Croatia is one of the few European countries that offers over 6,000 kilometers of shoreline , of which as much as 4,058 km falls on the islands . Along the Adriatic we will find over 1,200 islands, islets and rocks , and almost all of them have access to the sea and its own beaches - from hidden bays to several kilometers of crystalline water.
Summer 2025 in Croatia is a season that is worth planning in advance - especially if the goal is beaches with a blue flag , a natural shadow, access for children and options for active people. For the purposes of this guide, we have analyzed not only the most beautiful locations, but also real amenities, availability and data from official sources (including Croatia.hr , Blue Flag Global and local tourist offices).
In the article you will find 15 specific sections answering the questions: which beaches are best for families, where you can count on a sandy entrance to the sea, and where you will find peace away from the crowds. Each block contains real information, current for the 2025 season , with letters, maps and contact data. Without pouring water. Without prescribed descriptions. Only facts.
Croatia's most beautiful beaches for the summer 2025 - ranking of places with a view
Croatia in the summer 2025 offers over 100 beaches distinguished by the Blue Flag , which is one of the highest results in Central and Eastern Europe. This certificate is granted only to places that meet strict standards regarding water purity, environmental management, safety and availability. In this section you will find a list of the 10 most recommended beaches - both by tourists and official certification authorities.
Beaches with blue flag - quality and safety
In 2024, Croatia had exactly 116 beaches and 22 marina marked with a blue flag (source: Foundation for Environmental Education). Data on 2025 will be updated in June, but key locations have been stable for several years. Among them, the towns of Crikvenica, Makarska, Bol, Rab, Medulin .
| Number | Beach | Region | Length (M) | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zatni Rat | To take | 630 | Yes |
| 2 | Pate | Krk | 1800 | Yes |
| 3 | Beating | Medulin | 1000 | Yes |
| 4 | Crni pier | Crikvenica | 850 | Yes |
| 5 | Punta installment | Brela | 400 | Yes |
| 6 | Paradise beach | Clearing | 1500 | Yes |
| 7 | Trstetenica | Oresku | 1000 | partly |
| 8 | Vela Plaža | Baška Voda | 1200 | Yes |
| 9 | Slanica | Murter | 600 | partly |
| 10 | Kolovare | Zadar | 500 | Yes |
Croatia's most beautiful beaches according to tourists
Based on data from Google Maps, TripAdvisor and Booking.com, most often assessed as the "prettiest" beaches are: Zlatni Rat (average rating 4.7/5) , Rajska beach (4.6/5) , Punta Rata (4.5/5) and Dubovica on Hvar (4.8/5) . A often mentioned advantage is the combination of crystal water with a natural shadow and a lack of commercial hustle and bustle.
What does the blue flag mean?
This is an international distinction awarded to beaches that meet 33 criteria in four categories: water quality, safety, environmental management and ecological education. The program has been run by the Foundation for Ecological Education (Fee) since 1987.
Family summer in Croatia - perfect beaches for children
50 beaches with bathing safety certificate in Croatia in family -friendly regions, including Istria, Kvarner and Central Dalmatia. Their common denominator are mild descending to the water, sanitary infrastructure, playgrounds and water quality control in accordance with Directive 2006/7/EC. For families with young children, the most important are monitored beaches, with shadow and toilets - there are several such locations in the country and they are described in detail below.
Beaches with attractions for the youngest
The best -rated beaches with playgrounds, inflatable water parks and animations include Slanica (Murter) , Bajeca (Medulin) and Crni Molo (Crikvenica) . In the summer season 2024, all three were equipped with certified play constructions (with EN 1176 certificate), and in Medulin and Crikvenica there were also rescue teams with presence for 10 hours a day.
- Bijeca (Medulin) - a sandy beach with a playground and water bike rental
- Slanica (Murter) - inflatable water obstacle course for children 4-12 years
- CRNI MOLO (CRIKVENNICA) - animation zones with care for children, toilet and beach bar
- Omiš - Velika beach - available with a pram, supervised, with swings
- Baška Voda - Vela Beach - a wide beach with shadows and family games zone
Safe swimming pools and natural shadow
In the 2023-2024 season, the European Commission assessed the quality of water in Croatia bathing as "excellent" in 94.4% of cases (source: EEA). Among the beaches recommended for families due to shadow and lack of waves, among others Kolovare (Zadar) , Paradise Beach (Lopar, Rab) and Biograd na Moru . On all these beaches there are pine trees that ensure a natural shade and a gentle descent to the water with a depth below 1 m for the first 10-15 meters.
