18 Of The Best Sandy Beaches In Croatia

If you’re looking for kid-friendly beaches in Croatia for your family holiday, check out these fantastic sandy beaches in Croatia.

Croatia is seriously hot on the travel radar, with excellent reason. Aside from the famous Dubrovnik, the Adriatic coastline is teeming with fantastic beaches to enjoy, no matter who you’re traveling with when you’re going and what you’re going for.

Now, do you prefer sand or pebbles?

If it’s sand, you’ve probably asked, “Are there sandy beaches in Croatia? Luckily for you, there are loads of sandy beaches in Croatia.

If you’re traveling with kids in Croatia, there’s no denying that building a sandcastle or two is the ideal pastime; for that, you need sand. Pebbles don’t do the job!

If you’re looking for fun sandy beaches in Croatia, perfect for a family day out, check out our selection of the best sandy beaches in Croatia below. There’s sure to be a beach to suit your needs; they are beautiful, too.

1. Lopar Beach, Island Of Rab

Situated on the beautiful island of Rab, just off the north coast of the mainland, you will find Lopar Beach. This is a popular sand beach in Croatia, especially during the peak summer months in July and August, when you will find crowds in abundance. This shouldn’t put you off; you will find your spot on the fine, white sand if you get there early enough.

How do you get there? You’ll need to take the Stinica–Mišnjak car ferry (the mainland port is near Jablanac); the crossing takes about 15 minutes.

The Stinica–Mišnjak crossing takes around 15 minutes; there are also seasonal passenger (catamaran) links from Rijeka to Rab (check current timetables).

Why is this so great for kids? The beach is wide and shaped like an arc, which means it is sheltered from winds and sea currents. The water is calm and shallow, ideal for splashing on the shore, and there aren’t many water sports, so it’s much safer for the little ones.

2. Bačvice Beach, Split

Found right in Split’s city center is one of Croatia’s most well-known beaches, Bačvice Beach. Bačvice is known for relaxing swimming conditions and plenty of watersports to keep you busy all day long. There is something for everyone at this fantastic beach.

Kids of all ages enjoy spending the day on Bačvice Beach. There are pavilions along the beach for changing and dressing. At night, the beach comes alive when all the bars and clubs lining the beach open their doors. The local sport of picigin originated at Bačvice Beach.

3. Grebišće Beach, Hvar Island

Hvar’s best sandy beach for families is Grebisce, located on the north side of Jelsa Harbor. It’s nothing flashy, but the kids who want to make sandcastles will love it. Remember to pack the baby powder for when you head home.

4. Sakarun Beach, Dugi Otok

Where are the best sandy beaches in Croatia? Start here.

Clear, calm water and minimal crowds make it a perfect family choice. The smaller beaches and bays around Sakarun are fun to explore with the family. Put simply, this is one of the most famous beaches on Dugi Otok and in the Zadar Region. 

Sakarun Beach is situated on the northwest coast of Dugi Otok, and it’s easy to get there from Bozava via a shuttle that runs every couple of hours, round-trip. Cafes also surround the beach, so you won’t struggle to find a cold drink to keep everyone hydrated in the hot summer heat.

Aside from looking like something from an advert, Sakarun can get very busy in July and August, and the sand is comfortable to walk on.

The sea is clean and calm, and the surrounding pine trees mean there is always shade when the kids get a bit too hot and bothered.

On top of this, the sea stays shallow for a long way out (itit’sround 3.5 m deep about 250 m from shore), so kids can easily splash around (with supervision, of course).

5. Saplunara Beach, Mljet

This is a gem! While some sandy beaches get busy in peak season, Saplunara still feels comparatively low-key.

The calm, serene vibe means everyone will be chilled out at the end of the day—follow local rules (no littering, and only camp where it’s explicitly permitted).

There are no large hotels around Saplunara Beach, so this will be a day out you can paint as an adventure for the kids.

If you’re arriving on Mljet by car from the mainland, you’ll usually come via the ferry to Sobra, then continue by car, taxi, or local bus.

The road is beautiful. However, it is a little unsafe in places, so take only bigger kids and embrace the craziness!

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6. Sabunike Beach, Privlaka

Situated just west of Nin, Privlaka is home to several different beaches. 

However, its most famous beach, Sabunike Beach, features both sand and pebbles. This popular beach stretches for a long way and has many facilities, from umbrellas and showers to beachside bars and restaurants. Like most beaches in the area, it has shallow, warm water, ideal for kids.

7. Sandy Beaches of Vrgada Island

A small but beautiful island about halfway between Zadar and Šibenik, Vrgada Island has only one settlement,d Vrgad, a, and is home to several gorgeous sandy beaches. Many beaches on Vrgada Island are in shady coves, surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation and pine trees. In fact, the island is famous for its sand beaches, attracting people who want to escape the bustling beaches of mainland Dalmatia.

8. Velika Plaza, Omiš

Omiš is a small town with several sandy beaches, and Velika Plaža is the main beach, making it the easiest to reach and the largest.

This Croatian sand beach is also easy to reach from the town center, literally a few steps away. Backed by cafes and restaurants, you can easily feed and water the kids without major hassle, and the warm, shallow waters make it safe for them to splash around and build sandcastles at the shoreline. There are activities to keep everyone occupied, including football and beach volleyball.

9. Vela Przina Beach, Korčula

The only problem with popular beaches is that they tend to get a little crowded during peak months in Korčula. ThKorčular? Simple, really, be sure to get there early enough and really make a day of it.

