The vast majority of Croatia's millions of visitors come to take in the sun 'n sea on one of the beaches in Croatia. And they're not disappointed. Croatians also love their coastline and manage it well, ensuring that there's no shortage of spots to throw down a towel or rent a lounge chair for a day.
According to law, the entire coastline and its beaches are open to the public. As a practical matter, the government grants concessions to private enterprises such as bars, restaurants and hotels who rent out beach equipment. Although they are not supposed to exclude non-paying guests, some attempt to do so in the high season.
[Check out the best beach clubs in Croatia]
Very few Croatian beaches are sandy. Most often you'll nest in a private little cove between high rocks or stretch out on a sun-warmed gravel crescent bordered by pines. In general, Istrian beaches are rockiest while the coastline between Split and Dubrovnik has the longest and widest gravel beaches. Water shoes are essential.
Here is my highly personal list of Croatia's best beaches (see a photo gallery of Croatian beaches):
Brela Beach
Zlatni Rat Beach
On Brac
island near Bol,photos
of this unusual thumb-shaped gravel beach lie in almost every Croatian
travel brochure. It's most strange to stand on the tip, turn around
and see the water behind you. Find out more
about Zlatni Rat beach.
Baska Beach
wikicommons cc license
On Krk
island, Baska is a long stretch of pebbly beach. Framed by barren
mountains that constantly change colour with the sunlight, the setting
is dramatic. The tempo is busy-busy with tourists starting in spring.
Find out more about Krk Island.
Sunj Beach
Just a short boat ride from
Dubrovnik, the tiny island of Lopud boasts gorgeous Sunj Beach. It's wide, sandy and accessible only by foot or boat. Find out more about Sunj Beach.
Saplunara Beach
In the most untouristed part of Mljet Island likes this idyllic beach of fine sand and gently lapping waves. And, it's easily reachable from Dubrovnik. Find out more about Saplunara.
Paradise Beach
Trstenica
On Peljesac
peninsula, near Orebic,
Trstenica is a lovely wide, pine-fringed gravel beach that is refreshingly
free of crowds most of the time. Plus, it's an easy hop from Korcula Island. Find out more
about Trstenica beach.
Zrce Beach
At night, Zrce beach in Novalja on Pag Island is famed throughout Europe for its sizzling dance parties. During the day however, all is calm and quiet on this shallow cove. Find out more about Zrce Beach.
Baska Voda
Just a short hop from Split and right next to Brela, Baska Voda is a fetching little whitewashed village bordered by several kilometres of pebble beaches backed by high mountains. Read more about Baska Voda.
Cikat Beach
Right on Cikat Bay in Mali Losinj, the sandy and gravel beaches here are backed by a pine forest and linked by a coastal walk. Find out more about Cikat Beach.
MUST-HAVE BEACH ACCESSORIES |
Outdoor Lock Box
Grand Trunk Parasheet
Snorkel Mask Video Camera
S'well Water Bottle
Flight 001 Clean Beach Set
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