What to take to the beach with a child?
The absolute minimum is: water boots (protecting against sea urchins), umbrella or beach tent (shadow not always available), cream with 50+ filter, variable clothes, plastic dishes and 2 liters of water per person. Useful: band with a phone number on the child's hand.
Sandy beaches in Croatia - where to look for them in the summer?
Unlike Greece or Italy, most beaches in Croatia are gravel and stone. However, for families with children and people who value the comfort of entering the water, sandy beaches remain an option. In 2024, the Ministry of Tourism of Croatia indicated 23 locations with dominant sand. The vast majority of them are on the Islands, but some important exceptions can also be found on land.
The best sandy beaches on the continent
There are few on the continental coast of the sandy beaches, but their quality is confirmed not only by tourists' opinions, but also by the results of environmental research. The best -rated are:
| Beach | Location | Length (M) | Parking | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beating | Medulin | 1000 | Yes | full |
| Saplunara | Mljet | 300 | limited | mean |
| Slanica | Murter | 600 | Yes | full |
| Sabunics | Nin | 800 | Yes | full |
| Kraljičina Plaža | Nin | 2000 | Yes | All right |
Sandy ranks on the Croatian islands
Most natural sandy beaches are located on the islands of Rab, Korčula and Brač. The paradise beach (Lopar, Rab) is particularly distinguished - 1500 meters long, with soft golden sand and a very shallow descent (up to 0.5 m deep at the first 30 meters). This is one of the few beaches where children can play in water without the need for special protective shoes. The high level of safety is confirmed by the constant presence of rescuers and the designation of the bathing beach.
It is also worth mentioning the beach of Vela Pržin on Korčula , known for its pure sand and small waves, and Lovrečin beach on Brač , where water maintains a temperature of 25-27 ° C for most of August, which is confirmed by the data of the Hydrological Institute of Croatia.
Sandy or gravel - what to choose?
The gravel beaches dominate in Croatia not by accident - they are more resistant to erosion, easier to maintain and ensure greater water transparency. However, sandy beaches are more convenient for children, the elderly and those who do not like to wear shoes into the water. It is worth taking into account personal needs - if you are looking for comfort and entry without pain, choose sand. If you care about diving and clear water - choose gravel.
Croatia summer 2025 - which islands offer the most beautiful beaches?
In 2023, over 35% of all accommodation in Croatia were registered on the Islands - mainly Brač, Hvar, Korčula, Rab and Vis (data: Hrvatska Turistička Zajednica). This is no accident: it is there that there are beaches considered to be the most visually and qualitatively attractive, often with access only from the sea or on mountain paths. For traveling in the summer of 2025, the islands remain one of the few ways to combine peace with natural beauty and clean water.
Brač and the famous Zatni Rat
Zlatni Rat beach , located in Bol on the island of Brač, is one of the most recognizable beaches of the Adriatic. Its shape resembling a triangular peninsula changes under the influence of wind and currents, which was confirmed in the Satellite analysis of NASA from 2019. The length of the beach is about 630 meters , and the quality of water is assessed annually as "perfect" by the Sanitary Inspection of the Croatian Republic. Sports infrastructure (windsurfing, kayaks, paddleboard) and a licensed diving school are available on site.
Vis and the hidden bay of Stiniva
Stiniva, on the southern coast of the island of VIS, is considered by many to be the most beautiful bay of Croatia. In 2016, she was officially recognized as the best beach of Europe in the European Best Destinations plebiscite. The length of the beach is only 35 meters, but its characteristic, natural rock "gates" with a height of over 20 meters create a unique space - shady and quiet. You can reach the bay on foot (trail from the village of Žužec, about 25 minutes) or Łódź. Water maintains a temperature of 24-26 ° C from June to mid -September.
