Planning a beach holiday? Look no further than Croatia's Dalmatian Coast. Crystal-blue water and sandy shores can be found all along the coast here, while secret shingle bays lie hidden away on the islands – just a boat ride away.
In this extract from our DK Eyewitness Top 10 Dubrovnik and the Dalmatian Coast travel guide, we've listed some of the most spectacular beaches in the area. Sunseekers, get ready to pack your bags.
In this extract from our DK Eyewitness Top 10 Dubrovnik and the Dalmatian Coast travel guide, we've listed some of the most spectacular beaches in the area. Sunseekers, get ready to pack your bags.
DK Top 10 Dubrovnik and the Dalmatian Coast
View BookBanje Beach, Dubrovnik
The sand may be imported, and there's an entry charge to the section with sun loungers, but the sweeping views of old Dubrovnik and the island of Lokrum are hard to beat, and the waters are exceptionally clean.
Šunj, Lopud
A bay-enclosed crescent of sand at the eastern end of Lopud island, Šunj is one of the finest beaches in the Dubrovnik region, but it's rarely overcrowded due to its island location. The 40-minute walk from the Lopud ferry dock takes you through a wonderful Mediterranean landscape of olive groves and drystone walls (if you don't feel like walking, take a golf-cart taxi for a small fee). There's also a lively bar at the back of the beach which provides refreshments.
Zlatni Rat, Brač
The "Golden Cape" – a popular sweep of fine shingle that curls out, lapped by the currents of the Adriatic, from the pine-fringed southern flank of the island of Brač – is much eulogized. You'll find this distinctive landmark near the resort of Bol.
Kamenica, Komiža, Vis
There are several pebbly coves immediately south of Komiža, but Kamenica is the largest and best equipped. This stunning beach spreads beneath a sandy bluff covered with agaves and other Mediterranean flora. For those with a canine companian, the dog-friendly smaller bay just north of Kamenica is the perfect place for a beach trip.
Milna, Hvar
Hvar town lacks long uninterrupted stretches of beach, so many visitors make their way to Milna, 3 km (2 miles) east. Stone slabs and rocks abut the sea at the centre of this village and there's a fine shingle beach a short walk to the west. There are also several good restaurants above the beaches – perfect for a post-swim meal.
Trstenica, Orebić
You couldn't wish for a more spectacular location to unfurl your towel than the Trstenica beach at this small resort, with its collage of fine shingle and sand. Across the water, on the nearby island of Korčula, you can see the terracotta roof tiles of Korčula town surrounded by mountains.
Pržina Bay, Lumbarda
While chocolate-box beauty Korčula town gets all the plaudits, the nearby town of Lumbarda has much better beaches – in particular, Pržina Bay, a popular sandy beach with a sprinkling of low-key cafés. Buses run here daily from Korčula town, while boats transport visitors to the area in the summer. If Pržina Bay gets a little too crowded, nearby Bilin Žal tends to be a bit quieter.
Proizd, Vela Luka, Korčula
Bathing spots don't get much more dramatic than Proizd, a rocky island just off the western coast of Korčula (accessible by taxi-boat from Vela Luka). Proizd's popularity rests on the huge slabs of rock that slope steeply into clear seas on its northern side, providing perfect perches for sunseekers. A restaurant and café are also close at hand.
Gradac
The small town of Gradac boasts the longest beach in Croatia, and the best on the Makarska Riviera. Shingle and pebbles abound along the tree-fringed shoreline here, and out to sea, the island of Hvar hovers on the horizon. Some sections of the beach offer tourist facilities while others are far more rustic. In summer it can be tricky to find a secluded spot.
Pakleni Islands
This necklace of tiny islands just off Hvar provides plenty of great places to laze by the sea. The name derives from the pine resin, paklina, once used to waterproof boats. A short boat trip from Hvar town and you'll find yourself sitting by the Adriatic with little in the way of tourist development to spoil the surroundings. Clothes are very much optional on Jerolim.
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