· 3 min read
10 Best Sandy Beaches in Croatia (Chosen by Locals)
By Sarah & Ivan Ćosić, Royal Croatian Tours
I'm Sarah, a Canadian who has lived in Croatia for 13 years. With my Croatian husband Ivan, I run Royal Croatian Tours. Croatia is famous for its crystal-clear sea, but most of its beaches are pebbly or rocky. I've come to love them (no sand in your bag, and the water is incredibly clear), but if you have small kids or simply dream of soft sand, these are the sandy beaches we recommend.
1. Sakarun, Dugi Otok
My number one sandy beach in Croatia. Around 800 metres of soft white sand slope gently into turquoise water that looks more like the Caribbean than the Adriatic. Dugi Otok is a little remote (reach it by ferry or catamaran from Zadar), which keeps it special.
2. Šunj, Lopud
A beautiful sandy bay on the car-free island of Lopud, a short ferry ride from Dubrovnik and an easy day trip. Legend says that if you walk the whole length of the beach with your loved one, you'll stay together forever.
3. Vela Pržina, Lumbarda (Korčula)
Just outside Korčula town, near the village of Lumbarda, this sandy beach is surrounded by the vineyards that produce the local Grk white wine. Combine a beach morning with a wine tasting in the afternoon.
4. Prapratno, Pelješac
A sheltered sandy bay near Ston on the Pelješac peninsula. It's also the ferry port for Mljet, so it makes a perfect swim stop on the way, and you can visit Ston's famous walls and oyster farms the same day.
5. Queen's Beach (Kraljičina plaža), Nin
A three kilometre stretch of sand near Zadar, said to be named after Queen Jelena. It's known for its healing mud, believed to help with skin conditions and arthritis, so you can give yourself a little spa day by the sea.
6. Rajska plaža (Paradise Beach), Lopar on Rab
"Rajska plaža" means paradise beach, and it lives up to its name: about a kilometre and a half of sand, with water that stays shallow for a long way out, ideal for small children and sandcastles. Legend has it that King Edward VIII went skinny-dipping on Rab in the 1930s.
7. Saplunara, Mljet
Mljet is one of the greenest Croatian islands and home to a beautiful national park. At its quiet eastern tip, Saplunara's sandy bays are tucked into a pine forest, a lovely spot for a peaceful day.
8. Bijeca, Medulin (Istria)
Istria's best-known sandy beach, about a kilometre long, with a very gentle, shallow entry into the sea. Great for families staying near Pula.
9. Bačvice, Split
The city beach of Split, a short walk from Diocletian's Palace. It's famous for picigin, a local game of keeping a small ball in the air while splashing through the shallow water, played almost all year round. Fun to watch, even more fun to try!
10. Velika plaža, Omiš
"Big beach" lies where the Cetina River meets the sea, framed by dramatic cliffs. It's popular for water sports, and you can combine it with rafting or ziplining on the Cetina canyon.
Prefer pebbles? More beach guides
For pebbly beaches, hidden coves and more sand, see our 20 best beaches in Croatia and Klančac beach near Opatija. Whichever beach you choose, pack water shoes and read our 33 Croatia travel tips.
The easiest way to reach the best beaches is often by sea: our private boat trips stop at quiet bays you can't reach by road. Or tell us about your trip and we'll plan it around the beaches you love.
About the authors
As a Canadian in Croatia, Sarah shares her favourite things to see and do, in hopes of helping others enjoy and explore this beautiful country.
Ivan is always searching for unique places and experiences to offer his guests, and shares some of his findings through the blog.