- Zatni Rat - Brač
- Stiniva - vis
- Paradise beach - Rab
- Dubovica - Hvar
- Vela Pržina - Korčula
- Lovrečina - Brač
- Šunj - Lopud (around Dubrovnik)
Are the beaches in the Islands better than on land?
The average concentration of E. coli and enterococci bacteria in the waters of the coastal islands is 26% lower than on the continental coast (source: Hrvatski Zavod Za Javno Zdravstvo, 2023). In addition, the islands offer better air quality and smaller crowding. The downside can be limited access - many beaches require transport by boat or a long on foot.
Beaches with a view of the Adriatic - where to the sea in Croatia?
The Croatian coast of the Adriatic stretches over a length of 1,777 kilometers (without islands), offering hundreds of points with a direct view of the sea. Among them are places connecting landscape values with above -average quality of water - including Brela of Punta Rata and a paradise beach on the island of Rab . Both locations are not only on the list of best rated on Google Maps (> 4.6/5), but were also included in the official reports of the Croatian Ministry of Tourism as a place of exceptional natural and recreational importance.
Brela and Punta Rata - cliffs and emerald water
Punta Rata in Brela, located in the Makarska region, was recognized by Forbes magazine as one of the 10 most beautiful beaches in the world in 2004 - and still maintains a high standard. Known for limestone cliffs and crystal clean water, this beach measures about 400 meters long, and the average sea temperature in August is 27 ° C. The place is protected as a nature reserve (from 1968), which limits the development and guarantees the preservation of a natural landscape.
Paradise beach on the island of Rab
Located in Lopar, a paradise beach is one of the longest sandy beaches in all of Croatia - it has over 1,500 meters . Thanks to the very shallow water (up to 0.5 m on a section of over 30 m) and a gentle descent, this place is ideal for families with children and the elderly. Since 2003, he has been constantly receiving the status of the "Beach of the Year" in the HRT ranking (Croatian public television), and in 2024 it was awarded by the European Environmental Agency as a swimming pool with the highest cleanliness class.
| Beach | Type | Length (M) | Type of substrate | Water temperature (VIII) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Punta installment | cliff | 400 | gravel + rock | 27 ° C |
| Paradise beach | flat | 1500 | sand | 26 ° C |
Why is the Adriatic so clean?
The Adriatic is characterized by a high salinity (38 Dog) , low levels of organic suspensions and a very small number of large rivers falling into its northern part. In combination with strong coastal currents and a lack of heavy industry on the coast, it gives water the ability to quickly self -cleaning. EEA studies from 2023 confirm: 94.4% of bathing areas in Croatia have water quality assessed as "excellent" .
Less known pearls - hidden beaches without crowds
In 2023, the average occupancy of the most popular beaches in Croatia (measured on the basis of the number of Google Maps users at peak hours) exceeded 1,200 people a day. For comparison - less known beaches recorded below 150 visits a day. For travelers in the summer of 2025, who value silence and lack of crowds, places with limited car access or without commercial infrastructure will be crucial. Such include MLJET and PAG Islands and single bays on Hvar and Visie.
Islands away from the trails - MLJET and PAG
Mljet , partly covered by the status of the National Park since 1960, is one of the most forested islands of Croatia - 72% of the surface covers pine forests. The Saplunar beach hidden on the southern coast is characterized by soft sand and a lack of building within a radius of 1 km. In the 2023 season, the number of visitors did not exceed 100 people a day.
Pag is an island known mainly for night life in ZRće, but its southeastern part hides the beach planjka-Trinćel -a distinguished blue flag, but omitted by mass movement. Access is possible only on foot from the city of Stara Novalja or along a dirt road without public transport.
The least crowded beaches in 2025
Based on the analysis of booking data, the availability of parking lots and information of local tourist offices, the least frequented beaches in Croatia for the summer 2025 will be:
- Saplunara - MLJET (pedestrian or boat, no bars)
- Planjka-Trinćel -PAG (pedestrian access with limited parking)
- Dubovica - Hvar (reaching 15 minutes from the main road, zero hotels)
- Stončica - vis (small bay, local bar, no crowds)
- Zaglav - Dugi Otok (access by boat from the room, no infrastructure)
How to reach hidden beaches?
