favorite for families, with gentle waters and soft pebbles setting the scene for a timeless beach day. Taking inspiration from its tropical namesake, Hawaiian Beach is known for its quiet setting, turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs and diverse rocky and pebbly terrain - making it top beach beauty spot for families seeking a more alternative beach day, as well as couples looking to soak up sunsets, away from the city crowds. Another one of the top Pula-based best beach in Croatia is Valkane Beach. Located in Zelenika Cove, this beach has to be one of the most well-equipped beaches in Pula. Its handicap-friendly pebbly beach with partial concrete slab terrain is complemented by a lifeguard service, parasols, deckchairs and plenty of natural tree shade from a beachside park. Families will love the kid's playground, waterpark and nearby sport centre, for paddleboard and canoe hire, beach volleyball and more. Factor in a beach cafe and restaurant serving tempting Istrian specialities, beach showers, WCs and changing rooms, and you have one of the best beaches in Croatia for carefree fun and convenience.

Dubrovnik Beaches

Some of the best beaches in Croatia can be found in the 'pearl of the Adriatic' destination of Dubrovnik. Its distinctive coastline harbours stunning beaches with backdrops of medieval walls and dramatic cliffs - for a scenic beach break quite like no other. Of all the many beaches here, Banje Beach is the most famous beach for those seeking some buzz. Offering breathtaking views of the nearby Old Town and Lokrum Island (known for its medieval Benedictine monastery and Game of Thrones attraction), this popular free pebbly beach offers watersports, deckchair and parasol rentals and chic beachside dining. Tucked away in a bay to the east of Dubrovnik Old Town,Sveti Jakov Beach promises a serene moment of calm, with clear turquoise waters and fewer crowds. For intrepid adventure seekers, Betina Cave Beach is a hidden gem, accessible only by boat or 30-minute kayak paddle. Relax here and enjoy a refreshing dive into explore the crystal clear waters, with a spot of snorkeling.

Zadar Beaches

Zadar’s beaches offer a mix of pebbly shores and sandy escapes with spectacular sunsets. Kolovare Beach is the closest to the Old Town and can be reached from there on foot, via the pleasant beachside park. As the city’s closest beach, it is also the most popular, and therefore crowded - so an early start is always a good idea. Bring beach shoes to navigate the rocky shoreline and soak up the watersports, crystal-clear water and relaxed beachside bars. The water does become deep quickly so it's a good shout for competent swimmers. Equipped with showers, changing rooms, WCs, and sunbed rentals its a great choice if you want to escape the city sights for a moment but still be within the vibrant buzz of Zadar. Just 2.4 miles away from the city centre, the easy-to-reach Borik Beach offers a long stretch of mixed golden sand and pebbles, perfect for families and watersport fans craving a picturesque day, by (or on) the water. For a more peaceful beach day in Zadar county, Saharun Beach on the northwest coast of Dugi Otok has to be one of the most beautiful beach spots in the Zadar island archipelago. With its square shallow bay creating an unmissable white-sand paradise, perfect for families with young swimmers. The tourist train ride from Božava to Sakarun (running every 2 hours in the peak season) also adds a memorable sightseeing moment to your beach day here!

Hvar Beaches

Hvar, known for its glamorous nightlife, picturesque coastal spots and pristine beaches, you'll find some of best beaches in Croatia, here. As the largest city beach, the pebble beach Pokonji Dol Beach is easy to reach on foot in 30 minutes or car/taxi from Hvar. Swim in the pretty bay, soak up the vibrant atmosphere and make the most of the two beachside restaurants and the kayak and paddleboard rentals. The sunbed and parasol hire can be pricey here, so thrifty beachgoers often choose to bring their own. Just 15 minutes' drive from the city or a short taxi boat ride away from Hvar, Dubovica Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches around, with its secluded cove awash with lapping turquoise waters and its unspoilt, rustic charm. Enjoy lunch from the picnic area or sip a cocktail from the ambient beach bar overlooking the pebbly beach, and experience a moment of pure holiday serenity. Nearby, the Pakleni Islands is a beach-goers paradise - offering crystal-clear lagoons and hidden coves, ideal for a day of relaxation and exploration. Favourite bays here include the sandy beach of Palmižana, with beach bar and restaurants, the lively party spot of Stipanska Bay, the two connected, family-friendly bays of Mlini and Ždrilca. Nature lovers and couples meanwhile can enjoy fully letting go and relaxing in Jerolim, a dedicated nudist island.

Istria Beaches

The Istrian Peninsula is home to some of Croatia’s best beaches, known for their clear waters and scenic landscapes. For outdoor enthusiasts and wildlife fans, the sprawling Kamenjak National Park is home to over 30 wild, untouched beaches and bays, making it perfect for experiencing an idyllic walk and beach day amidst nature. For another wonderful beach option, head to the in the enchanting port town of Rovinj. There, nestled amongst the idyllic Zlatnj Rt. forest park, you will find the impressive pebbly bay of Lone Bay Beach Easily reached by car or a scenic walk or bike ride along the promenade from the old town, this beach promises an endless dose of escapism. Promising a family-friendly oasis - you'll find shallow, calm waters on hand to complement the sun lounger rental, beachside snack bar, kayaking, paddleboarding, beach massages, changing rooms and kids' water bouncy castle. Families and those with dogs will also find a great dog-friendly beach just a short distance away. Into sandy beaches? If so then Bijeca Beach in Medulin is one of the few sandy beaches in Istria, and one of the best beaches in Croatia for a sandy beach day with the kids, offering a super shallow seabed, perfect for children.

Brac Beaches

The largest Dalmatian Island, Brac offers plenty of [things to see and do. Home to some of the best beaches in Croatia, soak up a fun and varied beach holiday here. The most well-known Brac beach is the natural wonder of Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn) in Bol - which is easily reached on foot from the town along a shady tree-lined promenade. As well as one of the best beaches in Croatia, this iconic shaped beach is world-famous. With crystal clear waters lapping the pebbly shoreline, enjoy a carefree swim or relax under the shade of the pine trees, before embarking on a kayak paddle or scenic boat trip. The wind usually picks up on one side of the beach in the afternoons, making this section of the beach perfect for kitesurfing and windsurfing.

Lovrecina Bay in Postira is another Brac favourite, offering sandy shores and an unspoilt beach day amongst nature. The picturesque, forested bay is lined with lush pine forests and olive groves, making it ideal for both sun worshippers and those seeking out some natural shade. Situated near Sutivan, Likva Beach offers glistening calm waters and a long pebble beach, surrounded by well-tended slopes of vineyards and olive groves. Reached easily by car of boat, this unspoilt beach promises some carefree peace and serenity.