The 8 most beautiful beaches in Croatia

29 August, 2022

Croatia is famous for its impressive coastline with the most beautiful beaches and idyllic coves. The clear water immediately invites you to dive in. In many places, the beach slopes gently into the sea, making the beaches in Croatia very child-friendly. By the way, Croatia not only has the most beautiful beaches in Europe, but they are also the cleanest. Most have been given the Blue Flag for neatness, safety and excellent amenities.

What kind of beaches are there in Croatia?

There are various kinds of beaches in Croatia. Sandy beaches are relatively rare, since most of the beaches have pebbles. There are also various rocky beaches and beaches with lots of stones to be found along the Croatian coast. We would love to tell you more about the most beautiful sand and pebble beaches of Croatia.

Pebble beach – A distinction is made between ordinary pebble beaches and fine-pebble beaches. The fine-pebble beaches are very similar to a sandy beach and often have a mixture of pebbles and sand. Pebble beaches have the advantage of very clear seawater, making them perfect for snorkelling and diving. At these campsites in Croatia, you camp right on the pebble beach.

Sandy beach – There are less natural sandy beaches than pebble beaches on the Croatian Adriatic Sea, but they do exist. Small children often feel more comfortable on a sandy beach because that feels softer than a pebble or rocky beach. And, of course, because you can build sand castles! Some campsites have a sandy beach, which means that you can camp right on the beach. Here is where you will find the most beautiful campsites that are located right on a sandy beach.

The most beautiful pebble beaches in Croatia

Most campsites in Croatia are located right next to the sea, which means it is not a long walk or drive to have a wonderful time at the beach. However, the most beautiful beaches of Croatia are worth the trouble of leaving the campsite and spending a day out at the beach. Let us tell you which beaches you absolutely must not miss on your holiday.

The Golden Horn: Zlatni Rat – Island of Brač, Dalmatia

Zlatni Rat, located in the Dalmatië region, is one of Croatia’s most famous beaches. It stands out because of its particular form, which constantly changes as a result of the wind and current. The beach with its fine-grained sand is a very popular destination and has several amenities. There are various restaurants, bars, toilet facilities and a rental service for chaise longues, parasols and gear for water sports.

There are several ways to reach the beach on the island of Brač. Take the ferry from Split or Makarska to the island. Park your car behind the pine forest on the beach. Are you staying on Brač during your holiday? Take the tourist train from the town of Bol that goes to the beach every half hour or walk for 15 minutes. A great campsite tip on Brač is Boutique Camping Bunja. You can camp right by the sea at this small-scale campsite.

A beach for in your photo album: Punta Rata – Brela, Dalmatia

Punta Rata in Brela is not only one of the most beautiful beaches of Croatia but, according to Forbes magazine, is even one of the most beautiful beaches of the world. You can rent a chaise longue with parasol on the beautiful pebble beach or find a place in the shade under the pine trees. There are also toilet facilities at the beach and a restaurant. Close the day at the beach bar and enjoy the view of the sun setting over the Adriatic Sea.

The beach at Punta Rata is an especially popular location for photography. The landmark of Brela lies in the water in front of the beach: a rock in the sea covered with irregularly shaped pine trees. The contrast of the light-coloured rock with the green trees in the azure-blue sea is just beautiful – both in photos and in real life

On the Golden Island: Vela Plaža – Krk, Kvarner Gulf

The pebble beach Vela Plaža at the seaside resort Baška is a popular destination for families wanting to spend a day at the beach. The beach is exceptionally beautiful and clean and is rightly crowned with a Blue Flag. The beach slopes gently into the sea, making it perfect for children to swim and splash about. Baška Beach Camping Resort is within walking distance from the pebble beach. Within ten minutes, you can be dipping your toes in the water.

Since the beach is in Baška, there are plenty of restaurants, bars, toilet facilities and opportunities to rent sports gear. If Vela Plaža is too touristy for you, there are still thirty other beaches in Baška, going from nudist beaches to dog beaches and beaches in hidden coves that can be reached only by boat.

