Croatian Beaches

Picturesquely located on Cres Island off the northern coast of Croatia, Mali Bok Beach is a truly sensational little strip of paradise. Cres Island is known for its beautiful coves and bays, surrounded by towering cliffs, and Mali Bok is one of the most beautiful. However, such an idyllic beach comes at a price – it is difficult to access and on the small side.

Pro tip: You can find parking close to the village of Orlec and you then have to follow a steep trail down to the beach – however, most visitors agree that the hike is well worth it.

Must know: You will need to take everything you need down with you as there are no services.

Address: Mali Bok Beach, Orlec, Cres Island

Located on Brac Island (which lies south of Split), Zlatni Rat Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches along Croatia’s remarkable coastline. The beach is formed by millions of fine pebbles which have been deposited around a coral reef and extends over 500 meters into the sea.

Local travel tip: Due to constant wind and water movement, the beach is actually a work in progress which changes shape from time to time, making it even more irresistible.

What is there to do at the beach? Zlatni Rat beach forms part of a protected natural area and is a favorite haunt of surfers and kite surfers, as well as bathers and sun worshippers.

Pro tip: You can reach the beach on foot or by boat or take advantage of the summer tourist train.

Address: Zlatni Rat, Brac Island, Croatia

You will find Berulia Beach tucked three scenic coves in the popular coastal resort of Brela. The beach stretches for over 400 meters and is backed by a scenic forested area which provides shade in summer. Although the beach is quite narrow, it offers many facilities to enhance your visit including public toilets, outdoor showers and chance rooms.

Pro tip: You can hire deck chairs and umbrellas and there are plenty of water activities on offer including para-sailing, pedal-boats and jet skiing.

Good to know: Probably the best feature of Berulia Beach is the fact that it enjoys Blue Flag status (for the cleanliness of the water) and there are lifeguards on duty.

Address: Berulia Beach, Brela, Croatia

You will find Gradsko Kupalisto or Town Beach about 200m north of the Crikvenica, easily accessible on foot or by car or public transport. This is another of Croatia’s beautiful Blue Flag beaches, boasting crystal clear water and great services. This beach offers something for everyone and is very popular with families. Young children can have fun at the children’s playground, while adults can enjoy a relaxing beach massage.

What are the most popular beach activities at Gradsko Kupalisto? Other activities on Gradsko beach include tubing and banana boat rides, swimming and kayaking.

Do this: You can hire loungers and umbrellas on site and there is a restaurant and café, toilets and showers.

Must know: This beach charges a daily entrance fee between 8am and 5pm – outside of those hours everyone can enjoy free entry.

Address: Gradsko Kupalisto (Town Beach), Crikvenica, Croatia

Located immediately besides Dubrovnik's famous city walls, Banje Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Croatia offering wonderful views of the ancient city ramparts, and Lokrum Island.

Must know: You have to walk down a steep set of steps to reach the beach (which makes this beach unsuitable for strollers or wheelchairs) but once you reach the beach you can hire everything you need for a relaxing beach day.

Where to eat: To escape the hot mid-day sun you can spend some time in the shaded café or have a genuine Croatian meal in the restaurant.

Popular beach activities: Active visitors can enjoy jet-skiing, banana boats rides, para-sailing or pedal boats.

Address: Banje Beach, Dubovnik, Croatia

Sveti Jakov beach is one of the prettiest of Dubrovnik’s beaches, located south of the city and offering distant views of the historic walled city. Like many of Croatia’s best beaches you will need to make a little effort to visit Sveti Jakov – there are about 160 steps leading down to the beach – easy enough at the start of your day but not so great when you need to go home.

Pro tip: To avoid the steps you can access the beach via bus or boat from Gruz, which will take you directly to the beach.

Is there a restaurant on the beach? Once you reach this fine pebble beach you will find lounger and parasol hire, a restaurant and beach bar and a concession where you can hire sea kayaks and jet skis.

Address: Sveti Jakov, Dubrovnik, Croatia

One of Croatia’s most beautiful (and least known) beaches, Sakarun Beach lies at the northern tip of Dugi Otok Island, which is located due west of the mainland town of Zadar. Finding your way to Sakarun Beach is an adventure in itself and you will first have to hop aboard the ferry from Zadar for a pleasant journey around the Zadar archipelago to Dugi Otok Island. From there you can take a local bus or hire a car to reach the beach.

What is Sakarun Beach in Croatia known for? What makes this beach so special is the amazing color of the water, the brilliant white pebbles and the beautiful backdrop of verdant green pines.

Is Sakarun Beach suitable for kids? The beach is particularly good for families as the water is shallow and ideal for children.

Local travel tip: During the summer you can hire loungers and umbrellas from one of two beach bars.

Address: Sakarun Beach, Dugi Otok, Croatia

The island of Korcula lies off the west coast of Croatia, roughly half-way between Split and Dubrovnik, where it boasts one of the country’s best beaches, Pupnatska Beach. To reach this delightful family beach you do need to navigate a rather perilous road, but once you get to the beach you will be happy that you took the trouble to find it.

Is Pupnatska Beach kid friendly? Pupnatska offers crystal clear waters (great for snorkeling) and areas of shallow water where children can safely wade.

What is the best beach in Croatia for sand castles? There is also a sandy area suitable for sand-castle building.

Good to know: You can hire chairs and umbrellas and there is a restaurant/snack bar and toilets.

Address: Pupnatska Beach, Korcula, Croatia

Vela Przina Beach is one of the few sandy beaches you will find along the coast of Croatia, which makes it very popular especially for families. The beach is located 15 minutes by bus from Korcula Town on the southern side of Korcula Island, where it is a very popular gathering place for locals during the summer months.

What is the best family beach in Croatia? Families will find that Vela Przina is an ideal beach for children, offering shallow water for wading and lovely soft sand for building castles and pools.

Where to eat: There are two beach-side restaurants where you can buy snacks and light meals and there is easy access to the beach from the parking area.

Address: Vela Przina Beach, Lumbarda, Korcula, Croatia