When it comes to finding the best beaches in Croatia, you’ll be spoilt for choice. The entire coastline, spanning over 1,000 miles long, is speckled with beautiful bays and crystal-clear waters. Not to mention the myriad islands to boot!
At Rewind Dubrovnik, we frequent many of Croatia’s most beautiful coastal spots as part of our Private Dubrovnik Boat Tours. With so many gems to discover, you could spend days in Croatia just visiting its beaches.
We’ve put together our top choices for the best beaches in Croatia, from its islands to the city of Dubrovnik. Keep reading to find out more, or feel free to get in touch with us about our boat trips. Let’s head to the beach!
Zlatni Rat, Brač
Zlatni Rac is the crown jewel of all of Croatia’s beaches. Also known as the Golden Horn Beach, the spit of land creates one of the most unique beach shapes in the world, often changing with the wind and currents. Located on the island of Brač, you can take a ferry with Kapetan Luka from Split to Bol, from where you can either drive, cycle, or walk to the beach.
Zlatni Rat is decked out with umbrellas and sunbeds to rent, and you can also find shade in the surrounding forest. Thanks to the strong winds here, known as the Maestral, Zlatni Beach is an excellent place for windsurfing and parasailing. Just keep in mind that while the postcard images of Zlatni Rat gives the impression of a sandy beach, it’s in fact made up of pebbles, so wear good shoes!
Sunj Beach, Lopud
On the small island of Lopud, Sunj Beach offers a dreamy escape on the Elaphiti Islands. With its sandy shores and tranquil waters, Sunj is perfect for suntanning or floating in the shallow waters. It’s often regarded as the most popular sandy beach in the Dubrovnik area, but you won’t find too many crowds here.
To reach Sunj Beach, you can take a ferry from Dubrovnik to Lopud. It’s about a 20-minute walk to Sunj, or you can pay for a golf cart to take you. You can also visit it as part of our Full-Day Elaphiti Islands Tour with Blue Cave Visit, where you can tan on the speedboat or go swimming and snorkeling in the clear sea.
Sveti Jakov Beach, Dubrovnik
With its gorgeous view of Dubrovnik’s Old Town, Sveti Jakov Beach is one of the most beautiful in the city. This cove is a haven that can only be reached by walking down some stairs, making it one of the more quiet beaches in Dubrovnik. You can walk to it from the Old Town or rather take a bus if you want to save yourself some effort!
Relax on the pebbled beach on a sunbed, go snorkeling in the waters, or grab a drink at the beach bar. Sveti Jakov is a hidden gem not to be missed. Find out more about the Best Beaches in Dubrovnik, Croatia with our blog!
Dubovica, Hvar
The sheltered beach of Dubovica offers a sublime coastal experience. While you’ll have to hike down to the shore, it’s well worth it to experience the calm waters and incredibly picturesque scenery. Flanked by stone houses and green hills, you’ll definitely want to bring your camera! A local tavern makes an excellent seafood lunch, so you can even spend the day here. Located on Hvar, you can reach the island by ferry from Split and take a car or bus to Dubovica.
Makarska Beach, Makarska
Near the town of Makarska, you’ll find a bustling locale. Makarska Beach has a beautiful stretch of white pebbles, enclosed on one side by the azure sea, and myriad restaurants on the other. You can step from lunch right onto the shore, making Makarska one of the most easily accessible beaches. There is even an Aquapark for some extra fun in the water, and opportunities for watersports like stand-up paddleboarding and parasailing.
Stiniva, Vis Island
Few coves are as secluded as Stiniva on Vis Island. Almost completely surrounded by cliffs, Stiniva Beach has even been regarded as Europe’s most beautiful beach. With its pebble shore and pristine waters, visiting here is like stepping inside a painting. Stiniva Beach is most easily accessible on a boat tour, where you can anchor on the other side of the cliffs. Alternatively, you can take a more adventurous route and hike the way down to the beach.
Galebove stijene, Istria
Galebove stijene, also known as Segull’s Rocks, offers an incredible network of seaside cliffs and caves to explore. Located near the city of Pula on the Istrian Peninsula, you can easily drive or take a taxi to the beach. There aren’t as many amenities here, making for a more rustic beach experience. Jump off the cliffs or go swimming in the awe-inspiring caves. Galebove stijene is the place to reconnect with nature!
Punta Rata Beach, Split
With its striking crystalline waters, Punta Rata Beach will simply take your breath away. The white pebble shore with its surrounding cliffs and pine trees creates an almost kaleidoscopic scene. A nearby parking lot makes visiting this beach a breeze, and there are nearby cafes and restaurants to enjoy. The clear sea is perfect for snorkeling in, and you can even swim to the iconic Brela Stone, a symbol of the town of Brela.
Discover More of Croatia with Rewind Dubrovnik
Are you ready to discover more of Croatia’s stunning beaches? Then let us arrange a Dubrovnik private boat tour for you and your group! Visit all of the top beaches you want to see using our bespoke services, creating a coastal excursion to remember! If you have any questions about our boat tours, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’ll make sure your journey to Croatia is unforgettable!
