4 Kinds of Croatia Beaches & Where They Are on the North Coast
- Jessica Cerović
- May 19
- 5 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
Croatia is known for its stunning beaches along the Adriatic Coast. The waters here are some of the clearest and cleanest blue you will ever see, both on the mainland and on one of its 1,000 islands. There are four main kinds of beaches in Croatia: sandy, pebbly, concrete, and rocky beaches. Each type has something unique to offer during your vacation. The Crikvenica Riviera, on the northern coast, features the city of Crikvenica and the towns of Selce, Dramalj, and Jadranovo. These towns have all four types of beaches, located just a few miles apart.
1. Sand Beaches
I grew up along the east coast of the United States, visiting sandy beaches in Delaware and Maryland. I always loved the feeling of sand between my toes. It's usually comfortable to lay your towel down and relax. However, sandy beaches have downsides. The sand can make the water less transparent. Even so, in Croatia, the water remains clearer than the greenish-brown hue I associate with the mid-Atlantic. Crikvenica has a lovely sandy beach stretching about a mile, conveniently located near the city center.
Other Sand Beaches on the North Coast:
Krk Island - Sveti Marak, Punta Debija, Vrtaca, Skrila
Cres Island - Meli
Lošinj Island - Čikat, Engleza
Rab Island - Sahara, Ciganka, Kandarola, Livačina, Rajska, Stolac, Pudarica, Valentina
Rovinj - Vestar
Poreč - Lanterna, Val Marea, Polidor
Umag - Punta, Zambratija
2. Pebble Beaches
Pebble beaches provide clearer water than sandy ones. They offer great opportunities for rock lovers and geologists to explore, but depending on the sizes of the pebbles, they may not be the most comfortable for walking or sitting. Crikvenica features a charming pebble beach near the city center and in Jadranovo.
Other Pebble Beaches on the North Coast:
Senj - Prva Draga, Škver North, Škver South, Voda, Treća Draga, Diga, Druga Draga
Novi Vinodolski - Dog Beach, Rivica, Lopar, Dugno, Skrpun, Zagori
Krk Island - Oprna, Potovošće, Baška, Jezevac, Zgribnica, Vela Luka, Mocca, Omišalj, Njivice
Cres Island - Beli, Lubenice, Plave grote (Blue cave), Kovačine, Zdovica, Raca/Valun, Nedomišje
Lošinj Island - Krivica, Plieski, Rovenska, Srebrna, Veli mal, Zabodarski, Zlatna
Rab Island - Banova Vila, Kozica, Suha Punta, Mag
Rijeka - Plaza Ploce, Sablićevo, Preluk, Kostrena, Kantrida, Svezanj Bay, Glavanova
Opatija - Dog Beach, Lipovica, Škrbići
Pula - Gortans, Batana, Hawaii, Histria, Cyclon's Beach, Centinera, Ambrela, Banjole
Rovinj - Mulini, Lone Bay, Borik, Punta Cabana, Kuvi, Polari, Porton Biondi, Cisterna
Poreč - Astra, Delfin, Pical, Parentium
Umag - Laguna Stella Maris, Villa Rosetta, Polynesia, Svjetionik, Kanegra
3. Concrete Beaches
Concrete beaches are popular as they are often close to town centers and marinas. These beaches usually have nearby amenities, including coffee shops and restaurants. The water is frequently clearer than that found at sand beaches. Many concrete beaches have built-in stairs for easy access to the water. While they are easier to walk along than rocky or pebble beaches, they might not be the most comfortable places to lay down your towel. In Crikvenica, concrete beaches are typically found around boat piers, as well as in Dramalj and Selce.
Other Concrete Beaches on the North Coast:
Senj - Škver North, Škver South
Novi Vinodolski - Main Town Beach, Prva Dražica
Krk Island - Malinska, Vrbnik, Punta Di Galetto
Lošinj Island - Punta
Opatija - Angiolina, Slatina, Tomaševac Children’s Beach, Črnikovica
Pula - Valkane
Poreč - City Beach, Brulo
Umag - Aurora, Osmica
4. Rock Beaches
Rock beaches boast some of the clearest waters. The depth of the sea floor can create beautiful shades of blue. These spots are popular for cliff diving, snorkeling, diving, and spear fishing due to the rich marine life visible here. Accessing rock beaches can be a bit tricky; some require a hike, while others can only be reached by boat. They are often quieter and more secluded. One notable rock beach on the Crikvenica Riviera is Kačjak.
Other Rock Beaches on the North Coast:
Novi Vinodolski - Riva
Krk Island - Sveti Juraj
Cres Island - Mali bok, Sveti Blaž, Koromačno/Belej
Lošinj Island - Artatore, Bojčić, Borik, Kadin, Poljana, Valdarke
Pula - Svjetionik
Rovinj - Baluota, Zlatni Rt
Poreč - Bellevue, Bijela
Umag - Canova
Interesting Fact
Croatia was the first country to offer nudist holidays. British King Edward VIII and his American mistress, Wallis Simpson, created the nude beach on the island of Rab while cruising the Adriatic. Look for signs that say "FKK," which means Freikorperkultur in German, or "Free Body Culture" in English. Visiting a nudist beach may be surprising. Guests often do not care how they look, and staring is frowned upon. It can be a liberating experience that allows you to embrace your natural self.
Another noteworthy beach is Monty's Dog Beach and Bar. The original location opened in 2015 in Crikvenica, with a second location on the island of Rab a couple of years later. This pebble beach features an agility course and sunbeds for your furry friend, along with beverages and treats for both dogs and humans.
Want to visit a beach on one of Croatia's islands? READ:
Explore Croatia's Beaches
It would likely take a lifetime to visit every beach in Croatia. Beaches stretch along its entire coastline and surround its many islands. If you're looking to experience all four varieties of beaches within a few miles, check out the Crikvenica Riviera on the northern coast of Croatia.
Many travelers head to the more popular southern coastal regions, such as Dubrovnik for a "Game of Thrones Tour." Others visit the city of Split as one of their cruise itinerary stops or explore islands like Korčula, Hvar, and Brač. However, many overlook the northern coastal regions of Croatia, which come highly recommended.
Whether it’s your first visit to Croatia or a return trip, consider exploring this hidden gem. Europeans have vacationed here for decades, but others overlook its charm. Come see what makes the north coast so special.
North Coast Croatia Travel Agency specializes in travel to Croatia and surrounding European countries. They offer consultations, custom itineraries, pre-designed theme itineraries, summer beach rentals, and a travel blog. Services include booking flights, accommodations, cruises, tours, rental cars, transfers, and travel insurance.
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