Rajska plaža (Lopar)

Located in the northeastern part of Rab we have Lopar, and in Lopar we have the largest and most popular sandy beach on Rab: Rajska plaža (Paradise beach). Rajska plaža extends over a length of 2 kilometers, and has been awarded a “Blue Flag” for water cleanliness, quality, and environmental safety. This beach even made it on CNN’s “Top 100 Beaches in the World” list! Rajska plaza has a shallow sea of about 1 kilometer, making it great for children and for families. Due to its popularity, you can expect there to be plenty of facilities and activities on the island to enjoy. Rajska plaža has everything from beach volleyball to water slides, parasailing, and after beach parties. There are also plenty of cafes and restaurants to enjoy.

sahara (lopar)

Another beach located in Lopar worth a mention is Sahara beach, about a 30 minute walk from Rajska plaža on marked trails through nature. Sahara beach is a stunning sandy beach that is also one of the most popular nudists beach in the region. Accessible by car, Sahara is also a great place for adventuring, but not so great for activities. If you’re looking for something with water sports, Sahara is not the place for you. Here you can enjoy peace and quiet, and due to the lack of facilities, be sure to bring your own food and water. This sandy beach is surrounded by a few shrubs where you can find cover for when the sun gets too hot.

ciganka (lopar)

Also based in Lopar facing north we have Ciganka, which actually translates to the English word “gypsy”. One of the three clothing-optional sandy beaches in Lopar, Ciganka is known for its bizarre and unique sand pyramids and other natural formations on the beach. The color of the sea here is emerald green, and there is plenty of room for you to sunbathe on the rocky plateaus that surround the beach. You can reach Ciganka easily by foot or by car, and you’ll be sure to find parking in the nearby pine forest. A very isolated beach with a lack of facilities, make sure you prepare before your day here!

pudarica (barbat)

A beach made for the spectacular views of the Rab old town and even better sunsets, Pudarica beach is located in Barbat in the south of the island. One of the 5 best beaches on Rab island by far, it is characterized by its fine sand granules and its crystal clear sea, Pudarica is easily reached by car (free parking) or by boat. Equipped with fast food, cafes, and toilets, Pudarica beach also has one of the most famous nightclubs on the island: Santos Beach Club (see on map). One of the best parts of Pudarica beach is the “blue lagoon”, located just two bays over from the main beach – be sure to explore the many hidden beaches and bays here!

kandarola (frkanj)

One of the oldest known nudist beaches in the world, we introduce you to Kandarola. Located on the Frkanj peninsula just a short taxi boat ride from the port of the old town of Rab or a short drive from Palit, Kandarola hosted guests such as King Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson. This beach is one of the best beaches on Rab island and is well equipped with restaurants, beach bars, lounge chairs and umbrella rentals, clean toilets, and showers. Another perk? Kandarola also reserves part of the beach for dogs!

The post The 5 Best Beaches on Rab Island appeared first on Total Croatia.

sakarun

Sakarun, also known as Saharun, is located on the north side of the island in the Zadar archipelago. What sees this ranked among the best beaches on Dugi otok is the fact that it is… sandy! It’s beautiful white sand coupled with a sea bright with blues has given this beach the reputation as one of the best. Sakarun beach itself is 800 meters long with some parts only 3.5 meters deep, a shallowness perfect for children and families. The beach is surrounded by thick pine trees to escape the sun, and offers two catering facilities perfect for summertime refreshments. Lounge chairs and umbrellas are available to rent, and a miniature train runs the 4 kilometer stretch from Božava to Sakarun daily in the summer.

