Sandy beach in Croatia: 15 hotels by the sea

A sandy beach in Croatia is not easy to find. Most of the Adriatic coast is pebbly, and soft sand hides in the bays of the Makarska Riviera and on the islands.

The country's most famous sand, the Zlatni Rat spit near the town of Bol, changes shape every season due to wind and currents (according to the Brač tourist board). Hotels near such beaches are booked months in advance.

Below are 15 hotels in Croatia with a sandy beach: from family-friendly 3* to five-star resorts in Dubrovnik. We've listed the area, beach type, and distance to the sea so you can choose the option that fits your vacation.

Ad: this article contains affiliate links, we earn a commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you.

How to choose a hotel with a sandy beach in Croatia

💡 In short:

• Proximity to the beach matters more than the category: in Brela and Bol, the buildings sit right on the sand.
• With kids, go for 3-4* with a gentle entry and entertainment; for quiet, 5* on the outskirts of Dubrovnik work well.
• Beaches and distances: 09/2026, verified against data from the Brela tourist board.

Sandy beaches are concentrated in a few areas. Before choosing a hotel, decide what matters more to you: a gentle entry into the water, quiet, or nightlife. We checked the pools, restaurants, and spas against the hotels' official websites (as of 09/2026).

1. SENTIDO Bluesun hotel Berulia 5*

Berulia sits in Brela, on the first line by the sea. From the panoramic windows of your room you can see the sea and green islands, and behind you rise blue cliffs. The private beach is covered with fine golden sand, and you don't need to go anywhere.

Fish stay close to the shore, so bring a mask: snorkeling and diving are popular here. The property has two outdoor pools with a sunbathing terrace, and a daily fitness program runs (according to the hotel). Three restaurants feature live music, with European, local, and international cuisine.

Supermarkets and restaurants are nearby, and within a kilometer there are two old churches, a promenade, and a shell museum. The airport is about an hour away (according to the map).

• Who it's for: couples and parents who want a hotel right by the water.
• Location: Brela, Makarska Riviera, beach at the building.
• Booking: check prices at Bluesun Berulia on Trip.com.

2. TUI BLUE Jadran 5*

© Patricia6.Porto · CC BY-SAPhoto: Patricia6.Porto, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

TUI BLUE Jadran operates in Tučepi, three kilometers from the center of Makarska (according to the map). It's a five-star resort for those who want a vibrant seaside vacation.

Three outdoor pools face the mountains and the sea, and luxury rooms have private terraces and pool access. The buffet serves local and European dishes, and you can order fish, meat, and seafood from the menu, with vegetarian and vegan options available (according to the hotel).

Sun loungers and umbrellas are set up on the beach line, and snorkeling and diving are available. You can walk to the Franciscan monastery and St. Mark's Cathedral, and the St. Peter lighthouse is nearby. The airport is 67 km away (according to the map).

• Who it's for: couples and groups who value a pool with a view and varied cuisine.
• Location: Tučepi, 3 km to the center of Makarska.
• Booking: rooms at TUI BLUE Jadran on Trip.com.

3. Valamar Collection Dubrovnik President Hotel 5*

Valamar Collection Dubrovnik President Hotel sits six kilometers from old Dubrovnik (according to the map), in one of the most scenic spots on the coast. The resort is designed for complete relaxation.

You have several outdoor pools and one indoor pool, spa treatments, a gym, fitness, and outdoor yoga at your disposal. Breakfast includes omelets, oatmeal, fresh vegetables and fruit, and a glass of champagne in the morning. The menu features seafood, fish, caviar, and meat.

The private beaches are equipped with sun loungers and umbrellas. Copacabana Beach is a seven-minute walk away, and the ferry terminal is a 17-minute walk (according to the map). The airport is a 25-minute drive.

• Who it's for: couples and adults who want a quiet stay near the old town.
• Location: Dubrovnik, 6 km from the old town.
• Booking: see rooms at Dubrovnik President on Trip.com.

