12 Most Beautiful Beaches in Croatia

Croatia is blessed with a coastline of thousands of islands and coves, and among them are beaches that will truly take your breath away. Below, you’ll find a guide to twelve Adriatic gems, enriched with tips on how to reach them, when to visit, and who they’re best suited for. The text is inspired by the best travel stories to capture the feeling of arriving at—and spending time on—each beach.

Queen’s Beach – Nin

Set beside the historic town of Nin, Queen’s Beach is the longest sandy beach in the area, stretching for about three kilometers. Legend has it that Croatia’s first queen found her refuge here, and the views of the Velebit mountains plus the warmth of the shallow sea really do feel like royal treatment. Thanks to its long, gentle shallows, it’s a paradise for families with small children, while kitesurfers and water-sports lovers are drawn by the favorable winds.

Beyond swimming, visitors can try the healing mud from the nearby lagoon, used for centuries for rheumatic issues. The infrastructure is well developed—sun loungers, umbrellas, showers, restrooms, and cafés are available. The beach is about a 10-minute walk from Nin’s charming streets, with parking nearby as well as cycling and walking paths.

Divna Beach – Pelješac

Its name says it all: Divna Beach is a true gem of northwestern Pelješac. The pebbly shore is framed by greenery and crystal-clear water, and from the sea you can see a small islet you can reach by kayak or SUP. Only a handful of camps and apartments keep the area quiet—here, nature leads the way, with the sound of waves and birdsong in the background.

The beach lies about ten kilometers from Trpanj; a narrow, winding road brings you to the turnoff for Dolnja Vrućica and the Divna campsite, followed by a few kilometers of macadam road. Since there are no restaurants or shops, it’s recommended to bring your own supplies and plenty of water. Limited parking means it’s best to arrive early, especially during peak season.

Stiniva – Island of Vis

Hidden behind towering limestone cliffs, Stiniva is often called the most beautiful beach in Europe. Narrow “sea gates” open onto white pebbles and emerald water, creating a feeling of privacy and seclusion. Thanks to this dramatic setting, it earned the title of Europe’s most beautiful beach in 2016, drawing visitors who come to dive into its underwater world and enjoy the quiet.

You can reach Stiniva by boat from Komiža, or on foot via a steep trail from the village of Žužeca; the descent takes about 20 – 30 minutes and requires good footwear. On the beach you’ll find only a simple spot for refreshments and a few boats, so it’s best to arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid crowds and strong heat. There isn’t much shade, and the sun is strongest around midday, so bring a hat and plenty of water.

Zlatni Rat – Brač

World-famous for its distinctive cape shaped like a golden horn, Zlatni Rat never stops impressing. This 600 meter-long spit shifts shape depending on sea currents and the winds of the Maestral and Bora, so every visit feels slightly different. The beach is covered in fine pebbles that shimmer underfoot, and it’s framed by dense pine forest on one side and crystal-clear sea on the other.

You can rent sun loungers and umbrellas, try windsurfing or kitesurfing, and refresh yourself in nearby bars and restaurants. Zlatni Rat is only 2.5 km from the town of Bol; you can reach it on foot, by bike, by car, or by a small taxi boat. Because it’s so popular, arriving early is recommended—especially in summer when temperatures and crowds peak.

Paradise Beach – Lopar, Rab

When a beach has “paradise” in its name, expectations are high—and Paradise Beach more than delivers. This nearly two-kilometer sandy shoreline in Lopar flies the Blue Flag and has been included in CNN’s list of the 100 best beaches in the world. The sea is shallow and warm—perfect for small children—and the beach is lined with amenities, from water slides and sports courts to beach bars and restaurants.

Paradise Beach also has a designated area for pets, along with plenty of options for windsurfing, parasailing, and pedal boats. It’s located 12 km from the town of Rab and is accessible by car, bus, or boat, with parking close by. The sandy strip is easy to maintain, while lifeguards and showers ensure safety and comfort throughout the day.

Pasjača – Popovići, Konavle

Pasjača is a small beach tucked beneath the steep cliffs of Konavle, about 30 km southeast of Dubrovnik. It was formed in the mid-20th century when rock from a tunnel was thrown into the sea and the waves gradually turned it into sand. Today it’s a narrow strip of sand and pebbles about 80 m long, with emerald water that captivates thanks to the contrast with the reddish cliffs.

To reach Pasjača, follow the steep path from the village of Popovići; the route starts from an asphalt road with parking for around 50 vehicles, followed by a descent down stairs carved into the rock. There are no facilities and no shade, so it’s essential to bring water, food, and sun protection. Because of the demanding access and the uphill return, it’s not suitable for small children or older visitors.

