Best beaches in Croatia

With its Blue Flag rating and three kilometres of soft sand, there’s no disputing that Queens Beach is one of the best beaches in Croatia for families. Paddling around in the Nin lagoon, whose shape changes with the shifting tides, feels utterly natural and rather magical. Islands and spits come and go, while the water is warm and shallow – perfect for children. You can stroll along boardwalks, constantly surrounded by trees and greenery, and some spots on the beach offer a picture-perfect view of the romantic, red-roofed town of Nin.

Looking down at Lovrečina Bay from above is like a glimpse into paradise. This sandy cove, flanked on either side by forest-covered hills, is tucked away but nonetheless accessible: you can walk via lush, shady footpaths, cycle, or arrive by car or boat. The beach itself is pebbly and narrow, and the trees practically spill down into the sandy-bottomed and shallow sea – an impossible shade of blue and tailor-made for swimming. Despite the secluded feel, there’s even a little café at the back of the beach.

Zlatni Rat, or the Golden Horn, is probably the most photographed of all the beaches in Croatia. Its elegant and alluring curve, continuously shaped by the wind and tides, has made it iconic, as have the aerial photos that showcase its snow-like colour alongside the aquamarine sea. This spacious, pebbly spit is loved by families and couples alike, with fantastic weather conditions for windsurfing and other watersports. There’s also a centre on the beachfront where you can book boat tours to the surrounding shores.

A tiny island dangling off the tip of Korčula, Proizd is one of the corners of Croatia that remains thoroughly uncrowded. Multiple boat trips run daily from Vela Luka on Korčula Island, taking around half an hour. Pack some sensible shoes: once you disembark, you’ll meander through the forest, with the rich scent of pine filling your nostrils, to find your secluded spot. The coast may be rocky, but the sea is phenomenally blue, clear and clean. There’s only one restaurant on the island, so it’s the perfect day to pack a picnic.

A short hop from bustling Dubrovnik, Kupari is truly unique. Known as the Bay of Abandoned Hotels, the stretch of beach is backed by – surprise, surprise – the shells of hotels left in disrepair, ghostly reminders that this was once a trendy resort for Yugoslavia’s military elite. Many tourists make the trip just to explore the eerie hulls, whose crumbling ruins make for fascinating photographs. The long pebbly beach is a peaceful place with parking and not much else in the way of infrastructure, so you’ll find it uncrowded and mostly frequented by locals.

Lopud is a car-free island of just over 200 residents, frequented by travellers seeking a quieter getaway and day trips to bustling Dubrovnik. Reachable only via a well-paved footpath through the Mediterranean vegetation, the beach of Šunj is worth the (short) walk. You’ll find a shallow sea with a sandy bottom, and a soft-sand shore too. It can get a little busy, but it’s generally a family crowd, with just one beach bar and the occasional small yacht or sailing boat anchored further out in the bay.

Jelsa is the jewel in Hvar’s highly decorated coastline. One of our favourite beaches in Croatia sits along this charming stretch of coastline: Plaža Grebišće. It’s a sheltered swimming spot of dreams, surrounded by woods and great for snorkelling. It’s popular with families because of the bath-like water and good facilities and, although it sometimes gets a little crowded, the atmosphere is always friendly and laid-back. Find a spot on the sand, rent an umbrella and seats on the platform, or claim your place on the rocks for an afternoon’s relaxation.

To feel like you’ve turned back time to the days before mass tourism, head to Plaža Dubovica on Hvar. This pebbly cove is a tranquil spot to sunbathe, swim or kayak (bring your own, as there are no rental facilities here). There’s plenty of space for everyone, with a few shady spots in the trees at the back. Amenities are scarce, but the one red-roofed building is conveniently home to a popular beach restaurant. If you’re not arriving by boat, you’ll have to park at the top of the hill and meander down – an effort that’s thoroughly worth it

Plaža Bačvice is Split’s popular city beach. This gem of a bay is fringed with golden sand leading down to clear, shallow water that’s ideal for children, or just for relaxing. Of course, this close to the main town, it’s not a quiet beach, but if you get down early or stay later in the evening, the crowds thin out and tranquillity reigns. There are plenty of sunbeds, although you don’t have to hire one, and it’s an easy walk down. Once there, you’re surrounded by hotels and easy-going beach bars and cafés.

The sleepy, car-free island of Susak is a green oasis easily accessible via boat from Cres, Lošinj or Pula. There are many great beaches here, but the most popular is sandy Spiaza Bay near to the marina. It’s wide and long, with shallow water and a sandy seabed, making it an obvious favourite for families. There are boat rentals and watersports as well as restaurants and cafés, but this isn’t a party place. Bear in mind that there are no banks on this pint-sized island, so have your cash ready before you hop aboard the ferry.