Veli Žal

Situated in the Northern part of the island, Veli Žal is located just opposite of Mežanj island, about 5.6 kilometers from village Dragove and 10 kilometers from Brbinj. A beach that is a combination of fine white sand and small pebbles, some parts of the sea are rocky where others have sandy bottoms. Veli Žal measures over a kilometer in length and has zero facilities other than a rustic beach bar that is convenient for ice cream, cold drinks, and some Croatian sweets. The colors of the sea are a rich blue-green, and it is not uncommon to see dolphins swimming in the distance, that alone makes it among the best beaches on Dugi otok. A beach only partially shaded by thick pine, Veli Žal does have parking located near the beach.

veli rat

Another beach that is also worth mentioning is the gorgeous Veli Rat. It is located in the northernmost part of the island in Čuna Bay. Veli Rat is famous for their lighthouse, which is surrounded by pebbled beaches, beautiful bays, and thick shaded pine trees. In the vicinity of the lighthouse you will find two small pebbled beaches suitable for children, and a further walk out you’ll be greeted with a rocky coastline. As there are campsites nearby, you can find a beach bar and some facilities. Easily accessible by car, you can also find plenty of parking under the pine trees out of the hot sun.

Brbinjšćica

Brbinjšćica is a bay located southwest of the town Brbinj, which is northeast on the island of Dugi Otok. Brbinjšćica bay is surrounded by mighty cliffs and numerous caves, and is one of the safest anchorages on Dugi Otok facing the open sea. A secluded bay known to the few who know how to locate it, Brbinjšćica is a great place for diving as well. Due to its isolation, there are no known facilities, so prepare while you’re in Brbinj for a truly secluded cave oasis at Brbinjšćica.

Lojišće

A hidden gem and truly unspoiled we have Lojišće beach, located at the very southern tip of the Salt Lake “Mir”. A sandy beach, Lojišće is usually very quiet and perfect for an overnight stay. There are no known facilities here – the perfect paradise for isolation and peace.

The post The 5 Best Beaches on Dugi Otok, Croatia’s Long Island appeared first on Total Croatia.

When you think of cable cars in Croatia, your mind likely goes straight to the one in Dubrovnik, and then to the one which took forever to come to be (and still has its issues), in Zagreb. One takes you up Srdj, and the other up Sljeme. You likely don’t think of Rabac, but you’d be wrong not to!

As Poslovni Dnevnik writes, local people in Rabac are quick to point out that they actually had a cable car almost half a century before Zagreb did.

“Ours was for mining. It was nine kilometres long and transported bauxite from the mines down there to the port. It was mostly used a very long time ago, back during the war in Abyssinia,” Rabac locals say, pointing to the Teleferik, a monument to their long industrial history.

“The first tourists to come to Rabac from abroad were Czechs. We even have a part of the forest called “Prohaska”, they also had a summer house here, and I also remember those very first German tourists,” stated Mladen Juričić Fritz (68), a well-known restaurateur from Rabac for Vecernji, before adding:

“I was eleven years old. It was the summer of 1967, and the tourists slept in my childhood bedroom! They were Germans, at that time, looking at their paying power, they were like spacemen for us locals. When they went home, they would take the whole family with whom they were spending the summer – to dinner! Those were the days. Back during that time, my house was the last one above the road, and today there are hundreds around it, there’s hardly any empty land left for building. There was no road then, only four cars in the village – three white sedans and the neighbour’s blue Opel Rekord. Many years later, I drove my wife Mira to the maternity ward to give birth in it,” revealed Fritz.

He also explained how the miners used to come on holiday to Rabac.

It’s cheerful today in Rabac both during the day and in the evening hours. This area’s strong points are certainly its high-category hotels. There’s even a hotel specially designed for children – Maro. There’s also great food in a number of restaurants. In winter there are maybe 1,500 people living in Rabac, and in summer – there are ten more tourists for every resident.

The post Rabac Had a Cable Car 50 Years Before Zagreb appeared first on Total Croatia.

vruja

Dozens of magical smaller and larger bays are located on the westernmost part of this area, making it difficult to pick the best beaches on the Makarska Riviera. The majority can be reached by boat or by car from Brela, with parking provided on a dirt road that passes through a part of the area, while the most distant bays of Vruja can be reached only on foot. For a large part of the season, these beaches are nudist, while during the high tourist season both clothed and nudist swimmers gather there.