Vela Przina Beach is on the island’s southern coastline, set in a secluded bay, with calm, shallow waters ideal for kids. Again, there are plenty of cafes and restaurants around, helping you answer those ‘I’m hungry’ moans, and plenty of parasols are on offer, too, to give you shade in the sometimes very intense summer heat.

How to get there? From Korčula towKorčulacan take the bus toward Lumbarda—expect roughly 20–30 minutes depending on stops and seasKorčulana Beach, Vrsi

6km northeast of Nin is the little resort town of Vrsi. The city is comprised of quarters, including one called Zukve. Zukve has two beaches – one pebble and one sandy. Ičina Beach is a sandy beach with easy access to the sea. Along with an amusement park, food, and coffee bars, Zukve offers a top stop for families.

10. Borik Beach, Zadar

Only about five kilometers from the Old Town of Zadar, Borik Beach is one of the city’s busiest beaches. Popular among locals and tourists alike, it is very developed and has many amenities. Made of pebbles and sand, the beach offers access to beautifully clean water, while some restaurants, bars, and kids’ playgrounds cater to all ages.

11. Bay Lovrečina, Island Of Brač

Tucked along the island of Brač’s northern shores, you will find a little cove known as Bay Lovrečina. Here, waters are shallow, azure, and clear, the sun is plentiful, and nearby pines provide shade.

We suggest you try your hand at Picigin – an ideal location for this traditional Croatian water game!

Visitors can reach the beach on foot, by car, or by boat, and a local restaurant offers refreshing drinks or a bite to eat for beach-goers.

Also, it is essential to note that this beach has sandy shores, and nearby Roman archaeological sites make it an excellent spot for cultural exploration.

12. Queens Beach, Nin

There are many sandy beaches around the Zadar-Nin area, but this one is probably the best. The waters around this beach change regularly with the wind and weather, making for fantastic sandcastle building! There is also plenty of room for running free in total safety, which is always a must when you’re having a family beach day.

You can reach the beach within a few minutes fofthe center of Nin. However, you must park in the nearby forest and walk a few steps to it. Bear in mind that you have to pay for parking during peak season.

As a side note, the kids will love the mud pools created around the shallow parts of the shoreline. All in all, this is arguably the best sandy beach in Croatia for families with small children.

13. Prapratno Beach, Peljesac Peninsula

This stunning, sandy beach is tucked into a little bay just 3km west of Ston. Known for clear, warm, shallow waters, this beach has become a favorite along the Peljesac Peninsula. With a nearby cafe for afternoon snacks & drinks, proximity to the bus and ferry terminals, and campground accessibility, it’s a convenient, relaxing stop for anyone traveling through the Peljesac Peninsula. The natural surroundings of pine and olive trees make for a picturesque day at the beach, perfect for the whole family.

14. Iza Banja Beach, Sv. Filip And Jakov

Found right in the center of Sv. Filip and Jakov is Iza Banja beach, a combination of sandy and pebble shores.

Pine trees provide shade from the sun’s rays, and the waters are shallow with a gentle slope, making it great for young swimmers. The beach has been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag status, offering guests crystal-clear waters and well-maintained facilities.

If you need a break from the water, volleyball, pedal boat rentals, and playground equipment are available. Also, it is essential to note that this beach is staffed with lifeguards!

15. Slanica Beach, Murter

The largest and most popular beach on Murter Island’s west coast, Slanica Beach, features sand, pebbles, and rocks. It’s one of the most beautiful beaches in this part of Croatia, featuring several facilities and amenities that will make your visit extremely comfortable.

There are beach showers, natural shade, beach bars, restaurants, bathrooms, umbrellas, and opportunities for beach and water sports, including jet-skiing, beach volleyball, and tennis.

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16. Paradise Beach, Rab

Are there any sandy beaches in Croatia? Yes—while much of Croatia’s coastline is pebbly or rocky, Rab Island’s Paradise Beach is one of the absolute best sandy options.

This is the most famous and largest beach in Lopar, locally known as Rajska Plaža (Paradise Beach).

About 1.5 km long, it holds Blue Flag status, which is awarded based on criteria including water quality, safety/services, and environmental management.

You’ll also find numerous amenities at Paradise Beach, including beach volleyball and other sports facilities, a kids’ playground, beach chairs and umbrellas, showers and bathrooms, waterfront bars, and restaurants.

17. Ljubač Beach, Ljubač

Located 25 kilometers north of Zadar, Ljubač is a small coastal village on a scenic bay. It’s a popular tourist destination, home to apartments, bars, and restaurants, all close to the town’s large, sandy beach. This gently sloping beach, just south of the harbor, offers facilities, including a beach volleyball court and umbrellas. Thanks to its super-shallow water, it’s one of Croatia’s best beaches for visiting with small children.

18. Children’s Beach, Sukošan

Called Dječji raj in Croatian, the name of this beach really tells you all you need to know.

Although this beach starts mainly with pebbles and pavement, the soft sand underneath the beautiful, shallow water is perfect for families with young kids.

Visitors can rent beach chairs and pedal boats, get refreshments such as ice cream and cold drinks, and swim in safe, shallow water. Additionally, there are toilets, showers, and changing rooms too.

Map Of Sandy Beaches In Croatia

As you can see, in terms of sandy beaches, Croatia definitely has its share. However, a beach is a personal choice, so head out there, explore, and report back to us! If we missed your favorite sandy beach in Croatia, comment below so we can add it.