4. Bluesun Hotel Soline 4*

© Berthold Werner · CC BY-SAPhoto: Berthold Werner, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Bluesun Hotel Soline rises above Brela: the main building is made of sandstone and styled like an ancient palace. The indoor pool connects through a grotto to the outdoor bathing area on the terrace, which overlooks the Adriatic.

You have access to a fitness center, billiards and darts, and a golf simulator. The spa center has a bio sauna, Turkish and Finnish saunas with a relaxation area where tea and fruit are served, plus a whirlpool, massage, and sea salt body wraps (according to the hotel).

The beachfront restaurant serves seafood and local wine, and at the buffet you'll find meat and fish dishes, homemade pastries, and desserts. Brela's beaches are right next to the hotel.

• Who it's for: couples and families who want to combine beach time and spa.
• Location: Brela, Makarska Riviera.
• Booking: Bluesun Soline prices on Trip.com.

5. Valamar Padova Hotel 4*

© Zoran Kurelić Rabko · CC BY-SAPhoto: Zoran Kurelić Rabko, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

Valamar Padova Hotel sits right on the shore in Banjol on the island of Rab and works well for both a large family and a lively group of friends. The property has its own beach, so the walk to the water takes a minute.

Schools of colorful fish swim near the shore, so bring a mask for snorkeling or diving. The rooms are comfortable, many come with cribs, and the panoramic windows look out over the garden and the sea. For children there's a kids' pool, a staffed playroom, and a playground (according to the hotel).

The property has a fitness and spa center, and loungers are set up around the outdoor pools. An entertainment program runs every day, and dinner is accompanied by live music. Restaurants, bars, and shops are within walking distance, and the airport is 54 km away (according to the map).

• Who it's for: families with children and groups who want a beach right at the hotel.
• Location: Banjol, island of Rab, private beach.
• Booking: compare Valamar Padova prices on Trip.com.

6. Bluesun Hotel Elaphusa 4*

© dronepicr · CC BYPhoto: dronepicr, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

Bluesun Hotel Elaphusa suits both families with children and sports enthusiasts. An animation team runs activities for your kids, with discos and entertainment programs, plus a children's pool and a playroom.

A large water park with an outdoor and indoor pool keeps both kids and adults entertained. The spa treatment rooms offer various types of massage and body wraps, and there's a jacuzzi and several saunas with relaxation areas. The sports facilities are impressive: 26 tennis courts, bowling, basketball and volleyball courts, and rentals for bikes and diving, surfing, and snorkeling gear (according to the hotel).

The hotel's own long beach is equipped with loungers and umbrellas. Dining takes place outdoors in the garden, on the beach, and by the pool, and in the evening a DJ plays in the nightclub. The airport is 41 km away (according to the map).

• Who it's for: active couples and families who value sports and a water park.
• Location: Bol, island of Brač.
• Booking: see Bluesun Elaphusa prices on Trip.com.

7. Valamar Argosy Hotel 4*

Valamar Argosy Hotel occupies a large property on the outskirts of Dubrovnik and is a good fit for a quiet getaway. It has several lounge areas, three outdoor pools and one indoor pool; one of the pools offers a panoramic view of the sea and neighboring islands.

You can relax on two sandy beaches with loungers, chairs and umbrellas. The spa center has a jacuzzi, an indoor pool and a sauna, there is a gym, and snorkeling gear is available on site.

Within a kilometer you'll find Copacabana Beach, Lapad Bay and the Dubrovnik Bridge. Take a walk to Pile Gate, Minceta Tower and the fortress. The airport is about a 20-minute drive away (according to the map).

• Who it's for: couples and families who want a sandy beach and easy access to Dubrovnik.
• Location: Dubrovnik, beach at the hotel.
• Booking: rooms at Valamar Argosy on Trip.com.

8. Park plaza belvedere Medulin 4*

Park Plaza Belvedere Medulin is located near the town of Medulin on the Adriatic coast and is a great option for an active vacation. You'll have two large outdoor pools, a well-equipped gym and a spa center (according to the hotel).

