20 Beaches in Croatia with sand underfoot, not pebbles

Croatia has dozens of sandy beaches, but finding them is harder than it seems. Most of the coast here is covered with pebbles. We've rounded up sandy shores from Istria to Dalmatia and the islands of the Zadar archipelago.

Some lie in quiet pine-fringed coves, others are made for loud parties. Some beaches are convenient for toddlers, others suit only confident swimmers. Below, each shore lists its surface, water entry, and an honest catch.

We verified surface, depth, and infrastructure data on 09/15/2026 on official tourist board websites. Example: the Zlatni rat spit on the island of Brač changes shape under the influence of wind and waves (as of 09/2026, Croatian tourist board).

Overview of sandy beaches in Croatia

💡 In short:

• Look for sandy shores in Dalmatia: Dubrovnik, Zadar, Šibenik, Trogir.
• Gentle entry and shallow water can be found at the lagoons of Nin and Lumbarda, at Zlatni rat and Bijeca.
• Access, surface, and infrastructure: 09/2026, verified on the official tourist board website.

If you need sand for a child, look at lagoons with shallow water and a gentle entry. For parties, completely different shores will suit you.

1. Lapad

© Chris93 · CC BY-SAPhoto: Chris93, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

The Lapad peninsula closes off the western part of Dubrovnik, and its shore is considered one of the longest sandy stretches in the country. Families with children come here. The water entry is gentle, with sand at the waterline. Farther from the shore you'll encounter small pebbles, so children are better off swimming near the equipped entry point.

The infrastructure covers basic needs: freshwater showers, changing rooms, lifeguards, lounger and umbrella rentals. You can leave your car in the shade of centuries-old olive trees along the road. You won't need a separate paid parking lot. Restaurants and rentals for boats, kayaks, and diving gear operate nearby.

• Who it's for: families with children and those who don't want to travel to the islands.
• Cost: free entry, you only pay for loungers, umbrellas, and water activities.
• The catch: at the height of the season the shore and cafes are packed, and away from the entry point there are rocks in the water.

2. Kava

Dubrovnik's second beach, Kava, stretches along rocky outcrops. Its surface is sand and fine pebbles separated by rocks. Secluded spots are favored by nudists, so choose your spot carefully. Cliffs and green mountain slopes rise above the water.

The sea warms up quickly. The descent into the water is gentle, and the shallow area extends far from the shore. Lounger rental here is cheaper than on neighboring beaches, and you can easily spend the whole day on the beach. Add free parking and various water activities.

• How to get there: by bus from the Old Town or by car, parking is free.
• Who it's for: those looking for calm coves and not bothered by the proximity of nudists.
• The catch: rocky outcrops divide the shore into sections, and in places the water entry is rocky.

3. Copacabana

© Nick Savchenko from Kiev, Ukraine · CC BY-SAPhoto: Nick Savchenko from Kiev, Ukraine, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

Copacabana occupies the northern coast of the Babin Kuk peninsula. It's one of the largest beaches in Dubrovnik. During the day resort life bustles here, and in the evening discos and bar parties take over. This is where the Wild League, an amateur water polo tournament, is held.

The surface is mixed: very fine pebbles mixed with sand. An inflatable island sits on the water for children. From the height of a parasailing flight you'll see the Elaphiti Islands and the Franjo Tuđman Bridge. Entry is free, but each service is paid for separately.

• Cost: free entry, all services are paid.
• Who it's for: young people and those who want to combine swimming with evening entertainment.
• The catch: you can't call it a purely sandy stretch, and in season the shore is noisy.

4. Uvala Dubovica

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

Uvala Dubovica lies on the southwest of the island of Hvar, away from the town. A small bay is surrounded by hotels in subtropical greenery, and the surface here is sandy-pebbly. The shallow water near the shore transitions smoothly into depth, so swimming is comfortable for both adults and children.

The water in the bay is clear and warms up well in summer. There's almost no strong wind, just a light breeze. Underwater grottos hide at depth, which are interesting for divers. In the evening you won't hear loud parties. The place is made for unhurried relaxation.

• How to get there: from the docks of Stari Grad and Hvar by car or boat.
• Who it's for: couples and families who value quiet.
• The catch: without a car or boat it's hard to get there.

5. Pješčana Uvala

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

The village of Pješčana Uvala sits a few kilometers from Pula. The beach of the same name lies in a bay enclosed by peninsulas on both sides. The wind can't get through here. The water stays calm even during a storm in the open sea. The surface varies: sand, a mix of sand and fine pebbles, and rocks.

