First-time guests to Croatia are sometimes startled by the placing turquoise hue of its sea and see-straight-to-the-bottom waters. This Mediterranean solar vacation spot definitely has no scarcity of seashores – because of its 1777-km-long (1104 miles) Adriatic shoreline and near 1200 islands, there’s a seashore for everybody. The query is, do you like sandy or pebbly?
The professionals and cons of every are a subject of debate – some swear by the crystal clear waters of a pebble seashore not clouded by sand, whereas others have to really feel the delicate sandy powder between their toes. In Croatia, you’ll largely discover pebble seashores nestled within the coves of rocky shorelines, however there are additionally many sandy exceptions.
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And do you know that each one seashores in Croatia are public? It’s the regulation! You’ll be able to lay down your towel the place you please – there’s no such factor as a non-public seashore right here.
Whether or not you’re in search of pebbly or sandy, family-friendly or sporty, we now have the seashore for you with our helpful information to the very best seashores in Croatia.
1. Zlatni Rat, Brač Island
Croatia’s most photographed seashore doesn’t disappoint. Comply with the pine-scented promenade from seaside Bol to this attractive expanse of nice delicate pebbles, lapped by inky blue waters. Its astonishing V-shape adjustments and shifts with the tide and currents of the Adriatic Sea. The seashore’s windy jap aspect is a high spot for windsurfers, whereas the cool youngsters hang around on the beachside Auro Cocktail Bar.
Planning tip: It’s a 30-minute stroll from Bol. Another is to park at Parking Zlatni Rat, a 10-minute stroll away.
The turquoise sea supplies a welcome respite from the hedonistic diversions of Hvar island © xbrchx / Shutterstock
2. Dubovica, Hvar Island
Hvar City revelers recuperate from their boozy nights at Dubovica, a tiny cove swathed with a seashore of dazzling white pebbles 10 km (6 miles) east of city. At its jap finish, look out for the small cave hidden within the rocky shoreline. If you’ve had sufficient solar, lounge beneath the pines at Duba Seaside Bar the place chilly drinks include a relaxing soundtrack.
Planning tip: After a 15-drive east from Hvar City, it’s a 10-minute trek downhill alongside a stony zig-zagging path from the principle street. Or simply catch a taxi boat.
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3. Sveti Jakov, Dubrovnik
It’s a 30-minute stroll from the Previous City and a hike down – and again up – 160 stone steps, however Sveti Jakov offers you some respiration house from the busyness of Dubrovnik’s foremost seashore. And also you get chic views of the walled Previous City, that are much more spectacular because the solar goes down. Secluded it is likely to be, however you may nonetheless hire sunbeds and umbrellas and seize a chew on the beachside bar.
Planning tip: From Pile Gate take bus no. 8 to Sveti Jakov church. Behind the church, you’ll see steps all the way down to the seashore. Or take a taxi boat from the Previous City port.
Stiniva’s setting is like one thing from a smuggler’s story © SimonSkafar / Getty Photos
4. Stiniva, Vis Island
Off the southern coast of Vis Island lies placing Stiniva Bay, surrounded by a near-circle of rocky cliffs, with solely a slim opening to the ocean. A part of its enchantment is its inaccessibility – you may attempt to courageous the steep downhill footpath from Žužeca however most guests arrive by boat and swim via the passage to the white pebble seashore.
Planning tip: Set out early to keep away from the worst of the boat site visitors.
5. Plaža Ušće (Delta Seaside), Neretva Delta
Kitesurfers and windsurfers – you’ve discovered top-of-the-line seashores in Croatia to fly throughout the sands and waves of Plaža Ušće. Delta Seaside, because it’s recognized in English, is the extensive sandy expanse that hugs the delta of the Neretva River because it empties into the Adriatic. Gaze on the lovely mountains of the Pelješac peninsula in entrance of you as you flop on the sands and order a chilly drink within the easy little seashore bar.
Partying at Hideout Pageant on Zrće Seaside © Hideout Pageant
6. Zrće Seaside, Pag Island
Zrće Seaside is massive, straightforward to entry, amped up and provides little shade. In case you’re able to get together, that is completely the place to be. Lately, Zrće’s open-air beachfront Papaya Membership has taken up residency on DJ Magazine’s prestigious annual Prime 100 Golf equipment listing. From June to September, the “Ibiza of Croatia” fires up with festivals, themed get together weekends and visitor slots from famous person DJs.
Planning tip: Zrće Seaside is 3.5km (2 miles) from the port city of Novalja on Pag Island, which is linked to the mainland by way of a bridge.
