Best Beaches in Croatia and what to do around them

Best Beaches in Croatia and what to do around them! Croatia has a lot of incredibly beautiful areas to explore, and many of its beaches are frequented by people from all over. These beaches offer amazing scenery which will make for a truly memorable experience. In this article, we will discuss some of the best beaches to visit if you are planning on visiting this country.

Croatia, known for its stunning coastline along the Adriatic Sea, offers a plethora of beautiful beaches. Zlatni Rat in Bol, on the island of Brač, is famous for its unique shape and crystal-clear waters, making it a top pick for sunbathers and windsurfers. Dubovica Beach on the island of Hvar charms visitors with its secluded cove, turquoise waters, and surrounding vineyards. For a mix of vibrant nightlife and picturesque beaches, head to the Makarska Riviera, where Brela’s Punta Rata stands out as one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. Croatia’s coastal splendor ensures that beach lovers and nature enthusiasts alike will find their perfect spot to unwind and soak up the Mediterranean sun.

Best Beaches in Croatia

1. Medulin

Medulin is just several kilometers away from Pula, and it’s typically packed with tourists during the summer months. There are multiple resorts that you can stay at for the duration of your trip or even just for the day. You will find numerous restaurants and places to shop in the area. You can get to it with a short boat trip.

Medulin is a modern tourist resort in the southernmost part of Istria with a rich offer of sports and recreational activities. Thanks to its shallow sandy beaches, it is an ideal destination for families with small children.

Top tourist attractions around Medulin

1. Bijeca
2. Adrenalin Park
3. Sandstrand
4. Wine station Trapan
5. Ceja

2. Rabac

The town of Rabac sees quite a few tourists in the warmer months of the year, and it’s located close to Labin. This area has some of the nicest beaches Croatia has to offer, and there are numerous places to stay while you are here. If you come to visit in the summer, you can expect fairly large groups of tourists lining the golden sand beaches.

It is a small fishing town that opens the gates to the Kvarner Riviera. It lies in Rabac bay on the southeast coast of Istria. There is a lively social life, an attractive resort is very well equipped and is a popular tourist destination.

Top tourist attractions around Rabac

1. Maslinica beach
2. Lanterna beach
3. Beach Sv. Andrea Rabac
4. Teleferik
5. Girandella beach

3. Porec

Porec is a very old town that dates back almost 2,000 years, and it has a striking natural beauty that is entirely unique. There are tons of beaches in the area, including Lotosi Beach, Oliva Beach, and Borik Beach. These beaches have miles of white sand to walk along and witness the incredible scenery. There are plenty of places to eat at and shop here as well.

Porec is one of the Croatian port cities with 8000 inhabitants. Originally a Roman colony, it has gradually turned into a busy tourist resort with many sports and cultural opportunities. The clear Adriatic Sea, lots of greenery, and pine forests, which reach the seashore, make Porec an ideal place for a family vacation.

The city boasts the rare Euphrasian Basilica, which dates back to the 6th century and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From Poreč you can take a boat to the island of Sveti Nikola, 400 meters away, where you can relax away from people. A new aqua park has been open here in 2015, and in Funtana (7 km) you can visit a dinosaur park with children.

Top tourist attractions around Porec

1. Episcopal Complex
2. Romanesque House
3. Basilica of Euphrasius
4. Aquacolors
5. Jama – Grotta Baredine

4. Umag

There are a number of beaches in Umag, including Aurora, Laguna Stella Maris, Kanegra, and Katoro. Here you will be able to enjoy some amazing scenery and sandy pebbled beaches that seem to stretch out forever. The water around some of these beaches can be quite choppy, which is why they attract so many serious surfers throughout each year.

Umag is a port town with almost 13,000 inhabitants. It combines the historic charm of the city center with modern sports fields and beaches. It lies on the northwest coast of Istria. There are 60 tennis courts in and around Umag. The international tennis tournament ATP Croatia Open is held here every year. That is why Umag has a reputation as a “tennis city” on the Adriatic.

Top tourist attractions around Umag

1. Stella Maris Stadion and street
2. Church of St. Mary and St. Peregrin
3. Museum of Umag
4. Trg Slobode
5. Adventure Park Jangalooz – Stella Maris Umag

5. Vrsar

The fishing community of Vrsar is packed with resorts, hotels and even some private apartments. Hotel Pineta is one of the best places to stay while you are visiting this area. There is also the tourist resort Belvedere. There are eight beautiful islets with some truly incredible views all around. It makes for a perfect vacation spot for the entire family.

