The Best Beaches in Croatia Are Blissfully Wild

When people think of European beach vacations, Positano, sleepy Greek fishing villages and the rocky coastline of the Algarve tend to come to mind. But Croatia – which is by no means under the radar – is a seaside destination that deserves more recognition, especially when it comes to Croatia’s best beaches. “A maze of more than 1,200 islands and rocks make the coast and beaches truly unique,” says Alan Mandić, founder and owner of Secret Dalmatia. “The Croatian Adriatic is also one of the clearest oceans in Europe,” he added.

One of the main distinguishing factors of Croatian beaches is that they are usually pebbled or rocky. While this may require a pair of swimming shoes, Barbara Krillanovic of Adriatic Luxury Hotels points out that it helps maintain clear, turquoise waters compared to sandy beaches. “Croatia’s beaches are renowned for their clarity, dramatic surroundings and authenticity, which is increasingly hard to find in Europe,” she said.

Stretching along the eastern edge of the Adriatic Sea, the country has a long, jagged coastline dotted with more than a thousand islands. From Dubrovnik’s historic beaches to the hidden coves of Dugi Otok and Vis, there’s plenty to explore. There are 17 stunning beaches ahead for you to plan your next trip to Croatia.

Croatia has more than 1,200 islands and more than a thousand miles of Adriatic coastline. The country has hundreds of beaches with sand, pebbly and rocky coastlines.