Sakarun – Dugi Otok

Sakarun, also known as the “Croatian Caribbean,” offers nearly a kilometer of white sand and turquoise sea protected by pine forest. The shallow water stretches for 350 meters, making it ideal for families with children and for anyone who enjoys carefree swimming. Fragrant pines provide natural shade, while the soft sand invites long walks along the shore.

In the bay you’ll find two restaurants, restrooms, and showers. Sakarun is reached by ferry from Zadar to Brbinj, then about a 20-minute drive, or by a tourist train from Božava. The beach has paid parking, plus areas with sun loungers and free space; nearby places like Veli Rat, Verunić, and Božava offer accommodation.

Punta Rata – Brela

Punta Rata is often described as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Forbes listed it among the 10 most beautiful beaches globally and as the top one in Europe, and it proudly flies the Blue Flag. The beach is covered in fine white pebbles and the water is exceptionally clear; Aleppo pines provide natural shade and an atmosphere that instantly relaxes you. The beach’s iconic symbol is the Brela Stone—an isolated rock crowned by a pine tree rising from the sea.

Punta Rata stretches for more than a kilometer and offers activities like swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and beach volleyball. You’ll also find plenty of services—sun loungers, showers, changing cabins, cafés, and restaurants. Brela is about 50 km from Split Airport; you can reach it by car or bus, and the beach sits right in the center of town, making it easy to access on foot.

Nugal – Osejava, Makarska/Tučepi

Hidden beneath the cliffs of the Osejava forest park, Nugal is a beach for naturists and adventure lovers. The path leads through the Osejava woods; it takes about 15–20 minutes from Makarska or around 30–45 minutes from the Tučepi side, with the last few meters being steep. Once you arrive, you’ll find a narrow pebble shoreline, framed by pines that offer natural shade and deep-blue water known for its clarity.

Nugal is an FKK beach with no facilities—no bars, sun loungers, or showers—so you’ll need to bring water, food, and swim shoes. Thanks to its beauty, it was named the third most beautiful beach in Europe in 2019. It’s best to visit in the morning or late afternoon when temperatures are more pleasant; in summer it can get very hot, and the uphill return is demanding.

Lojena – Levrnaka Island, Kornati

Lojena lies on the southwest coast of Levrnaka Island in the Kornati National Park. This small bay is covered in silvery pebbles, and the sea is so clear and turquoise it looks like a swimming pool. Surrounded by unspoiled nature, the beach is backed by a hill offering panoramic views over the Kornati islands—perfect for a short walk.

You can reach Lojena only by boat, most often as part of organized excursions from Zadar, Murter, or Šibenik; entrance to the national park is paid, and it’s often included in the tour price. The beach is about 60 m long and has basic facilities—a restroom unit and a few nearby bars/restaurants (e.g., Konoba Andrija). Because there’s little shade and the atmosphere is quiet, it’s recommended to bring an umbrella, water, and swim shoes.

Podvrške – Island of Murter

Podvrške is one of the few sandy beaches on Murter, and thanks to its shallow entrance and warm sea, it’s a favorite for families. The turquoise water and the view of the Kornati islands create an almost exotic feel, while the dense pine forest behind the beach provides much-needed shade. A seaside promenade is lined with cafés and restaurants, and you can rent pedal boats, SUPs, and sun loungers.

Podvrške is reached by an asphalt road from the town of Murter (1.5 km); parking is limited and fills up quickly, so arriving early is recommended. The beach has showers, changing cabins, and a children’s playground; the best months to visit are May, June, September, and October, when temperatures are pleasant and crowds are smaller. You can also arrive by taxi boat or private boat from the sea.

Sveti Ivan (Lubenice) – Island of Cres

Deep below the stone village of Lubenice on the island of Cres lies Sveti Ivan Beach. This wild beauty was listed by the German magazine Bild among the world’s most beautiful hidden beaches. Fine white pebbles, turquoise sea, and Mediterranean vegetation make it a perfect escape from civilization; a large rock in the middle of the beach splits it into two parts and adds extra charm.

A steep trail leads down to the beach from the village of Lubenice at an elevation of 400 m; the descent takes about 40–50 minutes, and the uphill return is demanding—so bring enough water and comfortable footwear. An alternative is arriving by boat from nearby places such as Valun or Cres. There are no facilities and no shade, so you should bring food, water, and sun protection; due to its isolation, it’s not recommended for small children or anyone with limited fitness.

Stiniva on Vis was named Europe’s most beautiful beach in 2016, while Nugal took third place on the European list of the most beautiful beaches in 2019. Pasjača went a step further—Forbes named it Europe’s most beautiful secret beach in 2024. These awards speak to the uniqueness and beauty of Croatia’s coastline.