If you are craving a little vitamin sea, look no further than sunny Croatia! With over 1,000 miles of pristine coastline and more than 1,200 islands sprinkled throughout the Adriatic, this enchanting country has plenty to offer in the way of stunning natural beaches. From white sand lagoons on far-flung islands, to hidden pebble coves framed by towering cliffs, Croatia has a beach for every taste. Tasteful Croatian Journey’s team of luxury travel designers and destination specialists have scoured the country to find its very best beaches. We have searched far and wide to compose this list of idyllic escapes that aren’t just beautiful, they’re bucket list worthy! Each one is different and completely unique – an example of the astonishing variety to be found in Croatia – but what they all have in common is their jaw-dropping scenery and magnetic allure.

Get your cameras ready and prepare to be the envy of Instagram, because here are the 5 most breathtakingly beautiful beaches in Croatia…

5. Sakarun Beach

White sand and shallow waters on Dugi Otok Island

The rugged southern coast of Dugi Otok Island, home to the Telašćica Nature Park and gateway to the Kornati Islands, recently graced the cover of the April 2021 issue of Conde Nast Traveler, inviting readers to “Sail Away to Croatia” and bringing recognition to a little-known island still largely off the radar of most American travelers.

Nicknamed, “Long Island,” Dugi Otok is a slender stretch of land marked by great geographical diversity and contrast. In the south, you’ll find the magazine cover cliffs and raw, untamed nature. In the north, quiet coves and tranquil beaches, the most famous of which is Sakarun Beach. Known for its beautiful white sand (a rarity among Croatia’s mostly pebble beaches) and pristine turquoise waters, the half-mile long Sakarun Beach gives off some seriously Caribbean vibes. The beach is made up partially of smooth white stones, which make way for fine white pebbles, and finally pure white sand closer to the water’s edge. The sea floor is completely sandy, lending to the incredible turquoise hue of the water. The shallow bay faces south, inviting visitors to wade and bathe in the crystal-clear waters while enjoying unspoiled views of the open sea and the uninhabited western coast of the island. Some distance out, past a rope divider, sailboats and motor yachts drop anchor as happy passengers splash off their bows.  Several small beach bars cater to visitors, offering refreshments and light meals as well as sun loungers and umbrellas for rent. Cradling the bay is a thick pine forest, giving the illusion of complete seclusion from the outside world. In reality, the nearest villages are no more than a bike ride away, with Božava, the largest, offering a miniature train to transport visitors back and forth from the beach. Parking is also available for those who choose to drive, however we recommend visiting by private yacht excursion from Zadar instead, as ferry connections can often be complicated and time consuming.

Sakarun Beach Overview

Also known as: Saharun Beach

Location: Dugi Otok Island

Nearest villages: Veli Rat, Verunić, Soline, and Božava

Nearest major city: Zadar (mainland)

Beach type: small pebbles and sand

Chairs & Umbrellas available for rent: yes

Facilities available: restroom, several beach bars offering refreshments, snacks, and light meals

Best way to visit: private yacht or speedboat – arrive in style and without the inconvenience of adhering to a ferry schedule!

4. Pasjača Beach

A hidden gem on Konavle’s coast

A trip to Pasjača Beach is not for the faint of heart! This picture-perfect beach can only be reached by a concrete foot path which hugs a sheer cliffside and descends more than 800 feet to the shore below. Precarious at times, the path winds downward, passing through a narrow tunnel carved into the rocks before ending in a combination of steps and stones… but however daunting this may seem, don’t be put off. Those who make the difficult trek will be rewarded, first by the spectacular viewpoints along the path, and next by the cool clear water lapping the shore.

Located in the municipality of Konavle, roughly 20 miles south of Dubrovnik, Pasjača Beach was formed through the marriage of man and nature. In 1955, a tunnel was built from an inland stream leading to the sea. The intention was to prevent the frequent flooding of nearby fields. The rocks that were excavated during the tunnel’s construction were discarded on the shore. Over time, the sea worked its magic, pounding the rocks into fine sand and creating this one-of-a-kind beach.

