I’m a Croatia expert: These are the country’s most beautiful seaside destinations
Croatia’s dazzling Adriatic coastline offers turquoise waters and historic harbour towns. Our expert reveals its highlights
Jane is a travel writer and hotel expert specialising in Croatia and Montenegro, based in Dalmatia. She has a degree in architecture and worked with a studio in Rome, before co-authoring the DK Eyewitness Athens Top 10 and Bradt Dalmatian Coast guidebooks. She contributes to various in-flight magazines, writing about culture, food, wine and adventure sports. In 2022, she was awarded the Zlatna Penkala (Golden Pen) by the Croatian National Tourist Board. She can be contacted at: jane-foster.com.
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With more than 1,100 miles of mainland coast, plus literally hundreds of scattered islands and islets, Croatia abounds with gorgeous seaside destinations.
Along the mainland shores stand the magnificent historic port cities of Dubrovnik, Split, Zadar, Rijeka and Pula. Here, grand edifices, such as Diocletian’s Palace in Split and the Arena in Pula, bear witness to Roman times, while sturdy stone fortifications, notably in Dubrovnik and Zadar, record power struggles between the Venetians and the Ottoman Turks. Today, 21st-century culture exists side-by-side with these historic monuments, with open-air summer concerts and cinema, excellent museums, and several rather luxurious contemporary design hotels.
From the mainland, you have regular ferries and catamarans to the islands, where the pace of life slows down in beautifully preserved little harbour towns, relics of the four centuries spent under Venetian rule (1420-1797). Bays filled with wooden fishing boats, piazzas overlooked by baroque churches, and pebble coves backed by lush vineyards, offer dreamy escapes for those who wish to combine cultural sightseeing with lazing on the beach.
But where to go? Below is our guide to Croatia’s five coastal regions, with suggestions of where to go, where to stay and the best beach in each area.
Explore by region
- Dubrovnik and South Dalmatia
- Split, Hvar and Central Dalmatia
- Zadar and North Dalmatia
- Kvarner islands
- Pula and Istria
Dubrovnik and South Dalmatia
Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik, formerly known as Ragusa, was for centuries a wealthy independent city-republic, which slowly extended southeast to include rural Konavle, and northwest to absorb the coast as far as Ston, and the tiny Elafiti islets.
Dubbed the “Pearl of the Adriatic” by Lord Byron, Dubrovnik is Croatia’s most visited (and expensive) destination. In the past, its extraordinary wealth was based on seafaring and trading – today it thrives on tourism. The Unesco-listed old town is protected by sturdy medieval fortifications. Walk a full circuit of the ramparts, then explore the stone alleys, packed with noble Baroque palazzi, elegant churches, museums, restaurants, cafés and souvenir shops. Even first-time visitors may well recognise the city – it stars as the fictional King’s Landing in Game of Thrones.
Green and rugged Konavle offers a glimpse of old-fashioned Dalmatian rural villages, which for centuries provided Dubrovnik with wine, olive oil, cheeses, meat and vegetables. Have lunch by the waterfalls at Konavoski Dvori then drive down to the 15th-century Sokol Tower at Dunave, with its elegant cypress trees and carefully tended vineyards, for superb views over the valley.
Korcula Town
Perched on a tiny fortified peninsula on the island of Korcula, this medieval settlement is based on a herringbone plan, with a series of stone stepped alleys leading up to a main pedestrianised thoroughfare. On the main square, see the 16th-century cathedral with a finely carved portal, and nearby, the Marco Polo Interpretation Centre in the supposed birthplace of the 13th-century explorer.
In the village of Pupnat above Korcula Town family-run Konoba Mate, a rustic agrotourism eatery with a Michelin green star for sustainability, serves homemade pasta dishes, and lamb stew with green peas.
There are regular boats from Korcula across the narrow sea channel to the rugged Peljesac peninsula, which produces some of Croatia’s top red wines, notably Dingac. On the Peljesac peninsula, the Korta Katarina winery in Orebic runs informative guided tours of its cellars and vineyards, followed by tastings. As of 2025, it also has a sea-view terrace wine bar. Be sure to try the highly esteemed ruby red Korta Katarina Plavac Mali.
Escape Dubrovnik’s summer crowds with a ferry ride to the nearby islet of Lopud, home to Sunj, one of Croatia’s rare sandy beaches. The sea is warm and shallow, ideal for children, and there are several beach bars hiring sunbeds. Try to visit now, before the 2027 opening of the new Hilton Lopud Beach Resort & Spa, when the island will inevitably become busier.
The best day trips
From Dubrovnik’s Gruz port, you can make day trips by boat to the Elafiti, and Mljet, where Mljet National Park encompasses two stunning turquoise lakes, surrounded by dense woodland – rent a bike and cycle around the lakes, or hire a kayak and paddle across.
How to do it
You can fly direct to Dubrovnik from various UK airports, with British Airways, easyJet, Jet2.com and Ryanair. Ferries from Dubrovnik connect to Korcula.
