The Official Guide to Croatia’s Best Beaches

Croatia’s beach offering is nothing short of impressive. With more than 1,000 islands and over 2,000 miles of coastline, the country boasts countless scenic spots for a swim. While many visitors flock to its intimate pebbly coves with glass-clear waters, you’ll also find sweeping sandy shores, dramatic cliffs and vibrant urban beaches.

There’s a good reason why Zlatni Rat (or Golden Horn) often graces magazine covers and tourist brochures—it has a way of inspiring spontaneous trips to Croatia. Located on the Dalmatian island of Brač, this beach is the very definition of Adriatic bliss. It’s also surprisingly poetic: the shape of the shoreline shifts with the wind and waves. Made of tiny pebbles and set beside the pretty Old Town of Bol, it’s the ultimate spot for a family friendly beach in Croatia. Despite its popularity, the beach rarely feels crowded thanks to its mile-long stretch. A pine forest just behind the beach offers welcome shade, and all the essentials (bathrooms, lifeguards, showers) are available. Golden Horn is also among the top spots in Croatia for windsurfing—late spring and early autumn are the best times to rock the waves. 

Some beaches require a little extra effort to be accessed, and Stiniva is one of those. A treasure of the island of Vis, it’s a gorgeous secluded cove with calm waters. It might just be the most beautiful beach in Croatia, with its high cliffs and wild allure. You can get to Stiniva either by a steep hike or by boat from the town of Komiža nearby. Coming early guarantees a more hassle-free experience and a sublime morning swim. There’s also a nice little tavern overlooking the cove that offers a simple menu of traditional Croatian grilled meats and seafood. 

Banje is easily the most scenic of Croatia’s urban beaches. Here, you can swim with a front-row view of Dubrovnik’s breathtaking, UNESCO-protected Old Town walls. Whether you’re taking a sunrise dip or lounging at sunset, the backdrop never disappoints. Just a 10-minute walk from the city center, this pebbly beach gets busy fast in peak season, so it’s best to arrive early to claim your spot. There is an upscale restaurant that doubles as a beach bar, complete with loungers and umbrellas for rent. For a quieter escape, paddle a kayak over to the nearby Betina Cave Beach.

Punta Rata is a prime example of why Croatian beaches are considered the most charming in Europe. Surrounded by a lush pine tree forest, it’s an idyllic pebbly stretch near the center of Brela on the Makarska Riviera. Expect tranquil turquoise waters and excellent swimming conditions. Punta Rata is also a top choice for families with pleasant shallow access and a playground. Many small rock outcroppings make it a thrilling place to snorkel. Follow the promenade to find the ultra-picturesque Brela Rock—a giant limestone rock covered in trees. Nestled behind it is another stunning beach, Podrače, with emerald waters, showers and gorgeous coastal views. 

Malo Zaraće is where the Adriatic shows off its perfect turquoise palette. Tucked away south of historic Hvar Town, this small cove is a sensory escape—a blend of green pine trees, chirping cicadas, rugged grey cliffs and crystal-clear water. There are no restaurants or rental shops here, just a semi-wild slice of Hvar as it once was. The beach is a mix of pebbles and rocks, so bring water shoes for a more comfortable swim. The northern end tends to attract naturists, but the real bonus is that Malo Zaraće comes with a plus-one: neighboring Velo Zaraće, a larger pebbly beach with a restaurant and showers.

Located on Croatia’s southern end near the Montenegro border, Pasjača is among the most striking beaches in the country. It’s a tiny strip of pebbles tucked beneath towering limestone cliffs, with panoramas that echo the dramatic beauty of Greece’s Zakynthos and Lefkada. Don’t expect facilities here—this beach is raw and wild, which is exactly what makes it so captivating. To reach it, drive to the traditional village of Popovići and continue through the pastoral landscapes of the Konavle region. There’s free gravel parking along the way, followed by a short hike that ends with a steep, narrow stairway down to the beach. Be sure to bring water shoes for a more comfortable swim.

In the land of pebbles, Paradise Beach (or Rajska Plaža) is a superb sandy alternative. Set in Lopar on the island of Rab, it’s the ultimate kids’ playground. The water here is very shallow 

(a perfect and safe wading and sandcastle-building environment). Stretching for over a mile, this Blue Flag-certified beach—recognized for its cleanliness—offers just about everything. You’ll find full facilities, beach volleyball courts, a floating aquapark and plenty of restaurants and bars. It’s Croatia’s ultimate all-in-one beach destination on Rab Island.

