The 10 best beaches in Croatia

The very best beaches Croatia offers range from golden bays to dramatic peninsulas. They stretch along the coastline between northern Rijeka and Dubrovnik in the south. Several seductive shorelines sit on the southerly Dalmatian coast and they put Croatia on the list of the most beautiful countries in the world – voted by you in 2022.

But where to begin? Start with our run down of the 10 best beaches in Croatia. The following information is taken from The Rough Guide to Croatia, your travel guide for visiting Croatia.

Best beaches Croatia offers for solitude

1. Spiaza, Susak Island

Susak is one of our top 10 Croatian islands for getaways. It’s tiny, composed mainly of sand and reached by ferry from Mali Losinj on Cres. As Cres itself is some distance from the mainland, the journey to Susak takes time which 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 and if you want to swim, be prepared to wade out a bit for deep enough water. Bok bay is another sandy beach further to the east, it's always quieter than Spiaza because of the walk to get there.

Where to stay in Mali Lošinj

• For romantic stays: Hotel Apoksiomen is an intimate 4-star hotel right on the Riva which features original artwork and comes with wonderful views of the port.
• For family stays: Family Hotel Vespera overlooks a beautiful bay and offers crèche and babysitting services as well as sports facilities and organized games.
• For luxury stays: Hotel Bellevue is a luxury 5-star on the Čikat side of town with a string of outdoor swimming pools and terraced café areas leading down to the waterfront.

Find more accommodation options in Mali Lošinj

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

Best Croatian 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, thought to be a natural treatment for muscle and joint pain. Take a look at another 6 reasons why you should visit Zadar Croatia.

Where to stay in Zadar

• For seafront stays: Club Funimation Borik sits on the seafront and features pools and a long pebble beach as well as family-friendly activities and a spa centre.
• For relaxing stays: Art Hotel Kalelarga is set in a beautifully restored late-medieval house in the centre of Zadar and features individually decorated en-suite rooms.
• For budget stays: Villa Lipa offers two-four person apartments in a modern building with a nice garden midway between Borik and the centre of Zadar.

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What to do in Zadar

If Kraljičina plaža leaves you wanting more, think about taking a full day boat trip from Zadar to Sakarun Beach.

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

Top Croatian beaches near Split

3. Bačvice, Split

There's no denying Bačvice beach plays an important role in the lives of almost everyone who calls Split home. It's a shallow bay of sand and shingle, popular with families and a café-packed pleasure pavilion to the east makes it quite a buzzy social hub too.

However, Bačvice is definitely most famous of all as the home of picigin, the uniquely Dalmatian game involving much leaping around to stop a small ball hitting the water. It's hard to describe the passion for picigin in Split, so just head for the beach and see for yourself.

Where to stay in Split

• For central stays: Palace Suites Heritage Hotel in a renovated medieval building on the main square offers spacious rooms with hardwood floors and stylish modern furnishings,
• For budget stays: Villa Varoš is a cosy guesthouse in the atmospheric Varoš quarter just a few minutes walk from the Old Town.
• For luxury stays: Five-star Hotel Park Split sits directly above Bačvice beach rooms are luxurious and there's also a small outdoor swimming pool.

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What to do in Split

If you want to escape the city for a few hours, take a half-day Blue Lagoon and three islands boat trip from Split.

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

4. Lovrečina Bay, Brač Island

Lovrečina Bay is one of several beaches on Brač which delivers on the hype. It's just four kilometres east of Postira and sets its soft, sandy shores and translucent waters againts a haunting backdrop of graceful medieval ruins and ancient olive groves.

Parking at the beach is very limited so despite the loveliness it's never as crowded as it should be. If Brač puts you in the mood for a spot of voyaging, start with a look at Island-hopping in Croatia: a practical guide.

Where to stay on Brač Island

• For budget stays: Hotel Lupa sits on the port and offers a sea-facing breakfast terrace, small swimming pool and a range of smartly designed double bedrooms.
• For grown-up stays: Adult-only Hotel Osam sits shoreside in Supetar and offers sleek contemporary rooms, a swimming pool and rooftop cocktail bar.
• For heritage stays: Puteus Palace Heritage Hotel in Pučišća is a beautifully restored 15th century palace offering individually designed rooms, a walled garden and restaurant.

Find more accommodation options in Brač

What to do on Brač Island

Brač Island is ethereally lovely as the sun goes down, see for yourself on a three hour sunset kayaking expedition with local guides.

Lovrecina bay on Brac Island, Croatia © Darios/Shutterstock

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5. Uvala Dubovica, Hvar Island

Hvar Town has a global reputation for Renaissance grandeur, celebrity glamour, chic bars and dazzling nightlife. It's also on our things to do in Croatia: the ultimate list. However, if you want good beaches our advice is to head out of town.

You’ll find several fine coves and bays to the east but the most attractive by far is Uvala Dubovica, a broad pebbly beach near an historic manor house. The shallow seas here make it a top pick for families, although in high season it also attracts yachts and motorboats.

Uvala Dubovica isn’t the easiest beach to reach which tends to reduce crowds. Parking on the main road is limited to only 50 vehicles, so don’t drive. Instead rent a bike or scooter in Hvar town and have some fun beach-hopping along the coast.

Where to stay on Hvar Island

• For seafront stays: Mattea Apartments in Milna are about 5km from Hvar and perfect for families who want to dip into the town but escape the bustle too.
• For boutique stays: Palace Elisabeth in Hvar Town is a Renaissance loggia renovated as a modern boutique hotel. The dining terrace is lovely and there's a small, indoor pool.
• For budget stays: Luka's Lodge is a pair of neighbouring houses close to the centre of Hvar Town offering a range of double and triple bedrooms, some with en-suite bathrooms.

