With a stunning coastline weaving down the Adriatic Sea and more than 1,000 islands, you can bet Croatia is a beach destination. In the north, you'll find stretches of pebbles hugging the Istrian peninsula and the many islands off the coast of Kvarner. In the south, spend your time island hopping (and beach hopping) in Dalmatia, discovering some of Europe's most scenic sandy corners, including the famous Zlatni Rat (Golden Cape) on Brač Island.

Getting Oriented

Boats and beaches line Croatia's idyllic shores.

Set along the coast of the Adriatic Sea, Croatia is a true beach destination. The country provides over 3,600 miles of coastline, plus more than 1,200 islands, so you know there are plenty of beaches to explore! In the north, discover the pebbled beaches of Istria, Croatia's largest peninsula, and those along the coast and archipelago of Kvarner. In the south, enjoy the famed beaches of the Dalmatian Islands, including those found on Hvar, Korčula, and Brač. 

Although the country is far more lively in the summer, you can travel to Croatia at any time of the year—and if you stick to the southern regions, you can even enjoy beach activities late into October or as early as April. 

Northern & Central Beaches

Many visitors flock to Southern Dalmatia to enjoy Croatian beaches, but you'd be surprised to find several pebbled and sandy spots in the country's north and central reaches. 

Sun & Sports on Cape Kamenjak 

Cape Kamenjak's unique coastline.

Cape Kamenjak is the southernmost point of Croatia's Istrian Peninsula. Protected as a nature park, you'll find secluded coves, rocky inlets, and beautiful beaches where you can swim, cycle or walk. Follow the walking or cycling path that leads you through the park along the coast, stopping at any of the 30+ bays. For a more active experience head to Medulin, Istria's main watersport destination for windsurfing or sailing. Read More

Beaches & History on Zlarin Island

Zlarin Island's scenic coastline is perfect for swimming and beach activities.

Zlarin Island is a hidden escape not known to many tourists, maintaining its turn-of-the-century charm with quaint villages and a handful of permanent residents. You'll find several pebbled and sandy beaches to enjoy, plus dense forests filled with fig and cypress trees. There's also a seasonal Coral Museum on the island, plus opportunities for water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding. Read More 

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Southern Beaches

For prime beach excursions, head to Croatia's southern region, Dalmatia. From Split to Dubrovnik, you can't go wrong with that stretch of coastline, and you'll find plenty of sandy or pebbled stretches to enjoy.

Relax on Zlatni Rat Beach

Brač's famous Zlatni Rat Beach.

One of the most scenic, famous, and popular beaches in Croatia is located on Brač Island's southern side. You'll find Zlatni Rat Beach protruding over 1,641 feet (500 m) into the Adriatic Sea in a V shape, surrounded by deep blue and turquoise water. Although always present, this geographical phenomenon changes shape depending on the wind and water currents, further adding to its uniqueness. Read More

Exploring the Beaches of Korčula

Enjoy swimming in Korčula's crystal-clear water.

One of the many reasons to visit Korčula is the island's gorgeous beaches. There are many to choose from, with four favorites being Vela Przina, Pupnatska Luka, Bacva, and Raznjic Penisula beaches. You can get to the beaches by car (taxi or rental car) or by e-bike, which adds a fun outdoor element to the day. Cool off with a dip in the sea you bike from one beach to the next! Read More

Hiking & Beaches on Lopud Island

Lopud Island is perfect for cliff diving and swimming.

As part of the Elafiti Islands, Lopud is set just off the coast of Dubrovnik. It's the most famous beach is Šunj, thanks to its fluffy sand, which is hard to find in Croatia. The island once served as the summer residence for Dubrovnik’s nobility, but today it's a gorgeous tourist destination. You can easily walk to the beach from the island's only town, or hop on a local golf cart. If you want to explore a bit more, hike to the fortress that overlooks the main village. Read More

How to Craft the Perfect Beach Itinerary in Croatia

Pebbled beaches create crystal-clear water in Croatia.

You can find a beautiful beach in almost every region in Croatia—at least in most of the tourist-centric areas of the country. This makes adding beach excursions to your travel itinerary fairly easy. To make the most out of your time, you might prefer to fly into Zagreb, travel down the coast, and fly out of Dubrovnik, or vice versa. This will keep you from backtracking across the country. Along the way, you can stop to enjoy beaches and water activities in Istria, coastal Kvarner, and Dalmatia.

How many days you spend in Croatia relaxing or adventuring on the beach depends on where you want to go. Dalmatia has some of the best beaches in the country, and the highest concentration of easily accessible stretches of pebbled sand. If you plan to stick to Dalmatia, give yourself at least 4 to 5 days to truly enjoy the area. If you'd like to add Istria or Zagreb to the mix, plan for at least one week, although two weeks is best for a cross-country excursion. 

Past kimkim travelers have enjoyed the following itineraries that include beach excursions in Croatia: