10 Of The Best Beaches In Croatia (2022 update)

updated 6/30/2022

Dropdown contentBeaches in Croatia Dropdown content range from golden bays to dramatic peninsulas. They stretch along the coastline between northern Rijeka Dropdown content and Dubrovnik Dropdown content in the south. And the most seductive shorelines sit on the southerly Dalmatian coas Dropdown contentt. To help plan your trip, here are the 10 best beaches in Croatia, based on The Rough Guide to Croatia Dropdown content, your travel guide for visiting Croatia.

Best beaches in Croatia for solitude

1. Spiaza, Susak Island

Susak is Croatia’s ultimate desert island getaway. It’s tiny and composed mainly of sand. And you arrive by ferry from Mali Losinj on Cres. As Cres itself is some distance from the mainland, the journey to Susak takes time. But that only adds to the island's connoisseur appeal.

Spiaza is the main beach on Susak. A moon-grey crescent, edged with shallow seas, it spreads out from Susak village. If you want to swim, be prepared to wade out a bit for deep enough water.

Bok bay is further east. It’s another sandy beach but quieter, as it involves a walk to get there.

Where to stay

Susak accommodation is mainly private apartments. But nearby Mali Lošinj offers the Family Hotel Vespera, a good option for families with children.

Some of the best sandy beaches in Croatia are on Susak © paul prescott/Shutterstock

Best beaches to visit near Zadar

2. Kraljičina plaža (Queen's Beach), Nin

If your perfect beach is long, sandy and stretches to the horizon, then head for Nin, 15km from Zadar. Nin’s Kraljičina plaža has two beach bars and little else, apart from mesmerising views of the Velebit mountains.

Don’t be alarmed to see sludge covered bathers here. The reedy area behind Kraljičina plaža is rich in peloid mud, a natural treatment for muscle and joint pain.

Where to stay

Zaton Holiday Resort is beachfront and offers activities for adults and children. Its Glamping Tents and Mobile Homes are popular during summer.

What to do

Explore the nearby Zramanja River by canoe. Or relax on a cruise round the region’s secret bays

Boardwalk over the golden sands at Nin in Croatia © xbrchx/Shutterstock

Top Croatian beaches near Split

3. Bačvice, Split

Bačvice beach plays an important role in the lives of almost everyone who calls Split home.

A shallow bay of sand and shingle it’s a popular family beach. A café-packed pleasure pavilion to the east makes it a buzzing social hub too. And it’s also famous as the home of picigin. This is a uniquely Dalmatian sport which involves much leaping around to stop a small ball hitting the water.

Where to stay

Marvie Hotel & Health is a good beachfront choice. Or consider Plaza Marchi Old Town in Split's historic quarter.

What to do

Take a guided walking tour round Split’s ancient city centre. Or if you prefer a tailor made holiday in Split, get in touch and we can connect you with a local expert to plan and book your ideal trip.

Bacvice bay in Split has one of the best beaches in Croatia © Mrak.hr/Shutterstock

4. Lovrečina Bay, Brač Island

Lovrečina Bay is one of several beaches on Brač which delivers on its hype. Four kilometres east of Postira, it’s sandy with translucent waters and a backdrop of medieval ruins and olive groves.

Parking’s limited so the beach is seldom crowded.

Where to stay

Postira has a number of apartments to rent and Hotel Amor in Supetar is one of Brač’s cosier hotels.

What to do

Explore Brač in a 4x4 Jeep or rent a boat and go island hopping for the day.

Lovrecina bay is another idyllic beach on Brac Island, Croatia © Darios/Shutterstock

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5. Uvala Dubovica, Hvar Island

Hvar Town has a global reputation for Renaissance grandeur and celebrity glamour. It’s known for chic bars and nightlife. But for good beaches, head out of town.

You’ll find several fine choices in the coves and bays to the east. The most attractive of these is Uvala Dubovica, a broad pebbly beach near an historic manor house. The sea’s shallow here so it’s popular with families. But in high season it also attracts yachts and motorboats.

Uvala Dubovica isn’t the easiest beach to reach which tends to reduce crowds. And parking on the main road is limited to 50 vehicles. So don’t drive. Rent a bike or scooter in Hvar town and beach-hop along the coast instead.

Where to stay

For sea views, consider Matea Apartments in Milna, about 5km from Hvar centre.

What to do

Discover Hvar’s gastronomy on a wine tasting tour. Or take a speedboat cruise to explore local islands.

Dubovica Beach on Hvar is one of the best beaches in Croatia for families © Jerry U/Shutterstock

6. Grebišće, Hvar Island

Grebišće is absolutely perfect for smooth paddling, thanks to its sandy seabed. You’ll find it 4km east of Jelsa on the Sućuraj road, after a short walk through Grebišće campsite.

It’s a narrow beach with little shade. But the shallow sandy bay makes it popular. The campsite café serves drinks and snacks, as does the beach bar on Grebišće itself.

7. Zlatni Rat, Brač Island

Where are the best beaches in Croatia? The answer today is likely to be Brač. It's home to Zlatni Rat, one of the country's most photographed beaches. And iconic images of its silvery shingle tongue extending into turquoise waters are instantly recognisable worldwide. The beach does attract crowds during summer, yet remains a compelling destination. In fact, you might find it hard to leave its clear shallow seas and stunning views.

The town of Bol is close to Zlatni Rat and Hotel Villa Daniela is walking distance from the beach.

Iconic Zlatni Rat beach near Bol on Brač Island © Gonchar Evgeny/Shutterstock

Great beaches to explore near Dubrovnik

8. Proizd, near Korčula Island

Approached by water taxi from Vela Luka, Proizd looks like an average Adriatic islet. But its mix of pine and maquis hides a secret. Proizd is actually one of the top sunbathing spots in Croatia. That’s thanks to a trio of dramatic beaches comprised of sloping slabs shelving into clear seas. Each beach is a natural sun trap and popular with skinny dippers too.

Hotel Villa Telenta is close to Vela Luka port and convenient for easy days out on Proizd.

If you prefer to stay in Dubrovnik, consider taking a day tour to Korčula Island.

9. Šunj Bay, Lopud Island

Getting to Šunj Bay involves a delightful 50 minute crossing on the Dubrovnik-Šipan ferry. The ferry’s passenger only and Lopud is car-free. So after your journey, expect to hike cross-island to the beach.

Šunj is a graceful crescent of fine shingle and sand strung between rocky promontories. And its informal beach bar’s a welcome sight after your walk here.

Several other islands as well as Lopud are easy to reach from Dubrovnik. Consider a stay at Villa Mila, just outside the city and ideal for island hopping.

10. Kupari

Looking for a beach with a post-apocalyptic tinge? Try Kupari south of Dubrovnik. This one time holiday resort for the Yugoslav Peoples’ Army was shelled during the 1991–95 war and its hotels have lain derelict ever since.

However, Kupari’s also home to one of the best beaches in Croatia. A fine shingle and sand crescent, it contrasts starkly with the abandoned buildings. But don't go exploring. The hotels are unprotected and potentially dangerous.

Ready for a trip to Croatia? Check out the Rough Guide to Croatia. Read more about the best time to go to Croatia, the best places to visit and best things to do in Croatia. For inspiration use the Croatia Itineraries created by our local travel agents in Croatia. A bit more hands on, learn about getting there, getting around Croatia and where to stay once you are there.

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