Top tourist attractions around Vrsar

1. Semisubmarine Vrsar
2. Pirate cave
3. Sculpture Park Dzamonja
4. Naturist Park Koversada
5. Dinopark Funtana

6. Baska Voda

The resort town of Baska Voda has some truly gorgeous beaches with crystal clear waters and golden sandy shorelines. There are also some old churches, museums, and restaurants for you to explore in the area. The beaches are known for being clean and peaceful throughout the year. It is definitely one of the best resort towns in the country. If you are planning to visit Croatia, this place should be near the top of your list of places to visit.

Top tourist attractions around Baska Voda

1. Punta Rata
2. Gradina
3. Malachi Museum of Marine Horse Garden Park Koversada
4. Main beach
5. Ikovac Beach

7. Rab

Rab is among the numerous islands in Kvarner Bay archipelago, and there are numerous towns that you can explore. The beaches here include Banjol, Palit, and Mundanije. These beaches each have their own unique aesthetic, but all of them are incredibly beautiful. The rugged landscape is something truly special and unique to behold. It is the perfect place for swimming, snorkelling and kayaking.

Top tourist attractions around Rab

1. Komrcar
2. Sahara Beach
3. Livacina Beach
4. Paradise Beach
5. San Marino Beach

8. Losinj

Losinj is just one part of an island group that consists of 36 different islands. It has some of the best beaches in Croatia with clear blue waters and soft sand to walk along. Some of the beaches here include Plaza Vale Skura, Veli Zal, and Vela Draga. Most have restaurants and cafes that you can get something to eat and drink at.

Top tourist attractions around Losinj

1. Monte Baston
2. Great Escape
3. Semisubmarine Veli Lošinj
4. Museum of Apoxyomenos
5. Luka Rovenska

9. Moscenicka Draga

This small village has a secluded beach that is very peaceful and tranquil year round. It has clear blue waters, and the mountains that surround it only add to its natural beauty. This is a great place to visit if you want to get away from all the noisy hustle and bustle of the city. There are also some excellent hotels in the area that you can stay at.

Top tourist attractions around Moscenicka Draga

1. Beach Sipar
2. Moscenicka Draga beach
3. Beach Sv. Ivan
4. Lungomare Opatija
5. Zarecki Krov Waterfall

10. Crikvenica

Crikvenica is a popular tourist town in Croatia that is very busy in the summer months. It has plenty of top-notch resorts, restaurants, cafes and places to shop. The beaches are offer amazing surfing, scuba diving and snorkelling. Many of the hotels in this area have undergone renovations in the last few years. It is a great place to take your family or visit as a solo tourist.

Top tourist attractions around Crikvenica

1. Crikvenica Beach
2. Podvorska Beach
3. Aquarium
4. Adrenalin Park
5. Crikvenica Municipal Museum

11. Zaton

The town of Zaton has a number of national parks in the area that are worth visiting. If you want to spend some time in nature, this is a great place to go. The beaches here offer some amazing scenery that you won’t forget as long as you live. There are various resorts and hotels in the area that you will be able to stay at.

Top tourist attractions around Zaton

1. Bilotinjak Beach
2. Beach Zaton HR
3. Jaz Beach
4. Tower Kastelina
5. Scuba Adriatic

12. Biograd na Moru

Biograd na Moru is a coastal town that is known for its breathtaking natural beauty. It can be found in the centre of five different national parks as well as two nature reserves. Its crystal clear blue waters attract all sorts of people for swimming, scuba diving, snorkelling and more. This town is one of the most stunning natural wonders that Croatia has to offer.

Top tourist attractions around Biograd na Moru

1. Fun Park Biograd
2. Drazica Beach
3. Museum of Biograd na Moru
4. Soline Beach
5. Town of Biograd

13. Novalja

Novalja is a small town on the island of Pag that is visited by quite a few tourists each year. Its beaches include Beach Riva, Beach Zrce, and Planjka Trincel. These beaches are located close to some amazing hotels and resorts. There is also a museum in the area that you can visit. The crystal clear blue waters and beautiful sea life make this a destination worth visiting at least once during your trip.