Most hidden beaches require a minimum of 10-30 minutes of march from the nearest parking lot. The alternative are local taxi-boat cruises, costing around EUR 10-20 for one-way exchange rate . It is worth equipping yourself with good footwear (the route can be stony) and a supply of water, because there are often no shops or shadow on site. Most of these beaches do not have a cellular range.
Child and seniors' friendly beaches - easy access and infrastructure
In the 2024 season, over 12% of tourists in Croatia were traveling with people with limited mobility (data: HTZ, demographic report). The Croatian Tourism Office currently classifies 46 beaches as adapted to the needs of the elderly and families with children . Key features: flat descent to the sea, toilets with handles, ramps for prams and the proximity of the parking lot. Two of the best -rated examples are beating and crni pier - different in terms of location, but comparable when it comes to availability.
Beating in Medulin - a beach with a gentle entrance
Beating is the only fully sandy beach in Istria, over 1,000 meters , with access to prams and a gentle descent to the sea. The descent keeps a depth below 1 meter for the first 20-25 meters, which makes it one of the safest beaches in the region for young children and seniors. There are two toilets adapted to the needs of people with disabilities (with handrails and a free entrance) and four marked parking spaces up to 100 meters .
Crni pier and a long promenade
Located in Crikvenica , the CRNI MOLO beach offers over 850 meters long with a wide concrete promenade without stairs, which allows free movement of carts. The beach has a marked bathing zone with a belay rope and two beach elevators for people with physical difficulties - launched in the 2023 season. Nearby there are numerous benches and gastronomic points with service for disabled people. According to local urban data, 97% of the beach area is adapted for free movement without barriers.
| Beach | Region | Entrance to the water | Adapted toilets | Parking distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beating | Medulin (Istria) | gentle, sandy | 2 pcs. | <100 m |
| Crni pier | Crikvenica (Kvarner) | concrete, equal | 1 pcs + elevators | ~ 150 m |
| Kolovare | Zadar | gravel, ramps | 1 pc. | <200 m |
| Vela Plaža | Pate | Kiss-gravel, gentle | 2 pcs. | 100–200 m |
Where to park the closest to the beach?
In the case of beaches adapted for people with limited mobility, you should look for the P - Invalidska Misita . In Medulin (Bajeca) there are four marked places at Osipovica Street (maximum distance: 80 m). In Crikvenica (Crni Molo), the nearest parking lot is located at Emila Antića Street, about 150 m from entering the promenade. Parking lots are free for people with a disability certificate (you should have an EU plaque).
Where for a romantic rest by the sea in Croatia?
Booking.com booking data for the 2023 season indicate that over 22% of couples chose Croatia as a romantic direction . Key criteria? No crowds, natural surroundings, good bath conditions and spectacular sunsets. Most such places are located on the island of Hvar - not accidentally recognized by Conde Nast Traveller as "the most romantic island of Europe" (2019).
Hidden bays on Hvar
On the southern coast of the island of Hvar there are a dozen or so small bays, to which only hiking paths or routes along Łódź lead. The bay of Velo (12 km from the city of Hvar) is an example of a natural, gravel beach surrounded by cliffs, without hotel buildings, with the possibility of renting a traditional fishing house. In the 2023 season, the average number of people a day did not exceed 60 (according to local tourist information).
Another example is the bay of Lučišć , available only on foot (25 minutes of descent from the main road), without infrastructure, but with a full view of the open Adriatic. Perfect for a one -day trip for two - the lack of a shadow compensates for spectacular water purity and the possibility of bathing without the presence of other tourists.
Sunset on Dubovica beach
The Dubovica beach , located 8 km east of the city of Hvar, is known for the longest visibility of sunset in the region without obscuring the land line - from April to September the sun hides directly in the horizon. According to data from the Croatian Institute of Meteorology, the average number of sunny days in this place is 271 per year . The beach itself is a wide bay with a stony bottom, available only on foot (10 minutes of descent) or a boat. No bars, one old stone fishing house - all this creates a natural atmosphere of intimacy.