The rooms are bright and modern, in a European style, with panoramic windows overlooking the garden and the sea. On the spacious sea-view terrace you can enjoy Mediterranean, Croatian and international cuisine, as well as bars serving drinks and snacks.

In the spa center you can unwind in a whirlpool bath and sauna or swim in the heated indoor pool. For sports, there are six football pitches and tennis courts, plus handball and volleyball courts.

• Who it's for: families and active couples who want sports and spa.
• Location: Medulin, Istria.
• Booking: prices at Park Plaza Belvedere on Trip.com.

9. Hotel Meridijan adults only 4*

Hotel Meridijan Adults Only is set in the historic part of the town of Pag on the Adriatic coast. The hotel is adults-only, so the atmosphere is quiet and unhurried.

You can relax by the large outdoor pool on a terrace overlooking the sea and mountains. The rooms are spacious, with panoramic windows. The buffet breakfast includes sausages, cold cuts, cheese, omelets, fruit, vegetables, pastries and desserts (according to the hotel).

A sandy beach is a two-minute walk away, and Zrce Beach is reachable by car. At the front desk you can book excursions to Plitvice Lakes and Krka National Park. The airport is 50 km away (according to the map).

• Who it's for: couples looking for a peaceful vacation without children.
• Location: Pag, Pag Island.
• Booking: rooms at Hotel Meridijan on Trip.com.

10. Bretanide sport & wellness resort - all inclusive 3*

© Falk2 · CC BY-SAPhoto: Falk2, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/de/deed.en), Wikimedia Commons

BRETANIDE Sport & Wellness Resort operates in Bol on the Adriatic coast on an all-inclusive basis. Guests get free bicycle rental and can explore the large, well-kept grounds.

The rooms are modern, with sea or garden views, and a continental breakfast is served in the morning. The property has a large outdoor pool with loungers and umbrellas, a tennis court, a children's playground and a games room, and entertainers keep both kids and adults busy.

The surrounding area is popular for hiking and cycling, and you can also play volleyball and table tennis. Shops, restaurants, a kitesurfing school and the Bol waterfront are within walking distance. The airport is 41 km away (according to the map).

• Who it's for: families and active couples looking for an all-inclusive stay.
• Location: Bol, Brac Island.
• Booking: compare prices at BRETANIDE on Trip.com.

11. Bluesun Hotel Marina 3*

© Berthold Werner · CC BY-SAPhoto: Berthold Werner, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Bluesun Hotel Marina is surrounded by pine forest and cliffs, with small islets scattered in the sea. The complex has its own stretch of beach with fine white sand, and loungers are set up in the shade of the trees.

The air here carries a pine scent mixed with the sea breeze (according to the hotel). You can unwind by the large outdoor pool, and a walk along the shore takes you to the village of Gornja Brela.

Punta Rata Beach, the tourist promenade, old churches, and a seashell museum are all within walking distance. The airport is about an hour away by car (according to the map).

• Who it's for: couples and families who want peace and quiet among the pines.
• Location: Brela, Makarska Riviera.
• Booking: Bluesun Marina prices on Trip.com.

12. Zlatni Rat Beach Hotel 3*

Zlatni Rat Beach Hotel sits right by the sea, with loungers and umbrellas set up on the beach. A few meters away, the Zlatni Rat sand spit stretches into the sea, a favorite spot for boat excursions.

Guests can cook in their own kitchenette or eat at the resort restaurant. Nearby there is a tourist street with restaurants, cafes, snack bars, and fruit stands.

At the front desk you can rent bicycles, snorkeling gear, fishing equipment, and windsurfing gear, and you can also book regional excursions there. The airport is 41 km away (according to the map).

• Who it's for: couples and families who want Zlatni Rat Beach right outside their window.
• Location: Bol, Brač Island, by the sea.
• Booking: rooms at Zlatni Rat Beach Hotel on Trip.com.

13. Bluesun Hotel Borak 3*

Bluesun Hotel Borak sits by the sea surrounded by pine forest, just 100 meters from Zlatni Rat Beach (according to the map). Loungers and umbrellas are set up around the large outdoor pool.

