The Croatian coast is predominantly karstic, so most of its beaches are rocky. However, there are also numerous pebble beaches as well as some sandy beaches. The latter are the rarest (we’re talking real sand, not fine gravel), but they are many people’s favorite.
Most of Croatia’s sandy beaches are concentrated in the Kvarner region, particularly on the island of Rab, though you can also find some in Istria and Dalmatia. Since we offer villas and apartments along the entire Croatian coast, we’ve highlighted the most popular sandy beaches and paired them with nearby accommodations. That way, you can plan your trip right away!
Keep reading, choose your favorite sandy beach and spend this summer with warm sand between your toes.
Istria
We’re starting with Istria, which has the fewest sandy beaches. However, we’ll highlight two that we know of:
- 🏖️ Bijeca Beach in Medulin
- 🏖️ sandy beach of campsite Lanterna
There are numerous villas and apartments in the immediate vicinity of Bijeca Beach and the wider area around it, so you won’t have to worry about accommodations. The closest one is Villa La Vidas, just a 7-minute walk from the beach.
Kvarner
There are more sandy beaches in the Kvarner Region than in Istria. You’ll find them on the following islands:
- 🏖️ Lošinj Island: Čikat Beach
- 🏖️ Krk Island: Sv. Marak Beach
- 🏖️Susak Island: Susak Beach
- 🏖️ Rab Island: Paradise Beach (Rajska plaža), Livačina Beach, and Mel Beach
We have a dozen villas and apartments on the island of Rab. Holiday Home Vintage is just a 15-minute drive from Paradise Beach and 10 minutes from Gonar Beach.
If you’d like to swim on a sandy beach on Krk Island, we recommend Villa Andrea, a three-minute drive from Sv. Marak Beach.
Dalmatia
Although Dalmatia is known for its rugged coastline, which gives the sea its clarity and distinctive deep blue color, some locations feature natural sandy coves.
- 🏖️ Sakarun Beach on Dugi Otok
- 🏖️ Vela Pržina Beach on Korčula Island
- 🏖️ Lovrečina Beach on Brač Island
- 🏖️ Velika Saplunara Beach on Mljet Island
- 🏖️ Šunj Beach on Lopud Island
- 🏖️ Queen’s Beach (Kraljičina plaža) in Nin
Of all the islands listed, Brač is the easiest and fastest to get to. If you want to swim at Lovrečina Beach, stay at Apartment Lucija in Pučišća, about a 15-minute drive away.
You can also find villa accommodations near Queen’s Beach in Nin. In the neighboring town of Privlaka, 10 minutes from the beach, you’ll find Villa Danica, a modern villa with a pool and sauna.
Korčula is full of beautiful views and accommodations. Although most are on the west side of the island, let that be an incentive to explore the east side, where you’ll find the sandy beach. You can choose Villa Mijo, which is on the first row of the sea and has a private beach, or the stone Villa Smoquizza, which is in the island’s interior and will be an ideal starting point for trips to the eastern side of the island.
Sandy Beaches in Croatia: A Few Simple Tips
Go early or later in the day. The sand is quieter then, the sunlight is softer, and much kinder on the feet. On windy days, check the direction first, because sandy water becomes cloudy real fast.
And when you pick a villa, look for the things that matter to you, like a private pool, proximity to the sea, or pet-friendly options. You can filter for all of them on our website.
That’s it. Five sandy beaches, five lovely villas, and a whole lot of summer vibes. See you on the sand!
FAQs
Does Croatia have sandy beaches?
Yes. Croatia is best known for pebble beaches, but the coast also hides genuine sandy stretches.
Which is the longest sandy beach in Croatia?
Queen’s Beach in Nin, just north of Zadar, holds that title — the sand runs for about eight kilometres. The area is also known for its healing mud, and the old town of Nin, with its famously tiny church, makes for an easy day trip nearby.
What is the best sandy beach near Zadar?
Queen’s Beach in Nin is the top pick close to Zadar, with kilometres of sand and shallow water.
Is there a sandy beach on Korčula?
Yes — Vela Pržina, near the village of Lumbarda. It has soft sand and a shallow sea, and it’s surrounded by the vineyards that produce Grk, a local white wine. Villas on the island of Korčula make a good base for visiting both the beach and the old town.
Are there sandy beaches on Croatian islands?
Yes, several. Paradise Beach on Rab (near Lopar) is Blue Flag–certified and was once named among the world’s best by CNN, Saplunara on Mljet offers two quiet pine-shaded sandy beaches, and Sakarun on Dugi otok is a well-known stretch of fine white sand with turquoise water.
Now that we’ve written ours, it’s your turn! Explore the beaches via the individual links, and choose one to visit this summer. Then, pick a nearby villa or apartment, and you’re all set for the vacation of your dreams. If you need help choosing accommodations, contact us! We’ll be happy to help. 😊
