Best Surfing Beaches In Croatia

24 / 7

4.1

Zlatni Rat Beach

Croatia, Dalmatia, Bol

Located on the island of Brac off the coast of Split, Zlatni Rat Beach – also called Golden Horn Beach or Golden Horn and originally called Dugi Rat and Long Cape – is a 500-meters-long, popular, and south-facing beach with gravel, some light-brown sand, many pebbles, and nearby pine trees in Croatia. This pebble beach has a unique shape, which resembles the English alphabet “V” and it is located near the town of Bol. The tip of this V-shaped beach seasonally changes in size and shape because of natural wind and water movements – the tip of this V-shaped beach is usually straight in the summer. However, its tip sometimes turns eastwards in early summer and it sometimes turns westwards in autumn.

Travel+Leisure magazine and The Times newspaper have listed Zlatni Rat Beach as one of the 15 best and most beautiful beaches in Croatia in 2024. Travel+Leisure magazine listed this beach as one of the 20 best beaches in Europe in 2024. In addition, a travel website named Big 7 Travel also listed Zlatni Rat Beach Croatia as one of the 50 best beaches in the world, and it is also a favorite of Randall Kaplan, the world’s foremost beach expert who is known as Mr. Beach. In addition, Zlatni Rat Beach is family-friendly beach that also been awarded a Blue Flag because of its cleanliness.

This beach is also a popular nude beach – the western side of this clothing-optional beach is particularly popular with nudists.

24 / 7

4.25

Sakarun Beach

Croatia, Zadar, Opcina Sali

Dugi Otok Island – which translates to “Long Island” – is a 50-kilometer long sliver of island inhabited by only 1,500 locals, and is home to some fantastic beach escapes. Sakarun Beach consists of 800 meters of brilliant white pebble beach, curling around an enclosed bay with a shallow swimming area that extends 250 meters from the beachfront. The tantalizing, clear waters shine with turquoise hues, reminiscent of the Caribbean.

Situated on Dugi Otok’s uninhabited and untouched southern coast, Sakarun Beach is the most popular beach on the island. Although this sandy stretch is located over a mile from the nearest towns (Soline, Veli Rat, and Verunić), you’ll never feel the need to leave the beach during your perfect vacation day. Amarcord Beach Bar sits on the southern edge and offers beachfront picnic tables, food, drinks, and rental lounge chairs. You can also escape from the sun into the thick pine forest, just a few feet behind the beach.

Reaching the beach area can be a bit complicated – you can take the daily ferry from Zadar, which runs about 1 hour and 20 minutes. The beach itself can be reached by train from Božava, bus, or car on a dirt road that leads to beachside parking. Taking a boat over to the beach is also an option, and the bay is a popular spot to anchor for the day and enjoy the beach. Since the island has so few inhabitants, transportation is not readily available, so your best choice may be to rent a car. While in the area, be sure to visit the Veli Rat lighthouse – built in 1849, it’s the tallest lighthouse on the Croatian coast at 138 feet (42 meters). Overall, Sakarun Beach is a gorgeous vacation destination that has it all!

24 / 7

4.15

Beach Dingac

Croatia, Dubrovnik Neretva, Potomje

Beach Dingac is a scenic pebble beach located in Potomje, within the picturesque Dubrovnik-Neretva County of Croatia. Situated about 15 kilometers southeast of Orebić, it offers a well-kept and serene environment, ideal for relaxation and quiet beach activities. The beach's proximity to natural rock formations and shaded areas provides ample opportunities for sunbathing and swimming. While it may lack some modern amenities, it attracts visitors looking for a peaceful coastal experience alongside its natural beauty.

Given its position near the fertile Župa field, Potomje provides a unique blend of rural charm and coastal scenery. The area is dotted with historical landmarks and wineries, making it a great base for exploring both the region's natural beauty and cultural heritage.

The calm waters and clear surroundings make Beach Dingac a popular spot for snorkeling and appreciating the Adriatic's diverse marine life.

