The 7 Most Beautiful Beaches in Croatia

Croatia is a country renowned for its stunning shoreline, where gleaming white pebbles and sand meet the turquoise waters of the Adriatic. Many draw in from all over the world to pay a visit to the country’s glorious coastline. 

With such a highly esteemed shoreline, many come to wonder where the most beautiful beaches in Croatia are. To get you clued up and ready to hit the crown jewels of the country’s coastline, we have lined up the best coves and bays to visit all over the country.

Zlatni Rat, also known as the Golden Cape, is without a doubt one of the most beautiful beaches in Croatia. This magnificent spit is one of the most famous and photographed shores in the country. Zlatni Rat can be found on the southern side of the island of Brac, 50 minutes from a quaint town called Bol.

The buzzing area is a fantastic place to stay in Croatia, with a buzzing nightlife scene and an abundance of cafes and restaurants. Zlatni Rat itself is known for its distinctive shape. A real treat for the eye, the picturesque bay is an elongated cone shape, made up of 450 meters of white pebbles and aquamarine waters. 

To add to the enchanting scenery, Roman ruins can be seen poking through the flourishing pine groves of the shores. The backdrop also lies adorned with the majestic slopes of Vidova Mountain, the highest peak in the Adriatic Islands. 

The waters of Zlatni Rat are truly breathtaking, crystal clear and twinkling in the sunlight. When it comes to things to do on the beach, you will certainly be spoilt for choice. Delve in and explore the area’s vibrant marine life scene by going scuba diving. 

Alternatively, you may wish to explore the coastline above sea level by embarking on a windsurfing adventure. Zlatni Rat is also perfectly suited to swimmers as the water temperature is warm. After exploring the ocean, relax and rejuvenate at one of the many nearby beach bars. 

Zlatni Rat is one of the best beaches in Croatia for families and couples alike. The abundance of water sporting activities offers a wealth of fun for adults and young children, while the beautiful scenery creates the perfect romantic setting for love birds.

A dazzling pebble cove along the Makarska Riviera, Punta Rata is a glorious shoreline to go to while on vacation in Croatia. You’ll find this pristine beach in the southwest of the country by the charming seaside resort village of Brela.

The twinkling Blue Flag-certified waters are regarded as one of the cleanest coastlines in the country. Pristine and crystal-clear, Punta Rata makes a perfect swimming and snorkeling spot. 

Nothing short of breathtaking, the shoreline lies fringed by flourishing groves of fig and olive trees which offer a stunning contrast against the electric-blue coastline. As if this doesn’t sound beautiful enough, you will also be able to see the majestic peaks of the Bisovo Mountains by the beach. 

While gazing over the twinkling waters of Punta Rata, you will quickly notice a striking rock formation dramatically rising out from the water. The Brela Stone offers the perfect photo opportunity, with flourishing greenery and pine trees perched upon its top. 

Punta Rata is another of the best family beaches in Croatia. You’ll find lifeguards keeping everyone safe, an abundance of sporting facilities to keep the little ones entertained and plenty of restaurants and coffee shops on-hand to grab a refreshing beverage or a quick bite to eat.

Sakarun is another of the best beaches in Croatia. Also known as Saharun, this picturesque coastline lies in the charming town of Brela on Dugi Otok, one of Croatia’s best hidden gems and most beautiful islands.

The shoreline stretches 800 meters long and gets very few visitors as a result of the limited number of hotels in the area. Tranquil and secluded, it is one of the best quiet beaches in Croatia. Fragrant pines surround the bay, creating the most enchanting scene for your seaside escape.

Those on the lookout for the best sandy beaches in Croatia will want to head to this gorgeous patch of coastline. Sakarun boasts soft golden shores and transparent waters, offering the perfect coastal paradise for those wanting to protect their toes during their seaside getaway.

Almost a kilometer long, you will certainly be able to find a quiet sunbathing spot on this stunning shoreline. Set your towel down, relax and soak up the scenery of one of the most beautiful beaches in Croatia.

Should you feel like taking a dip, wander down to the lulling shoreline where you can enter the peaceful turquoise waters and explore the incredible creatures calling this coastline their home. Should you grow peckish, meander to one of the nearby cafes and restaurants for a fresh snack and cold drink.