A separate section with a gentle water entry is set aside for children. The village's hotels stretch along the shore, making it convenient to walk to the beach. From here you can set off on excursions: to Pula with its Roman heritage, to the Medulin amusement park, and to Brijuni National Park.

• How to get there: from Pula by car or local bus.
• Who it's for: families who want calm water and proximity to Pula.
• The catch: there's no single sandy shore, the surface changes from section to section.

6. Bijeca

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

Bijeca is located in Medulin, not far from Pula. A narrow strip of sand curves like a horseshoe along the azure shore. Good sand, an easy entry into warm water, and shallow depth create the right conditions for a family vacation with kids. Even toddlers learn to swim here.

During the season, the beach gets crowded. You can rent umbrellas and loungers at the rental point, and hide from the sun under the tree canopies along the beach. Kids love the local mini water park with slides. Adults will appreciate the cafes and restaurants nearby.

• Who it's for: families with children, especially toddlers.
• The catch: at the height of the season there are too many vacationers, and finding a free spot is difficult.

7. Zlatni rat

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

If you look at the island of Brač from above, you will see the golden spit of Zlatni rat. It juts out into the blue sea and is framed by the turquoise shallows. The land gives way to a pine forest that comes right up to the water.

The shape of the spit changes under the influence of wind and waves, so it looks different every season (as of 09/2026, the spit's page on the Croatian tourism board website). The surface here is sand and pebble. Entry to the spit is free, and the resort infrastructure with hotels, tennis courts, dive and wellness centers is located in Bol, from where a road along the shore leads to the beach (Dalmatia tourism board).

• Who it's for: those willing to put up with a crowded beach for the view.
• The catch: during the season the spit is packed, and the surface is not purely sandy.

8. Rajska plaža

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

On the northern coast of the island of Rab lies the Lopar peninsula with a town and a bay. Its indented shores form many cozy coves. In one of them, Črnika, you will find Rajska plaža. The beach has been awarded the Blue Flag for clean water and shoreline.

The sand here is good, the sea is shallow, and the entry into the water is gentle. Families with small children choose this beach. Small coves tucked between the rocks offer seclusion for those seeking privacy. From Rajska plaža you can take a trip to the town of Rab with its medieval monuments.

• Who it's for: families with toddlers and those who enjoy a quiet vacation.
• The catch: in July, festivals take place in the town of Rab, and the beach gets crowded.

9. Vela Pržina

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

Korčula is one of Croatia's largest islands. On its southern side sits the resort town of Lumbarda with Vela Pržina beach. The wide stretch is covered in golden sand, a rarity on the Adriatic. You can run barefoot on it. There is nothing here to cut your feet.

The sea is warm, protected from the winds by a forested mountain ridge. Buoys mark the safe swimming zone, and there is a lifeguard station and a rental point. Active guests play volleyball, basketball and badminton, ride banana boats and catamarans. You don't have to take a lounger: lying on a towel on the sand is perfectly comfortable.

• Who it's for: families with children and fans of active water recreation.
• The catch: the shore is popular with young people, so don't expect peace and quiet.

10. Zrće

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

Near the town of Novalja on the island of Pag lies Zrće. The beach is famous for its nightclubs and discos. The crowd here is young: guests come to dance and swim at the same time. For the cleanliness of its water, the beach has been awarded the Blue Flag. The surface is fine pebbles with occasional sandy patches.

There are no trees on the shore. You won't find natural shade, so you'll have to rent an umbrella. The clubs open toward evening and run almost until morning, with well-known DJs behind the decks. During the day there are volleyball courts, tennis courts and water slides. You won't get bored here. Many consider Zrće the local Ibiza in terms of the scale of entertainment.

• Who it's for: young people and those who come for music, not for quiet.
• The catch: there is no shade, and the nightclubs make the beach noisy almost around the clock.

11. Zaton Holiday

The village of Zaton lies near Nin, and its shore is divided into pebbly sections. The sandy part belongs to the Zaton Holiday Resort tourist center. The complex offers apartments, and its grounds are full of flowers.

The wide sandy stretch is well equipped. Loungers, umbrellas, a children's playground and inflatable water attractions await guests. Lifeguards watch over swimmers. Trees grow along the shore, and you can rest from the sun in their shade. The water entry is gentle, but a separate area is set up for guests with limited mobility.

• Cost: you have to pay to visit the beach.
• Who it's for: families with children and guests staying in the complex's apartments.
• The catch: you have to pay for entry, and the shore itself belongs to the resort.

