Best Beaches in Croatia

August 07, 2024 6 min

Are you dreaming of the sea breeze in your hair and golden rays on your face as you relax on a Croatian yacht charter? There’s no better place to rest and recuperate than on one of Croatia’s many sensational beaches.

Whether you’re looking for an isolated cove only accessible by boat, somewhere with shallow waters for younger children to enjoy, or a beautiful beach near delicious restaurants and bars so that you can immerse yourself in local culture, there’s something to suit everyone.

The only question is…where is the best beach in Croatia? To help you with creating your itinerary ahead of your idyllic yacht charter, we’ve put together a list of the best beaches in Croatia, from Sveti Jakov Beach to Sunj Beach.

Which part of Croatia has the best beaches?

While each beach is unique, some of the universally best beaches in Croatia are in Dubrovnik, Split, Dugi Otok and Cres.

Offering some of the most breathtaking scenery, unspoiled spots to relax in, incredible conditions for swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving, and a mixture of sand and pebble, the beaches in these locations show Croatia in all its glory.

Rest assured, whether you’re following a Dubrovnik sailing itinerary or an Agana sailing itinerary, you’re sure to discover the perfect spot to relax and bask in the sun.

1. Sveti Jakov Beach

Are you looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and feel your cares melt away as the sun shines on your face? First on our list of the best beaches in Croatia is Sveti Jakov Beach, a secluded cove where you can switch off and unwind without the world watching.

When you imagine Dubrovnik, you might picture a lively city brimming with culture, history and natural beauty. All of this is true, however, this stunning city also offers quiet, tranquil coves where you can say goodbye to crowds and hello to true paradise.

This hidden gem is one of the best-kept secrets in Dubrovnik, which also makes it one of the best beaches in Croatia. With its crystal clear waters, you can spend your afternoon snorkeling and uncovering the treasures that lie under the waters of the Adriatic Sea. Want to embrace the idyllic isolation of Sveti Jakov Beach? Sit back and sunbathe on the clean, shingly shore and listen to nothing except for the waves.

However you decide to spend your time at Sveti Jakov Beach, we know you’ll leave feeling relaxed, rested and rejuvenated.
Want to experience the magic of one of the best beaches in Croatia for yourself? Build a quote and book your Dubrovnik sailing vacation today. Dubrovnik’s perfect balance of vibrant towns and blissful beaches makes it the ideal destination for a yacht charter in Croatia.

2. Sakarun Beach

Experience the pure beauty and elegance of Sakarun Beach on Dugi Otok, renowned for its exquisite landscape and relaxing atmosphere. Whether you’re setting sail as a couple or with your family, everyone will fall in love with Sakarun Beach.

Why is Sakarun Beach one of the best beaches in Croatia?

Croatia is renowned for its pebble beaches, making Sakarun Beach very unique with its beautiful sandy shores.
This unspoiled paradise is pristine, boasting turquoise waters and breathtaking views.
Similarly to Sveti Jakov Beach, Sakarun Beach offers a quieter, more private space to unwind.
Nearby you can find local beach bars that also provide sun loungers and umbrellas during the peak summer months.

Find out more about Croatia’s peak season in our blogs on the best time to sail in Croatia and when to visit the Mediterranean.

3. Kašjuni Beach

Next on our list of the best beaches in Croatia is Kašjuni Beach, located in sensational Split. Did you know…when you book an Agana sailing charter with The Moorings, you’ll be able to experience Kašjuni Beach’s beauty for yourself as our base is a stone’s throw from Split?

Why do we think Kašjuni Beach is one of the best beaches in Croatia?

On the doorstep of the Marjan Peninsula, you’ll be sunbathing against a backdrop of lush green surroundings on one side and azure waters on the other.
As you’ll be so close to the Marjan, an incredible hill that overlooks the city, you can spend the afternoon hiking and taking in the breathtaking scenery.
The gorgeous waters surrounding the beach are renowned for being calm and shallow which makes it perfect for families.
Kašjuni Beach is ideal for swimming, snorkeling and kayaking. If you’re planning on coming face to face with vibrant marine life, take a look at our top tips for enjoying eco-friendly sailing vacations to ensure you protect and preserve the environment while creating memories that last a lifetime.

Use our list of the best beaches in Croatia for inspiration when planning your Agana sailing itinerary and make Kašjuni Beach a must-visit spot when you moor up in Split.

4. Betina Cave Beach

As you plan your idyllic Dubrovnik charter itinerary, you’ll be looking for unique, exclusive experiences that only a sailing vacation can offer. Whether you book a bareboat charter aboard one of our world-class Power yachts, or a skippered charter on a state-of-the-art sailing catamaran, Betina Cave Beach is a must-visit.

What makes Betina Cave Beach one of the best beaches in Croatia, and the whole Mediterranean, is its privacy. Only accessible by the sea, not everyone will be able to experience the magnificent beauty of this beach. What makes it even more secluded is that this beach is tucked away within a breathtakingly stunning cave, so you won’t be overlooked as you sunbathe.

Offering some of the cleanest, clearest and calmest waters in Croatia, Betina Cave Beach is the perfect snorkeling, diving and swimming spot. The best part? The beach has a lot of shade in the afternoons because of the towering cave walls, which means you can escape the sweltering summer heat after a morning of exploring the water.
Already imagining yourself sunbathing against the picturesque backdrop of the cave? Book your Dubrovnik yacht charter with The Moorings today.

5. Sunj Beach

A wide bay with shallow waters, golden sand and rolling green hills on all sides – what’s not to love? Sunj Beach is one of the best beaches in Croatia because you can choose whether your stay is blissful or active.

You can rent a sunbed and beach umbrella, lying back to enjoy the atmosphere of the bay. Or you can meet fellow sailors, try kayaking, visit one of the beach bars, and take trails up the hills and discover ruins of old churches and breathtaking viewpoints from which to admire the surrounding islands. Your vacation, your way!

Discover Croatia with The Moorings

So, there you have it…our top beaches in Croatia. Each one of these stunning spots shines a light on Croatia’s unbeatable natural beauty, gorgeous waters and opportunities for relaxation. Whether you prefer sandy beaches or pebble coves, there’s something to suit everyone.

Book a yacht charter in Croatia today and set sail around Agana or Dubrovnik aboard one of our Power yachts or Sailing yachts. Read more about the best time to visit the Mediterranean. If you have any questions about any of our top beaches in Croatia, or about your upcoming sailing vacation, please get in touch with us today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which part of Croatia has the best beaches?

While each beach is unique, some of the universally best beaches in Croatia are in Dubrovnik, Split, Dugi Otok and Cres.

Rest assured, whether you’re following a Dubrovnik sailing itinerary or an Agana sailing itinerary, you’re sure to discover the perfect spot to relax and bask in the sun.

Does everywhere in Croatia have sandy beaches?

Pebble beaches are perhaps more common, but Croatia has miles and miles of coastline. There are plenty of areas with sandy beaches, but some of the most beautiful sandy beaches in Croatia can be found dotted across the Elafiti Islands.

Where is best for beaches, Dubrovnik or Split?

Dubrovnik is better than Split for beaches! Dubrovnik’s rugged coastline and the surrounding archipelago of Elafiti offers any number of beaches. In general, the area around Dubrovnik is perfect if you’re looking for plenty of scenic spots where you can surround yourself with nature.

Split, meanwhile, is livelier, with lots to do and great nightlife. If you want to sail near Split but get the best of both worlds with quiet, scenic beaches, consider an Agana yacht charter.