Banje Beach is located just a short stroll from one of the best places to visit in Croatia, Dubrovnik. You will not want to miss out on seeing this glittering bay while visiting this famous medieval city. 

After all, one of the best things to do in Dubrovnik is explore its dazzling coastline and Banje is among the best swimming beaches in Croatia. You’ll find this sensational shoreline a stone’s throw away from the iconic landmark of Ploče Gate. 

Visiting Banje Beach is a breeze as it is situated close to many of the top hotels and best places to stay in Dubrovnik. Make your way through the stunning medieval architecture of the Old Town to get to this dreamy pebbled paradise. 

Upon arriving, you will be met with glittering waters and pristine shores. You will even be able to spot the glorious terracotta roofs of Dubrovnik Old Town from the coastline. If you find yourself feeling active, you can go swimming or borrow a kayak and paddle out to admire the medieval metropolis from the waters. 

A celebrity hotspot, keep your eyes peeled for Hollywood A-listers during your seaside getaway. As one of the best beaches near Dubrovnik, it is always worth getting to this bay in the early morning to secure a good sunbathing spot and bag a sun lounger. 

Alternatively, you may wish to head to Banje in the late afternoon, catch the sunset and get a cocktail at the beach club.

Nestled along the glimmering waters of the Makarska Riviera between Tucepi and Makarska Old Town lies Nugal. The magnificent natural bay is absolutely stunning and is claimed by many to be the most beautiful beach in Croatia.

Picture bright, turquoise waters sheltered by rugged headlands and backdropped by the red-streaked cliffs of the Biokovo mountains. Nearby lies the town of Makarska, renowned for its buzzing nightlife scene. 

Those looking to go hiking in Croatia and pondering about tackling the Biokovo mountain range will also find Nugal Beach to be a great base. You may wish to spend a few days enjoying the area’s spectacular coastal scenery before embarking on your trekking adventure. 

One thing to bear in mind when visiting Nugal is that it is naturist-friendly which may or may not be up your street. If you do choose to visit this wonderful shoreline, prepare to be left in awe of the beauty of one of the best beaches to visit in Croatia.

Stara Baska Beach is a glorious bay on the island of Krk. You’ll find the waters to be peaceful and mellow at this picturesque shoreline as they lie sheltered by Oprna Cove. This makes the coastline ideal for swimming. 

Along with the quiet waves, the beach is absolutely pristine, lying fringed by soft-white pebbles and lapped by gorgeous bright blue waters. Quiet and under the radar, Stara Baska you will be among the lucky few on this sublime shoreline during your visit.

It is worth noting that to get to this quiet beach you will need to trek down a steep path which may make it difficult for those with mobility issues. However, those who make the journey will be rewarded with majestic coastal surroundings. 

There is also just a small bar on the shoreline so you might want to bring essentials such as water, snacks and extra sun cream with you to keep you going during your visit.

Along with offering splendid natural scenery and excellent swimming conditions, another draw of the beach is that it is situated just 1.6 kilometers from the tiny coastal village and vacation resort of Stara Baska. Here you will find hiking trails, restaurants and accommodation options.

Uvala Dubovica is a tranquil cove located just eight kilometers from Hvar Old Town. Remaining relatively unknown, this beautiful little beach offers a peaceful pebbled oasis, with magical blue waters and pristine shores. 

To get to this unspoilt cove you will need to follow an unmarked footpath and tackle steep inclines. All will be made worth your while as soon as you set foot on this dazzling shoreline. You will be met with the peaceful surroundings of gentle blue waves lulling the boats in the water. 

The waves at Uvala Dubovica are shallow and calm, making it one of the best beaches in Croatia for children. Spend the day swimming and paddling in the pristine waters and catching a tan on the pebbled shoreline. 

Be sure to also spend some time exploring Hvar during your visit to Uvala Dubovica. After all, it is one of the best islands in Croatia. You’ll find glamorous bars, a thriving nightlife scene and gorgeous natural scenery such as flourishing fields of lavender and olive groves.

Wine lovers will also enjoy delving into the magnificent viticultural scene on the island. Tour the fantastic local vineyards and learn all about the wine-making traditions before sampling some local varieties for yourself amongst the enchanting setting of the grape vines.