Top tourist attractions around Novalja

1. Ancient waterworks
2. Caska Beach
3. Planjka Beach
4. Strasko Beach
5. Zrce Beach

14. Murter

The island of Murter is known for its incredible architecture and natural beauty. It has a number of villages and towns with beaches that will simply blow your mind. These beaches offer clear blue waters that are excellent for swimming, scuba diving and a variety of other water sports. This is a fairly popular tourist destination, especially in the summer months.

Top tourist attractions around Murter

1. Murter Cigrada
2. Marina Betina
3. Riva Podvrske
4. Kosirina Beach
5. Roman City Of Colentum

15. Bibinje

Bibinje is a small village in southern Croatia that is located fairly close to Zadar. It is more secluded and less touristy than many of the other beaches this country has to offer. It’s still very beautiful and worth taking a trip out to though. If you are looking for a peaceful place to spend some time in this country, this place is highly recommended.

Top tourist attractions around Bibinje

1. D-Marin Dalmacija
2. Punta Rozica Beach
3. Jetski Center
4. Bibinje Beach
5. Lipauska Beach

16. Bol

The town of Bol is another popular tourist destination in Croatia that is known for its miles of rugged yet beautiful coastline. The Zlatni Rat beach is particularly special because of the fact that it changed its form because of the waves and currents. There are a number of other towns close by that are worth visiting, including Hvar and Korcula.

Top tourist attractions around Bol

1. Zlatni rat
2. Stina Winery
3. Dominican Monastery
4. Nautic Center Bol
5. Beach Port Bol

17. Makarska

Makarska can be found atop the mountain called Biokovo. Here you will find a few different hotels and resorts that will provide you with luxurious accommodations for your trip. The beaches in this area are surrounded by towering cliffs that make up the rugged coastline. This port town is certainly worth a visit if you are ever in Croatia.

Top tourist attractions around Makarska

1. Nature Park Biokovo
2. Biokovo Mountain
3. Makarska Harbour
4. Svetiste Vepric
5. The Peninsula of St. Peter

18. Split

Split is the cultural and urban centre of Dalmatia, and it is packed with various archaeological sites that make for a fascinating visit. Bacvice beach and Znanj beach are just two of the natural wonders you can explore in this area. The scenery here is absolutely incredible, and there is plenty to do. Here you will find some great places for swimming and scuba diving.

Top tourist attractions around Split

1. Diocletian’s Palace – cellars
2. Saint Domnius Cathedral
3. Riva
4. Bacvice Beach
5. Marjan Forest Park

19. Hvar

The island of Hvar has some of the most striking natural beauty and scenery in the world. The village of Jelsa has a gorgeous beach as well as a winery that offers wine tastings. There is also Zarace beach, which is fairly secluded and isn’t packed with tourists most of the year. Whether you are lying on the white sand working on your tan or swimming in the ocean, this area has something for everyone.

Top tourist attractions around Hvar

1. Tvrdalj Castle
2. Spanish Fortress
3. City Loggia
4. Španjola
5. Velo Zarace Beach

20. Dubrovnik

The town of Dubrovnik has a rich history with some unbelievably beautiful architecture. There are numerous hotels and resorts along the breathtaking beaches. Bellevue Beach is a popular beach in this area with a pebbled shoreline that is perfect for swimming. You will also be able to visit Copacabana Beach, which has a few different restaurants and cantinas that serve food and drinks.

Top tourist attractions around Dubrovnik

1. Old Town of Dubrovnik
2. Fort Lovrijenac
3. Door from Ploce
4. Bellevue Beach
5. Dubrovnik Cable Car

In Croatia, there are numerous captivating destinations that offer a blend of historical landmarks, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. Start with the ancient city of Dubrovnik, known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” with its well-preserved medieval walls and charming Old Town. Explore the breathtaking Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasting cascading waterfalls and turquoise lakes.

Discover the stunning islands of Hvar, Korčula, and Brač, each offering unique charms and beautiful beaches. Head to the lively city of Split, where you can explore the historic Diocletian’s Palace and enjoy a vibrant cafe culture along the waterfront. Finally, don’t miss the charming town of Rovinj in Istria, with its colorful houses and romantic cobblestone streets. With its diverse attractions and warm Mediterranean ambiance, Croatia promises an unforgettable journey filled with cultural treasures and natural wonders.