Top Most Beautiful Beaches in Croatia

One thing is certain: Croatia is the most heavenly seaside location in the world for 2023! With its 6,000-km-long coastline, pristine bays and picturesque islands, Croatia is the jewel of the Adriatic Sea and deserves all your attention.

If you’re looking for some exciting beach hopping in Croatia, you’re in the right place. We have selected the top 10 beaches in Croatia, ranging from the most famous to the least crowded ones. Hop along as we unearth the wonders of Dalmatia, Istria and Kvarner, and book your ferry tickets to Croatia on Ferryhopper!

The beautiful Banje Beach near the center of Dubrovnik

1) Banje Beach, Dubrovnik

Despite its proximity to the city center, Banje Beach boasts crystal clear waters and a scenic view of Dubrovnik’s Old Town.

Beloved by locals and tourists alike, Banje Beach has a pebbly shoreline and is accessed via stone steps. You can find a free area as well as one equipped with umbrellas, sunbeds, bathing establishments and more! It’s also a great hotspot for water sports, and there are even some restaurants nearby to unwind after your refreshing swim.

At the end of Banje Beach, there are plenty of entertainment options, with DJ parties being one of the many nocturnal highlights of Dubrovnik!

Fun fact: did you know that in the summer, you can reach Dubrovnik from Bari in Italy by ferry? Well, now you know! You can find additional Italy - Croatia ferry schedules here!

2) Zlatni Rat (or Golden Cape/Golden Horn), Brač

This is one of the most reputable beaches in Croatia, found just 2 km from the town of Bol, on the island of Brač. The shape and texture of the beach change depending on the tides and how windy the weather is.

The western part of the coast is a string of bays and inlets that are quite popular for naturism. Nearby, there is also a pine forest that houses the remains of a Roman villa, as well as numerous refreshment points. 

Ferries from Split to Brač are quite frequent and allow you to reach the port of Bol in less than 1 hour! From there, you can find buses to Zlatni Rat. Alternatively, a 20-minute walk will get you there just as easily.

Tip: due to its windy climate, Zlatni Rat is a great spot for surfing, especially in the afternoon.

3) Stiniva, Vis

If hidden and secluded coves are on your bucket list, the beach of Stiniva is among the best in Croatia! Located in the southern part of the island of Vis (right off the coast of Split), it is a small bay surrounded by majestic cliffs on all sides.

Its waters are warm and shallow, making it perfect for families, though the beach does not have many facilities. You can find shade by the area’s rocky walls and, if you're feeling adventurous, try out some snorkeling, thanks to its mesmerizing seabed.

Bear in mind that the beach of Stiniva is not easily reachable on foot, as the path is quite steep. A taxi boat is highly recommended, especially for reaching the beach early in the morning, before it gets crowded.

The scenic white cliffs of Stiniva

4) Punta Rata Beach, Brela

Here, we have an award-winning beach, part of Croatia’s breathtaking Makarska Riviera. It is one of Croatia’s proudest seaside gems, so you have likely stumbled upon it somewhere online!

Punta Rata Beach is a white pebble beach surrounded by a thick pine forest. Its crystalline waters are decorated with the famous Brela Stone, a rocky formation hiding many underwater beauties.

Perfect for families and fans of sunbathing and water sports, Punta Rata Beach is a must-visit spot. Behind the beach area, you can also find some kiosks, hotels, restaurants and paid parking.

Important: if you don’t travel by car, the beach is thankfully connected by bus to Split, Dubrovnik and Zagreb!

5) Sakarun Beach, Dugi Otok

Among the most famous beaches in Dalmatia, Sakarun Beach is often referred to as the “Caribbean of the Adriatic”. It is situated in the northernmost part of Dugi Otok, an island in the archipelago of Zadar and the seventh largest in the Adriatic Sea.

Its white coastline consists of white sand and stretches for about 800 m. The whole bay and its turquoise waters are wind-protected and surrounded by lush greenery. The seabed is shallow and perfect for families with children.

Sakarun Beach is partly equipped with restaurants, public restrooms and bathing facilities, as well as areas for outdoor activities.