ikovac

This is a very popular area of Baška Voda which borders the beautiful pebbly beaches of Brela Berulia on the western side, and extends all the way to the centre of Baška Voda on the east. For a number of years, here you can find one of the first and the most popular beach bars of the Makarska Riviera, Južnjačka Utjeha (Southern Comfort), whose delicious summer music selection relaxes both the swimmers and tourists, both during the day and during the hot Adriatic nights.

nugal

The Nugal nudist beach is one of the most scenic pearls of the Makarska Riviera and is a very popular destination for swimming with tourists of all nationalities. Although it is not officially declared as 100 percent nudist (institutions should finally do their job for that to happen), it has always been dominated by nudists during all parts of the season. It is quite isolated and is completely in the wild area, so you can reach it only by boat or on foot from the direction of Makarska.

velika duba

The Velika Duba beach in Živogošće is, together with Nugal in Makarska, certainly one of more picturesque on the whole Riviera. It is located completely outside of any built-up areas which it borders – Živogošće Blato and Živogošće Mala Duba – next to the pine forest, where during the times of the former Yugoslavia a nudist camp was located. Today, nudists use it only before and after the high tourist season, while during the peak season it is full of clothed bathers. It isn’t only among the best beaches on the Makarska Riviera, but it wins in terms of location, too. It is situated just below the famous Adriatic Highway (Jadranska Magistrala) and is easily accessible to swimmers.

gradac – vodice beach

Gradac is home to long sandy stretches which are more than worthy of being listed among the best beaches on the Makarska Riviera. The view from Vodice Beach towards the centre of the town is also truly idyllic. Especially at sunset! Colours which spill across the sky are simply stunning. The locals say that, on the whole Riviera, it is they who have the most beautiful sunset.

The post The 5 Best Beaches On The Makarska Riviera appeared first on Total Croatia.

veliki Žali

Considered to be among the best beaches in the Dubrovnik region, this stunning, natural bay is named after the large white pebbles that make up its beach area (Big Pebbles). The beach is located just off the Jadranska Magistrala (Adriatic Highway), a mere 30 minute drive from the City of Dubrovnik in the direction of Split. There is parking available, as well as toilets and a bar and restaurant which serves cold drinks and local food in the shade. Parasols and loungers are readily available at a reasonable price. It directly faces the island of Sipan, and Lopud’s idyllic harbour area can be seen further in the distance.

divna

If you understand Croatian, it isn’t hard to understand how this beautiful beach earned its name. Meaning “beautiful” in English, this is one of the best beaches in the Dubrovnik region. Located on the northern shores of the famous wine making region of Pelješac, Divna is just a few kilometres from Gornja Vručica. Small and usually very peaceful, Divna is home to just a few traditional houses along the bay. This is the place to go if you need an escape from the crowds of Dubrovnik, but be warned that there are no shops and the only shade is provided by the trees, so be prepared with supplies and take a parasol to stay protected from the harsh sunlight.

prapratno

Another Pelješac peninsula favourite is Prapratno beach, located approximately three km from the ancient oyster loving town of Ston, Prapratno is south facing and unusually for Croatia (more-so for this region) it has a sandy beach. This is a great alternative for people who aren’t a fan of rocks and pebbles and offers a more comfortable way of getting in and out of the sea. The beach is considered to be one of the most picturesque in Croatia and it doesn’t draw as many visitors as you’d expect. The beach is surrounded by naturally occurring fauna and foliage and ample shade is offered by pine trees.

viganj

Viganj is heaven for water sport lovers, this pebble beach is located on the Pelješac peninsula and has a host of activities available for those who seek more than just a good swim. Due to its geographical position, favourable winds make it a perfect spot for windsurfing, parasailing, sailing and other water sports, all of which are readily available.

trstenik beach

Yet another attractive beach boasted by the

Trstenik beach is one of the best beaches in the Dubrovnik region – locals will even tell you so. It is located on southern shores in the very heart of the Trstenik bay and village. The beach stretches quite a distance and is fairly wide in Croatian terms, making for more room to ”breathe” than can be found in your typical rocky cove or bay. The sea is crystal clear and perfectly clean. Its favourable location offers great views over the channel and this unique beach spends considerably longer under direct sunlight due to its position. Cafes are dotted along the bay, and a general store can be found nearby. This beach has pushchair/wheelchair access and there are no steps (yes, you read that right). Taxis and local buses can be caught just a few minutes walk away from the shore.

