Coast, culture and low prices: Croatia’s most beautiful seaside destinations to visit this summer

Croatia offers more than 1,100 miles of meandering mainland coast backed by rugged limestone mountains, along with hundreds of scattered islands and islets, of which 47 are inhabited. It is also dotted with historic and beautifully preserved harbour towns, relics of the four centuries between 1420 and 1797 when it was occupied by the Venetians. This combination makes it the perfect option for those who like to combine cultural sightseeing with lazing on the beach.

What’s more, Croatia, despite being an EU member since 2013, does not use the euro. So expect your pound to stretch much further here than in other Mediterranean favourites such as France and Italy. 

But where to go? Below is our guide to Croatia’s five coastal regions: South Dalmatia, Central Dalmatia, North Dalmatia, Kvarner and Istria. Within each region, one beach and two standout towns have been highlighted, along with a nearby not-to-be-missed inland attraction, food and wine suggestions, and hotel recommendations. Remember that there’s very little sand in Croatia – almost all the beaches are of pebble and rock, or in some cases you swim from man-made concrete bathing platforms with steps into the sea.

South Dalmatia

You can fly direct to South Dalmatia’s largest city, Dubrovnik, from various UK airports, with British Airways, EasyJet and Jet2.com.

Dubrovnik, formerly known as Ragusa, was for centuries a wealthy independent city-republic, which slowly expanded to include a stretch of coast and the tiny Elafiti islets.

From Dubrovnik’s Gruž port, you can make day trips by boat to the Elafiti, as well as the island of Mljet, where Mljet National Park encompasses two stunning turquoise lakes, rimmed by dense woodland – rent a bike and cycle around the lakes, or hire a kayak and paddle across.

Northwest up the coast, tiny Ston (famed for excellent fresh oysters and mussels) is the gateway to the rugged Pelješac peninsular, which produces some of Croatia’s top red wines, notably Dingač. Opposite Pelješac, verdant Korčula is South Dalmatia’s biggest island.

Go visit

Dubrovnik

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, cafes and souvenir shops. Even first-time visitors may well recognise the city – it stars as the fictional King’s Landing in Game of Thrones.

Korčula Town

Perched on a tiny fortified peninsula on the island of Korčula, 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 dubious “birthplace” of the explorer Marco Polo (a small stone cottage, open to the public). 

The best beach

Escape Dubrovnik’s summer crowds with a ferry ride to the nearby islet of Lopud, home to Šunj, one of Croatia’s rare sandy beaches. The sea is warm and shallow, ideal for children, and there are several beach bars hiring sun-beds.

Head inland

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, for superb views over the valley, with its elegant cypress trees and carefully tended vineyards. 

Eat up

A rustic agrotourism eatery, the lovely Konoba Maha serves local specialities such as Korčulanski makaruni (homemade pasta with a rich meat and tomato sauce) and barbecued lamb. It lies in the hills behind Korčula Town.

Drink deep

On the Pelješac peninsula, the Matuško winery in Potomje runs informative guided tours of its vaulted cellars, followed by tastings. Be sure to try their highly esteemed ruby red Matuško Dingač.

Where to stay

On a budget: South of Dubrovnik, in Cavtat, welcoming Hotel Cavtat sits in a bay with a pebble beach.

In style: On the coast, immediately outside Dubrovnik’s medieval walls, Hotel Excelsior offers understated luxury and a spa.

See our complete guide to the best hotels in Dubrovnik.

Central Dalmatia

Fly direct to Central Dalmatia’s largest city, Split, from various UK airports, with British Airways, Wizz Air, EasyJet and Jet2.com.

Split, Croatia’s second biggest city (after the capital, Zagreb) is backed by rugged mountains, and fronted by a busy little port, with regular ferries and catamarans to the nearby islands of Brač, Hvar, Vis, as well as Korčula and Lastovo (officially in South Dalmatia).

Down the coast from Split, Mt Biokovo rises 1,762m, casting its shadow over the 40-mile Makarska Rivijera, where you’ll find some of Croatia’s best mainland beaches and shimmering turquoise waters. Up the coast, Šibenik is an up-and-coming destination with a Unesco-listed cathedral and two renovated fortresses.

Go visit

Split

Within the walls of Diocletian’s Palace, a magnificent Roman monument built by the eponymous emperor in the 3rd-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 Meštrović Gallery displays the works of Croatia’s greatest 20th-century sculptor, Ivan Meštrović.

Hvar Town

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. 

The best beach

An absolute stunner, Zlatni Rat is a 450-metre long fine pebble spit, jutting out from the coast in Bol on the island of Brač. It’s a fantastic spot for water sports – try wind surfing, kite surfing and scuba diving, or just hire a pedalo.

Head inland

From the seaside town of Šibenik, 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 – at Skradinski buk you can swim below a waterfall that creates a natural Jacuzzi.

Eat up

For sophisticated contemporary dining, book a table at Pelegrini, opposite Šibenik’s cathedral. Chef Rudolf Štefan 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.

Drink deep

On the island of Hvar, in Jelsa, the Tomić winery showcases the local grape varieties Bogdanuša, Pošip and Plavac Mali. Its VIP tasting includes a tour, followed by the chance to sample eight different wines paired with savoury snacks.

Where to stay

On a budget: A superb choice for families, the Blue Sun Elaphusa in Bol on Brač has a kid’s club and outdoor pools, and is just a 10-minute walk from Zlatni Rat beach.

In style: Overlooking the harbour in Hvar Town, Hotel Adriana has funky contemporary interiors and a spa with an indoor rooftop pool.

See our complete guide to the best hotels in Split.

North Dalmatia

Zadar is North Dalmatia’s main city and port. You can fly here direct from Stansted with Ryanair.

