If you Google “best Beaches in Croatia” you’re likely to find thousands of lists proclaiming the “12 Hottest Croatian Beaches” over here or the “10 Must See Croatian Beaches” over there. And somehow, each list has different beaches, leaving you to wonder which list is even right.

Well, lucky you found us. We happen to know a thing or two about Croatian beaches and the first tip we’ll give you is this: pretty much all the lists you saw on Google are right. 

There are very few beaches in Croatia you’d be disappointed with. From hidden coves to plunging cliffs, coastal cities to island paradises, the sparkling, sapphire coast of Croatia has a vast array of beach hotspots to lose yourself in.

With so many options on the table, the question might not be which of these coastal jewels are the best, but rather, how to tailor-make your Croatian trip to suit your own interests. 

So, the first question you need to ask is: what kind of experience are you after?

A Beach for Everyone

Croatia really does have a beach for everyone. While there’s no definitive list of which Croatian beaches rule the Adriatic, there are a few standouts if you’re after a particular experience. 

The Main Attractions 

If you want to see the Croatian beach destinations that have headlined tourists’ itineraries for years, your first ports of call are Split and Dubrovnik. And they will be anyway, considering they’re the central hubs where city life heaves, the planes fly into and the cruise liners leave from. Each city nestles a harbour and gives you a vast choice of beach hotspots. The more popular ones include:

Copacabana Beach, Dubrovnik – Luxurious sunbeds and parasols line this pebbled beach. Here you can take in the sun, watch the bay, join one of the many beach activities and choose from a number of dining options. 

Kasjuni Beach, Split – This picturesque pebbled haven is complete with sweeping views and turquoise seas. And a few bars to keep you hydrated.

The Island Getaway 

At first glance many of the islands dotting Croatia’s Dalmatian coast look like well-established hotspots. And they are, with harbour-side resorts, upscale dining, and ports filled with ferries and yachts. But when you explore beyond the main townships, each boasts quaint and more secluded beaches. 

Dubovica Beach, Hvar – Tucked into a cove, this beach has the feeling of seclusion without being too far away from the action. Its popularity means you’ll be only steps away from buying a nice cool drink, but behind you rolls the sparsely populated green Croatian hills; a reprieve from the bustle of town as you sit on the pebbled beach and watch the Adriatic dance. 

Pakleni Islands, Hvar – If you’re after something more secluded you can sail out to the Pakleni Islands, an archipelago off Hvar’s coast. You can opt for a water taxi, taking you to the known hotspots, or hire a boat and find your own private slice of paradise. 

Stiniva Beach, Vis – Towering, jagged cliffs jut into crystal blue waters here, creating a sandy cove so small and hidden you’d miss it if you blinked. The only way to get to it is by braving a steep and rocky descent, or to glide through the small, rocky entry into the cove on a boat (we definitely recommend boat). 

The Adventurer

If want to steer away from the sunbathing hotspots and venture to a more natural and secluded beach scene, you’re in luck.

Krka National Park and Blue Lagoon – Cascading through the wild brush of this national park are the multi-layered and dazzling Krka waterfalls. This park is only an hour away from Split and offers up small pools and lagoons nestled in the serenity of unspoiled nature. In the interest of preservation, it’s forbidden to swim in some of the Krka National Park’s waterways, but thankfully you’re not far from Croatia’s famous Blue Lagoon. Many tour operators host day trips from Split that take in both the Krka falls and snorkelling at the lagoon.

Mljet National Park – Bordering two saltwater lakes, this park showcases the staggering, wild beauty that happens when the lush, green overgrowth of nature meets the varying shades of blue from different water bodies. Here you will find truly secluded coves and beaches. And you can combine your swims with a variety of hikes or explore part of the island’s history at the 900-year-old Benedictine Monastery. 

The Game of Thrones Fan (and History Buff) 

While there weren’t many pristine beaches being squandered by dragons and white-walkers in Game of Thrones, you might be surprised to learn there are a few such beaches surrounding King’s Landing. Sorry, I mean Fort Lovrijenac and Fort Bokar, in Dubrovnic, where some of the scenes of King’s Landing were shot. And if you’re not a GoT fan, consider this: pristine beaches near old forts. History meets paradise. 

Beach Bokar, Dubrovnik – This beach is unique for two reasons; one, it’s quiet for a beach in a popular city, and two, it’s nestled beneath the old, towering walls of a fort that juts out into the sea. Here is where Tyrion helped plan the city’s defense, and where you will get an epic Instagram shot.

Fort Lovrijenac Swimming Cove, Dubrovnik  – While not the biggest of beaches, this cove sits in the shadow of the old fort that doubled as the Red Keep in GoT. It’s quite the hike up to the fort itself, so a swim in the cove below is a fitting reward after. 

Getting Around Croatia

Now that you have some idea of the beach experiences available in Croatia, it’s time to start piecing together your dream trip. Just how feasible is it for you to visit all these beaches?

Very. Croatia is well networked. Airlines fly regularly into Split and Dubrovnik, and both cities have a good bus network. Being as popular as each city is, many tour operators also offer day trips to popular destinations outside the cities too.

And of course, there is car hire, which is recommended if you want to explore the many beaches nearby. 

As for the islands and coastal ports, ferry networks and water taxis will help you along on shorter trips, but if you want to really uncover the gems along the Dalmatian coast, Cruise Croatia offer a variety of packages sailing between Split and Dubrovnik. As these are guided tours headed by experts in the region, you get a greater insight to the places you’re visiting and insider tips, all from the comfort of a luxury boat.

Where to Stay 

Croatia has accommodation for every interest and budget, from hostels to cruise ships, camping to resorts. Because of the many hotspots the country boasts, most travellers’ only stay one or two nights in each destination to fit it all in. This is why cruises are so popular, they take all the legwork out of moving from one place to another (literally). 

However, Croatia is much more than a destination to be ticked off the bucket list, so don’t be in a hurry to leave. Dubrovnik, nicknamed ‘the pearl of the Adriatic’, is an old city with a modern vibe that is popular for a reason.

If there’s anywhere you’d want to set up for a week to soak in the history, experience the culture and explore hidden beach getaways, it’s here. And the best way to do that is settle into a villa. Croatian Villa Holidays offers a range of these, from small and quaint to 5-bedroom dreamhouses alongside old city walls looking out over the Adriatic.

Tailor-make Your Dream Getaway

The list of beaches here is by no means exhaustive. They exemplify the experiences on offer, and point to the regions you’ll find them in, but there are so many beaches to uncover.

Now that you know it can be done, how to get around and where to stay, all you need to do is work out your budget and how long you’ll stay.

Our only tip here is to stay longer than you think you should, you won’t regret it. 

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