- Dubovica - Hvar, perfect for a late south bath and dinner with a view
- ZAKEKE - Lonely bay with a boat or on foot (no infrastructure)
- Lučišća - raw beauty without traces of civilization
- Milna - with a sandy descent and restaurant "Mola Onte" by the beach
- Dol's post - close to the city of Hvar, but with a charming lighthouse in the background
When is the best to observe the sunset?
The best period for romantic sunsets in Croatia is between June 10 and August 5 , when the sun sets at the latest - around 20: 30-20: 45 (local time). On Hvar - in particular in sinuses open to the West - the visibility of the West is up to 180 ° without landscape disturbances. The "SunCalc" application allows you to precisely check the angle of incidence of light on a specific beach.
Croatia All Inclusive - beaches at luxury resorts
According to the data of the Trivago portal from July 2024, Croatia currently offers over 120 hotels in the All Inclusive system , of which only 41 facilities have direct access to a private beach . The regions of southern Dalmatia and the islands of Korčula, Brač and Lošinj dominate. In the 2025 season, the average price of a 7-day stay at the All Inclusive Hotel with the beach is from 4,400 to 7,200 PLN per person (price without a flight). The key factor differentiating the offer is the quality of the beach and the actual "exclusive" status.
Hotels with exclusive beaches
In practice, "exclusive beach" means a formally belonging to a hotel or leased from a municipality with limited public access. Such conditions are fulfilled by, for example, Falkensteiner Hotel & Spa Iader in Petrate near Zadar - one of the few facilities with a completely private bay and access only for guests. The beach is 150 m long, lined with wood and gravel, with a limited number of sunbeds (88 pieces) and access monitoring.
A similar model was used at the Bellevue Hotel in Mali Lošinj - the LHW class object (Leading Hotels of the World), where the bathing area is located in the sheltered bay Čikat and is physically protected by hotel protection. Access from external people requires prior notification and is limited.
Family departments at the beaches
Functionality can be more important for families with children. Valamar Girandella Maro Suites in Rabac (Istria) offers a direct descent to the beach with a sandy-gravel ground, a zone for infants, animator care and a restaurant from the menu without allergens. Amadria Park Andriy in Šibenik is the first resort in Croatia designed only for children - with a water park, beach toy rental and rescuers present 10 hours a day.
| Hotel | Region | Beach | Status | Booking rating (2024) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Falkensteiner Iader | Zadar | Żwirkowa, private | exclusiveness | 9,2 |
| Bellevue | Lošinj | bay, protected | limited access | 9,4 |
| Valamar Girandella | Chop | sandy-gravel | for guests | 9,0 |
| Amadria Park Andrija | Šibenik | Żwirkowa with the aquapark | publicly available | 8,8 |
Does all inclusive pay off?
For families with children - definitely yes, especially in regions without cheaper gastronomy (e.g. southern Dalmatia). The average cost of dinner in a seaside restaurant is about 90-130 HRK (i.e. PLN 55–75), and ice cream + drink for a child - 25 HRK. In the All Inclusive formula, the daily cost is often lower than the sum of individual expenses. For couples or traveling without children - profitability depends on the style of rest: if you plan to eat locally and visit a lot - it is better to choose accommodation yourself with HB food.
Camping beaches - Croatia close to nature
In 2024, Croatia had 304 registered campsite , of which over 90 are located directly at the sea. Data of the Croatian Camping Association (KUH) indicate that facilities in the regions of Istria, Kvarner and Central Dalmatia are the most popular among tourists who value the proximity of nature. Key parameters: water temperature above 24 ° C in the season, descent without steep, quiet area, access to sanitary facilities and online booking without intermediaries.
The best campsite on the beaches
In the category of the best campsites with direct access to the beach, regularly distinguished:
- Camping Straško (PAG) - 57 ha of surface, 2 km of gravel beach, water 25-27 ° C in August, own shadow zone and ecocamping certificate
- Camping Lanterna (Tar-Vabriga, Istria) -access to three different beaches (Żwirkowa, Concrete and Dogs), recommended by ADAC SUPERPLATZ
- Camping Šimuni (PAG) -6 accommodation zones, including 10 m from water, e-bike charging station and own food market
Camps with a direct descent to the sea
Camps offering the actual descent to the sea without road crossings include:
- Camping Kozarica (Pakoštane) - descent to the beach within the fenced area, private bay with a bathing pier
- Camping Stobreč Split - the only camping within the city of Split, with a beach with a gentle descent and access for people with disabilities
- Camping Slanica (Murter) -located at the well-known Slanica beach, direct access to the sandy-gravel shore and diving zone
Where to book a place under the tent?
