Looking for beach recommendations.
We will be spending 12 days in Croatia and Slovenia in May. Ljubljana/Bled/Julian Alps/all around Istria/Zadar/Split/Dubrovnik.
We will be in a rental car the entire trip.
We are not "lounging by the beach" types but would like to find a nice beach and take a dip in the Adriatic somewhere along the way. Prefer uncrowded, secluded, off the beaten path, but would also welcome suggestions for a more "touristy" beach if it was spectacular.
Any suggestions?
Only one outside of a city that I have been to. Maybe not the “the best” but to know that would require visiting them all: https://maps.app.goo.gl/WWqCs6YXkzinb32r9 But I enjoyed it and would go back. My other two favorites are a little further than your planned trip https://maps.app.goo.gl/f1vb5LFQyy3pCFy99 and https://maps.app.goo.gl/BKVrVQ5rN7QmuY5t8
In Dubrovnik we went to Sveti Jakov Beach, a small pebble beach maybe a 10 min walk up the street from the larger, more popular Banje Beach. It was definitely more secluded, probably due to the over 150 stairs to get down to it. It did have lounge chairs and a beach bar.
Sorry I don't know how to add a link like Mr. E.
Sveti Jakov Beach
Awe, thanks Mr. E!
Joann, a pleasure.
In Istria the only beach we visited was in Pula. It was fine, nothing special.
Don’t bother with the beach in Split, it is way too small and crowded. We’ve never been to the beach in Zadar. In Dubrovnik we swim in 3 different places.
1. Banje beach, but we are there by 7:30 and leave by 9:00. No crowds. It is a short walk if you are staying within the walls, which I highly recommend. It’s so easy to get there early and many locals swim there, I know our cousins do.
2. We take the ferry to Otak Lokrum and swim on the far side of the island. There was a nude beach also but we never went. Don’t even know if it’s still there. The ferry cost is pretty steep but we usually spend the day there. The beach is never crowded, mostly local pensioners, they have a ferry pass.
There is one cafe there where we eat lunch. The island is a National park so no one lives there. If you get an early ferry, just follow the old folks with swim gear.
3. We sometimes swim off the pier around from the aquarium. They have ladders to get in and out of the water. For a quick late afternoon dip this is where we go.
Remember that the beaches are all pebbles so water shoes are necessary if, like me, you have delicate feet, lol.
Are you going to any islands or just the three cities?
We might add in a trip to Korcula or Mljet, if we can fit it in. Probably only if there is a compelling reason to do it (like perhaps a really great beach! haha)
We will also be spending a good amount of time on the Istrian peninsula and then driving south from there to Split, so a beach along that route would also work into the itinerary.
Korcula has many secluded cove beaches--if you take the car. Otherwise, you can do a boat trip or take a bus to Lumbarda. If you go to Hvar or Brac, it's easy to find a nice beach as well.
If you stay in Istria long enough, the Premantura area looks nice.
The main thing is to go as late in May as possible because the sea will just be warming up.
I’d second a trip to Lokrum from Dubrovnik if you’re looking to swim that day. There’s a cool little inland swimming hole, plus some other spots. It’s easy to get away from folks there. You’ve probably heard of Dubrovnik’s Buza bar, but the lower one has a great swimming area and is a fun scene. The other one has cliffs and is generally kind of crowded, but the low one is chill.
One of the best, and I unfortunately neglected to bring my swimsuit for, was in Cavtat. They have a couple beaches a short walk off the harbor which looked amazing. Very low key and a nice bar to hang at too.
Hello
I am Dominik, from Zadar.
Let me tell you something 99% of the visitors don't know.
Since I work in the hospitality industry, have a travel agency and bike/e-scooter rental service.
Every time someone rents a bike from me I always have the same suggestion:
Visit islands.
Most people don't know you can reach Ugljan and Pašman from Zadar by bike.
There is a big ferry port (Gaženica) and in only 20 minutes you can be at Ugljan, cycling around finding the best and most secluded beach in your life with crystal clear water.
If you need ideas for the cycling tours you can find them on my website: https://zadar-bike.com/zadar-bike-tours/
The water will still be very cold in May. The further south the better for the beach. Nearly all beaches in Croatia are rocks and stones, so bring proper footwear.
In Istria, I can highly recommend the Kamenjak Peninsula, which is a national park south of Pula. Many lovely coves to explore and lunch at the famous Safari Bar is a must.
For a dip in the Adriatic, here are a few beach spots I recommend:
- In Poreč (Istria) – Check out Borik and Donji Špadići beaches. Both are great for a quiet swim
- In Pula (Istria) – Try Gortan’s Cove for a peaceful vibe, Batana if you're up for something livelier, and Hawaii beach for a more scenic, rocky spot
- In Zadar – The main city beach Kolovare is convenient, but Puntamika is quieter and more relaxed
- In Split – Trstenik is close to the city and easy to reach, while Ovčice is smaller and more relaxing
- In Dubrovnik – Banje beach offers great views of the old town, but if you're looking for something secluded and wild, Pasjača is a hidden gem
Hope this helped, enjoy :)
Thanks to you all for taking the time to make these recommendations! It is very much appreciated.