The post The 5 Best Beaches in the Dubrovnik Region appeared first on Total Croatia.

barotul beach

Barotul beach is located in Mrljane, just 400 meters east of Pašman town – easily reachable by a quick ferry ride from Biograd na Moru. The largest sandy beach on the island itself, this beach extends tens of meters with shallow water and soft white sand. To reach the deeper parts of the sea you’ll need to walk out over 50 meters to even get knee deep. This is therefore not only one of the best beaches on Pašman, but perfect for children, families, and non-swimmers. Barotul beach boasts plenty of natural shade from the pines, plenty of parking, restaurants, cafes, showers, and even activities like beach volleyball. One fun tip: this beach is often times referred to as “Jackie-O” beach as Aristotle Onassis took his newlywed Jackie-O here on their honeymoon.

jasenice beach

Located in the heart of Pašman town we have Jasenice beach. A beach that is partly paved with concrete and partly sandy, this beach is good for all walks of life. Here you’ll find plenty of beach activities like hand tennis and volleyball courts, and you’ll even see the older generations gather around for an old-fashioned game of bocce ball. Because the beach is located in the main town, you will find plenty of facilities at your fingertips including restaurants and cafes.

Lučina Beach

Lučina Beach is located in the bay, about 200 meters west of the Pašman town center. Reachable on foot or by car, this beach is mostly sandy, with some concrete areas. What makes this among the best beaches on Pašman is the natural shade. There’s a significant number of dense pine trees and shrubs lining the beach on its outer regions. There are also some pebbled seabeds and rocky sections towards its edges. The shore at Lučina is very shallow and in order to swim you’ll have to walk a few meters out. This beach is especially ideal for small children and non-swimmers, and even dogs are tolerated here! The beach boasts cafes, ice cream shops, and volleyball courts on its surrounding areas, as well as plenty of other facilities nearby. Parking is also easy to find.

soline beach

In the north of the island we have Soline beach, located in Ždrelac region of Pašman. Soline is a beach that has concrete outskirts and a sandy floors at the sea. This beach is also located in the city center of Ždrelac, providing plenty of entertainment and facilities for all to enjoy.

sovinje

Located in the southern part of Pašman in Tkon we have Sovinje beach, famous for the campsite of the same name. Sovinje beach is also its own nudist beach just outside the small settlement of Tkon. A sandy beach, Sovinje is also a natural phenomenon to see as the sedimentation of the sand here is constant, creating breathtaking scenery for beach goers. Because the beach is located at a campsite in the largest settlement of Pašman (Tkon), there are plenty of restaurants, cafes, and shops along the waterfront. Easy to get to by ferry from Biograd, Sovinje is also popular for sailors and boat owners.

The post The 5 Best Beaches on Pašman, The Home of Škraping appeared first on Total Croatia.

Žuljana

Located on the southern coast of the Pelješac peninsula is Žuljana Bay. It’s considered to be among the best beaches on Pelješac – and with good reason! with a seaside village of the same name, stunning Žuljana is home to roughly 200 people year round. With one of the largest pebbled beaches on the Adriatic, Žuljana boasts a crystal clear sea kept clean due to strong wind currents, making this bay perfect for diving, snorkeling, and spearfishing. The beach itself is shallow, so children and families are welcome, although beach facilities are sparse and much of what you need will be found within the village itself. The perfect beach for the ultimate chill and relaxation with a crisp glass of wine, Žuljana can be reached by Dubrava on the peninsula’s main road, or by a coastal road from Trstenik.

