Croatia, the land of crystal-clear waters, azure bays, and stunning coastlines. Few countries offer such harmony between water and land. Even though you will mostly find fine stone and pebble beaches, this country with its 1700 km long coastline is especially known for its clean and beautiful sandy beaches. 42% of all beaches have been awarded the Blue Flag, which stands for excellent water quality – a unique hallmark of Croatia! Whether it's water activities with the family, beach volleyball, or simply relaxing - Croatia's sandy beaches are an experience for everyone.
The northern region of Istria, despite its approximately 550km long coastline, has only a total of three sandy beaches and mostly small bathing bays. One of the largest and most natural sandy beaches is the Zambratija in the city of the same name. Since it slopes gently and you can walk 100m into the sea, the visit is also safe for toddlers. Bars like the Beach Bar Destino or cafes like Happy Sunshine make the trip perfect. Free changing rooms are also available there. Another sandy beach can be found in Medulin: the Bijeca, with its 1.5km length, is one of the longest beaches on the peninsula.
The well-known Kvarner Bay is located on the upper Adriatic in Croatia and boasts a variety of stunning beaches for swimming and diving. The most famous sandy beach there is Crni mol in the popular holiday resort of Crikvenica. The beach, which has been awarded the Blue Flag, is chargeable, but you get a lot in return: here you can go water skiing, parasailing, and take boat trips on the sea, or use the beach for a game of beach volleyball or simply to relax. There is also plenty for children to discover: an adventure playground, a trampoline, or the water slide. One thing is certain, you will never get bored here. Another rare sandy beach is Rajska Plaza, better known as Paradise Beach San Marino in Lapar on the island of Rab. In addition to a gently sloping shore and the stunning beach, there is a bathing island in the water - this can be used either for sunbathing or for artistic jumps. Furthermore, there is a wide range of activities for the sporty among us: for example, there are football and basketball courts, tennis courts, trampolines, and much more. On the island of Krk, you will find another beautiful sandy beach called Sveti Marak in Risika, not far from the town of Vrbnik. A paved path leads to the beach, making it particularly wheelchair accessible and ideal for people with disabilities.
When it comes to children, it's especially important to choose the right beach. There are several criteria that are crucial in the search. First and foremost is the safety and cleanliness of the beach, and a gently sloping shore is particularly important. Also, look out for the Blue Flag, as it symbolizes cleanliness. This way, you can be sure that children can dig in the sand and splash in the water without any problems. The previously mentioned Crni mol beach in Crikvenica, with its play equipment for children, is highly recommended. The sandy beach Planjka-Trincel on the island of Pag is suitable for children of all ages. The beach slopes gently, and everything is clearly visible through the crystal-clear water. Additionally, lifeguard posts provide extra safety. Those who get hungry after many activities like trampoline jumping, sliding, or pedal boating will also be saved by snack bars and various food stalls. All in all, this beach is a suitable place for a cozy family outing.
In the south of the Istrian peninsula, you can find the beautiful sandy bay of Bijeca in Medulin. Thanks to its length of 1.5 km, it offers a wide range of activities for children and sports junkies. A diving school in the west (suitable for beginners to advanced) or other water sports providers at the eastern end of the beach ensure that nothing stands in the way of sporting activity. In addition to popular water sports such as jet skiing, windsurfing or parasailing, a trip to the nearby nature reserve Premantura is also recommended. But the aforementioned Paradise Beach San Marino is also a dream for every athlete. Whether on water or on land, there is something for everyone here.
If you want to try something new, the sandy beach Kraljicina, also known as Queen's Beach, is the right place. Because here, in addition to beach volleyball, the local game "Picigin" is played. This is a special water sport in Croatia and is very popular with everyone. Whether it's a family vacation with children, an active vacation for explorers, or a relaxing couple's vacation, the beaches of Croatia offer the ideal starting point for every life situation and all interests.