8 Beaches in Croatia To Add to Your Bucket List

Once a destination known only to more adventurous travellers, Croatia is quickly becoming one of Europe’s more popular holiday spots. The good news is that with over 6,000 km of Adriatic coastline offered by the mainland and all its islands, there’s still plenty to discover. From the golden pebbles of the Dalmatian Coast to hidden coves accessible only by boat, Croatia’s beaches offer pristine waters, plus everything from ancient Roman ruins to sleek beach clubs. Whether you’re seeking the vibrant energy of Split’s beaches, the secluded tranquillity of Vis or the dramatic beauty of Zlatni Rat’s shifting sands, you’ll find an unforgettable coastal experience that blends natural wonder with rich cultural heritage, ideal for family vacations, romantic getaways and solo adventures alike.

Finding it impossible to choose which of the country’s gorgeous beaches to visit? Here’s a list to help you decide, whether you’re looking for a place to party, an under-the-radar retreat or something in between.

What better place to start than in the capital? Tucked away behind the mighty walls of Dubrovnik’s Old Town, Buža Beach is a veritable secret passage into the Adriatic. The word “buža” roughly translates to “hole in the wall”, and that’s exactly what you’re looking for: a discreet opening in the city walls, marked by a small sign reading “Cold Drinks With the Most Beautiful View”. Step through, and you’re instantly transported to a world of sun-soaked stone terraces, cliff-diving Instagrammers and the breathtaking blue sea stretching endlessly below. There’s no sand here; just smooth rock platforms and stunning cinematic views of Lokrum Island. Grab a cold drink from the tiny bar, watch fearless swimmers hurl themselves off the cliffs and settle in for an unforgettable sunset. Later, retreat to your five-star Dubrovnik hotel to chill out on the sea-view terrace or book a treatment at the award-winning spa.

• Dubrovačke Gradske Zidine, Crijevićeva ul. 9, 20000, Dubrovnik

Just a short hop from Dubrovnik is upmarket Cavtat’s tranquil Sustjepan peninsula, where you’ll find a lovely blend of pebbled patches and crystal-clear calm waters on Sustjepan Beach. With high pine trees offering natural shade and serene views of Cavtat’s Old Town and moored yachts, it’s ideal for those who crave a quiet, family-friendly day out that still offers plenty of creature comforts. This laid-back spot offers a roped-off swimming area and lifeguards, plus the added adventure of kayaking or discovering secluded gems along the leafy peninsula trail. Arrive early to snag a shaded lounger under the pines. When you’ve soaked up enough sun, take a leisurely 15-minute stroll to Cavtat Old Town for a relaxed seafood dinner.

• 20210, Cavtat
• Regular ferries run between Cavtat and Dubrovnik.

Want to really escape the crowds? Tucked between Cavtat and Dubrovnik is Supetar Island, a tiny, uninhabited islet with just under a kilometre of pristine coastline, perfect if you’re seeking solitude in the shimmering Adriatic. This peaceful sanctuary features rocky shores and a weak to medium current, ideal for adults and older kids who are good swimmers. Hire a cabana from the island’s only beach bar, and return from your refreshing swim to fresh Croatian cuisine and ice-cold cocktails. The island’s unspoiled nature makes it one of the best beaches in Croatia for meditation, photography or simply disconnecting from the world.

• Supetar Island, 20210, Cavtat
• There’s no regular public transport, so it’s best to arrange a private boat transfer from Cavtat or join the seasonal excursion boats that operate during summer months. During the short journey, you’ll get spectacular views of Dubrovnik’s Old Town.

If you’ve made Split your base, you’ll find Bačvice Beach a short stroll from the landmark Diocletian’s Palace. Don’t expect to have it to yourself, though. With its sandy shore – rare among beaches in Croatia – and calm, shallow waters, it draws everyone from families with spade-wielding toddlers in floppy sunhats to sun worshippers dozing in the heat. It’s also the home of a quirky local ball game (and great spectator sport) called picigin, which involves diving and leaping in the shallows to keep a small, hard ball in the air for as long as possible. Showers, changing cubicles and public toilets are available. As the sun sets, the tree‑lined promenade buzzes with beach bars and cafés, where you can expect outdoor concerts, thumping DJ sets and a festive summer atmosphere. Looking for an elegant place to stay in Split? Just steps from Diocletian’s Palace, Heritage Hotel FERMAI Split - MGallery Collection is a fully renovated boutique hotel in an Art Nouveau gem.

