Croatia’s 5 Most Beautiful Beaches You Can’t Afford to Miss

Still thinking about where to go for your well-deserved summer vacation? Here’s a suggestion for you: Croatia! It’s the perfect destination for a beach vacation, where you can unwind, indulge in delectable cuisine, and have a ton of fun.

Plus, it’s very close to Italy, so you can easily arrange a trip from there. Croatia’s coastline stretches along the Adriatic Sea from Istria to Dalmatia. The country checks all your boxes, whether you’re looking for beaches with crystal clear water, a vibrant nightlife, or just want to soak up the sun on the beach all day.

So, let’s discover the best beaches in Croatia and why you should plan your next summer vacation there.

Best beaches in Croatia: Top 5

1. Rabac, the Pearl of the Kvarner Bay.

Rabac is one of Croatia’s most amazing beaches. You can easily get here from the Pula ferry port served by Venezia Lines.

This beach will amaze you with its beauty and wide range of services. Here, you can swim in crystal clear waters, stroll on the lovely seafront, dine in excellent little restaurants, and enjoy plenty of cultural activities.

Rabac is divided into several little bays with free rocky beaches, which are usually quiet, especially the ones on the left side of the hill.

If you’re up for something more hip and trendy, then Girandella Beach is for you. Its music scene attracts a younger nightlife-loving crowd.

The only slight downside with Rabac is that the water is colder. But that is certainly not enough to overshadow this sea’s breathtaking shade of blue

2. Punta Kamenjak

Punta Kamenjak is the beach in the Kamenjak National Park, in the southernmost part of Istria.

But forget about golden sand or white pebbles. Punta Kamenjak is a rocky beach. It’s perfect if you want to enjoy some privacy and keep away from the crowds. However, there’s a little price to pay for that as this beach can only be accessed on foot.

Also, be aware that you won’t find that many shops and cafés, so bring your own picnic and beach equipment. If walking on the cliffs doesn’t scare you, you’ll be amazed by the crystal clear water and colorful fish.

Punta Kamenjak is the place to be if you’re into cliff diving and spectacular scuba diving experiences.

If you’re in Italy, you can easily take a ferry to Pula. From there, Punta Kamenjak is a two-hour car ride through a stunning natural landscape.

3. Zaton Beach

And now, let’s take a look at Croatia’s best beaches on the Dalmatian coast. With its mile-long (1.5 km) sandy beach, Zaton is undoubtedly one of them.

Its easy access, shallow water, and the possibility of renting sunbeds, umbrellas, and chairs make it ideal for families with children. Plus, you can find all sorts of services here. If you’re into water sports, this is definitely the beach for you.

And if that’s not enough, the beach is surrounded by a shady pine forest and has been awarded the blue flag status.

Zaton beach is only 15 km (9 mi) from Zadar and can be easily reached by car or public transport.

4. Punta Rata

To admire what many consider the most beautiful pebble beach in Croatia, you must move further south to Punta Rata.

Punta Rata is located in Brela and is dotted with fascinating coves and rocks, including the symbol of Brela, the famous Brela Rock, which lies just off the coast.

Punta Rata’s blue water and stunning scenery will fill you with awe. Don’t miss the opportunity to admire the sunset from here.

5. Zlatni Rat

Zlatni Rat is arguably Croatia’s most popular beach. It’s located in Bol on Brač island.

This gravel beach is a highlight of the Dalmatian coast and has a feature that makes it stand out from the rest. In fact, it changes shape depending on the wind, with its tip turning to the left or right.

In addition, the combination of winds makes Zlatni Rat a hotspot for surfers and kite surfers. But make no mistake: this beach isn’t just for sports enthusiasts. Families and people who want to bask in the sun will find their place here too.

Zlatni Rat can be easily reached in the summer by ferry from several nearby spots along the Croatian coast.

Scuba Diving in Croatia

Croatia doesn’t just have some of the Adriatic’s most amazing beaches. It has an impressive underwater world too.

There are 110 official diving sites, so you can choose whether to explore shipwrecks, reefs, or caves populated by a wide variety of fish.

The best sites are mainly in Istria and the Kvarner Bay and can be easily reached from Pula.

How to Get to Croatia from Italy

The Adriatic Sea allows you to travel easily to Croatia from Italy. If you’re in Northern Italy, you can take a Venezia Lines ferry from the port of Venice. 

Our ferries take only a few pleasant hours to get to the most beautiful beaches in Croatia and other top destinations, such as Poreč, Rovinj, and Pula.

Plus, you can select family or group packages or join the VIP Club and get exclusive benefits.