7. Šunj, Lopud Island
One in all Croatia’s loveliest sandy seashores is a dreamy day journey from Dubrovnik by boat to this chilled-out island within the Elaphiti archipelago. Stroll from the principle port via the pine woods to the extensive sandy seashore at Šunj, the place you may set your self up for the day on the delicate sands or on a shaded sunbed. The shallow waters right here make this a favourite of households with small youngsters, whereas the jap finish of the seashore is reserved for naturists. There’s a easy restaurant too, and when you can’t face the 25-minute stroll from the harbor, rent one of many golf cart taxis to take you there.
Planning tip: The ferry journey from Dubrovnik’s Gruž port takes slightly below an hour and stops at Sipan island on the way in which.
8. Stračinska, Šolta Island
Šolta is so near Cut up, but it surely appears to slide beneath individuals’s radar within the headlong rush to succeed in Hvar and Brač. However this splendidly laid-back island has a deeply indented shoreline sheltering tiny seashores, together with the pebbly cove at Stračinska Bay. It’s a tiny, secluded spot, lined with aromatic pine timber and rocky shores – and that’s about it. No bar, simply glowing blue-green waters good for lazy swims and snorkeling.
One in all Cape Kamenjak’s rocky coves © jlazouphoto / Getty Photos
9. Cape Kamenjak, Istria
The shoreline of this rugged and rocky peninsula on Istria’s southernmost tip is traced by quiet bays and coves. Its western coast is good for swimming and snorkeling, whereas its breezy jap aspect is the place the windsurfers congregate. When it is time to search out some shade and refreshments, head to the quirky Safari Seaside Bar, a neighborhood favourite.
10. Lopar peninsula, Rab Island
That is the place you’ll find a few of Croatia’s greatest sandy seashores. Simply over a mile lengthy, half-moon-shaped Paradise Seaside is the largest and most family-friendly because of its shallow waters. For one thing extra secluded and untamed, head to the seashores on the northern fringe of the peninsula. Right here rocky outcrops stretch like lengthy fingers into the ocean with sheltered coves and swathes of golden sand nestled in between.
Planning tip: Ciganka and Sahara seashores are “clothes non-compulsory” – excellent for many who wish to get their equipment off earlier than diving in. Stolac seashore is solely nudist.
Households benefit from the dappled sunshine on Punta Rata © Jorg Greuel / Getty Photos
11. Punta Rata, Brela
The rocky shoreline across the city of Brela, on the stretch of the Dalmatian mainland generally known as the Makarska Riviera, is made up of a succession of fairly, pebbly seashores. This 300-meter (1000-ft) pebble seashore with see-right-to-the-bottom waters is common with native households, with its Aleppo pines offering some welcome shade from the scorching summer season solar. Take your masks and snorkel to the waters across the tree-covered Brela Stone on the seashore’s western finish to discover the underwater world.
Planning tip: Lease a stand-up paddleboard or kayak. Or strive pedal boating, jet snowboarding or parasailing right here.
12. Lubenice, Cres Island
From Lubenice, a scenic hamlet perched on the sting of a 378-meter-high (1240ft) cliff, Cres island’s most idyllic seashore appears tantalizingly shut however can solely be reached by way of a steep and demanding one-hour descent alongside a rocky path. The intrepid are awarded by pristine white pebbles and turquoise waters, however so are these arriving by boat – a significantly better thought. Half a mile southwards in close by Žanje Bay is the magical Blue Cave with a small pebble seashore tucked inside.
Planning tip: There aren’t any seashore bars or meals stalls – carry meals and adequate water.
13. Sunčana Uvala, Lošinj Island
On Lošinj Island’s western coast lies Sunčana Uvala (Sunny Cove) skirted with white pebble seashores and impossibly turquoise waters. Shadowed by a big lodge, beautiful Veli Žal seashore can get busy with households. On this case, comply with the promenade southwards alongside a rocky shoreline to the smaller however simply as pristine Borik seashore, a favourite with native beachgoers. Afterward, sit back with a cocktail as you ogle the sundown from Borik Mediterranean Bar.
14. Veruda Island seashore, Istria
Hop on a ship from Pula for the brief trip to tiny Veruda Island – recognized by locals as Fratarski Otok (Friar’s Island). That is dwelling to Croatia’s solely “eco-beach” because of its undeveloped and unblemished panorama, in addition to native efforts to guard its plant, sea and animal life. It’s additionally delightfully car-free.
Planning tip: Bunk down for the evening on the vacationer camp and get up to the sound of water lapping the shore.