24 / 7

4.1

Val Maro Beach

Croatia, Istria, Porec

Located on the Isabella Island, near the coastal town of Porec, in the Istria region of Croatia, Val Maro Beach - also known as Val Maro family Beach or Plaza Maro Porec - is a 50-meter-long beige sand beach with pebbles. The beach is positioned within the Valamar Isabella Island Resort and has a spectacular backdrop of several oceanfront buildings, creating a picturesque setting along the Adriatic Sea. The beach is divided into two sections: one is shaped like a sandy plateau with steps leading into the sea, and the other is shaped like a pool with a pebbly seabed and shallow access to the water. Val Maro Beach has been awarded the Blue Flag certification due to its natural beauty, cleanliness, and water quality standards. In addition, the beach promotes eco-friendly practices, ensuring cleanliness and sustainability.

24 / 7

4.15

Barbariga Beach

Croatia, Istria, Bale

Barbariga Beach is a serene coastal gem located in Bale, Istria, Croatia, offering a stunning stretch of coastline along the Adriatic Sea. The beach is notable for its golden to light beige sand, which contrasts beautifully with the clear azure waters, creating a picturesque setting ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and family-friendly recreational activities. Its vast expanse ensures that visitors rarely feel overcrowded, adding to its tranquil and inviting atmosphere. Surrounded by lush greenery including pine and holm oak woods, the beach benefits from natural shade that enhances comfort especially during the warm summer months.
Barbariga Beach is particularly appreciated for its calm and clean waters that are shallow on one side, making it safe for children and perfect for snorkeling and exploring marine life. The environment encourages relaxed strolls along the shoreline, photography, and nature walks amidst scenic landscapes. This location combines natural beauty with a peaceful vibe, inviting both adventure seekers and those looking for a quiet beach escape. At sunset, the beach transforms into a magical setting ideal for peaceful evenings by the sea.
In addition to its natural appeal, Barbariga Beach is part of a vibrant local area with cultural heritage, including nearby traditional architecture and the charming town life of Bale. Visitors can immerse themselves in the Istrian lifestyle while enjoying the pristine coastal experience this beach offers, making it a must-visit spot on Croatia's Istrian coast.

24 / 7

4.2

Mulini Beach

Croatia, Istria, Rovinj

Mulini Beach is a distinctive rocky and pebbly beach located in the southern part of Rovinj, Istria, Croatia, close to the town center. It is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and family-friendly shallow sea entry, making it suitable for visitors of all ages. The beach is nestled among luxurious hotels and adjacent to the Zlatni Rt (Golden Cape) Forest Park, offering a harmonious blend of contemporary luxury alongside local tradition and heritage. Since its landscaping in 2014, Mulini Beach has preserved the classic atmosphere of traditional Croatian beaches while enhancing the visitor experience.

The beach features various amenities including benches, deck chairs, beach umbrellas, changing cabins, showers, restrooms, and an accessible pathway, contributing to a comfortable day at the seaside. Mulini Beach is also known for its picturesque sunsets, which can be enjoyed at the beach bar while sipping cocktails. Its location on a promenade and the nearby walking and cycling paths add to its appeal, inviting visitors to explore the scenic coastline and surrounding natural beauty.

24 / 7

4.1

Hvar Ranta

Croatia, Dalmatia, Grad Hvar

Hvar Ranta, nestled within Grad Hvar in Dalmatia, Croatia, is a captivating beach destination celebrated for its scenic landscapes and soft golden sand. The beach is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, offering an idyllic setting for relaxation and leisure activities. It is situated in a prime location, providing easy access to various amenities like nearby bars and cafes, making it a popular spot for visitors looking to enjoy the sun, sea, and local culture.

Its picturesque location enhances the overall beach experience, with clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The beach is part of a broader appeal that includes its proximity to Hvar town, known for its historic architecture and lively nightlife. Visitors can indulge in water activities or simply relax under the sun, enjoying the serene beauty of this Croatian gem.

For those who combine beach relaxation with exploration, Hvar Ranta offers a starting point to discover more of Hvar's natural attractions, including other secluded beaches and the island's rich natural heritage.

24 / 7

4.35

Banje Beach

Croatia, Dubrovnik Neretva, Dubrovnik

Located east of the Old Town of Dubrovnik, Croatia, Plaza Banje - also known as Banje Beach - is an immensely popular, world-famous 300-meter-long and 100-meter-wide beige sand beach with many pebbles. The beach is considered one of the most popular beaches of the region and has a spectacular background of cliffs, lush vegetation, and many oceanfront buildings, including homes, restaurants, and nightclubs, that offer stunning views of Dubrovnik's city walls, the island of Lokrum, Port Dubrovnik, and the Adriatic Sea.