Although small in size, Pasjača Beach is impossibly picturesque, with a narrow strip of sand the only separation between imposing cliffs and translucent sea. Massive rocks in the water invite swimmers to sunbathe atop them and take in the rugged beauty which surrounds. Difficult to access, and with no facilities or amenities of any kind, Pasjača Beach attracts adventurers seeking an off-the-beaten-path oasis for relaxation and quiet. However, having been named the “Most Beautiful Beach in Europe” by Brussels-based tourism organization European Best Destinations in both 2019 and 2020, this once unknown beach may soon find increased crowds, so be sure to visit as soon as possible!

Pasjača Beach Overview

Location: Konavle Region

Nearest villages: Popovići

Nearest major cities: Cavtat, Dubrovnik

Beach type: sand, rocks, and gravel

Chairs & Umbrellas available for rent: no

Facilities available: none

Best way to visit: private car and driver – there’s no need to rent a car in Dubrovnik, as the city’s main sights are within the pedestrianized Old Town. Instead, hire a chauffeur for the day and stop at the beach for a few hours before exploring the surrounding region of Konavle.

3. Podrače Beach

Proof that Paradise Still Exists on the Makarska Riviera

Postcard perfect Podrače Beach is one of the most photographed beaches in all of Croatia, and it’s not hard to see why! Mesmerizingly beautiful, the small pebble cove looks out upon shimmering jewel-toned water. Pine trees and tamarisks provide natural shade, protecting beach goers from the sweltering summer sun. In the distance, the Dinaric Alps prove a dramatic backdrop, sandwiched between the intense blue of sea and sky. Podrače Beach’s most notable feature is the large rock which forms a border at one side. The rock’s peak was once used to harvest salt by locals, who would evaporate seawater in its shallow pools. These days, it is simply an object of beauty to be admired, and sometimes, climbed.

This little slice of heaven can be found in the town of Brela, a seaside resort at the northern end of the ever-popular Makarska Riviera. Located between Omiš and the Neretva Delta (or more generally, between Split and Dubrovnik), the Makarska Riviera is a 38 mile stretch of coast home to several of Croatia’s most beautiful beaches and serving as a summer playground to sun and fun seeking tourists. Brela itself lays claim to roughly 4 miles of the riviera’s coast, boasting a lovely seaside walking path that links its chain of white pebble beaches. Within a short and pleasant walk from Podrače Beach, visitors will find the famous Kamen Brela (Brela Stone), a small rock island just off the shore, and the town’s main beach, Punta Rata. Also, along the promenade, an array of cafés, bars, and restaurants offer plenty of options for hungry beach goers to refresh and refuel.  The entire area is wonderfully picturesque and a worthy excursion for travelers in need of a proper beach vacation. 

Podrače Beach Overview

Often confused with: Punta Rata Beach (7 minute walk from Podrače Beach)

Location: Brela, Makarska Riviera

Nearest villages: Brela

Nearest major cities: Split

Beach type: pebbles and gravel

Chairs & Umbrellas available for rent: yes

Facilities available: showers, plenty of dining options within a short walk. No restroom on site.

Best way to visit: private car and driver – with no parking lot nearby, we recommend arranging chauffeured transfers to and from the beach. Even better, have your driver drop you off at the start of the seafront promenade and “beach hop” through the day, with pick up at your ending point.

2. Stiniva Beach

Towering Cliffs Hide an Unspoiled Cove on the Island of Vis

Located on the jagged southern shore of Croatia’s most remote island, Stiniva Beach is a place of striking natural beauty. From the sea, it is almost completely hidden by formidable cliffs which shield the alluring cove from passing boats. However, once through the narrow gate formed by the limestone bluffs, the inlet opens to reveal a stunning pebble beach surrounded by rocky wilderness. Shimmering blue-green water and dramatic views make this one of Croatia’s most instagrammable beaches, though the remote location and general inaccessibility mean that only the most intrepid travelers venture there. Most visit by boat, undeterred by the fact that half of the beach is always in the shade, a consequence of the steep limestone walls which encircle the cove. In the shaded area, a small tavern caters to thirsty beach goers who revel in the beauty that surrounds them.

