7 Beach Towns in Croatia to Visit This Summer

Makarska

Roughly 40 miles south of Split and 90 miles north of Dubrovnik, Makarska is the Croatian beach town at the center of the Makarska Riviera, which stretches approximately 37 miles from Brela to Gradac. In addition to a string of pebble beaches, Makarska is blessed with a palm-fringed harborside promenade, tranquil bays, and pine forests that are all sheltered by tall Mount Biokovo. Both campsites and beach hotels are plentiful, depending on whether you’re into the natural aspect of beach towns or the developed one, which in this case includes many cafes, boutiques, and a robust nightlife scene. A ferry also runs from Makarska to Brač.

Where to stay: Marineta Suite

This newly renovated two-bedroom condo is centrally located in Makarska, minutes from the main square, Osejava Beach, and a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars. When you want a little privacy, bring your beachy sunbathing session home with you and relax on the private terrace, which is also equipped with a barbecue grill and outdoor dining area.

Two bedrooms, four guests
Price per night: $110

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Brela

Talk of the Makarska Riviera brings us to Brela, the first port of call as you travel down the Dalmation Coast. Brela is located roughly 10 miles north of Makarska and home to the riviera’s famous Punta Rata Beach. Nearby Podrače Beach is quieter that Punta Rata but equally nice — possibly even nicer. In general, Brela is a more lowkey beach town than Makarska and a better choice for families, offering all the same water sports but less emphasis on nightlife.

Where to stay: Iris Apartment

With beautiful sea views from the bedroom window, not to mention the terrace, this small yet stylish one-bedroom apartment is less than 100 feet from the beach. The kitchen is small but equipped with all the basics to ensure your comfort for a weekend or a week.

One bedroom, two guests
Price per night: $44

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Poreč

Hard-partying Poreč is a resort town on the Istrian peninsula with two main claims to fame: its sixth-century UNESCO-listed basilica and its coastline full of pebbled harbors and bays. From April to October, a tourist train services the coast, connecting downtown Poreč to nearby beaches and beach resorts, including the popular resort of Zelena Laguna. Brulo Beach and Pical Beach (sometimes written as Parentino Beach) are closer to the city center. Either way, you’ll have your pick of watersports, shops, eateries, and beach bars, all of which help to explain the young and lively crowd that favors Poreč as a Croatian beach town.

Where to stay: Bungalow by the Sea

Located in a newly renovated 500-year-old Venetian-style building, this one-bedroom apartment features beautiful design elements such as high-beamed ceilings, original stone walls, and clear views of Poreč’s famous basilica bell tower from every window. It’s a short distance from the beach and parking can be arranged, if you’re road-tripping.

One bedroom, three guests
Price per night: $121

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Crikvenica

Located in northern Croatia, about 30 minutes south of Rijeka, Crikvenica is another town that lends its name to a riviera that encompasses four charming resorts: Jadranovo, Dramalj, Crikvenica, and Selce. Multiple beaches on the Crikvenica Riviera are Blue Flag beaches, certifying their crystal-clear water and amenities. Crikvenica’s main beach is Gradsko Kupalište, a sandy stretch that doubles as a lively promenade in the evening. Pebbly Balustrada Beach is also Blue Flag-certified and has sun chairs, parasols, and pedal boats for hire.

Where to stay: Adriatic Apartment

Live like a local at this one-bedroom apartment in a residential part of central Crikvenia, just steps from the beach. You can’t beat the sea views from the terrace, where you can start every morning off right by sipping a cup of coffee al fresco.

One bedroom, three guests
Price per night: $60

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Biograd na Moru

Biograd na Moru in northern Dalmatia is one of Croatia’s sailing capitals due to its peninsular location between two bays. Soline Beach is the closest sandy beach to town, while Drazica and Bosana are two popular pebble beaches in the area, but even more impressive is Biograd na Moru’s 700-plus-berth marina. Day trips also abound from the Croatian beach town, notably to the nearby island of Pašman, heart-shaped island of Galesnjak, and Kornati National Park, which houses dozens of islands, islets, and reefs that are ripe for a sailing excursion.

Where to stay: Loft-Style Home

For a relatively small space, this clean, well-equipped two-bedroom apartment is surprisingly roomy, with enough space for five guests if you’re willing to get cozy. It’s located in the heart of Biograd na Moru, providing easy access to the marina, beach, shops, and restaurants, as well as the historic St. Anatasia Church — the bells make for a pleasant alarm if you’re an early riser.

Two bedrooms, five guests
Price per night: $99

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Primošten

A thin causeway connects the onetime island of Primošten to Croatia’s mainland Adriatic coast. The town’s most famous beach, Mala Raduča, is consistently ranked as one of the nicest beaches in the entire country, although there are several beaches in the pine-clad area that you can easily survey via bike. Primošten is otherwise known for having a picture-perfect town center and “stone lace” vineyards, so named for the network of dry-stone walls that separates them. There’s a club scene in Primošten, as well, but if you prefer a quieter beach vacation, you can easily arrange a visit to Krka National Park when you’re not lounging on the shore.

Where to stay: Seaview Apartment

A romantic choice for couples, this one-bedroom apartment offers stunning views of the sea and islands in Primošten. It is located in a serene part of the city center with markets, restaurants, and cafes nearby. The famous Velika Raduča beach is also just a five-minute walk away.

One bedroom, three guests
Price per night: $110

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Opatija

Located in the Kvarner Gulf that also houses popular islands such as Krk, Pag, and Rab, Opatija is known for being the birthplace of Croatia’s beach tourism, in large part because Hotel Kvarner paved the way for coastal resorts when it opened in 1884. In addition to busy beaches such as Slatina and Lido, Opatija plays host to a handful of fun attractions that you won’t find in other Croatian beach towns, including a seaside Croatian Walk of Fame featuring names belonging to inventor Nikola Tesla, tennis pro Goran Ivanišević, and others.

Where to stay: Luxe Airbnb With Veranda

Roughly 10 minutes from Opatija’s city center on foot, this one-bedroom apartment is tough to leave, from the luxurious bedroom to the sauna and the wide-open terrace with views of the garden and sea. Guests have exclusive access to the entire apartment, garden, terrace, lounge, and parking lot.

One bedroom, two guests
Price per night: $158

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