Insider tip: Sveti Ivan – Cres, Kvarner Gulf

The picturesque bay of Sveti Ivan on the island of Cres is a real insider tip. The desolate pebble beach has unspoilt nature on one side and the clear blue sea on the other. The beach is not very easy to reach, which is why it is still so untouched and pure. You can only get there by boat or by foot. A steep hiking trail goes from Lubenice village to the bay, for which you will have to set aside an hour. The way back goes up, making the walk even longer. Sturdy hiking shoes are recommended.

It is easier to reach the bay with your own boat or with an excursion boat from Cres. Once you have arrived, an idyllic pebble beach with turquoise water awaits. Would you like to stay in the neighbourhood of this beautiful bay for the night? Camping Slatina is located on the island of Cres, not far from the bay. Within forty-five minutes of driving, you will be diving into the azure-blue water of the Sveti Ivan bay. Enjoy the peace and quiet and the beauty of nature on one of the most beautiful beaches of Croatia.

Campsites close to the most beautiful pebble beaches:

The most beautiful sandy beaches in Croatia

Family paradise in Istria: Bijeca – Medulin, Istria

The sandy beach on the Bijeca Bay lies at the southern tip of Istria at the Medulin seaside resort. One of the few sandy beaches in the region, it attracts many visitors. You will have to get there early to find a good spot on the beach. Or you can reserve a pitch right on the sandy beach at the Arena Medulin Campsite.

The beach is perfect for families with children, who can play in the sand or in the shallow water. Older children will enjoy the inflatable water playground, where they can jump and splash with their friends. After a day at the beach, explore the centre of Medulin, with its beautiful old church and many good restaurants.

A heavenly beach on Rab: Rajska Plaža – Rab, Kvarner Gulf

On the island of Rab by the holiday resort Lopar lies what is called Rasjka Plaža or Paradise Beach. You will not be bored on this 1.5-kilometre-long sandy beach. Relax on a chaise longue while the children live it up in the amusement park.

You can rent SUP boards or water bicycles at Rajska Plaža’s beach. Are you an adrenalin junkie who loves action? You can also go for a ride on a banana boat or rent a jet ski. Close the day in one of the many bars or restaurants, where you can enjoy a delicious cocktail with live music in the background until the wee hours of the morning. Do you prefer to stroll back to the campsite after an amazing day at the sea? San Marino Camping Resort is within walking distance of Rasjka Plaža, so feel free to leave the car behind.

The longest sandy beach: Kraljičina Plaža – Nin, Zadar

Kraljičina Plaža, located in the Zadar region, is also called the Queen’s Beach. The beach was given this name because the first Croatian king enjoyed staying here and named it after his favourite wife. But it could also refer to the royal beauty of the beach. Here you not only enjoy the fine sand and clear water but also the impressive view of the Velebit mountain range.

While you are gaping at the beautiful view, the children are building sand castles and splashing about in the shallow water. Since there is no shade from trees, a beach tent or parasol is strongly recommended. The sandy beaches by Nin are also famous for their healing mud. The mud is said to help against skin diseases and rheumatic conditions. The ACSI-award winning Camping Zaton Holiday Resort is within walking distance from the ancient town Nin and is close to Kraljičina Plaža. You will experience a wonderful beach holiday here.

Tranquillity and nature on a sandy beach: Sakarun – Dugi Otok, Zadar

Like most sandy beaches in Croatia, Sakarun on the island of Dugi Otok, in the Zadar region, is a popular destination. But it is quieter than some beaches on the mainland because it can only be reached from Božava by boat or tourist train. Moreover, the southern part of the island is part of the Nacionalni Park Kornati, which attracts peace seekers and nature lovers in particular.

The gently sloping sandy beach is very suitable for children. Two catering establishments are located on the beach, which means that you and your family can enjoy a wonderful day at the sea. It is also worth your while to visit the National Park and to explore the other islands of Kornati.

Campsites close to the most beautiful sandy beaches:

Which beach do you find to be the most beautiful in Croatia? Do you know of other beautiful beaches in Croatia that are worth visiting? Share your experiences with us in a response to this blog.