This beautiful, isolated beach is just one of many charms to be found on the island of Vis. Seemingly untouched by time, Vis is brimming with rustic charm, from the quaint fishing villages along its shores to the quiet hamlets sprinkled throughout its interior. Vineyards and citrus orchards cover the hilly island, the scent of wild rosemary perfuming its air. Until 1989, Vis was completely shut off from the outside world, serving first as a hideout for Tito and his partisans and later as a Yugoslav military base. Even after opening to outsiders, the island still retains a calm difficult to find elsewhere, no doubt due in part to its remote location roughly 30 miles off the Croatian mainland.

Movie buffs may recognize Vis from Mama Mia! Here We Go Again, where it starred as the fictional Greek island of Kalokairi. Many of the island’s main attractions are highlighted in the film, including seafood restaurant  Konoba Jastožera, famous for its fresh lobster. However, despite the increased attention garnered from the movie, Vis remains largely undisturbed; a haven for travelers seeking simplicity and authenticity.

Stiniva Beach Overview

Location: Vis Island

Nearest villages: Marine Zemlje

Nearest towns: Vis Town, Komiža

Beach type: Stones, pebbles, and gravel

Chairs & Umbrellas available for rent: no

Facilities available: one small tavern offering meals and refreshments

Best way to visit: private yacht or speedboat – unless you’re interested in a treacherous 20 minute foot path which literally follows a goat track, the sea is the only way to access this stunning hidden inlet.

1. Zlatni Rat Beach

A natural phenomenon on the Island of Brač

There may be no more unique beach in the world than Brač island’s spectacular Zlatni Rat. Extending into the sea like a lizard’s tongue, this geomorphological wonder has become one of the most recognizable icons of Croatia’s natural scenery and a must-visit location for sun-seeking travelers.  Stretching more than 1,500 feet into the shimmering aquamarine waters of the Adriatic, this smooth pebble beach is in a constant state of change. The exact length and shape of the landform changes subtly with variations in the tide, current, and wind, making its shores every bit as alive as the people who visit them.

Zlatni Rat is also called the Golden Cape or Golden Horn. The moniker is thought to have been derived not from the color of its sunlit pebbles, but rather for the abundance of fish to be found in its waters; the main source of income, or “gold,” for local people. Here, on the southern coast of Brač, fishing has been an integral part of the local economy since the middle ages. Bol, the town closest to Zlatni Rat, was once the second most developed fishing settlement on the island. Today, it’s a buzzing summer hotspot, attracting crowds who wish to explore the surrounding area. A long promenade shaded by trees and elevated for stunning for views connects Bol to Zlatni Rat, however those that prefer to skip the 20-minute walk can also arrive at the beach via tourist train or taxi boat.

As Croatia’s most famous beach, Zlatni Rat benefits from well-established infrastructure. Sun loungers and umbrellas are available for rent. In addition, the center of the peninsula is pleasantly wooded, offering a shady retreat from the sun. Visitors are sure to be impressed by the array of activities on offer, from the massive aquapark floating offshore to parasailing excursions offering spectacular views. A strong “Maestral” wind that blows in the afternoon makes Zlatni Rat a favorite spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing, but mornings are calmer and perfect for families. All in all, this picturesque beach offers a little something for everyone. There is even a small nudist section of the beach, discreetly shielded by trees.

Zlatni Rat Beach Overview 

Also known as: Golden Cape or Golden Horn

Location: Brač Island

Nearest villages: Bol

Nearest major cities: Split (mainland)

Beach type: small pebbles

Chairs & Umbrellas available for rent: yes

Facilities available: restrooms, showers, restaurants, playground, watersports… you name it, Zlatni Rat has it!

Best way to visit: private helicopter transfer – Zlatni rat’s unique shape is best viewed from above, so what better way to arrive to the island of Brač than by private helicopter transfer? Enjoy a scenic tour from bird’s eye view before heading off to enjoy the rest of your day at the beach.

About the Author:

Luxury Travel Designer and Destination Specialist, Tia Lovisa Moreira, Joined the Tasteful Croatian Journeys Team after nearly a decade spent living abroad in Munich, Germany. Having traveled to more than 40 countries across 4 continents, she brings with her a wealth of first-hand travel experience and a deep love of European peoples and cultures. Learn more about Tia here.