Podobuće

A small fishing village located 12 kilometers from the town of Orebić, Podobuće is located on the southern slopes of the peninsula, with a quiet and clean small beach. The village has around a dozen family homes, with a beach centrally located that stretches around like a half moon. With fine pebbles and a bay protected by the wind, this beach is particularly suited for children, families, and the elderly. In the vicinity of Podobuće there are a few smaller beaches and even one suited for nudists in case you’re looking for a bit more privacy. Because there is no shade at this beach, bring an umbrella or something to protect you from the sun, and definitely bring drinks and snacks as the nearest grocery store is in Orebić. The village itself does have a few taverns (konobas) if you’re interested in some refreshments.

jezero

Jezero, which means “lake”, is located around a kilometer away from the village of Duba and not far from Trpanj. Jezero is a combination of sand and pebbles with a clear sea and shallow waters. The name of Jezero beach actually comes from the fact that a small lake exists between the beach and the mountain behind it. The entrance to the sea is not too steep or abrupt, but it may be easiest (and most beautiful) to enter Jezero by boat from Duba. Due to its peaceful isolation, there are really no facilities (or shade), so plan to bring drinks, snacks, and beach supplies.

divna

The name of this, one of the best beaches on Pelješac, speaks volumes. Translating into English as “beautiful”, it is located not far from Jezero. It is situated in the bay of Duba and lies about 10 kilometers from Trpanj. Divna beach is a combination of sand and gravel, with a sea boasting bright greens and blues. The beach itself is around 200 meters long with a few houses and campsites in the area. Due to the campsites there are some facilities, and you can park at the camping grounds at Divna for a small daily fee. It’s wise to bring your own food and drinks for a beach day here, and although some natural shade is provided, an umbrella is recommended. One of the best parts about Divna is that a small uninhabited island is just a few meters swimming distance from the beach!

prapratno

A small bay located around 3 kilometers west from Ston, Prapatno is simple to find due to its proximity to where the peninsula joins the mainland – and it is also the ferry port for Mljet island. Prapratno bay is south facing – a sandy beach that is 300 meters long, surrounded by rocky coasts on both sides. Well protected from the winds, the sea is crystal and the water is shallow, making it great for children and families. There are facilities as a campsite is located near the beach, and a small cafe bar and restaurant is located above the bay. Although there are some pine and olive trees to give you shade, an umbrella is always a good idea.

The post The 5 Best Beaches on Pelješac, Croatia’s 2nd Largest Peninsula appeared first on Total Croatia.

You probably think of Romania when you think of vampires, or maybe even of Whitby in England if you know anything about the inspirations drawn from Whitby Abbey which now lies in semi-ruin. Be it the dark mountains of Romania or the eerie, misty moors of northern England which conjure up images of bats and blood suckers – Croatia likely doesn’t spring to mind at all. That’s until you hear about Mr. Alilović, the Croatian vampire.

To get better acquainted with the Croatian vampire, we need to head back to the 1500s and set our location to a small village called Kringa in Istria County, close to Tinjan. Alilović, more commonly referred to as Jure Grando, hailed from this little settlement, and put it on the map for a very creepy reason. Jure was born in Kringa in 1579. Lucky to have even survived birth and childhood back in those days, Jure lived his life as one might expect and was the product of his environment and the age, marrying, working as a stonemason and having two children – Nikola and Ana. That was until he was struck down by a sickness which took his life after the turn of the century, more precisely in 1656. He had lived a long life for a human in those days, and naturally, once he had died – he was expected to remain dead. Legend has it, however, that he didn’t.

After Jure’s passing, Kringa’s locals began talking about mysterious knocks at their doors. Those who claimed they’d had such a strange visit to their homes soon started dropping dead like flies. Fear spread across Kringa, Tinjan and Istria as a whole as these stories circulated. As his widow Ivana mourned and resented this insensitive babbling, claiming her late husband was visiting them from beyond the grave and indirectly killing them soon after, she too had a visit. She claimed that Jure had appeared during the night in their former bedroom, his appearance was ghostly, pasty, and through the spirit’s gasping, a grin on its unearthly face emerged. Mortified, Jure’s widow did survive the incident, but not without psychological harm.

