The top 5 swimming spots in Croatia

1. No Stress Zone, Jelinak Cove

This off-the-beaten path cove is a hidden oasis with something for everyone. You get there by speedboat from Trogir, which is super easy when you book a day trip with Blue Nautica. 

There, you’ll find a No Stress Zone, a swimming area we designed for absolutely everyone, from kids to adults, scuba divers, snorkelers, swimmers, families, groups of friends — you name it. It got its name from the fact that it’s a secluded, peaceful oasis where you can get away from the hustle and bustle of the tourist high season. It’s also the perfect place to relax and soak up the sun after a long day of snorkeling or scuba diving at the Blue Nautica underwater museum. 

What makes it one of the best places to swim in Croatia? It’s fine pebble beach, minimal seaweed, crystal clear water, beach chairs, shady areas, toilets, no crowds, an aquapark, and proximity to the historic City of Trogir.

2. Pasjača, Dubrovnik

At the southernmost tip of Croatia, hidden under the Konavle cliffs, lies a hidden pebble beach called Pasjača. 

It’s remote and hard to get to, especially for small children or the elderly, but for those looking to reward a hiking adventure with a beautiful beach and peace and quiet, the official best beach of Europe won’t disappoint. It’s only about a 30 minute drive from the city of Dubrovnik, and it’s well worth it for those looking to escape the chaos of the city in the summer heat. 

Note: there are no facilities (like toilets) here. There are no beach bars, chairs, or aqua parks. It’s just an untouched wonder of nature waiting to be discovered by you. 

3. Zlatni Rat, Brač

Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn) beach is probably one of the most common beaches you’ll see on a Croatian postcard, and for good reason. With its gorgeous geometry, half a kilometer of fine white sand beaches, pine grove shade, azure shallow waters, and no seaweed – this is without a doubt one of the world’s most singularly impressive looking swimming spots. 

Apart from being breathtakingly beautiful, this beach is highly family-friendly and comes with a whole host of services the whole family can enjoy:  facilities (toilets, showers), plenty of bars, restaurants, accommodations in Bol nearby, an aqua park, pedal boat rentals, speed boat towing, parachute sightseeing. You can even use the “luftomat” machine for inflating and deflating your beach equipment! 

Note: nudism is strictly prohibited here. If you’re into bathing in your birthday suit, there’s a nudist beach just a few hundred meters away.

4. Punta Rata in Brela, near Makarska

Situated amongst the white stones of the gorgeous Makarska Riviera, Punta Rata has racked up an impressive amount of awards and accolades for its beauty, from Forbes, Huffington Post, and European Best Destinations. 

It’s a great place to swim, snorkel, kayak, and paddle board. Behind the beach there are plenty of accommodations, while the promenade has lots of beach bars and restaurants to satisfy your cravings during the day. 

Punta Rata is part pebble, part sandy beach with an impressive 6 km beachline, and has plenty of shady areas and fragrant tree varieties, like myrtle, bearberry, olive, pine, and juniper. If you want to avoid the tourist season crowds, the best time to visit is in the mid-morning from Monday-Friday.

5. Stiniva, Vis

Located on the south-side of Vis, Croatia’s farthest inhabited island, is Stiniva beach. Another European Best Destinations winner, this beach is a perfect swimming destination for families, friends, and anyone looking to venture off the beaten path and discover something new. 

The beach may be secluded, but it isn’t a wilderness. It even has an authentic Dalmatian tavern where you can dine on delicious Vis specialties, bathrooms, boat tours that can take you to the island’s many hidden coves (like the Green cove, which you can swim and snorkel in), and lodging accommodations nearby.

Make the most of your summer vacation with Blue Nautica