Life's a Beach: 7 gorgeous beaches in Dalmatia
From golden horns and hidden caves to fine sandy beaches: Croatia, and especially the region of Dalmatia, is known as a true beach paradise. We reveal where you should lay down your towel this summer.
August 10, 2022
Zlatni Rat, Island Brač
The Golden Horn is one of the most iconic beaches in Dalmatia. © Shutterstock
Where. Put Zlatnog Rata, 21420, Bol, Croatia
How to get there? 2 hours by car, plus a ferry ride from Split
A must on any beach tour is undoubtedly Zlatni Council: The 500 meters long "Golden Horn" consists of fine white pebbles, with shallow access to the water. The shore always changes, depending on the current.
Brela, Makarska Riviera
Typical Adriatic beach bliss awaits sun-seekers in Gradač. © Shutterstock
Where. Morze Adriatyckie, 21330, Gradac, Croatia
How to get there? 2 hrs. drive from Dubrovnik, 1 hr. 45 min. drive from Split
Sun lovers often go to the Makarska Riviera, where you can find some of the most beautiful beaches on the Dalmatian Coast. Especially near the village of Brela, the water is crystal clear and the pebble beach shines bright in alabaster white.
Blaće Beach, Mljet Island
In the small, protected lagoon of Limuni, you can swim in the crystal-clear water between pine groves. © Shutterstock
Where. East of Mljet, Croatia
How to get there? 2 h 30 min. by car, plus a ferry ride from Dubrovnik
Surrounded by fragrant pine groves and located in the small, protected Limuni Bay, Blace Beach beckons with fine, soft sand and sparkling azure waters. This dreamlike place can only be reached via a narrow path from Saplunara beach. Perfect for those who appreciate untouched nature.
Kraljičina, Nin
Queen's Beach in Dalmatia scores points for its turquoise, crystal-clear waters. © Shutterstock
Where. Kraljičina plaža, 23232, Nin, Croatia
How to get there? 30 min. by car from Zadar
The "Queen's Beach" near Zadar is especially perfect for family vacations: the lagoon with an eight-kilometer-long light golden sandy beach allows for easy access to the pleasantly warm water. The nearby healing mud area with free spa treatments will have a positive effect on your complexion.
Pisak-Kulina, Starigrad
With the ancient fortified tower behind you, you can swim out into the clear expanses of the Adriatic Sea. © Shutterstock
Where. Plaža Pisak, 23244, Seline, Croatia
How to get there? 50 min. by car from Zadar
Against the backdrop of the imposing Velibit lies Pisak kulina, an idyllic beach with crystal clear turquoise waters and iconic scenery. Make yourself comfortable on the fine pebbles, right in front of the ruins of the ancient 16th century watchtower Večka kula. Cafes and restaurants as well as parking spots, athletic fields and changing rooms make for a convenient stay.
Betina cave, Dubrovnik
Betina Cave can only be reached by boat. © Shutterstock
Where. Ul. Vlaha Bukovca, 20207, Dubrovnik, Croatia
How to get there? 15 min. by car from Dubrovnik
Unique: this magical beach extends across an area of 30 by 30 meters, located in a gravel grotto directly on the sea, which can only be reached by boat – or, conveniently, in a canoe.
Stiniva, Vis
The passage of the imposing cliffs at Stiniva is only five meters wide. © Shutterstock
Where? 21480, Marinje Zemlje, Croatia
How to get there? 15 min by car from Vis
The small southern island hides true dream beaches – including Stiniva Bay, which was named the best European beach in 2016. It's surrounded by imposing cliffs, with only a small, five-meter wide entrance that lets the turquoise water enter the sheltered bay. The place is reminicent of Leonardi DiCaprio's The Beach. A snack bar is available for small bites, whereas the charming old fishermen's houses around are perfect for Instagramsnapshots.
