Croatia boasts countless beautiful beaches and this fact is not surprising given that the country has more than a thousand islands and a very indented coast that leads to have over 3.600 miles of shoreline. Although in the country they are located some of the most beautiful sandy beaches in Europe, most of the beaches in Croatia are covered with gravel.
It is the azure, clear and temperate waters of the Adriatic Sea, and the impressive views of the rocky and verdant beaches that make the Croatia one of the most attractive travel destinations for tourist-loving tourists holiday at the seaside.
Here are some tips on Croatia's best beaches to visit and where to go to spend wonderful days at the sea.
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Croatia beaches: the most beautiful
When it comes to visiting beaches in Croatia, the best advice is to head south: it is on the Dalmatian coast that you will find the most seductive sandy shores and bays. Nevertheless, the wonders of the Croatian coast have no end and you can visit beautiful beaches all along its coast.
Omis
Omis (Omiš) is a small town located at the mouth of the Cetina River, 26 km south-east of Split. It's a famous tourist destination. The main beach of Omis is characterized by a long and wide stretch of golden sand, dotted with pine trees, excellent for families with children.
The beach owes its soft sand to the Cetina River, which covers the rocky shoreline with sand every year. The canyons created by the river in the mountains of the region constitute a wonderful landscape for this panoramic beach. Sports lovers can practice free climbing on the steep hills behind the old town, or rafting and canyoning on the river.
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Banje
Located on the southern coast of Croatia, Dubrovnik it is one of the most important tourist destinations in the country, partly because of the many beaches in the city. Banje Beach, located east of the historic district of the city, is particularly popular.
It is a pebble beach, surrounded by some of the best hotels in Dubrovnik and equipped with all comforts. The beach, preferred by celebrities, is a great place in the city for water sports such as jet skiing and paragliding.
Book a hotel near Banje beachDubovica
Located on the famous southern coast of Hvar, Dubovica is the largest beach on the island. A short distance from the town of Milna, the pebble beach is bathed by a beautiful blue sea, set against a small group of historic stone houses, nestled in the hills.
Limited parking helps keep this beach not too crowded. L'calm and crystal clear water invites underwater exploration and snorkeling is one of the most popular sports here. You can reach this beach by taxi or by bus (much cheaper).
Book a hotel in HvarMakarska beach
Lying for almost 65 km, between the cities of Makarska and Split, is the region of the Dalmatian coast known as the Makarska riviera. Nestled in the hills, the city of Makarska is home to a protected bay with pebble beaches.
The town's main beach is lined with a palm-shaded promenade and surrounded by elegant cafes, restaurants and fine shops. The beach is suitable for families and offers pedal boat and jet ski rentals.
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Stara Baska
Located on the southwestern coast ofisland of Krk, Stara Baska is a small Croatian village located at the end of the island's main road. The main attraction of Baska is the pebble beach which is located about one kilometer from the town. The beach is located in the protected bay of Oprna Bay and it can be reached along a steep path on foot.
In addition to the facilities at the camping Skrila, located above the beach, there is nothing but a small bar on the beach itself, so visitors need to pack some snacks and water before arriving. The beach can also be reached by boat from Stara Baska.
Book a hotel in Stara BaskaQueen's Beach
The Queen's Beach, or Queen's Plaza, is a beach located in the city of Nin in northern Dalmatia. Due to the rocky coast, sandy beaches in Croatia are not common, and those that stretch for kilometers are even rarer. All this explains the enormous popularity of Kraljicina Plaza.
Another feature that has made this beach a favorite is the mud found in the shallow areas of the Nin lagoon. Recognized as a effective treatment for sore joints and muscles, people from all over Europe immerse themselves in the mud and relax in the sun. The beach is a popular destination for kitesurfing and windsurfing.
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Saint John
Sveti Ivan is the most famous beach on the island of Cres. It is located at the foot of the picturesque Lubenice village, an ancient fortified city built almost entirely of stone and located on top of a cliff. The beach is one of the favorite arrival points for yachts that dock in the sea in front of the beach.
This beach can only be reached by land on foot, but the 45-minute scenic descent to the sea makes the beach even more of an attraction. Just follow the red arrows to reach the white pebble beach and crystal clear water.
The return climb takes about an hour and a half. Another way to reach Sveti Ivan is by boat. The lack of infrastructure makes the beach a secluded spot.
Book a hotel in CresRat Point
Located in the small town of Brela, about 14 km north of Makarska, on the Dalmatian coast, Punta Rata is a sandy beach much appreciated both for its beauty and for its services.
Surrounded by olive groves and fig trees, Brela provides a pretty backdrop for this gently sloping beach. The beach is suitable for families due to the presence of lifeguards, sports facilities and the promenade lined with restaurants and coffee shops.
Book a hotel in BrelaRajska Plaza
Located on the island of Rab, in the tourist resort of Lopar, Rajska Plaza or Paradise Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Croatia and one of the most famous beaches on the Adriatic. Unlike the other beaches that have given Rab a reputation as an ideal destination for naturists, Rajska Plaza is known as a ideal place to spend a family vacation.
Visitors can stroll in calm and shallow waters for nearly half a mile without getting your head wet. It is also one of the few sandy beaches on Croatia's rocky islands.
Book a hotel in LoparGolden War
The island of Brac is known for the Zlatni Rat beach, located on the southern coast of the island to the west of the beautiful town of Bol. The currents in the Hvar channel have shaped this unique beach in a narrow and elongated "tongue of land", which extends for about 450 meters towards the blue sea and with a luxuriant pine forest in the middle.
Within this grove are located the remains of a Roman rustic villa, reachable with a pleasant excursion. The beach can be reached by ferry, which leaves from many of Croatia's tourist resorts, such as Split.
On the beach it is possible to rent sunbeds and umbrellas, and there are also restaurants and showers nearby. Also, you can practice various watersports, such as jet skiing, wind surfing, kayaking and more.
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Croatia beach map
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