12. Ninska laguna

The lagoon near the ancient town of Nin is ringed by the sandy shore of Ninska laguna. It is called the Royal Beach. Golden sand, the calm surface of the bay and shallow water have made this place popular for family vacations. Both tourists and locals swim here.

The lagoon has a rare detail: salt was and still is harvested here. A Salt Museum is open at the salt production facility. Healing mud deposits lie in the surrounding area. The infrastructure is simple but sufficient: an outdoor shower, toilets, changing cabins. You'll only pay for loungers and umbrellas, and nearby you'll find volleyball courts, tennis courts and cafes. People also fly kites here, and a large campground sits next door. In the evening you can simply walk to Nin.

• Cost: entry is free, you pay for a lounger and umbrella.
• Who it's for: families with children and fans of shallow water.
• The catch: the swimming area is shallow, so there is little room for long-distance swimming.

13. Sakarun

© Greta Ceresini from Piacenza · CC BYPhoto: Greta Ceresini from Piacenza, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

Dugi Otok is part of the Zadar archipelago, and its Sakarun beach is known for white sand and pine groves (as of 09/2026, Dugi Otok tourist office).

The clear, shallow sea warms up quickly. The pines provide shade and resin-scented air. The beach has loungers, umbrellas and small restaurants serving local cuisine. From Zadar you can get here by ferry, or you can rent a boat or yacht.

• How to get there: by ferry from Zadar, then overland or by water.
• Who it's for: those willing to spend half a day traveling for white sand.
• The catch: the beach is far from major cities, and the trip will take half a day.

14. Sabunike

© Fred Romero from Paris, France · CC BYPhoto: Fred Romero from Paris, France, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

The resort of Sabunike lies away from Zadar. It is known for its many coves and sandy shore. Shallow, clean sea, soft sand and unspoiled nature attract families with children. If you choose one of the coves to the right of the resort, you'll get a peaceful vacation without crowds.

Sports facilities are set up on both sides of the shore, so active recreation is well established here. From Sabunike it's easy to take a trip to Nin for mud treatments. Young people find evening entertainment in Zadar.

• Who it's for: families with children and those looking for quiet coves.
• The catch: there is little evening entertainment on site, so you'll have to drive to Zadar for it.

15. Crvena Luka

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

The Crvena Luka resort area lies in a suburb of Biograd. It is one of the cleanest places in Croatia. The resort has received an international mark for the cleanliness of its shore, water and seabed. The bay is surrounded by sandy beaches and pine groves.

The trees here are treated with care: every ancient pine has its own number and maintenance. The water in the bay is transparent. You can see the bottom from the shore for several meters. In the hotel complex built to European standards, guests can expect peace, comfort and good food.

• Who it's for: those who value a clean shore and a peaceful vacation.
• The catch: the shore is developed with hotels, so there is no wild beach here.

16. Crni Molo

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

Crni Molo is located near Crikvenica. It is considered one of the most comfortable stretches of the coast, which is why families with children of all ages come here. A thick layer of yellow-gray sand, surrounding pines and developed infrastructure create convenient conditions.

The sandy surface alternates with fine pebbles, but the bottom remains sandy. There are no sharp stones or shells in the water, so you won't have to worry about your children swimming. Loungers and umbrellas line the water's edge, and pines provide protection from the sun. Massages are offered right on the beach, and fast-food cafes operate nearby. At the water sports center you can rent equipment for water skiing, parasailing and snorkeling. For children there is a playground, water slides, a trampoline and a mini-golf course. Fruit and ice cream are sold right on the shore, so you don't have to leave for lunch.

• Who it's for: families with children of any age.
• The catch: the surface is not purely sandy; fine pebbles appear near the shore.

17. Mlaška

On the eastern tip of Hvar stands the small town of Sućuraj. Along it stretch coves, caves and secluded beaches. A small piece of the shore is favored by nudists. To the south lies the well-known Mlaška campground with its own spacious sandy beach.

© Original uploader was Sucuraj at hr.wikipedia · CC BY-SAPhoto: Original uploader was Sucuraj at hr.wikipedia, CC BY-SA (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/), Wikimedia Commons

The campground sets the standard for service. Comfortable rooms, a restaurant with national cuisine, a relaxed atmosphere and lots of greenery. The warm sea and good sand make the beach popular. At the rental point you can get equipment for windsurfing, diving and boat trips. The beach occupies a spacious stretch, and even in season there is enough room for a towel. In the morning the water is calmest, so swims and windsurfing are best planned before noon.

