Best Beaches in Croatia for Couples – With its clear waters, fine sandy beaches and Mediterranean climate suitable for swimming all year round, Croatia is a true paradise, less than a 2-hour flight from Paris. Whether on the mainland on one of the most beautiful beaches , or on one of the country’s many islands, you will be spoiled for choice to enjoy the sun and the sea air But then how to choose the best place to put your towel? Fine sand or pebble beach? Secluded cove or convenient beach for family outings? Here is my selection of the most beautiful beaches in Croatia !
Best Beaches in Croatia for Couples
Stiniva, one of the most famous beaches in Croatia
You don’t know where to go in Croatia ? Go to Stiniva , one of the wild beaches located on the southern coast. With a narrow entrance lined with stones, this cove remains the most spectacular in the country , notably thanks to its pebbles and cliffs, 35 meters high ! But to get there, Stiniva will put you to the test to get there: prepare good walking shoes, because the descent is steep and lasts around twenty minutes!
An ideal site for snorkeling and diving, Stiniva beach is located on the island of Vis which, closed to tourists between 1945 and 1989, has today become one of the best preserved islands in Croatia . Relatively small, the island of Vis can be visited in one day. If you are a paddle fan, you can rent one directly on site, and if you prefer to lounge in the sun, you can also enjoy the beach bar 🍹 In my opinion, it is truly one of the most beautiful beaches in Croatia if you are looking for a quiet place to relax for an afternoon
Brela, one of the emblematic beaches of Croatia
Located at the foot of the Biokovo mountain , 15 km from the town of Makarska, Brela is a very small coastal town which attracts thousands of tourists every year in search of heavenly settings and breathtaking natural landscapes. Brela benefits from the Blue Flag label which demonstrates its efforts in environmental management.
With no less than 6 km of beaches, the small town offers postcard settings, with splendid emerald water and unforgettable sunsets… Here, you can notably enjoy the pebble beach of Dugi Rat , long 300m.
But what makes Brela such a popular place is above all for Punta Rata beach , placed every year at the top of the list of the most beautiful beaches in Croatia! A true Croatian symbol, Punta Rata beach is particularly known for the Karmen Brela rock , a tiny islet opposite the beach, overlooked by a Mediterranean tree.
Cape Kamenjak
Cape Kamenjak (or “Rt Kamenjak” in Croatian) is located in the far south of the Istrian peninsula , in northern Croatia. This exceptional site is home to several dozen isolated coves , which charm tourists and nature lovers every year.
From the gravel beaches, you can admire the turquoise water of the sea and the steep cliffs, and discover no less than 600 different species of flowers and plants , spread throughout the surrounding area 🌾
In the water, do not hesitate to put on a mask and fins to go in search of the underwater fauna and flora , very developed in the sector. This rich biodiversity has also made it possible to classify the cape Kamenjak as a landscape park and protected area by the public institution Kamenjak. Be careful though, if you are traveling with your family, I do not recommend swimming for children , because the currents can be strong!
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Zlatni Rat
A splendid beach with smooth pebbles and white colors, Zlatni Rat is characterized by its pointed shape. A strip of land nestled on the southern coast of the island of Brač , the beach, also known as “Cap d’Or” or “Golden Horn”, is unique in the world. Its tip constantly changes with the waves, but grows larger each year.
This beach is undoubtedly the most popular in Croatia , with its natural scenery composed of pine trees and steep cliffs. It also benefits from the Blue Flag label , an environmental and tourist label awarded to marinas and municipalities that make efforts in terms of their environmental management 🙂 The cliffs of Zlatni Rat, set back from the beach, offer welcome shade facing the blazing afternoon sun in Croatia Diving, snorkeling , water sports and even water skiing will be there, for your greatest happiness
Close to the village of Bol , this popular destination is rich in historical and cultural heritage. To prolong your moment of relaxation on Zlatni Rat, stroll through the hilly and shaded stone streets of Bol. Don’t hesitate to visit its Dominican monastery and its church , which are worth a look.
Rajska Plaza, Paradise Beach
Ideal for family holidays, Rajska Plaža (or Paradise Beach) is located in the bay of Crnika, on the island of Rab . With shallow water, this beach with golden sand is perfect for teaching children to swim and is distinguished by the quality of its waters, which offers a magnificent panorama 🙂 You can easily access the bay of Crnika with a rental boat trip in Croatia .
