Beaches in Croatia: hidden coves, islands and bays along the Adriatic coast

Stiniva Beach on the island of Vis sits between steep limestone cliffs about 100 meters high. Access comes through a narrow, rocky path that leads down to the water. This place keeps a wild quality and offers no tourist facilities. The water is clear and good for swimming. The surroundings make this beach a spot where you can experience nature without distractions.

Plaža Ručica on the island of Pag is a long pebble beach situated in a sheltered bay. The water reaches about 25 degrees Celsius in summer. This beach keeps a natural character without tourist facilities, offering a place to swim and rest away from crowded areas.

Plaža Nugal sits at the end of a 30-minute forest walk, surrounded by tall rocks. This beach captures the wilder side of the Croatian Adriatic coast, where nature comes without tourist facilities. The water is clear for swimming from spring through autumn. The woodland path to reach it adds a sense of discovery before you arrive at this quiet cove.

Pokrivenik Beach is located in a deep cove on the island of Hvar. This pebble beach is surrounded by rocks that offer climbing and diving opportunities. The water is clear and inviting for swimming. Nearby you will find traditional restaurants and the historic town of Hvar with its Venetian architecture.

The Valun beach sits in a sheltered cove on the island of Cres. This pebble beach stretches for about 300 meters and offers warm, shallow water with a gentle entry slope. The surrounding area is quiet and allows for both swimming and exploration of the region's historic sites. Nearby you will find old towns and traditional restaurants that reflect the character of this coastal area.

Lovrečina Beach is a sandy beach on the island of Brač. It stretches across a long expanse and provides a natural place for swimming and relaxing. Nearby stand the remains of a basilica from the 5th century, which reveals the long history of this region. The beach sits on the Dalmatian coast and connects bathing with archaeological discovery.

Punta Rata Beach in Brela is a pebble cove surrounded by pine forests. A large rock in the water serves as a natural bathing spot. This beach is among the better-known bays on the Croatian Adriatic coast and offers modern facilities, bars, and restaurants. The water is clear and pleasant for swimming from spring through autumn. The location combines beach enjoyment with opportunities to discover the region's history and enjoy Mediterranean cuisine.

Zlatni Rat beach is located on the island of Brač and features a mobile peninsula that shifts with wind and ocean currents. The shallow waters and reliable conditions make this a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts and swimmers. The beach has good facilities including bars and restaurants nearby that operate throughout the day.

Dubovica Beach sits in a bay with clear water, featuring a pebble shoreline. A restaurant on site serves Dalmatian cuisine. This beach is part of the Croatian Adriatic coast, where you can choose between lively spots with bars and restaurants, and quieter coves. The water remains inviting throughout the season, and the mild Mediterranean climate allows for a long bathing period. Nearby you will find old towns, Roman ruins, and traditional restaurants.

Punta Beach in Omiš is a 400-meter sand beach that offers showers, changing rooms, and sports facilities. The water here is clear and warm throughout the summer months, making it a comfortable place to swim. Restaurants and shops are located nearby, so you can find food and supplies without traveling far. The beach sits along the Dalmatian coast, where the landscape meets the sea in a relaxing way.

Prapratno Beach is located in a sheltered bay on the Pelješac Peninsula. This sandy beach is surrounded by pine forest and offers calm, shallow waters. The location works well for families with children, as the water gradually becomes deeper. Nearby you will find basic facilities and local restaurants where you can try traditional Dalmatian food.

The beach at Nin stretches for about three kilometers and features therapeutic mud found along its sandy shores. The water stays remarkably shallow, remaining only about one foot (30 centimeters) deep for roughly a hundred meters from the shoreline. Many visitors come to coat themselves with the mud before wading into the warm sea. Families and those seeking the healing properties of the muddy bottom find this location particularly welcoming. The gentle slope makes entering the water comfortable and easy for everyone.

Plaža Šunj on Lopud features sandy shores and shallow waters along the southern side of the island. This beach is reached after a pleasant 20-minute walk from the port and offers a welcoming setting for swimmers of all abilities. The sand stretches along the coastline, providing comfortable space for sunbathing and swimming. The gradual slope into the water makes it safe for children and less confident swimmers. A few restaurants and cafes sit near the beach, serving local food and drinks. The setting maintains a natural feel without excessive tourist development.

Sakarun Beach on the island of Dugi Otok stretches for about 800 meters of white sand and shallow turquoise water. Pine forests and Mediterranean plants grow along the shore, providing natural shade. The beach remains largely undeveloped, keeping its natural feel. A few small bars and restaurants line the sand, serving local food. The calm waters and sandy bottom make it good for swimming and families with children.

Vela Pržina on the island of Korčula is a long sandy beach along the southern coast. The water here is clear and inviting for swimming. Near the beach you will find toilets, showers and restaurants where you can eat and drink. The beach offers everything you need for a pleasant day by the sea without feeling crowded.

Plaža Limuni is a pebble beach on the island of Mljet that slopes gently into the water. The 300-meter-long strand is surrounded by pine forests and Mediterranean plants. The water here is clear and good for swimming. The beach has a quiet feel and attracts visitors looking for a relaxed day by the sea without crowds.

Rab Sand Beach stretches for about two kilometers along the coast and has showers, changing facilities, and sports fields for visitors. The water is shallow and welcoming for children. This beach sits on the Croatian Adriatic coast, where alongside swimming you can discover nearby historic towns and local restaurants that keep Mediterranean cooking traditions alive.

Dubrovnik's municipal beaches sit just 500 meters from the old town and offer direct access to the Adriatic next to the historic walls. The beach features pebbles and is lined with bars and restaurants open late into the night. The water here is clean and inviting for swimming, especially from spring through autumn. The beach attracts both visitors who want to cool off after a day exploring the medieval city and locals who come for the nightlife.

Red Beach is located in a narrow bay surrounded by reddish rocks and can be reached by a 20-minute walk from the parking area. This beach reflects the variety of beach types found along Croatia's Adriatic coast. The area around Biograd na Moru shows how coastal places shift between lively swimming spots and quiet bays. The water here allows for pleasant swimming during the warmer months, and the landscape with its distinctive reddish rocks gives this place its own character. Nearby you will find old towns and restaurants where local cooking honors Mediterranean traditions.

Medulin Beach is a sandy beach stretching for about 1.5 km along the Adriatic coast. It offers play areas for children and activities such as surfing and jet ski rentals, mainly at the northern end. The beach benefits from the typical southern Mediterranean climate with clear water suitable for swimming from spring through autumn. Like other beaches and coves along the Croatian coast, this beach fits within a wider selection of coastal spots where visitors can choose between livelier areas and quieter places to spend time.

Beritnica Beach is located in a sheltered cove on the island of Pag and features white pebbles and clear water for swimming. This small cove is part of the diverse coastline of the Croatian Adriatic, where alongside modern equipped beaches you will also find more natural coves like this one. The beach welcomes swimmers from spring through autumn and is part of a region that offers both bathing pleasures and historical sites with Mediterranean traditions.