The best beaches in Croatia

First-time visitors to Croatia are often startled by the striking turquoise hue of its sea and see-straight-to-the-bottom waters.

This Mediterranean sun destination certainly has no shortage of picturesque shores – thanks to its 1777km-long Adriatic coastline and close to 1200 islands, there’s a beach for everyone, from families with kids to those looking to party. The question is, will the best beach in Croatia for you be sandy or pebbly?

The pros and cons of each are a topic of debate – some swear by the crystal-clear waters of a pebble beach not clouded by sand, while others need to feel the soft powder between their toes. You’ll mostly find pebble beaches nestled in the coves of rocky shorelines, but there are also many sandy exceptions. And did you know that all beaches here are public? It’s the law! You can lay down your towel where you please, hence the dizzying array of options. This is our pick of the best beaches in Croatia, spanning Dalmatia, Istria and several islands.

1. Zlatni Rat, Brač Island

Best beach for picture-postcard views

Croatia’s most photographed beach, Zlatni Rat, does not disappoint. Follow the pine-scented promenade from seaside Bol to this gorgeous expanse of fine, soft pebbles lapped by inky blue waters. Its astonishing V-shape changes and shifts with the tide and currents of the Adriatic Sea. The beach’s breezy eastern side is a top spot for windsurfers, while the cool kids hang out at beachside Auro.

Planning tip: It’s a 30-minute stroll from Bol. An alternative is to park at Parking Zlatni Rat, a 10-minute walk away.

• Location: A little over 1km west of Bol.

• Parking: Parking Zlatni Rat is just a 10-minute walk from the beach.

• Amenities: Boats, kayaks and surf boards are available to rent. Some loungers are available to rent and there are two restaurants next to the beach.

• Hours: Open 24 hours.

• Dog-friendly: Dogs not allowed.

2. Dubovica, Hvar Island

Best beach for relaxing after a late night

Hvar Town revelers recover from their boozy nights at Dubovica, a tiny cove swathed with a beach of dazzling white pebbles 10km east of town. At its eastern end, look out for the small cave hidden in the rocky shoreline. When you’ve had enough sun, lounge under the pines at Duba Beach Bar, where cold drinks come with a chilled soundtrack.

Planning tip: After a 15-minute drive east from Hvar Town, it’s a 10-minute trek downhill along a stony zig-zagging path from the main road. Or just catch a taxi boat.

• Location: Dubovica is 10km east of Hvar Town.

• Parking: Limited parking is available near the beach; arrive early to secure your spot.

• Amenities: There's a small beach bar that sells drinks and snacks.

• Hours: Open 24 hours.

• Dog-friendly: Dogs are allowed, but they should be leashed.

3. Sveti Jakov, Dubrovnik

Best beach for avoiding crowds near Dubrovnik

It’s a 30-minute walk from the Old Town and a hike down – and back up – 160 stone steps, but Sveti Jakov gives you some breathing space from the busyness of Dubrovnik’s main beach. And you get sublime views of the walled Old Town, which are even more spectacular as the sun goes down. Secluded it might be, but you can still rent sunbeds and umbrellas and grab a bite at the beachside bar. The beach is mainly pebble with some sandy areas.

Planning tip: From Pile Gate, take bus no. 8 to Sveti Jakov church. Behind the church, you’ll see steps down to the beach. Or take a taxi boat from the Old Town port.

• Location: A little over 1km southeast of Dubrovnik's Old Town.

• Parking: Limited parking is available outside the church, but it's advisable to walk or take public transport.

• Amenities: There's a restaurant, bar and free showers at the beach. Loungers are available to rent.

• Hours: Open 24 hours.

• Dog-friendly: Dogs are allowed.

4. Stiniva, Vis Island

Best beach for natural beauty

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Off the southern coast of Vis Island lies striking Stiniva Bay, surrounded by a near-circle of rocky cliffs with only a narrow opening to the sea. Part of its appeal is its inaccessibility – you can try to brave the steep downhill footpath from Žužeca, but most visitors arrive by boat and swim through the passage to the white pebble beach.

Planning tip: Set out early to avoid the worst of the boat traffic.

• Location: On the south side of Vis Island, near the village of Žužeca.

• Parking: Limited parking at the top of the hill.

• Amenities: There's a small bar, but no other amenities.

• Hours: Open 24 hours.

• Dog-friendly: Dogs aren't allowed.

5. Zrće Beach, Pag Island

Best beach for nightlife

Zrće is a large, easy to access, pebble beach that is amped up and offers little shade. If you’re ready to party, this is absolutely the place to be. In recent years, Zrće’s open-air beachfront Papaya Club has taken up residency on DJ Mag’s prestigious annual Top 100 Clubs list. From June to September, the “Ibiza of Croatia” fires up with festivals, themed party weekends and guest slots from superstar DJs.

Planning tip: Pag Island is linked to the mainland via a bridge.

• Location: The beach is 3.5km south of Novalja.

• Parking: There is a large parking area next to the beach.

• Amenities: Several large clubs, watersports equipment rentals, boat tours and lifeguard services.

• Hours: Open 24 hours.

• Dog-friendly: Dogs aren't allowed on the main beach.

6. Šunj, Lopud Island

Best beach for pristine shallow waters

One of Croatia’s loveliest sandy beaches is a dreamy day trip from Dubrovnik by boat to chilled-out Lopud Island in the Elaphiti archipelago. Walk from the main port through the pine woods to the wide sandy beach at Šunj, where you can set yourself up for the day on the soft sands or on a shaded sunbed. The shallow waters here make this a favorite of families with small kids, while the eastern end of the beach is reserved for naturists. There’s a simple restaurant, too, and if you don't want to walk 25 minutes from the harbor, hire one of the golf cart taxis to take you there.

