Croatia: beaches like paradise

Archived material. Last modified on the old website: 2023-04-07. Prices, dates and terms have been preserved from the original and may be outdated.

Endless bays on the mainland plus almost 1,200 islands: the Croatian Adriatic Sea attracts sun and swimming lovers alike. It stretches 1,800 kilometers from Istra to Dubrovnik. The following selection offers a little help in finding the perfect vacation spot.

1. Hidden Nugal Beach

One of the most prestigious beaches in Croatia is located between the cities of Makarska and Tučepi. Although Nugal Beach is mostly visited by nudists, clothed people are also welcome in the secluded and hidden sandy cove. The beauty of the beach, up to 50 meters wide, is framed by a dense pine forest and high rocks, from which a small waterfall pours onto the small pebbles during rain. Nugal also owes its natural state to its exceptional location: it can only be reached on foot by a forest path or by boat from the sea.

2. Velika Raducha is a place for families

Beautiful pebbly beaches await visitors around the picturesque town of Primošten, located between Šibenik and Trogir, about an hour's drive north of Split. The largest beach is Velika Raducha, located in a bay on the peninsula of the same name overlooking the island of Smokvitsa. The 600-meter pebbly beach is especially popular with families with small children and older vacationers because of the shallow entrance to the turquoise sea and the dense forest as a natural source of shade. Velika Raducha can be easily reached on foot from the center of Primošten, which is only 250 meters away. Due to the proximity to the village, there is also a wide choice of sports and entertainment opportunities.

3. Skrivena Luka - a place of peace and nature

One of the most beautiful beaches in the region is located on the southern side of the island of Lastovo and can be reached in about five hours by ferry from Split via Vela Luka. Skrivena Luka is considered a paradise for those looking for silence and nature. The picturesque bay is well protected from wind and high waves. Children and non-swimmers enjoy the shallow water on the shore. An umbrella (there is no natural shade) and flip-flops (the sand gets very hot in the sun) are a must for a day on the beach in the small bay.

4. Stiniva beach is the most beautiful beach in Europe

According to an international survey in which more than 10,000 vacationers voted, it is considered the most beautiful beach in Europe - and at the same time it is practically invisible from the open sea. Stiniva beach on the island of Vis is almost completely hidden by high cliffs. Thanks to the high cliffs, half of it is almost always in pleasant shade, but this is not the only reason for its popularity. Stiniva also has the bright blue water typical of Vis, slowly deepening, and beautiful white pebbles. Since the bay is a reserve, there are no water sports.

5. Sakarun Beach - also ideal for small children

The nearly 300-meter-long, almost white sand and pebble beach of Sakarun on the island of Dugi Otok, with its shady pine forest, is hidden in a bay with turquoise water and is difficult to reach without a car. The island of Dugi Otok can be reached from the port city of Zadar, from where a ferry takes you to Brbinj in 95 minutes. From here it is a little less than 16 kilometers to the beach. The water in the bay is pleasantly warm, which is also great for swimming with small children.

6. St. Johannes - rest is guaranteed

The idyllic mountain village of Lubenice, perched high above the sea on a steep cliff, offers a magnificent view of the white pebble beach of St. John. The beach is located almost 380 meters below the city, with its fine pebbles it is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island of Cres in the Kvarner Bay. Vacationers on the beach can quietly enjoy untouched nature. If you are looking for relaxation, this beautiful bay is the right place for you.

7. Kornati - Robinson says hello

The archipelago of the Kornati National Park includes 89 islands and reefs. Tourists following in the footsteps of Robinson Crusoe will find a lonely island world in the lunar landscape of Kornati, which is very popular with nature lovers. The beaches in countless bays are pebbly or sandy, and some of them go directly into the crystal clear sea. They are ideal for snorkeling and diving and, of course, for those who like solitude. The best starting point for visiting Kornati is the island of Murter, from where numerous boat tours are offered. Of course, you can get here by your own (charter) boat.

8. Punta Rata Beach

The charming resort of Brela is located in southern Croatia, about an hour's drive southeast of the port city of Split. The landscape here is defined by the high mountains of Biokovo, leaving little space for towns and villages between the mountains and the sea. One of the most beautiful beaches in Croatia, the award-winning Punta Rata Beach, is just a ten-minute walk from the city. The beach is famous for its pine-covered rock in the sea. Along with its light-colored pebbles and crystal clear water shimmering with all colors, the beach is an absolute highlight. In the high season it is usually very crowded. But don't worry, just take a short walk along the promenade until everyone has found a place on the six-kilometer beach.

9. Salt Lake Mir is a great alternative

In the south of Dugi Otok Island is the Telashchytsa Nature Park. The park is known for its Mediterranean vegetation, high rocks and the salt lake "Mir". Located in a hilly area, the lake is surrounded by a dense forest that provides excellent shade. The lake is 900 meters long, 300 meters wide and almost six meters at its deepest point. Despite the proximity of the sea, many visitors prefer this lake, because in summer it is several degrees warmer than the sea. A feature of the lake: salt water penetrates through underground cracks in the rocks. The park is a popular destination year-round for its beautiful hiking trails, lookouts and numerous water sports such as diving and sailing. Just watch out for donkeys and goats that roam freely: they do not shy away from skilfully stealing fruit from your pockets.

10. Zlatni Rat is a paradise island

Clean beaches, blue sea and picturesque villages - Brač is a wonderful island for relaxation. It is best known for Zlatni Rat. It is a golden-yellow beach with fine pebbles, which extends 500 meters into the sparkling sea in the shape of the letter V. The beach is divided by a V-shaped pine forest that stretches to the coastal town of Bol. On the west side there is a small nudist zone, on the east side the promenade leads to Bol, which is only about a 20-minute walk away. If you prefer to drive: in the summer, a small tourist train departs from Zlatni Rat to Bol every half hour. And if the beach is too crowded, just keep going west - you will find a quiet little town in one of the bays.