There are supposed to be more than a thousand beaches in Croatia – SeaHelp shows here a few of the most beautiful, which are made for a carefree vacation. We have also taken into account factors that make these beaches interesting for little adventurers. In the first place there is fine sand or fine gravel on the beach, entertainment, natural shade that protects children from strong sun, but also a good anchorage for their own or chartered yacht. Tip from SeaHelp editors for a successful family cruise.
Overview map
1 Bijeca – the most famous sandy beach of Medulin
In the extreme south of Istria there is a “children’s paradise” in the form of a sandy beach about 1.5 kilometers long. Building sandcastles, having fun in the shallow water and warm sea, a floating play island, playing hide and seek in the dense pine forest – everything is possible here. The fine sandy beach runs not only on the beach itself, but also in the water, which here remains shallow for a long time.
2 Natural bay with sandy and pebble beaches: Vela plaža in Baška on Krk
Vela Plaža stretches for 1.8 kilometers along the picturesque bay of Baška. On the beach, which is also the venue of the Croatian beach volleyball championships, there is a large water slide that is fun for children- only to be increased by jumping from the small pier. From here it is not far to other places, sandy and pebble beaches and natural coves.
3 The queen beach Kraljičina Plaža – the sand oasis of Nin
The three kilometers of pure, soft sand is said to have been enjoyed by the wife of the first Croatian king Tomislav for relaxing summer vacations – hence the name “Queen’s Beach”. Children will definitely feel like kings in Nin; they will be spoiled with floating play islands, slides and pools. Rolling in the medicinal mud provides a special fun.
4 Popular with divers and surfers: Zlatni Rat near Bol on the island of Brač
“Zlatni Rat” or “Golden Horn” near Bol on the island of Brač, the largest island in Dalmatia, is an impressive golden beach created by nature and for many probably the highlight on the Croatian coast. Thanks to the perfect winds and waves, this beach is a popular place also for small surfers and kite flyers. Its shape and length change depending on tides, sea currents and wind. The reliable afternoon wind Maestral, blowing from the west, has made this beach one of the top destinations for windsurfers. Snorkelers also like to visit this beach.
5 Sakarun – the “Croatian Hawaii” on the island of Dugi Otok
One of the most beautiful Croatian beaches is (still) something of an insider tip. The approximately 300-meter-long sand/pebble beach Sakarun on the island of Dugi Otok is often referred to as the “Croatian version of Hawaii”, because of the almost white color of the sand and the turquoise blue of the sea. A special attraction is the ride in the tourist train from the beach to the village of Božava.
6 Punta Rata – the family pearl in Brela
This beach could already be spotted on many covers of international magazines; Forbes even ranked it among the ten most beautiful beaches in the world. The jewel of this exquisitely beautiful beach on the Makarska Riviera, surrounded by shady pine trees, is the Brela rock – a landmark surrounded by crystal clear water that adorns many postcards.
7 Soline – “Two in one” for families on Hvar
Soline bay near the village of Vrboska is another tip for families on sailing trip on the sunniest Croatian island – Hvar. The beach has “two faces”: on one side there is a small sandy inlet with a floating play island for children, on the other, the rougher but more intimate side is facing the greenery of the small island of Zečevo. Here you can rent pedal boats and kayaks, and the pine forest provides reliable protective shade.
8 Vela Pržina – Even Marco Polo would love to swim here
Just a few kilometers from the historic town of Korčula, Marco Polo’s town, is another beautiful sandy beach overlooking the islands of Mljet and Lastovo. Although the beach itself is only 400 meters long, it offers everything you need for a successful family vacation. In particular, the shallow, warm water ensures unadulterated swimming fun for children from the early season until November.
9 Awarded as European Best Destination: Stiniva on the island of Vis
Stiniva beach on the southern coast of the island of Vis is considered by many to be the most beautiful beach in Croatia, and it is a perfect candidate for charter cruising, as this beach hidden in the middle of nature can only be reached on foot or by cab boat – or by your own or chartered yacht. Stiniva, where parts of Mamma Mia 2 were also filmed, was even voted “Best Beach in Europe” in 2016.
10 Bathing like on a private beach: Lubenice on the island of Cres
Another hidden treasure is Lubenice beach on the island of Cres, where families with their children will feel like they are on a private beach, because there are usually few swimmers here, and the view is picture-perfect. A few years ago a real insider tip, the small village of Lubenice, perched on a rock 378 meters above the sea, has become one of the most popular destinations for Croatia insiders in the Cres area.
11 Water fun for the whole family: Rajska plaža on Rab
Crews with children on board should take a detour to the so-called Paradise Beach (Rajska plaža) on the island of Rab. Here there is one of the few fine sandy beaches, shallow warm water and water slides. Probably the most famous beach on the island of Rab was included in the list of the 100 best beaches in the world, as voted by the CNN channel. As an adventurous trip for the little ones can discover the small island in the bay (on foot).
12 Natural retreat: Saplunara on Mljet
Sailors looking for a “beach with a difference” should make an anchor stop off Saplunara Beach on the island of Mljet. There are no big hotels or restaurants on the beach here, only a few small local hotspots with typical Croatian food invite guests, surrounded by the dense pine forest.
View beaches on your smartphone in advance – with the new feature of the SeaHelp app
From now on, in the SeaHelp app under the menu item “Info map”, you can additionally view appealing view 360-degree photos and short drone videos of harbors, bays and beaches. How it works: In the menu of the SeaHelp app, which is available for iOS– and Android devices, open the “Info Map” item at the bottom left. On the map then select the place you want to view. Attention: at the top far right of the toolbar, the drone icon must be activated! Drone icons on the map section mark available drone videos; the number 360 indicates that there is a 360 degree photo here. Select icon, click – and the shot is displayed.