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What to do on Hvar Island

You need to go sailing at least a little on Hvar, so why not book a Blue and Green Cave day tour from the island?

Dubovica Beach, one of the best family beaches in Croatia © Jerry U/Shutterstock

6. Grebišće, Hvar Island

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

It’s a narrow beach with little shade although that doesn't deter visitors to this lovely, shallow and sandy bay. If it gets too hot, the local campsite café serves drinks and snacks and there's often a summer beach bar on Grebišće itself.

7. Zlatni Rat, Brač Island

What are the best beaches Croatia is known for? The answer these days is likely to be Zlatni Rat, close to Bol on the island of Brač, which is now one of the country's most photographed beaches.

Iconic images of this silvery tongue of shingle stretching out into vivid turquoise waters are instantly recognisable the world over so the beach does attract crowds during summer. Don't let that put you off, it's still a compelling place to visit and you may actually find it hard to leave.

Where to stay in Bol

• For beachy stays: Hotel Villa Daniela is only 3 minutes walk from Zlatni Rat and close to the centre Bol, it offers a range of family rooms and has a swimming pool and sun terraces.
• For waterfront stays: Hotel Kastil is set in a historic building perched on the waterfront and features modern, en-suite rooms all with sea views.
• For stylish stays: Belado Residence is a few minutes from the beach and each apartment features a private balcony. Grocery delivery is available as well as picnic lunches.

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

Best beaches Croatia keeps 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 an amazing secret. Proizd is actually one of Croatia's top sunbathing spots thanks to a trio of dramatic beaches comprised of sloping slabs shelving into clear seas.

Each beach is a natural sun trap and spots on the rocks are prized, although all three are very popular with skinny dippers too. So if you're a sun worshipper and asking Split or Dubrovnik: where should you go first? Proizd might push you in Dubrovnik's direction.

Where to stay on Korčula Island

• For beachy stays: Just two minutes walk from the beach, Hotel Villa Telenta is also close to Vela Luka port and convenient for easy days out on Proizd.
• For central stays: Overlooking the Riva in Vela Luka, Hotel Korkyra balances contemporary design and comfort. The on-site restaurant is good value and the hotel has both a terrace and pool.
• For boutique stays: Smart Kastel Ismael is a four-star guesthouse offers individually designed rooms only a few minutes walk from the beach, most rooms have sea views.

Find more accommodation options on Korčula Island

Proizd, best beaches Croatia sun worshippers love © eldar nurkovic/Shutterstock

9. Šunj Bay, Lopud Island

As one of Croatia's 5 best honeymoon destinations, Dubrovnik does romance very well and the delightful 50 minute ferry crossing from the city to Lopud Island is proof of that. It's a passenger-only ferry and Lopud is car-free, so after your romantic sail you can expect a bit of a hike to get to the beach.

But Šunj Bay is worth the effort. A graceful crescent of fine shingle and sand strung between rocky promontories, it's simply beautiful and completely unspoiled. Although after your trek, you'll be pleased to find there's a casual beach bar here.

Where to stay in Dubrovnik

• For luxury stays: Hilton Imperial in Dubrovnik first opened in 1897 a features an illustrious past guest list, rooms are luxurious and the hotel has a fabulous indoor pool with glass roof.
• For boutique stays: Stari Grad is a charming Old Town hotel offering small but atmospheric rooms and spectacular views from its roof terrace where breakfast is served.
• For romantic stays: Prijeko Palace is set in a restored mansionhouse a short climb above the Stradun. It features stylish rooms and apartments decorated with contemporary art.

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What to do in Dubrovnik

It's hard to imagine having enough of Croatia's beaches, but if you need a breather a guided walking tour of Dubrovnik Old Town is perfect. Also read our guide to the best things to do in Dubrovnik and find some intresting ideas for your holiday here.

The journey to Lopud is almost as lovely as the island beaches © Natalia Paklina/Shutterstock

10. Kupari

Looking for a beach with a post-apocalyptic tinge? Try Kupari south of Dubrovnik where a holiday resort for the Yugoslav Peoples’ Army was shelled during the 1991–95 war and the remains of the derelict hotels can still be seen to this day.

Don't worry, it's not all gloom and doom as Kupari is also home to one of the best beaches in Croatia where fine shingle and sand crescent contrasts starkly with the ruined buildings.

Please don't go exploring, the hotels are unprotected, potentially quite dangerous and definitely not on our list of where to stay in Dubrovnik.

Where to stay near Kupari

• For budget stays: Old Town Hostel in Dubrovnik offers basic twin and triple rooms in a lovely Old Town house with lots of original details. Friendly atmosphere and excellent staff.
• For boutique stays: Hotel More occupies an attractive cliff-hugging position just west of Lapad beach. Rooms are spacious, and breakfast is served on a lovely sea-facing terrace.
• For good value stays: Hotel Lero offers swish neat rooms, a small outdoor pool and lavish breakfasts a 20-minute walk from Dubrovnik Old Town.

Kupari is an extraordinary beach with an incredible backstory © Filip Kubala/Shutterstock

Ready for a trip to Croatia? Check out the Rough Guide to Croatia. If you travel further in Croatia read more about the best time to go and the best places to visit. For inspiration use our Croatia itineraries or speak to our local experts. A bit more hands on, learn about getting there, getting around the country and where to stay once you are there.

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