Planning tip: The ferry trip from Dubrovnik's Gruž port takes just under an hour and stops at Sipan island on the way.

• Location: On the south coast of Lopud Island, just over 2km from the harbor.

• Parking: Lopud Island is a car-free zone.

• Amenities: Loungers are available to hire, there are toilets and showers, and a small restaurant.

• Hours: Open 24 hours.

• Dog-friendly: Dogs aren't allowed.

7. Stračinska, Šolta Island

Best beach for laid-back holiday makers

Šolta is so close to Split, but it seems to slip under people’s radar in the headlong rush to reach Hvar and Brač. But this wonderfully laid-back island has a deeply indented coastline sheltering tiny beaches, including the pebbly cove at Stračinska Bay. It’s a tiny, secluded spot lined with fragrant pine trees and rocky shores – and that’s about it. No bar, just sparkling blue-green waters perfect for lazy swims and snorkeling.

• Location: Just over 10km from the port at Rogač.

• Parking: There's a small car park next to the beach.

• Amenities: None.

• Hours: Open 24 hours.

• Dog-friendly: Dogs are allowed, but should be kept on a leash.

8. Plaža Ušće (Delta Beach), Neretva Delta

Best beach for kitesurfing and windsurfing

Kitesurfers and windsurfers – you’ve found one of the best beaches in Croatia to fly across the sands and waves. Delta Beach, as it’s known in English, is the wide sandy expanse that hugs the delta of the Neretva River as it empties into the Adriatic. Gaze at the beautiful mountains of the Pelješac peninsula in front of you as you flop on the sands and order a cold drink in the simple little beach bar.

• Location: Just over 2km north of the village of Blace in the far south of Croatia.

• Parking: There's a car park next to the beach.

• Amenities: Showers, toilets, loungers, lifeguard services and a couple of small bars.

• Hours: Open 24 hours.

• Dog-friendly: Dogs are allowed, but should be kept on a leash.

9. Punta Rata, Brela

Best beach for watersports

The rocky coastline around the town of Brela, on the stretch of the Dalmatian mainland known as the Makarska Riviera, is made up of a succession of pretty, pebbly beaches. This 300m pebble beach with see-right-to-the-bottom waters is popular with local families and its Aleppo pines provide some welcome shade from the scorching summer sun. Take your mask and snorkel to the waters around the tree-covered Brela Stone at the beach’s western end to explore the underwater world.

Planning tip: This is a good spot for some water sports, with stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, pedal boats and jet skis available to rent. There are also outfits offering parasailing experiences.

• Location: Just over 1km north of Brela.

• Parking: There's a car park next to the beach.

• Amenities: Showers, toilets, loungers, lifeguard services and several bars and restaurants.

• Hours: Open 24 hours.

• Dog-friendly: Dogs are allowed, but are sometimes restricted during busy periods.

10. Lubenice, Cres Island

Best beach for seclusion

From Lubenice, a scenic hamlet perched on the edge of a 378m-high cliff, Cres Island's most idyllic beach seems tantalizingly close but can only be reached via a steep and demanding one-hour descent along a rocky path. The intrepid are awarded by pristine white pebbles and turquoise waters, but so are those arriving by boat – a much better idea if you prefer a more leisurely beach day. Half a mile south in nearby Žanje Bay is the magical Blue Cave with a small pebble beach tucked inside.

• Location: Next to the village of Lubenice.

• Parking: There's plenty of parking available in the village.

• Amenities: None.

• Hours: Open 24 hours.

• Dog-friendly: Dogs are allowed.

11. Veruda Island beach, Istria

Best beach for sustainable credentials

Hop on a boat from Pula for the short ride to tiny Veruda Island – known by locals as Fratarski Otok (Friar's Island). This is home to Croatia’s only “eco-beach” thanks to its undeveloped and unblemished landscape, as well as local efforts to protect its plant, sea and animal life. It’s also delightfully car-free. Bunk down for the night at the tourist camp and wake up to the sound of water lapping the shore.

• Location: Veruda Island is just off the coast of Pula; the beach is on the north coast.

• Parking: There are no cars permitted on the island.

• Amenities: Toilets, showers and a campsite.

• Hours: Open 24 hours.

• Dog-friendly: Dogs aren't allowed.

12. Sunčana Uvala, Lošinj Island

Best beach for simple access to the sea

On Lošinj Island’s western coast lies Sunčana Uvala (Sunny Cove), skirted with white pebble beaches and impossibly turquoise waters. Shadowed by a large hotel, lovely Veli Žal beach can get busy with families. In this case, follow the promenade southwards along a rocky coastline to the smaller but just as pristine Borik beach, a favorite with local beachgoers. Afterward, kick back with a cocktail as you ogle the sunset from Borik Mediterranean Bar.

13. Lopar Peninsula, Rab Island

Best beaches for sand and shallow water

The Lopar peninsula is where you can find some of Croatia’s best sandy beaches. Just over a mile long, half-moon-shaped Paradise Beach is the biggest and most family-friendly, thanks to its shallow waters. For something more secluded and untamed, head to the beaches on the northern edge of the peninsula. Here, rocky outcrops stretch like long fingers into the sea with sheltered coves and swathes of golden sand nestled in between.

Planning tip: Ciganka and Sahara beaches are “clothing optional” – ideal for those who like to take it all off before diving in. Stolac beach is exclusively nudist.