The priest was told by the villagers about these incidents, and it seemed that Jure went on wreaking havoc from beyond the grave. He toured Kingra’s streets during the night, and those who were unlucky enough to be contacted by him kept passing away. Having heard enough by 1672, the priest realised that something must be done, and he and several others decided to dig up Jure’s grave. When they did, they were taken aback in horror. The same distressing grin that his widow had described was plastered across the corpse’s face, which has apparently not decomposed at all. The priest cut off the body’s head, and a spine-chilling screech came from the remains as he did so. Following that decapitation, peace returned to Kringa.

His children fled Kringa, heading to Italy. It is believed that Jure was the first actual person to have been legitimately described as having been a vampire in historical records. He was referred to as a štrigon, an Istro-Venetian word for a human resembling a vampire, and his case has even been researched by University of Zagreb scientists.

The post Meet The Croatian Vampire, Jure Grando appeared first on Total Croatia.

zabodarski

Zabodarski Beach is situated in the settlement of Artatore and is one of the most beautiful “wild” beaches on the island of Lošinj. Located near Lošinj Airport, Zabodarski is located just 8 kilometers away from Mali Lošinj, making it not only among the best beaches on Lošinj, but the most conveniently located. Zabodarski beach is set with stone and beautiful pebbles, making it suitable for families and children. The beach is surrounded by pine trees so you can escape to the shade, and it is also accessible by car you can travel with on dirt roads. Pro tip: Park your car at the airport and continue to walk by foot or by bicycle to the beach.

uvala engleza (english bay)

Uvala Engleza (English bay) is located on the north side of the island Koludarac, at the entrance to the bay of Mali Lošinj. The turquoise color of the sea will instantly captivate you, and the image of green pine trees on the sea’s reflection is yet another perk. With no facilities on site, this beach is the perfect place for a packed picnic on your boat. Uvala Engleza can only be reached by boat, and for those that don’t have a boat, don’t worry – they can be easily rented from the main island.

Veli Žal

Veli Žal is the first beach on Lošinj island to have been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag. The Blue Flag is an international environmental program to protect marine and coastal environments, whose primary goal is the sustainable management of the sea and the coastal strip. Veli Žal is one of the best beaches on Lošinj. It’s pebbly with a nice entrance into the sea, making it especially suitable for families with children. This beach also has a descent into the sea which makes it good for people with reduced mobility. Part of the beach has paved surfaces where you can enjoy lying about. There are showers, changing rooms, sun beds and umbrellas, toilets, boat rentals, and even lifeguards. Above the beach runs a promenade walkway connecting two of the most beautiful coves, the bay Čikat and Sunčana bay. Plenty of shade can be found on the beaches surroundings, and near the beach there is a restaurant, bowling alley and the Wellness Hotel Aurora and Family Hotel Vespera. The hotels themselves offer sports and activities such as beach volleyball, tennis, basketball, aqua aerobics, watersports, and a playground for children. Veli Žal is located in Sunčana Bay, approximately 1 kilometer from the center of Mali Lošinj.

plieski

Plieski Bay is located in the southern part of Lošinj island, not too far from Veli Lošinj and Mali Lošinj. The beach here is pebbly with fine sand in the sea, making it suitable for families with children. Plieski bay can be reached by boat, and for those that do not have boats, they can be easily rented (and even check for taxi boats). The beach can also be reached by land, walking through “Put dupina” (Path of the dolphins) or by a descent from “Lošinjske transverzale” to the bay Krivica and on to the bay Plieski. Restaurant Balvanida is located just a 10 minute walk away from Plieski bay if you’re looking for refreshments, otherwise come prepared as there are no facilities.

krivica

Another of the best beaches on Lošinj, Krivica is located next to Plieski bay, in the southern part of the island also not far from Veli Lošinj and Mali Lošinj. Krivica is protected from all winds, making this a sure paradise for boaters. Krivica is easiest to reach by boat, but similar to Plieski, Krivica can also be reached by foot if you come through “Put dupina” (Path of the dolphins) or by descending from the top of Mountain Sv. Ivan, reachable by a paved road. Also similar to Plieski, Krivica is just a short walk to Restaurant Balvanida in case you get hungry, but otherwise, no other facilities exist.

The post The 5 Best Beaches on Lošinj, The Island of Vitality appeared first on Total Croatia.