For children there is a kids' pool and a playroom, with daily entertainment staff. At the front desk you can sign up for the diving school and rent scuba and snorkeling equipment, as well as book an excursion to the Blaca Desert and Vidova Gora.

Restaurants, shops, and a kitesurfing school are right next to the complex. The airport is 42 km away by car (according to the map).

• Who it's for: families with children and diving enthusiasts.
• Location: Bol, Brač Island.
• Booking: see Bluesun Borak prices on Trip.com.

14. San Marino Sunny Resort by Valamar 3*

San Marino Sunny Resort by Valamar is located in Lopar on the island of Rab. Both families with children and party lovers will enjoy it here: there is a daily entertainment program by the pool and on the beach (according to the resort).

There is also a separate terrace that hosts themed evenings with meat and fish dishes, wine, and folk dancing. The resort is on a large island: endless beachfront, islets in the sea, and mountain views.

You can swim in the pool, go snorkeling, windsurfing, fishing, and play beach volleyball. The restaurant serves European and international cuisine. It is worth renting a boat: the Riva Baška waterfront is 16 km away, and Northern Velebit National Park is 17 km away (according to the map).

• Who it's for: families and groups who want a sandy beach and entertainment.
• Location: Lopar, Rab Island.
• Booking: San Marino Sunny Resort prices on Trip.com.

15. Liberty Hotel 3*

Liberty Hotel is tucked away from the noisy town, in a blooming garden. It is an option for a calm and unhurried vacation: the sea is just 10 meters away (according to the map).

Loungers and umbrellas are set up on the long sandy beach. If you want some excitement, take a walk to the neighboring Zrće Beach, where nightclubs open their doors to fans of loud music.

Snorkeling equipment is available on site, and you can take a diving course or go fishing. Besides the sea, guests can swim in the outdoor pool surrounded by palm trees. The center of Novalja is 500 meters away, with museums and restaurants. The airport is 62 km away by car (according to the map).

• Who it's for: couples who want a quiet stay and easy access to Novalja.
• Location: Novalja, Pag Island.
• Booking: rooms at Liberty Hotel on Trip.com.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

Where are the sandy beaches in Croatia?

Sandy beaches are concentrated in a few areas: the Makarska Riviera near Brela, the Zlatni Rat spit near Bol on the island of Brač, the long sandy stretch in Lopar on the island of Rab, and the beaches of the island of Pag. Most of the rest of the coast is pebbly, which is why the hotels in this selection are located in these specific spots.

Which hotel should I choose with kids?

For families, Bluesun Hotel Soline in Brela and Bluesun Hotel Elaphusa in Bol are good options: a children's pool, a playroom, and daily entertainment staff. At Valamar Padova and Zlatni Rat Beach Hotel, the beach starts right at the building, and the water entry is gradual, which is convenient with kids.

When is the best time to go to the sandy beaches?

June and September are ideal: the water is warm, and the beaches are less crowded than in July and August. In high season, loungers at the popular hotels in Brela and Bol get taken from the morning, so reserve a sunbed in advance or arrive by 9:00.

How much does a stay at the hotels in this selection cost?

Prices depend on the category and season. Three-star hotels like Bluesun Hotel Borak and Liberty Hotel are cheaper, while five-star Berulia and Dubrovnik President are more expensive. For exact rates on your dates, check the Trip.com links in the selection.

How far are the hotels from airports?

The Dubrovnik hotels are the closest: Valamar Argosy is about 20 minutes from the airport (according to the map). Split and the island of Brač take about an hour to reach, while the islands of Rab and Pag require a ferry.

In short: what's worth booking

A sandy beach in Croatia narrows the options: this selection covers six areas with sandy beaches. If you're traveling with kids, go with Elaphusa in Bol or Soline in Brela. For peace and quiet, Argosy and Meridijan Adults Only are good choices. Berulia, Marina, and Zlatni Rat Beach Hotel are right on the waterfront.

The easiest way to compare dates and rates across all hotels is to use the Trip.com search form above before booking.