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 actually has no scarcity of seashores – due to its 1,777-km-long (1,104 miles) Adriatic shoreline and near 1,200 islands, there’s a seaside 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 seaside not clouded by sand, whereas others must really feel the delicate powder between their toes. In Croatia, you’ll principally 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 possibly can lay down your towel the place you please – there’s no such factor as a non-public seaside right here.
Whether or not you’re on the lookout for pebbly or sandy, family-friendly or sporty, we have now the seaside for you with our helpful information to the very best seashores in Croatia.
1. Zlatni Rat, Brač Island
Croatia’s most photographed seaside, Zlatni Rat, doesn’t disappoint. Comply with the pine-scented promenade from seaside Bol to this attractive expanse of wonderful, delicate pebbles lapped by inky blue waters. Its astonishing V-shape modifications and shifts with the tide and currents of the Adriatic Sea. The seaside’s windy japanese aspect is a high spot for windsurfers, whereas the cool children hang around at beachside Auro.
Planning tip: It’s a 30-minute stroll from Bol. Another is to park at Parking Zlatni Rat, a 10-minute stroll away.
2. Dubovica, Hvar Island
Hvar City revelers get better from their boozy nights at Dubovica, a tiny cove swathed with a seaside of dazzling white pebbles 10km (6 miles) east of city. At its japanese finish, look out for the small cave hidden within the rocky shoreline. Once 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-minute drive east from Hvar City, it’s a 10-minute trek downhill alongside a stony zig-zagging path from the primary highway. Or simply catch a taxi boat.
3. Sveti Jakov, Dubrovnik
It’s a 30-minute stroll from the Outdated City and a hike down – and again up – 160 stone steps, however Sveti Jakov provides you some respiration area from the busyness of Dubrovnik’s most important seaside. And also you get chic views of the walled Outdated City, that are much more spectacular because the solar goes down. Secluded it is perhaps, 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 right down to the seaside. Or take a taxi boat from the Outdated City port.
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 by means of the passage to the white pebble seaside.
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Planning tip: Set out early to keep away from the worst of the boat visitors.
5. Zrće Seaside, Pag Island
Zrće Seaside is massive, straightforward to entry, amped up and affords little shade. For those who’re able to occasion, that is completely the place to be. In recent times, Zrće’s open-air beachfront Papaya Membership has taken up residency on DJ Magazine’s prestigious annual High 100 Golf equipment listing. From June to September, the “Ibiza of Croatia” fires up with festivals, themed occasion 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.
6. Šunj, Lopud Island
One in all Croatia’s loveliest sandy seashores is a dreamy day journey from Dubrovnik by boat to chilled-out Lopud Island within the Elaphiti archipelago. Stroll from the primary port by means of the pine woods to the extensive sandy seaside 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 children, whereas the japanese finish of the seaside is reserved for naturists. There’s a easy restaurant, too, and for those who do not wish to stroll 25 minutes 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.
7. Stračinska, Šolta Island
Šolta is so near Cut up, however it appears to slide beneath folks’s radar within the headlong rush to achieve 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.
8. 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 right for swimming and snorkeling, whereas its breezy japanese 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, an area favourite.
9. Plaža Ušće (Delta Seaside), Neretva Delta
Kitesurfers and windsurfers – you’ve discovered the most effective seashores in Croatia to fly throughout the sands and waves of Plaža Ušće. Delta Seaside, because it’s identified in English, is the extensive sandy expanse that hugs the delta of the Neretva River because it empties into the Adriatic. Gaze on the stunning mountains of the Pelješac peninsula in entrance of you as you flop on the sands and order a chilly drink within the easy little seaside bar.
10. Lopar peninsula, Rab Island
The Lopar peninsula is the place you’ll find a few of Croatia’s finest sandy seashores. Simply over a mile lengthy, half-moon-shaped Paradise Seaside is the most important and most family-friendly, due to 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-obligatory” – supreme for many who wish to take all of it off earlier than diving in. Stolac seaside is completely nudist.
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 300m (1,000ft) pebble seaside with see-right-to-the-bottom waters is in style with native households. Its Aleppo pines present some welcome shade from the scorching summer time solar. Take your masks and snorkel to the waters across the tree-covered Brela Stone on the seaside’s western finish to discover the underwater world.
Planning tip: It is a great place for some water sports activities, with stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, pedal boats and jet skis obtainable to hire. There are additionally outfits providing parasailing experiences.
12. Lubenice, Cres Island
From Lubenice, a scenic hamlet perched on the sting of a 378m-high (1,240ft) cliff, Cres Island’s most idyllic seaside 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 concept. Half a mile southwards in close by Žanje Bay is the magical Blue Cave with a small pebble seaside tucked inside.
Planning tip: There are not any seaside 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 seaside 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 seaside, a favourite with native beachgoers. Afterward, chill with a cocktail as you ogle the sundown from Borik Mediterranean Bar.
14. Veruda Island seaside, Istria
Hop on a ship from Pula for the quick trip to tiny Veruda Island – identified by locals as Fratarski Otok (Friar’s Island). That is residence to Croatia’s solely “eco-beach” due to 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.