Reservations of camping sites on the beaches should be made by the end of April at the latest - especially when it comes to the first shore lines. The official and safe channel is the camping.hr (official Kuh platform). In the case of Camping Straško and Šimuni, a dynamic price system applies - cost from 17 to 45 EUR per night for a standard plot (2 people + tent + car), depending on the season.
Croatia summer 2025 for active - beaches with water sports
Croatia offers over 300 bays and beaches with infrastructure for water sports , of which nearly half are in the Central Dalmatian region. Data HTZ and the Croatian Institute of Tourism confirm that activities such as windsurfing, canoeing, snorkeling and diving are one of the five most frequently chosen forms of rest by the sea. In 2023, as many as 32% of foreign tourists benefited from at least one water activity.
Windsurfing and kayaks along the coast
The best conditions for windsurfing and canoeing occur in the Viganj Bay in Pelješcu , where from May to September the thermal winds of 6–9 m/s regularly blow. In the 2024 season there were 7 licensed Windsurfing schools . For beginners, there are also high -bars on the island of Brač - the water there at Zlatni Ratks offer tiles, predictable terrain and belaying from Brzeg.
Canoeists most often choose the Trogir - Island of Čiovo - Medena , about 11 km. Renting a 2-person kayak costs from EUR 15 for 2 hours (as of August 2024). The best time of the day: 8: 00–10: 30 or after 17:00, due to the smaller waves and lower movement of motor boats.
The best places to dive and snorkeling
The most famous locations for divers include:
- Taranto wreck - 45 m below the surface, 3 miles from the island of Mljet, only with a license
- Blue Cave (Modra Špilja) - Biševo, depth 3-12 m, perfect for snorkeling
- RT Kamenjak - Istria, underwater tunnels and vertical rocks
Most local schools offer PADI Open Water Diver (min. 3 days), and prices in 2024 started from EUR 360 for the entire package with equipment rental. In the case of snorkeling, basic means are enough: mask, tube and fins. Best conditions: turn of June and July, with maximum transparency up to 25 meters.
| Beach / location | Activity | Level of difficulty | Availability of equipment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Viganj (Pelješac) | windsurfing, kite | Medium - zaaw. | rentals, schools |
| Zlatni Rat (Brač) | windsurfing, kayaks | beginner | full offer |
| Medena (Trogir) | kayaks, sup | easy | in place |
| Biševo / Modra Špilja | snorkeling | easy | own equipment or organized cruise |
| RT Kamenjak (Istria) | diving | mediocre | diving center |
Do you need a diving license?
Yes - there is a license in Croatia (minimum padi OWD or CMAS P1) for diving below 10 meters. Recreational diving up to 5 MZ belaying (eg "Intro Dive") is possible without authorization, but only with an instructor. Diving without permission is threatened with a fine of up to EUR 1,000 (Act on the protection of underwater cultural heritage, Journal of Laws Rh 130/23). Snorkeling does not require permits, but it is forbidden to use harpuns without fishing license.
Croatia with a pet - animal -friendly beaches
In Croatia, there were officially over 35 beaches marked as Dog-Friendly , and another 20 had a partial status of "pet-tolerated" (permissible at certain times). In the summer 2025 season, new guidelines of the Ministry of Tourism and local governments are in force - including The requirement to mark the inputs for dogs and the availability of containers for droppings. In many municipalities (including Zadar, Poreč, Split), a violation of the rules is threatened with a fine of 500–1,000 HRK .
Where will you legally enter with the dog?