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 popular holiday destination.

Northeast of Zadar, the imposing Velebit mountains run parallel to the coast. From Zadar, ferries run to nearby islands, and excursion boats take day-trippers to the uninhabited rocky islets and turquoise waters of Kornati National Park.

The long skinny rocky island of Pag, known for its flavoursome Paški sir cheese made from sheep’s milk, is connected to the mainland by a road bridge.

Go visit

Zadar

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 9th 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 Bašić. 

Starigrad Paklenica

This seaside town is the starting point for exploring Paklenica National Park on the southern slopes of Velebit. Hike up the Velika Paklenica Canyon to Manita Peć, a limestone cave adorned with stalactites and stalagmites, which you can visit with a guide.

The best beach

A wide arc of smooth white stones fringes the translucent turquoise bay, backed by pinewoods, at Saharun beach, near Božava on the island of Dugi Otok. It’s quite remote but you can arrive by excursion boat from Zadar.

Head inland

Drive through rural Lika to visit the Nikola Tesla Memorial Centre in Smiljan, near Gospić. Inventor Nikola Tesla was born here in 1856 – see the cottage where he grew up, watch a film about his life, and take part in a demonstration, presenting his discoveries about electricity.

Eat up

In Novalja on the island of Pag, Boškinac uses locally reared lamb and fresh Adriatic seafood to create sublime modern dishes. It was given a Michelin star in 2019.

Drink deep

Maslina i Vino co-operative in Polače produces organic wines and olive oil. Take a tour and tasting, then buy a bottle of red Crljenak to bring home.

Where to stay

In style: On the coast, a 15-minute drive north of Zadar, Hotel & Spa Iadera offers contemporary design and a vast luxurious spa. 

On a budget: In Pag Town, Hotel Pagus has a pebble beach out front and a small spa.

Read our complete guide to the best hotels in Zadar.

Kvarner

Direct flights to the Kvarner region’s main city, Rijeka, are fairly limited, with only Ryanair offering a service from the UK. Alternatively, fly to nearby Pula or Zagreb.

Overlooking the Kvarner Gulf, and backed by the pine-cad mountains of Gorski Kotar, the industrial port city of Rijeka, with its Austro-Hungarian architecture, has been named European Capital of Culture for 2020 (though its programme of events has been curtailed).

From Rijeka, ferries and catamarans run to the nearby islands of Lošinj, Cres and Rab, while the nearest and biggest island, Krk, is joined to the mainland by a road bridge. Lošinj, “the island of vitality”, offers several upmarket hotels with spas; wild and rugged Cres is known for sheep farming; Rab has some of Croatia’s rare sandy beaches and a medieval capital.

Go visit

Opatija

West of Rijeka, Opatija was the birthplace of Croatian tourism, when wealthy Central Europeans began convalescing here, enjoying the mild climate and therapeutic seawater, in the late 19th century. Today its grand Vienna Secession hotels exude a fading glory, and the seven-mile seaside promenade, running from Volosko to Lovran, passing through Opatija, remains a joy to stroll. 

Rab Town

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 plaža) is a sandy one-mile strip with a shallow sea, water sports facilities and beach volleyball.

Head inland

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 ideal for families with kids.

Eat up

Feast on tuna tartare, homemade ravioli and succulent Kvarner shrimp at Rivica, overlooking the fishing harbour in Njivica on Krk. It’s highly esteemed by foodies and sailing crews, and dates from 1934.

Drink deep

Light and dry Vrbnička Žlahtina (made from a grape indigenous to Krk island) is a superb summer wine, produced in the hill village of Vrbnik on Krk. Several wineries are open to the public, the oldest and best known being Nada, with a stone cellar for tasting, a gourmet restaurant and a shop.

Where to stay

In style: On Lošinj, the posh Boutique Hotel Alhambra occupies two early 20th-century villas and offers retro design, sophisticated dining and a spa.

On a budget: In Beli on Cres, the informal Pansion Tramontana is a fine choice for families, with interconnecting rooms, hiking trails and a nearby beach.

Istria

Istria’s main city, Pula, is served by direct flights from various UK airports, operated by British Airways, EasyJet and Ryanair.

Sitting on the southern tip of the Istrian peninsula, Pula was founded by the Romans – it’s somewhat brash, but is a good starting point for a boat trip to Veliki Brijun, a tiny islet with pristine lawns and woodland within Brijuni National Park.

Istria’s most popular seaside resorts, Rovinj and Poreč, lie on the west coast, with centuries-old pedestrian-only historic centres, and big modern hotels hidden by landscaping.

Go visit

Pula

An industrial port with cranes and a shipyard, Pula’s ancient Roman monuments include the Forum Square, rimmed with cafes and overlooked by the 1st century Temple of Augustus, a monumental Triumphal Arch, and the Arena, a well-preserved amphitheatre. 

Rovinj

On Istria’s west coast, Rovinj is one of Croatia’s prettiest and most upmarket destinations. Pastel-coloured Venetian-era facades rim 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. 

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.

Head inland

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 agrotourism 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.

Eat up

With waterside tables rimming the fishing harbour in Rovinj, informal Konoba Kantinon specialises in reasonably-priced local fare. Try the monkfish carpaccio, followed by homemade pasta with pungent truffles.

Drink deep

Set amid lush vineyards, the Meneghetti Winery near Bale produces nine different wines, including the prize-winning Meneghetti red. They do tasting by appointment, and it doubles as a hotel.

Where to stay

On a budget: The Park Plaza Histria lies by the sea, just outside Pula.

In style: The Grand Park in Rovinj offers elegant contemporary architecture in a blissful coastal location.

See our complete guide to the best hotels in Croatia.

This article is kept updated with the latest information.