For many UK visitors, the word beach brings to mind soft golden sand (or, occasionally, pebbles). But in Croatia, the word plaža means something quite different.
To Croatians, a beach is simply anywhere you can lay down a towel and get into the sea — whether that’s sand, pebbles, a smooth rock, or even a concrete platform with steps leading straight into the water.
👉 Fun fact: Sandy beaches are rare in Croatia — and that’s actually great news! The rocky and pebbly coast is one of the main reasons the Adriatic Sea is so brilliantly clear. The combination of a rocky seabed, mineral-rich waters, and salinity gives the coastline its famous turquoise shimmer. Croatia’s pristine sea regularly wins international “clean water” awards.
The Main Types of Beaches in Croatia
Sandy beaches (rare — sometimes mixed with pebbles)
Pebble beaches (small to medium stones, usually smooth)
Rock beaches (flat rocks, often with steps or ladders into the sea)
Concrete platform beaches (man-made sunbathing terraces with great amenities)
🌊 For hidden coves and idyllic bays, hop on a water taxi or boat. Many of the most beautiful beaches on islands like Hvar, Brač, Korčula, Rab, Cres, Krk, and Lošinj can only be reached this way.
1. Sandy BEACHES (Yes, They Exist!)
Šunj Beach, Lopud Island (Dubrovnik area)
• Rare golden sand, one of the few near Dubrovnik
• Reachable by ferry (1 hour from Dubrovnik) + a 15–20 min walk
• Sunbeds and a small pine-shaded restaurant
• Best visited in September when the crowds thin
Bačvice Beach, Split
• Croatia’s most famous urban sandy beach
• Known for the local game picigin played in shallow water
• Sunbeds, bars, and restaurants right by the sand
Padova Beach, Rab Island
• Rab is famous for its unusually high number of sandy beaches (around 25!)
• Just a 2-minute water taxi from Rab Town
• Sunbeds and a beach bar available
• Don’t miss nearby Pudarica Beach for golden sand and a rustic café
Omiš Beach, Dalmatia
• Long sandy stretch south of Split
• Famed for pirate history and adrenaline sports — try ziplining over the Cetina Canyon or white-water rafting on the Cetina River
Lovrečina Bay, Brač Island
• A secluded sandy cove between Pučišća and Postira
• Reachable by water taxi, car, or a short walk
• Small beach bistro open June–September
Lumbarda Beaches, Korčula Island
• Vela Pržina and Bilin Žal offer golden sand and calm, shallow waters
• Sunbeds, cafés, and small konobas (bistros)
• Regular water taxi from Korčula Town
2. Sand-Pebble Mix Beaches
Banje Beach, Dubrovnik
• Closest major beach to the Old Town (5 minutes from Ploče Gate)
• Sand-pebble mix with a stunning view of the city walls
• Beach club, loungers, bars, and restaurants on site
Srebreno & Mlini Beaches
• Small pebbles at the shore, sandy seabed a few steps in
• Lovely promenade, cafés, and sunbed hire
• Just 20 minutes south of Dubrovnik
Zlatni Rat, Bol (Brač Island)
• Croatia’s most iconic beach — the “Golden Horn”
• White pebbles, sandy underfoot in places
• V-shaped spit that shifts with the wind
• Excellent for watersports, with bars, restaurants, and pine shade
3. Pebble Beaches
Makarska Riviera
• Famous coastal stretch between Split and Dubrovnik
• Towns like Makarska, Brela, Baška Voda, Tučepi, and Podgora offer stunning beaches backed by mountains
• Pine trees for shade, sunbeds, cafés, and plenty of watersports
Istrian Coast: Novigrad, Poreč, Rovinj
• Picturesque pebble coves with calm waters
• Historic towns nearby (don’t miss the UNESCO-listed Euphrasian Basilica in Poreč)
• Superb dining — Rovinj is home to Michelin-starred restaurants
4. Rock Beaches
These are found almost everywhere along the coast — and locals love them. Expect flat rocks with steps or ladders into the sea — ideal for peaceful sunbathing away from the crowds.
👉 Example: The Lungomare near Hotel More in Dubrovnik has perfect flat rocks with easy sea access.
5. Concrete Platform Beaches
They may not sound glamorous, but they’re clean, smooth, and surprisingly comfortable.
You’ll often find steps or ramps into the sea and great facilities nearby. Many host sunset events or live music in summer.
Slatina Beach, Opatija
• In the heart of Opatija — often called Croatia’s “mini Nice”
• Elegant promenade, cafés, romantic bridges, and Adriatic views
• Especially peaceful in September–October
Cavtat (Dubrovnik Region)
• Lovely sunbathing platforms near the Church of Our Lady of Snow
• Perfect for a quick dip with island views
• Sunbeds and a relaxed café-bar close by
