Do you dream of lazy days on spectacular beaches, listening to the sound of the waves, with the heat of the sun on your face?

Look no further than the pristine shores of Croatia, surrounded by the sparkling Adriatic Sea.

From shimmering bays to off-the-beaten-path gems, there’s a beach for every mood, making this archipelago the perfect vacation destination for family getaways or secluded getaways.

Here we select 10 of the best beaches in Croatia, to bring your dream trip closer to reality.

Breathtaking Zlatni Rat

The famous Zlatni Rat, known as the Golden Cape, is truly breathtaking – and your photos on social media certainly won’t need a filter.

The impressive 1,700-foot white pebble beach, shaped like a “ tongue ”, stretches from the resort town of Bol on the island of Brac, into the turquoise waters.

Relax and enjoy fresh fruit and smoothies at this Blue Flag beach, or rent a kayak or pedal boat and go exploring. In the mood for adrenaline? Try parasailing, jet skiing, or banana boat rides.

Or hire a boat to explore the other secluded beaches of the Bol coast.

Paradise beach of Sakarun

Located on the peaceful island of Dugi Otok, an hour and a half by boat from Zadar town, picturesque Sakarun Beach would not look out of place in the Caribbean.

With steep slopes, thick forests, a hidden bay, and azure waters, it’s easy to see how this 2,600-foot-tall stretch of sand has earned its reputation as one of the best in the world.

The postcard-pretty lagoon is protected from the wind and is surrounded by majestic pine trees, with warm, shallow waters perfect for splashing and snorkelling.

Visit the nearby villages of Verunić, Soline, and Božava to sample the local culture and food, or head to Veli Rat to climb the 200 spiral steps to the highest lighthouse on the Croatian coast.

Baska mountain beach

Combining picturesque mountains and magnificent rock gardens, Baska Beach provides a spectacular backdrop.

This vast and popular pebble beach on the island of Krk is perfect for a family getaway, not least thanks to its abundance of camping pitches.

Get active and go surfing, tubing, jet skiing or windsurfing, then grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants or bars.

Stroll through the town’s quaint old streets and tiny fisherman-style buildings; you can walk from one end to the other in less than an hour.

Dubovica Beach

With a rugged coastline and a sparkling bay, Dubovica Beach on the island of Hvar is an off-the-beaten-path discovery best reached on foot via a small path.

The famous white pebble shore is worth a visit, as you are greeted by a small 17th-century church and old-fashioned summer houses.

Watch the yachts and speedboats anchor in the bay or sit amidst the rocky shoals and enjoy lunch with the sound of the waves rolling.

Order a drink from the beach bar which is bursting with local culture, or dive into the water with a snorkel to explore the picturesque life that swarms beneath the surface.

Nugal Beach

The hidden beach of Nugal, near the town of Tučepi, is nestled at the foot of a cliff, so when it rains it turns into a magnificent waterfall.

You can access this picturesque expanse of beautiful white pebbles, which lies on the Makarska Riviera, on foot via a walk through a beautiful pine forest or by boat. Well worth the effort.

However, once here be prepared to lose your clothes, as Nugal is one of the best nudist beaches in Croatia.

Explore the area’s tiny caves and hiding places, then enjoy a dip in the crystal-clear waters or snorkel to get up close to the magnificent marine life.

Prapratno cove

Located near Ston in southern Dalmatia, Prapratno Cove is a little slice of paradise nestled between two mountains in a sheltered bay.

The beautiful long stretch of sand, in Pelješac, is bordered by a pine forest and centuries-old olive trees, with plenty of shaded areas for you to sit back and relax.

Rent a pedal boat or kayak, or play volleyball and basketball on the beach. Or just laze around on a lounge chair while taking in the stunning views.

Visit a beautiful vineyard overlooking the village of Ponikve less than a kilometer away or take a ferry trip to the pretty island of Mljet from the cove.

Sveti Ivan Beach

The secluded beach of Sveti Ivan is located in a cove below the medieval hilltop village of Lubenice on the island of Cres.

The quaint 4,000-year-old town, built of stone on a 1,240-foot cliff, is the perfect place to admire the stunning white pebble beach and sparkling waters from above.

Because you can only get to peaceful Sveti Ivan by a steep path or by boat, once you get to the hidden beach you will feel like your own private hideaway.

Explore the underwater life with a snorkel or take a dip in the warm, clear water. Then laze on the beach, soaking up the sun, while admiring the visiting yachts.

After a day of relaxation, hop in a taxi to the ancient village of Lunebnice or board a tour boat to Sveti Ivan Bay for more adventures.

Cape Kamenjak Beach

An outdoor paradise, Cape Kamenjak Beach boasts 2,300 sunny days each year, making it the perfect spot for sunbathing.

Picturesque bays and rugged swimming spots hug the nearly 20 miles of coastline along the Premantura Peninsula, the southernmost tip of Istria – close to bustling Pula.

Relax on the scenic white pebble beach, enjoy water sports, or go underwater for a snorkeling or diving excursion.

The protected landscape offers an abundance of beautiful trails in the hills, while the wild nature park is full of hiking and biking routes.

Rajska Beach

With its dazzling shades of turquoise water and soft golden sand, it is no wonder that the famous Rajska beach is known as Paradise beach.

At over a mile long, this gorgeous stretch of coastline is perfect for families – or for couples looking to get away from it all.

There are many attractions including water sports, mini golf, and glaciers.

Or you can embrace your competitive side with a game of beach volleyball, catch the warm waves of the Adraitic on a parasailing tour, or try your kayaking skills.

Saplunara Beach

Hidden gem, Saplunara is a tranquil coastal area at the tip of one of the greenest Adriatic islands, Mljet.

There are two other beaches nearby – Mala Saplunara and Blaca – all largely untouched, havens of peace offering idyllic white sands.

The expansive horseshoe shaped beach is renowned for its pristine beauty, the song of singing birds, and is the ultimate retreat from the crowds.

It is a paradise for nature lovers, thanks to its protected landscape sheltering a unique fauna. You won’t want to leave!

“Croatia was beautiful and I felt safe – I will definitely be going back this year!” – Emma Gould, vacation lover

Click here to find out more about Croatia’s beautiful beaches and book your adventure today .