• Who it's for: families and those staying at the campground or nearby.
• The catch: part of the shore is occupied by nudists, and the beach itself is far from major cities.

18. Slanica

The island of Murter is known for its various beaches, and Slanica is the most beloved among them. It lies near the center of Murter, within walking distance. Both tourists and locals love to relax here.

The sandy-pebble surface doesn't get in the way of swimming. The view of the bay with boats and yachts and of the Kornati archipelago is impressive. The gentle slope and shallow sea suit children. There is no shortage of entertainment: banana boat rides, boat and yacht trips, beach volleyball, tennis and an amusement park. In peak season, animators entertain guests. The pedestrian zone has shops, cafes and restaurants, so you won't have to go far for food and shopping. You can rent boats and yachts right at the dock.

• Who it's for: families with children and those not looking for seclusion.
• The catch: Slanica is always crowded, so forget about seclusion.

19. Prapratno

Away from Dubrovnik lies the town of Ston on the Pelješac peninsula. Salt has been harvested here for centuries. But Ston is also known for Prapratno Bay. Dense pine forests surround the bay with its sandy beach.

The bay has been awarded the Blue Flag for the cleanliness of its shore and sea. People come here with their own towels. You don't need umbrellas or loungers: you can hide from the sun under the pine canopies. A well-equipped auto camp is nearby. Kids have plenty of room to roam, and younger visitors find their own entertainment.

• How to get there: by car from Dubrovnik or from Ston.
• Who it's for: families and those driving to Pelješac.
• The catch: the beach has little infrastructure of its own, so bring everything you need with you.

20. Saldun Bay

The small island of Čiovo lies next to Trogir. The island's main spot, Saldun Bay, is sheltered from the winds by a forested rise. The sea here is calm, and sand and pines complete the picture.

The central beach of Saldun Bay fills with vacationers during the swimming season. The calm, wave-free sea appeals to parents with children and to the older generation alike. Sports complexes with water parks and water activities have been built nearby. Cafes, restaurants, and bars take care of food. Small islets are scattered around the bay, and you can reach them by renting a boat.

• Who it's for: families and anyone who wants to combine the sea with amenities.
• The catch: this is a place for active and lively recreation, so don't expect quiet.

Sandy beaches of Croatia on the map

All the shores on the list are marked on the map. This way you can gauge the distances between beaches and plan your route.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

Where in Croatia is there real sand rather than pebbles?

Most sandy shores are in Dalmatia. Look for lagoons near Nin and Lumbarda, bays of the Zadar archipelago, and beaches around Pula. On the islands of Brač, Hvar, and Pag, sand appears in patches, while the main surface is pebbles or fine gravel. Before your trip, check the surface type on the local tourist board website (as of 09/2026).

Which sandy beaches in Croatia are good for children?

Ninska laguna, Vela Pržina, and Bijeca. All three have shallow water, a gentle entry, and sand at the water's edge. Crni Molo and Prapratno are also comfortable for kids: the bottom is sandy and there are almost no waves. At Zaton Holiday, entry is paid, but there are lifeguards, a playground, and inflatable attractions.

How much does entry to sandy beaches in Croatia cost?

Most shores have free entry; you only pay for loungers, umbrellas, and water activities. Paid beaches exist at resorts: for example, Zaton Holiday Resort charges for access. Lounger rental prices depend on the season, so check exact amounts on site or with the tourist board (as of 09/2026).

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

The swimming season opens in May and lasts until October. In July and August, sandy shores are crowded, especially Zlatni rat and Slanica. If you want space to yourself, plan your trip for June or September: the water is still warm and there are noticeably fewer vacationers.

Is there shade on sandy beaches in Croatia?

It depends on the shore. At Zrće there are no trees, so you'll have to rent an umbrella. At Prapratno and Lapad, pines and olive trees will cover you. On open stretches like Vela Pržina there is little shade, so bring an umbrella or come in the morning. Check satellite images before your trip for an accurate picture.

In short: what to book

Croatia has few sandy beaches, so choose a shore that matches your style of vacation. If you're traveling with little ones, pick Ninska laguna, Vela Pržina, and Bijeca: they have shallow water and a gentle entry. For quiet, head to Uvala Dubovica, Sakarun, and Prapratno. Parties await you at Zrće and Copacabana, and you'll find a city beach without a car at Lapad and Slanica. Before your trip, check access and amenities on the Croatian tourist board website.