Queen’s Beach (or Kraljičina Plaža) is one of Croatia’s true standouts. For starters, you’ve got almost 5 miles of soft sands (the country’s longest sandy stretch) forming a shallow lagoon. The sea here is always tranquil, thanks to its geographical location where the Vir and Pag islands meet the mainland. All these factors make Queen’s Beach a superb family beach where your kids can have fun and stay safe. And you won’t be able to resist the beauty of this place—the stretch overlooks the peaks of Velebit Nature Park that reflect in calm, turquoise Adriatic waters. It’s also long been known for its therapeutic mud, believed to have cleansing and healing properties. Facilities-wise, there are free showers and toilets, several restaurants and bars and a water sports center. 

Big Beach (Velika Plaža) in the historic Dalmatian town of Omiš checks all the right boxes. This long, sandy stretch sits just minutes from the charming Old Town, so you’re never far from the action. With shallow waters that extend for hundreds of feet, it’s an ideal spot for families with young kids. There’s a playground and a floating aquapark for extra fun, while beach bars and cafés line the lively boardwalk. It’s also a hub for water sports—try kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, windsurfing, jet skiing, or paddle boating. And let’s not forget the views: Omiš is one of Croatia’s most scenic towns, and the beach looks out over the dramatic Dinaric mountains and rugged coastline.

When it comes to scenic beaches, Kamenjak Nature Park takes the crown. Located at the southernmost tip of the Istrian peninsula, it’s a stunning cape with rocky, narrow coves. Mala Kolumbarica Beach is the most beautiful of them all. It’s not a beach in a general sense, but a collection of big rocks and small cliffs with clear blue water. Come here for the fantastic snorkeling and adventurous cliff jumping. The true magic of the area is an underwater cave. Sometimes, you can spot rare Mediterranean monk seals hanging out on the rocks and in the water.

With postcard-worthy views of the pastel-colored houses of Mošćenička Draga and rolling green hills, Sipar might just be one of the most photogenic beaches in Croatia. A hidden gem in the Kvarner Gulf, this charming pebbly stretch sits right next to a quaint resort town—perfect for a family getaway or a romantic escape. The beach is made up of smooth pebbles and lined with a lively promenade filled with beach bars and cafés. The water is consistently turquoise and crystal-clear, making it a joy to swim in. Rent a SUP or kayak for a sea-level view of Mošćenička Draga’s charming shoreline. And for windsurfing enthusiasts, spring and autumn offer the best conditions.

Overlooking the striking mountains of Krk—Croatia’s largest island—Vela Plaža is a mile-long, Blue Flag-certified beach packed with leisure potential. It’s one of the country’s most iconic stretches, known for its pebbly shoreline and abundance of beach perks. Located right in Baška’s city center, Vela Plaža offers easy access to nearby bars and restaurants. You’ll find everything you need for a full beach day: loungers and parasol rentals, a water sports center, a kids’ playground and an inflatable aquapark. It’s a top spot for active fun like stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, jet skiing and windsurfing. For a quieter experience, follow the coastal path to Mali Raj and Vrženica where you’ll find two scenic, remote coves that are also naturist-friendly.

Partying just feels better at the beach. Ibiza has Platja d’en Bossa, Mykonos has Paradise Beach and Croatia has Zrće. Located in the north of the moon-like, phantasmagoric island of Pag, this stretch is the summer capital of seaside fun. Zrće is where you’ll find some of Croatia’s coolest party spots, like open-air nightlife sanctuaries Papaya Club, Aquarius Club and Euphoria. In August, the Sonus Festival turns this lovely pebbly stretch into a European epicenter of techno raving. Even without all the bass-pumping and raucous party-going, Zrće is among Croatia’s most captivating bays, with crystal-clear waters, delightful vistas and a calm sea. 

Kids love Rab’s Livačina Beach and it’s easy to see why. The water stays shallow for nearly 100 meters, making it a safe and fun spot for little ones to splash around. No water shoes needed here—the soft, sandy surface is gentle on the feet. For families looking to explore, nearby rocks offer easy snorkeling adventures. A pine forest just behind the beach provides natural shade, while a volleyball court, children’s playground and water sports rentals keep everyone entertained.