South of Dubrovnik in Mlini, mid-range Hotel Mlini overlooks the seafront promenade and a lovely pebble beach. On the coast, a 15-minute walk from Dubrovnik’s medieval walls, Villa Dubrovnik, newly renovated in summer 2025, to offer chic contemporary design and low-profile luxury.
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Split, Hvar and Central Dalmatia
Split
Split, Croatia’s second biggest city (after the capital, Zagreb) is backed by rugged mountains. Within the walls of Diocletian’s Palace, a magnificent Roman monument built by the eponymous emperor in the third-century, Split’s old town is Unesco-listed. A labyrinth of stone alleys, Venetian-era houses and churches, it centres on the Roman peristyle (arcaded square), overlooked by the cathedral. Immediately outside the walls, the pazar is a colourful open-air fruit-and-vegetable market.
West of town, in a 1930s villa set in gardens by the sea, the Mestrovic Gallery displays the works of Croatia’s greatest 20th-century sculptor, Ivan Mestrovic. In summer 2026, it hosts the Vibrez Festival, with bands such as Mogwai and Morcheeba playing open-air concerts.
Hvar
Croatia’s trendiest island destination, Hvar Town on the island of Hvar, is built around a deep sheltered harbour, overlooked by a hilltop castle. Hvar’s pricey seafood restaurants and cocktail bars are much loved by yachters, who moor up along the quayside on summer evenings.
In Jelsa, the Tomic winery showcases the local grape varieties Bogdanusa, Posip and Plavac Mali. The VIP tasting includes a tour, followed by the chance to sample six different wines paired with savoury snacks.
The best beach
An absolute stunner, Zlatni Rat is a fine pebble spit, jutting out from the coast in Bol on the island of Brac – in recent years it has become shorter, due to stronger winds and sea currents associated with climate change. All the same, it’s a fantastic spot for water sports – try wind surfing, kite surfing and scuba diving, or just hire a pedalo.
The best day trip
Up the coast, Sibenik is an up-and-coming destination with a Unesco-listed cathedral and four renovated fortresses. From here, excursion boats sail up the River Krka to Krka National Park near Skradin. Immersed in dense woodland, the river thunders through a rocky gorge, in a series of rapids and seven waterfalls – follow a network of raised wooden walkways through the lush coppices and over the tumbling cascades.
For sophisticated contemporary dining, book a table at Pelegrini, opposite Sibenik’s cathedral. Chef Rudolf Stefan uses seasonal Dalmatian ingredients to create dishes such as hake with Jerusalem artichokes and prosciutto, or lamb with beans. It gained a Michelin star in 2019.
How to do it
Fly direct to Central Dalmatia’s largest city, Split, from various UK airports, with British Airways, Croatia Airlines, Wizz Air, easyJet and Jet2.com. Split has regular ferries and catamarans to the nearby islands of Brac, Hvar and Vis, as well as Korcula and Lastovo (officially in South Dalmatia).
As for hotels, the Blue Sun Elaphusa in Bol on Brac is a superb choice for families. It is just a 10-minute walk from Zlatni Rat beach. In Stari Grad on Hvar, Maslina Resort offers peace, chic contemporary design and fine dining in a pine-scented bay.
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Zadar and North Dalmatia
Zadar
Zadar is North Dalmatia’s main city and port. Founded by the Romans, Zadar has a tumultuous history, having been raided during the Crusades, heavily bombed during the Second World War, and blockaded during the Croatian War of Independence. Nonetheless, today it’s a cheerful university town and a popular holiday destination.
Built on a small peninsula, fortified by the Venetians, Zadar’s car-free old town centres on what was once a Roman forum. It is home to the ninth-century Church of St Donat and the 12th-century Cathedral of St Anastasia, with a bell tower you can climb for fantastic views of the town, sea and mountains.
For something more contemporary, on the seafront promenade you’ll find two quirky installations, the Sea Organ (2005) and the Greeting to the Sun (2008), both by local architect Nikola Basic.
To sample local wines, Degara is a boutique winery, open for tastings, just north of Zadar. Be sure to try the red Bomary, blending Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and local Maraska.
Pag
The long skinny rocky island of Pag, known for its flavoursome Paski sir cheese made from sheep’s milk, is connected to the mainland by a road bridge.
Pag Town is a 15th-century walled Renaissance settlement, with attractions including a proud church, the Bishop’s Palace, and the Lace Gallery displaying lace made by Benedictine nuns. Beyond town lie the vast salt pans upon which Pag’s wealth was founded, and a dairy making Pag cheese.
In Novalja, Boskinac uses locally reared lamb and fresh Adriatic seafood to create sublime modern dishes. It was given a Michelin star in 2019.
The best beach
A wide arc of smooth white stones fringes the translucent turquoise bay, backed by pinewoods, at Sakarun (aka Saharun) beach, near Bozava on the island of Dugi Otok. It’s quite remote but you can arrive by excursion boat from Zadar.