Bačvice

We’ll start things off with an oldie but goodie, Bačvice beach. The home of Split’s best pickup game, picigin, Bačvice is also the only beach located conveniently just minutes away from the center of the Old Town. A popular stomping ground for Split swimmers and speedo-clad picigin players since the early 1900s, Bačvice today is a mecca for both locals and tourists who wish to dip their toes in the Adriatic. Due to Bačvice’s proximity to the Old Town, this is not a beach you would like to visit if you’re looking for peace. A sandy beach as well, Bačvice draws families with children keen on keeping their toes safe from sometimes jarring pebbles, and the overwhelming display of loungers and umbrellas see tourists idle until sundown. If you are looking to have a beach day complete with all of the amenities, then Bačvice is just the place for you. Home to Beach & Booze beach club, restaurants that range from fast food to Asian, showers, lounge chair and umbrella rentals, inflatable water playgrounds for the kids, and nightclubs that run until 6 am, Bačvice has just about everything you might need for a day (or night) at the beach. And best of all, Bačvice beach is among the best beaches in Split, boasting a Blue Flag for sea purity. 

trstenik

From Bačvice, if you continue your way past Firule beach, the Zenta Marina, and Cox Beach Bar, you’ll eventually hit Trstenik beach, a personal favorite of many locals. Home to the Radisson Blu hotel, though the beach is not natural, it has been one of Split’s best-kept secrets for years. Though more crowded today than in the past few years, Trstenik beach is pebbled with easy access to the water for swimming, and yes, the sea is clear as day at Trstenik. With plenty of room on the pebbles for your beach mats, the Mistral Beach Bar, part of the Radisson Blu hotel, offers cabanas, umbrellas, loungers and cocktails – and if you’re hungry, the hotel’s restaurant rests above with a proper seaside view. If you’re on a budget, you’ll often find pancake carts, corn dealers, and plenty of ice cream to go around in the area.

Kaštelet 

Moving along to the shores of Marjan Hill we have Kaštelet. It’s one of the best beaches in Split for the younger generation, Kaštelet is situated just below the Ivan Meštrović Gallery – around 20 minutes by foot from the center of town or easily accessible by a local bus or car (and even Uber!). One of the quieter beaches Split offers, this beach is pebbled and is the go-to location if you’re looking to swim – without all of the bells and whistles. And now, since we aren’t entirely sure where the fate of this beach lies after its food and beverage offer has been mostly removed, we will have to wait and see how Kaštelet will operate this coming summer season. This beach, at the very least, will always remain one of the best for a dip in Split! 

Kašjuni

If you’re looking for one of the best beaches in Split with a beautiful view to feast your eyes upon, Kašjuni is your go-to. Not far from Kaštelet, Kašjuni is the westernmost beach on the shores of Marjan, boasting a deep bay with the cliffs of the famous hill surrounding you. Today, Kašjuni is home to Joe’s Beach & Lounge Bar, offering a cafe bar, restaurant, cabana and lounge chair rentals, massages, after beach parties with DJs, and tons of water sports from parasailing to standup paddle boarding. As it tends to get busy in the summer, a little tip for those seeking quiet time on their beach day is to walk over to the nudist area of the beach, located just around the bend from Joe’s. Here, you can rest under the shade of the pines and prop up on the rocks for some much needed R & R. And no, you don’t have to be naked yourself. Kašjuni is easily accessible by the number 12 local bus, which you can grab from Sv. Frane in the center of town.

bene

Another one of Marjan’s pearls is Bene beach, one of the oldest beaches in Split that is located on the western side of the hill. Part of a recreational center which includes tennis courts and a football field, Bene also offers a playground for children, a trampoline, and volleyball. Known as one of the best places for a day out with the family, Bene boasts a Dalmatian-style restaurant, cafe, snack bars, showers, toilets, concrete slabs for sunbathing and plenty of shaded pine trees when the sun’s rays hit too hard. The area is not one for water sports, though you could get active by renting a bike at Marjan Hill and riding over to Bene if you’re keen! 

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