Access with a dog is possible only on the beaches designated by a resolution of the commune or local bathing regulations. The most important locations include:
- Podvorska (CRIKVENNICA) - the oldest legal beach for dogs in Croatia (from 2010), with a shower and a shadow zone
- Kašjuni (Split) - zone separated on the west side of the beach, with information boards
- RT Kamenjak (Premantra) - protected area, but with official access to dogs (on a leash)
- Old Škola (Rijeka) - a beach with a concrete descent and water bowls in the season
- Punta Kolova (Opatija) - a quiet bay, without infrastructure, but with legal access for dogs
Beaches with facilities for dog owners
In addition to access itself, infrastructure is important. In 2023, only 12 beaches offered amenities especially for dog owners - mainly baskets, showers, shaded zones and access to fresh water. Examples:
- Monty's Dog Beach (Crikvenica) - a dog food bar, play zone, regulations in four languages
- Šimuni beach (pag) - a separate fragment with microfacture for paws, first aid point for animals (in the season)
- Uvala Blaz (Istria) - a quiet beach with dog stands, no crowds
Regulations of dog beaches - what do you need to know?
1) The dog must have current vaccinations and be marked (chip or tattoo).
2) a leash or harness applies - in 5 municipalities also muzzle (Split, Zadar, Rijeka, Pula, Dubrovnik).
3) A mandatory cleaning of the dog - no bags do not release from responsibility (fine to 1,000 HRK).
4) a ban on leaving the dog unattended - even on a legal beach.
5) ban on dog baths outside the designated zone - especially in bathing beacts with the "Plavi Zastava" designation.
Beaches with good gastronomy - where to eat right next to the sea?
In 2024, as many as 63% of tourists chose restaurants within a radius of 150 meters from the beach (data: HTZ, vacation satisfaction test). There are several dozen gastronomic premises in Croatia, which not only offer a direct view of the sea, but also enable consumption in a swimsuit, without the need to change clothing. Key locations are concentrated in the regions of Istria, Split, Makarska and the Islands.
Restaurants with a view of the beach
The highest rated restaurants at the beach are places where gastronomy meets direct contact with the sea - physically and visually. The most recommended by local guides and portals (TripAdvisor, Michelin Croatia Guide) include:
| Restaurant | Region | Kitchen type | Directly on the beach | Google rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Horse code of the brand | Vis | Mediterranean | Yes | 4.8 |
| Hula hula beach bar | Hvar | fusion + cocktails | Yes | 4.5 |
| Plavi Podrum | Volosko | Fine Dining | Yes | 4.7 |
| Batana Beach | Rovinj | grill + seafood | Yes | 4.6 |
| Dolphin | Pasta | Local Dalmatian | Yes | 4.4 |
The best premises for a quick lunch in a swimsuit
In many coastal gastronomic points there is no dress code - you can enter the beach directly. The most popular beach "bistro without barriers" include:
- Pirate (Baška beach, Krk Island) - specializes in grilled fish, daily lunch menu for around 9-12 EUR
- Beach Barboo (Slanica beach, Murter) - street food kitchen, tables in the shade of pines, card payment
- La Playa (Kolovare beach, Zadar) - burgers and salads, air -conditioned room + outer zone at a distance of 10 m from the sea
Dishes that are worth trying in Croatia:
1) Brudet -stewed fish in tomato-bubble sauce, most often served with polenta;
2) Peka - meat (often lamb) baked under a cast iron cover, popular in coastal taverns;
3) Crni Rižot - Risotto of Mątwa with the addition of its natural ink;
4) JanJetina from Ražnja - grate lamb, typical of island regions;
5) Fritules - yeast balls with the addition of rakia or citrus peel, served as a beach dessert.
You can find more about Croatian cuisine in the article:
What to eat in Croatia - kitchen, dishes, prices and advice .
Croatia summer 2025 with a map of beaches - plan your rest
According to HTZ data, Croatia currently has over 1,200 officially classified beaches , of which about 350 is in the national geoportal base . The availability of information about the beaches significantly increased after 2020, when most municipalities implemented digital tourist maps with the exact designation of bathing zones, shadows, rescuers and catering outlets. In the 2025 season, many of these data are also available offline - what is key to regions without coverage (islands, bays).
Map of the most popular beaches
The most frequently searched locations in the 2024 season according to Google Trends and Visit Croatia API:
- Zlatni Rat (Brač) - a triangular beach visible from the satellite, marked in Google Maps with 5 800+ opinions
- Paradise Beach (RAB) - the longest sandy beach, accurate designation to enter OpenStreetmap
- Punta Rata (Brela) - 5 input zones, all updated on heret maps
- Slanica (Murter) - bay with a family beach and water equipment base, visible in Google Earth with an infrastructure layer
- Kolovare (Zadar) - a city beach with full acoustic map and sanitary conditions
How to plan a vacation route?