The best day trip
From the seaside town of Starigrad Paklenica, hike up the dramatic Velika Paklenica Canyon in Paklenica National Park on the southern slopes of Velebit, to visit Manita Pec, a limestone cave adorned with stalactites and stalagmites.
How to do it
On the island of Dugi Otok, Villa Nai is a superb luxury boutique property set amid olive groves, with eight rooms and suites, two restaurants and an outdoor pool. In 2025 it was awarded three Michelin keys. In Zadar’s old town, the mid-range Almayer Art & Heritage Hotel offers stylish accommodation and a lovely courtyard café-restaurant.
You can fly direct from various UK airports with easyJet and Ryanair. Ferries connect to the nearby islands.
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Kvarner islands
Mali Losinj
On the island of Losinj, Mali Losinj is built around a long narrow sheltered bay, backed by pinewoods. Historically, its wealth was based on seafaring and shipbuilding, then in the late 19th century it became a place of convalescence for Austro-Hungarian aristocracy, who built gracious villas overlooking the nearby Cikat bay. Today it is home to several plush waterside hotels, complete with spas.
Feast on tuna tartare with wild asparagus, followed by slow-cooked lamb casserole at Za Kantuni – it stays open all year and is much loved by locals.
Rab
Rising from the sea upon a small narrow peninsula, car-free Rab Town takes you back to medieval times. Three parallel cobbled main alleys are linked by stone steps, with attractions including monasteries, churches and four elegant bell towers.
The best beach
On Rab’s northeast coast, near Lopar, Paradise beach (Rajska plaza) is a sandy one-mile strip with a shallow sea, watersports facilities and beach volleyball, ideal for kids and those with impaired mobility.
The best day trip
High above the Kvarner Gulf, in the mountains of Gorski Kotar, you’ll find Risnjak National Park. From the ticket office at Crni Lug, hike the three-mile Leska educational path, an easy circular route taking you through meadows and woodland and great for families with kids.
How to do it
Direct flights to the Kvarner region’s main city, Rijeka, are fairly limited, with only Ryanair offering a service from London Stansted in the UK. Alternatively, fly to nearby Pula or Zagreb. From Rijeka, ferries and catamarans run to the nearby islands.
If staying on Losinj appeals, the posh Boutique Hotel Alhambra occupies two early 20th-century villas and offers retro design, Michelin-starred dining and a spa. Alternatively, the four-star Vitality Hotel Punta makes a reasonably priced option, with excellent wellness facilities.
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Istria
Pula
Sitting on the southern tip of the Istrian peninsula, Pula was founded by the Romans. An industrial port with cranes and a shipyard, Pula’s skyline is dominated by the Arena, a well-preserved Roman amphitheatre, originally designed to seat 20,000 spectators and now hosting the annual Pula Film Festival and summer concerts – the 2026 programme includes David Byrne and Kraftwerk. Pula’s other ancient Roman relics include the Forum Square, lined with cafés and overlooked by the first-century Temple of Augustus, and a monumental Triumphal Arch.
It’s a good starting point for a boat trip to Veliki Brijun, a tiny islet with pristine lawns and woodland within Brijuni National Park.
Rovinj
On Istria’s west coast, Rovinj is one of Croatia’s prettiest and most upmarket destinations. Pastel-coloured Venetian-era façades line a sheltered harbour, filled with fishing boats and overlooked by an 18th-century hilltop church. South of town, past the sailing marina, Zlatni Rt park is planted with pines, cypresses and cedars, and rimmed by tiny coves with pebble beaches.
Rovinj has three Michelin-star restaurants: Monte, next to the hilltop church, and Agli Amici Rovinj and Cap Aureo, both at the Grand Park Hotel. All three serve superb Modern Mediterranean cuisine based on local seasonal produce.
The best beach
On the southernmost point of the Istrian peninsula, within the pine-scented Kamenjak Nature Park, Mala Kolombarica is an expanse of flat rocks jutting out into the deep blue Adriatic. Come here to sunbathe, or test your courage diving or somersaulting into the sea. There’s a beach bar and it lies just outside Pula.
The best day trip
Often compared to Tuscany, inland Istria has undulating hills planted with vineyards and olive groves, and walled medieval hilltop towns such as Motovun. Foodies will love its agritourism eateries and rustic konobe (taverns), which make the most of the region’s olive oil and cheeses, and the tartufi (truffles) unearthed in the Mirna Valley.
How to do it
Istria’s main city, Pula, is served by direct flights from various UK airports, operated by easyJet, Jet2.com and Ryanair.
In Rovinj, the adults-only Hotel Monte Mulini will reopen in summer 2026 with new interiors and a Riva Destinations lifestyle concept. The slightly less expensive Roxanich Winery & Design Hotel offers tours of its cellars below Motovun’s hilltop old town.
This article was first published in March 2021, and has been revised and updated.