Tip: if you want to stay on the island of Dugi Otok, we suggest that you plan your trip well in advance, as accommodation options are quite limited. Alternatively, you can plan a fun one-day trip, thanks to the ferries of Jadrolinija departing from Zadar.

The seaside wonders of Dugi Otok

6) Sveti Ivan Beach, Cres

The vastness of the island of Cres hides numerous picturesque villages and fabulous beaches. One of the best is Sveti Ivan Beach, an enchanting bay for those who wish to reconnect with nature in free-to-access areas.

Located below the village of Lubenice, Sveti Ivan Beach is a small crescent-shaped cove surrounded by a lush forest, the perfect Mediterranean scenery!

While the path to the beach is well sign-posted, the journey takes almost 1 hour and some areas are quite steep. Alternatively, you can get there by boat, but make sure to carry with you umbrellas, snacks and drinks.

Important: if you’re vacationing on the neighboring island of Lošinj, you can get to Cres by motorway, as the two Croatian islands are connected through the Osor bridge.

7) Valdarke Beach, Lošinj

One of the most beautiful seaside spots on the island of Lošinj is Valdarke Beach, located close to the port town of Mali Lošinj. It is a pebble beach surrounded by a pine forest that offers natural shade even on the hottest summer days.

The bay’s waters are always clean, with its turquoise colors sparkling under the blazing sun. As there are rocks all around, wearing protective shoes is advisable. The seabed is quite shallow, and you can enjoy views of the neighboring islands of Cres, Rab, Pag, Oruda and Palaco.

In the beach area, you can find a small bar, though it is not always open.

8) Kašjuni, Split

About 2 km from the center of Split lies this beautiful pebble beach, accessible both by car and boat. The beach of Kašjuni is located at the foot of Mount Marjan and is loved by tourists and locals alike.

Part of the beach is equipped with bars, bathing establishments, sunbeds and umbrellas, and there is also a parking lot. Moving closer to the edge of the beach, you can find natural shade under its beautiful palm trees. And when the time comes to get your feet wet, don’t forget your mask and fins to appreciate its beautiful depths!

To get there, head over to the small port of Matejuška in the center of Split, where boats leave every hour for the beach of Kašjuni. Alternatively, you can cover the distance by car (around 5 km).

Tip: a quick way to move around the coast of Croatia is—you guessed it—coast hopping. Check out our guide on coast hopping between Split and Dubrovnik, for instance, to get some inspiration!

Tranquill moments on the beach of Kašjuni

9) Nugal Beach, Makarska

Up next we have one of the wildest and best clothing-optional beaches in Croatia! Located near the mainland town of Makarska, Nugal Beach rightfully steals the spotlight.

Nestled between rocks and surrounded by trees, this small pebble beach is a true oasis of tranquility, making it a favorite spot for lovers of naturism.

You can follow a path through the woods to get there or take the boat. Either way, we recommend arriving early in the morning and bringing any necessary supplies as there are no amenities here.

10) Sahara Beach, Rab

The Lopar peninsula in the north of Rab, a beautiful Adriatic island, is home to the natural wonder that is Sahara Beach. This bay offers a breathtaking interweaving of woods, rocky ridges and inviting waters.

Sahara Beach may not provide visitors with any amenities, but it has shallow and calm waters, making it a great getaway spot for moments of tranquility. Here, you can also enjoy beautiful views of the islands of Grgur and Goli! Additionally, it’s an officially recognized naturist beach.

Getting there is quite easy, as the road is well signposted. Once you reach its end, walk along a path for about 30 minutes and let the beauty of Sahara Beach welcome you!

Sahara Beach and the magnificent beauty of the Lopar peninsula

Dreaming of visiting the best beaches in Croatia already? Hop on the first ferry and reach these dreamlike locations. For additional travel inspiration, take a look at our Map of ferries, combine multiple destinations in one booking and plan the trip of a lifetime!

Don’t think twice about it, book your ferry tickets to Croatia and don’t miss out on its many Instagrammable wonders. 📷