In the 2025 season, three applications dominated the planning of travel along the Croatian coast: maps.me , locandy and komoot . They all allow offline to download and work without the need for mobile data. Example: Rovinj - Split route with 14 beaches marked, sanitary points and parking lots in KOMOOT takes about 3 minutes of configuration. Applications support the import of GPX and KML data, which allows you to plan multi -stage trips directly from the beach map.
How to find the nearest offline beach?
1) Download the map layer from the Maps.Me - the regions of Istria and Dalmatia occupy about 85–110 MB.
2) Turn on POI filtering and activate the "beach" category - works without coverage.
3) Use local GPS, even without a network - smartphones from Glonass or Galileo offer accuracy up to 2 m.
4) For full data, use geoportal.dgu.hr - there are also noise maps, water quality and bathing classification from 2018-2025.
Accommodation near the beach - where to sleep on the sea in the summer?
In the 2024 season, as many as 68% of foreign tourists in Croatia chose accommodation within 300 m from the beach (data: Hrvatska Turistička Zajednica). In 2025, the largest clusters of such facilities are located in the following regions: Makarska, Zadar, Poreč and the Islands Brač, Hvar and Rab. Key selection criteria: distance from the beach (not declared but actual), sea view, air conditioning and direct access to the promenade or bathing descent.
Hotels and apartments right on the beach
Objects located up to 50 m from the beach are less than 12% of the entire Croatia accommodation base . The best rated (Booking, Google, TripAdvisor) include:
- Hotel Oyejava - Makarska: 4*, 30 m from the sea, all rooms with balcony, rating 9.3/10
- Villa Marta - Baška Voda: Family Apartments 15 m from the beach, kitchen, free sunbeds, rating 9.4/10
- Hotel Plaža Duće - Omiš: Modern facility 50 m from Brzeg, SPA and Wellness Zone
Accommodation with a view of the Adriatic
In offers, the term "sea view" does not always mean a panorama - according to the regulations, a minimal sea exposure through the window is enough. Rooms with the "Sea Front" or "Direct View" designation usually offer a real view. Examples of accommodation with a full view of the Adriatic:
- Adriatic Luxury Rooms - Split: panoramic windows, 180 ° view, distance 70 m from Bačvice beach
- Villa Temida - Rab: Apartment with terrace and view of the shoreline in the bay campaign
- Hotel Podine - HVAR: Private beach and direct view from each balcony (confirmed in the description certified by the local tourist chamber)
| Location | Type of object | Distance from the beach | Sea view | Price per night (2 people) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Makarska - Hotel Ozajaava | Hotel 4* | 30 m | full | from PLN 650 |
| Split - Adriatic Luxury Rooms | apartment | 70 m | panoramic | from PLN 490 |
| Rab - Villa Temida | villa | 40 m | full | from PLN 420 |
| Omiš - Hotel Plaža Duće | Hotel 4* | 50 m | partial | from PLN 580 |
When to book accommodation for summer?
The best time to book accommodation by the beach is between January and mid -March . Data Booking and Airbnb indicate that by the end of March 73% of offers located up to 100 m from the sea disappear . In the case of top locations (Brač, Rab, Makarska) even earlier - already in February availability is below 30%. For savings: check the direct sides of the facilities - many of them offer discounts 5-10% when booking or payment in advance.
The most frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Croatia in the summer 2025 season remains one of the best -prepared European countries to relax by the sea - both in terms of the number of available beaches and their diversity. Regardless of whether you are looking for a sandy bay for children, a secluded beach for a romantic trip, or all inclusive infrastructure with a elevator for seniors - this country really offers everything. Choosing the right place should not be a coincidence - it is worth planning consciously, based on data, not advertising brochures.
In this guide, we have collected only proven and current information that is to make it easier for you to plan your perfect, conscious vacation. And when you find your perfect beach - remember this moment. The Adriatic does not disappoint.