• Hatzeov Perivoj 3, 21000, Split
• A 10-minute stroll from the city centre.

You’ll likely want to be doing some island hopping while in Split. Many travellers head to Brat Island’s Zlatni Rat beach, a white-sand beauty that’s graced many a postcard and travel brochure, and you should too – it’s iconic, after all. But a little further south, on Korčula Island, is Pupnatska Luka, a secluded, pebble-lined bay, roughly 20 minutes’ drive from the jetty in Korčula town. Tucked between pine-blanketed hills and lush vineyards, this bay is one of Croatia’s most stunning beaches, with clear, calm water that’s perfect for families, snorkellers and peace seekers alike. There’s very little natural shade, but deck chairs and parasols are available to rent, and you can find cold drinks and grilled seafood at the small beach bars. You can also venture into the hills for a spot of birdwatching, hiking or mountain biking.

• 20274, Pupnat
• Take a ferry to Korčula from Split or Dubrovnik.

Literally translating to “Paradise Beach”, Rajska Plaža lives up to its name, and then some. Located in Lopar, on the northern tip of Rab Island, this 1.5 km-long haven is another of Croatia’s rare sandy beaches, beloved by families and beachcombers. With its shallow, warm waters, it’s the perfect spot for kids to splash and for adults to unwind. This Blue Flag beach offers a host of amenities, including sunbeds (for a fee), showers, changing cabins, beach bars, restaurants, water slides, pedal boats and jet-ski rentals. Behind the beach, a shaded promenade with pine trees makes for a welcome cool-down stroll, while volleyball courts and mini-golf keep you entertained after your swim. If you’re tempted by an all-over tan, nearby Kandarola and Sahara beaches are clothing-optional havens.

• San Marino, 51281, Rab
• Take a ferry from Stinica on the mainland to Mišnjak, then a 20-minute drive.

Nestled beneath the medieval stone cottages of Lubenice village on Cres Island, Sveti Ivan (St John’s) beach delivers pure beauty and a sense of discovery few other beaches in Croatia can match. There are two ways to reach this secluded cove, the first being a hike down from Lubenice. This 45-minute descent is steep and rocky in some parts, but the trail is well marked and the reward is a gorgeous pebble bay framed by Mediterranean pine and wild herbs. A large central rock splits the beach into two coves, ideal for couples or solo travellers seeking tranquillity. You can also arrive by boat, a serene option offering panoramic coastline views. Note that this is a no-frills paradise, with no toilet facilities, lifeguards or bars, so come fully self-sufficient with shade, sustenance and plenty of suncream.

• 51557, Lubenice
• Take a ferry from Rijeka on the mainland to Cres.

At the southernmost tip of Cape Kamenjak, where the Istrian peninsula meets the open Adriatic, Mala Kolombarica is the site of some of the most thrilling experiences you might find on Croatia’s beaches. Here, high cliffs provide irresistible launching points for jumping, with heights of up to 10 m inviting daredevils to attempt a range of stunts. Leave the backflips to the foolhardy, and opt instead to swim or snorkel in the flooded Mala Kolombarica cave, home to sea urchins, wrasses and even the occasional monk seal. You can also follow Kamenjak Nature Park’s coastal trails in search of hidden coves, or try windsurfing on nearby Školjić beach. Later, head to a clifftop bar to enjoy a sunset cocktail.

• 52100, Premantura
• A 30-minute drive from Pula, Istria’s largest city.

With such a wide variety of beaches, from family-friendly shallows to craggy, cliff-lined hideaways, an Adriatic escape in Croatia offers something for everyone. So grab your swimsuit, suncream and sense of adventure, and discover why Croatia’s beaches are Europe’s best-kept secret. And if you’re thinking of spending a few days in the Croatian capital, we’ve got you covered too with this insider guide to Zagreb’s top attractions.