Close to shops and restaurants , Paradise Beach also offers numerous sporting activities : diving, jet-skiing, pedal boats, beach volleyball… Please note, however, that being located in the tourist village of Lopar , this beach is a popular spot very busy in summer !
Off the beach, adventurers can visit the uninhabited island of Sveti Grgur (or Saint-Grégoire in French) as well as the astonishing island of Goli Otok , aka “the bald island”, which once housed a prison. Left as is, the latter even has a handball court.
If you prefer to wander around Lopar , don’t miss its famous annual carnival ! At the end of February, it’s Shrove Tuesday on the island of Rab: 150 years old, a colorful parade takes over the streets to the rhythm of the mih, the local instrument. On the last day of carnival, locals wear traditional masks to chase away winter, knocking on house doors and singing the praises of spring 🌸
Bacvice, the family beach in Split
Bačvice beach is the most popular in Split in Croatia, due in particular to its proximity to the city, its access for disabled people, and its numerous infrastructures such as showers, changing rooms and even toilets. Here, you can place your towel on the sand, but you will also be surrounded by concrete areas, so you should not expect small heavenly coves like those of Stiniva for example
The beach is also very popular with families since the presence of lifeguards allows you to keep a constant eye on the children who are enjoying the joys of the sea. In addition, you will also find slides, trampolines and even inflatable castles on the beach. . If you don’t know what to do with children, spending an afternoon on this beach will surely be a good idea to entertain them 🙂
And if you are traveling to Split with friends and looking for places to go out, the beach of Bačvice is also home to several lively bars and nightclubs .
THE UNMISSABLE EXCURSION FROM SPLIT 🌴
If there is one activity that you should not miss if you travel to Croatia in the Split region, it is an excursion to the Krka waterfalls 😀 As a day trip departing from Split, you can discover one of the most fascinating places in the country! All transport is included in the excursion, all you have to do is let yourself be guided and enjoy this magical place! In addition, you will also pass by small picturesque villages like Skradin and Primosten where you will have free time to enjoy some of the most beautiful beaches in Croatia 🤩 If this excursion tempts you, remember to book in advance because it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country!
To learn more about the Krka Park excursion, click here
Dubovica on the island of Hvar
Are you planning to spend a few days on the famous island of Hvar ? So don’t miss out on discovering Dubovica beach , located in the eponymous bay, one of the most beautiful places on the island! Located about 8 km from the city , the beach is very easily accessible by car, or even by boat 🙂 For this reason, it is very popular with families with children , who can swim peacefully in the clear water and a little deep.
Diving enthusiasts will also find what they are looking for by discovering the magnificent surrounding seabed. For others, the beach bars will allow you to quench your thirst on hot summer days, and the rental shops on the beach will allow you to rent paddle boards to navigate the bay. You will also find changing rooms, toilets and showers.
Sveti Jakov in Dubrovnik
Don’t know what to do in Dubrovnik ? Don’t miss Sv. Jakov beach , one of the best known in the region, located less than a kilometer from the town 😀 Nestled in a small bay and surrounded by cliffs, the beach will offer you a view of the old town and on the island of Lokrum which I spoke to you about earlier in this article. To reach the beach, you will have to go to the parking lot of the Saint-Jacques church then take the stairs that go down to the sea. Be careful, there are many steps (around 160) and quite steep.
Once you arrive, you can enjoy a pretty pebble beach and place your towel on one of the deckchairs (come early to get a place!). The beach is very calm and not recommended for families with children , because entering the water is quite abrupt. The water is deep and rocks line the coastline. I therefore recommend that you swim with water shoes so as not to risk injury 🙂 The place is, however, a very good snorkeling spot 🐠!
Banje
Banje Beach is another very famous beach in Dubrovnik , located near the historic city center of the city, very convenient if you don’t want to travel miles to enjoy the sea 😉 To get there, you can park your car in the town’s municipal car park before going down the stairs to the beach.
Unlike Sveti Jakov beach, you will find several infrastructures here : cafes and restaurants for eating, showers, toilets, deck chairs and even changing rooms. And if you’re a party animal, know that at sunset, the beach becomes the ideal place to go out in Dubrovnik !
This is my selection of the most beautiful beaches in Croatia! Obviously, this is just an overview and you will have the opportunity to discover many more during your trip.
