What comes first to your mind when someone mentions Croatia? Probably the sea, beaches, and nice weather. In this article, we bring you the 17 best beaches in Croatia map that you can easily explore and see where they are located. Croatia is a country full of beaches that kiss the clear Adriatic Sea, and although there are many beautiful ones scattered all across the coastline, we have decided to include our 17 favorites on this list.
To make your beach exploration adventure even easier, we’re creating a Google Map with all the best beaches in Croatia that we cover in this article. We are also going to tell you a bit about each of them as well as present some of them through images.
Featured Croatian Beaches 1. Pasjača Beach (near Dubrovnik) We are starting this beach journey with the Pasjača Beach, the southernmost such beach in Croatia. Located beneath the steep cliffs in the village of Popovići, Pasjača Beach is the most beautiful beach near Dubrovnik. This stunning beach can be reached by a steep staircase carved into the rock, and it’s perfect to enjoy some time far from everything.
2. Nugal Beach (Makarska Riviera) Nugal Beach is located on the Makarska Riviera, a part of Croatia where we live, and a place that’s considered to have the most beautiful beaches in Croatia. Nugal Beach is located between Makarska and Tučepi, and it’s one of the most beautiful wild beaches of Croatia. This beach on the Makarska Riviera is surrounded by high cliffs and pine forests, and it’s the perfect spot for naturists and anyone wanting a peaceful escape. You can reach Nugal by a scenic coastal walking path.
3. Zlatni Rat (Brač Island) Zlatni Rat is probably the most famous beach in Croatia. If you’re to search for the term beaches in Croatia online, you’ll see images of Zlatni Rat all over the search results. Golden Horn (the name translated into English) is a stunning spit of white pebbles that shifts with the tides and winds. This marvel of Croatian nature is located in Bol on Brač Island , and it’s the perfect place for swimming, windsurfing, or just relaxing under the sun.
4. Stiniva Beach (Vis Island) Hidden in a bay behind high cliffs on Vis Island , Stiniva Beach is a beautiful and secluded bay accessible either by boat or a steep hike. Its narrow entrance opens into a sheltered bay with clear sea, and its beauty attracts travelers and adventurers from all around the world.
5. Šunj Beach (Lopud Island) Šunj is a sandy beach located on Lopud Island near Dubrovnik. Lopud is part of the Elaphiti Islands archipelago near Dubrovnik, and it’s one of the rare sandy beaches in Croatia. If you’re visiting Dubrovnik and looking for a peaceful getaway, then the Elaphiti Islands are a place for you.
6. Sakarun Beach (Dugi Otok) Another sandy beach is located on Dugi Otok . Sakarun Beach is famous for its white sand and shallow, turquoise waters that feel almost Caribbean. This beach is surrounded by pine forests, and it’s the perfect family-friendly beach.
7. Sveti Ivan Beach (Lubenice, Cres Island) Sveti Ivan Beach is located beneath the medieval hilltop village of Lubenice on Cres Island . It is a stunning and a bit isolated pebble beach. You will need to hike down a steep path to reach it, but after the hike, you’ll be rewarded with incredible beauty and peace.
8. Banje Beach (Dubrovnik) Banje Beach is the most famous and central beach in Dubrovnik. Located right next to Dubrovnik’s Old Town, this beach offers great views of the city walls and Lokrum Island opposite it. It’s a popular spot for a beach day for anyone visiting Dubrovnik, and it has plenty of amenities, bars, and watersports options.
9. Punta Rata Beach (Brela, Makarska Riviera) We are traveling to the Makarska Riviera again. Punta Rata is often ranked among the top beaches in Europe. It’s famous for its clear sea and the iconic Brela Stone located close to this beach. Punta Rata is a great beach for families, couples, and anyone looking for a perfect blend of nature and amenities. There are many small, equally beautiful beaches located nearby.
10. Queen’s Beach (Nin) Located near the town of Nin, Queen’s Beach is yet another of the rare sandy beaches in Croatia. With shallow waters and therapeutic mud nearby, this beach is perfect for families with young children and anyone looking to get covered in the therapeutic mud.
11. Saplunara Beach (Mljet Island) Saplunara is located on the greenest island in Croatia, called Mljet, and it has two beautiful sandy bays surrounded by pine forests. It’s a peaceful and relatively uncrowded place. Perfect for a relaxing day after you have visited the Mljet National Park.
12. Vela Luka Beach (Krk Island) The gem is located near Baška on the Krk Island. Vela Luka Beach is a large, secluded bay accessible by boat or on foot. If you are looking for a more remote beach experience in Croatia, then this one is a great option for you.
13. Dubovica Beach (Hvar Island) We are still on the Croatian Islands, and this time we move further south from the Krk Island. Dubovica Beach is one of the most picturesque beaches on Hvar Island . It’s a pebbly bay with an old stone house adding to its charm. This beach on Hvar Island is accessible by a short hike from the main road, and it’s one of the favorite beaches on this island.
14. Mala Luka Beach (Omiš Riviera) Mala Luka Beach is a quiet spot offering stunning views and a clear sea. Located near Omiš, a place with the best adventures in Croatia, it’s less crowded than the bigger beaches found in the area.
15. Neretva Delta Sandy Beach (Near Opuzen) Now, something you probably won’t find on any other list of the best beaches in Croatia. This long sandy beach is located at the mouth of the Neretva River near Ploče , and features vast sandy shallows perfect for swimming, kitesurfing, and relaxing. The Neretva Delta Beach is a great place for families, active travelers, and anyone who loves sandy beaches.
16. Vučine Beach (Žuljana, Pelješac Peninsula) This is one of our favorite beaches in Croatia. Located near the village of Žuljana on the Pelješac Peninsula , Vučine Beach is a peaceful bay surrounded by dense pine forests. Great for enjoying a bit more relaxed and secluded beach experience on the Pelješac Peninsula.
17. Secluded Beaches near Živogošće Blato (Makarska Riviera) For a long time, we used to organize kayaking tours in Croatia, and these beaches were one of our stops for swimming and snorkeling. Located near the small village of Živogošće Blato , you’ll find a series of secluded small beaches with crystal-clear waters and soft pebbles. These hidden beaches are perfect for couples and travelers looking for peace and beautiful nature. Most of these are accessible either by a short hike or by kayak/boat.
Tips for Visiting Beaches in Croatia And for the ending of this article about the best beaches in Croatia, we’ll share a few tips with you:
Bring Water Shoes : Many Croatian beaches are pebbly, so water shoes might be helpful if you’re not used to walking on pebbles.Pack Light : Reaching some of these beaches often involves some walking or hiking, so packing light is a must.Shade : Natural shade is limited, so bring an umbrella or rent one where available. Also, bring sunscreen and a hat to protect your skin from the strong sun.Cash : Small beach bars and parking lots often only accept cash. Always have a small amount of cash with you.Respect Nature : Help preserve the stunning nature of Croatia and take all the trash with you when visiting secluded beaches with no infrastructure.
Before You Venture To Any of The Best Beaches in Croatia We hope that this list of the best beaches in Croatia map was helpful and you have found the right fit for you. No matter where you stay in Croatia, there is probably a nice beach near you. If you’re visiting Croatian islands during your vacation, you’ll notice how incredibly clear the sea surrounds them. Spend a lot of time on the beach if visiting Croatia in summer, but don’t forget to explore and experience the other good sides of Croatia.
Enjoy the best beaches in Croatia!
