Croatia beaches have been the main attraction to the country for many years. With cool waters and an extended warm season, you can soak up the sun on a beach in Croatia from April through September. If you like your beach a bit less crowded, plan a trip during the shoulder season, meaning at the beginning of the tourist season, such as April or May, or the end, after August. Especially at Zlatni Rat, the popular comma-shaped beach on the island of Brac, windsurfers will give their best performance to keep you entertained while sunbathing.

The best beaches in Croatia all have one thing in common: the spectacular quality and colors of the water. From Zlatni Rat, you can gaze at the neighboring islands across an expanse of turquoise and varying shades of blue. If these profiles in the distance entice you to explore other areas, you'll have no trouble doing so—transportation between islands is frequent. Ferries in particular are an affordable way to travel among islands and explore more Croatia beaches. A popular route is to journey from the coastal town of Split to Brac for the beaches and on to Hvar for its legendary nightlife.

Don’t be surprised if the beach in Croatia is a bit rocky. While some sandy beaches can be found, they are rare compared with the number of beaches composed of pebbles. From photographs taken high above, Zlatni Rat appears to have pristine white sand. It is in fact made of small pebbles, and many hotels in the area provide comfortable mats or small beach chairs to enjoy your day in the sun. If the weather is too warm for you, the beach is on the edge of a dense wooded area with picnic tables and plenty of shade. Bring lunch from the local bakery, as it's only about ten minutes' walk from the town of Bol.

Croatia Map

Other popular Croatia beaches include Brela Beach, a day trip from Split. The Dalmatian Coast has earned a reputation for small coves of beaches that provide an intimate day in the sun. Whether romance or family time is the goal of your Croatia vacation, there is a beach to match. Brela Beach is framed with pine trees, and the mountains in the distance make for a picturesque backdrop while swimming. Renting a car is a great way to explore the local beaches, and don’t worry about bringing it on the ferry, as most carry vehicles as well, making it easy to continue your exploration of Croatia beaches on multiple islands.

If you spend a day on the beach in Croatia, you are sure to encounter water sports. If you’ve never tried windsurfing and would like to, there are many instructors with stands near the beaches to make these arrangements. Especially in Bol, a variety of water sports can occupy your day, from boating to fishing to windsurfing. Afterward, enjoy fresh cuisine from the sea as fish and lighter Mediterranean fare is on offer at many local restaurants. Take the time to explore the historical side of Croatia as well, there is much to explore beyond the beautiful beaches, including landmark attractions such as Diocletian's Palace and the Pula Arena.