7 Beach Towns in Croatia to Visit This Summer

You don’t need to jet off to Croatian islands like Hvar and Brač to experience Croatia’s best beaches. Coastal towns run the length of the country, and while they may not resemble the coastal destinations of Mexico or the surf havens of California that you might typically associate with beach towns, they bring European charm and elegance to the idea of a town built around the coast, with an identity shaped by it. For scenic beaches accompanied by stunning architecture and non-sunbathing activities ranging from hiking to bar-hopping, these are the Croatian beaches and coastal towns to visit on your next trip to Croatia.

We hope you love the Croatia beach town Airbnbs we recommended! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.

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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. Ferries connect Makarska to the island of Brač, with routes to Sumartin and Bol operating during the high season.

Photo: Airbnb

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. Another nearby option is a split-level, three-bedroom apartment ($380 per night) overlooking Kačić Square, with a private rooftop terrace that faces both the sea and Mount Biokovo. It’s slightly larger than the two-bedroom condo and well-suited for those who want to stay right in the old town while still having outdoor space to themselves.

Two bedrooms, four guests
Price per night: $110

Photo: Maciej Czekajewski/Shutterstock

Talk of the Makarska Riviera brings us to Brela, the first port of call as you travel down the Dalmatian Coast. Brela is located roughly 10 miles north of Makarska and is home to the riviera’s famous Punta Rata Beach. Nearby Podrače Beach is less crowded than Punta Rata but equally scenic, set in a small cove backed by pine trees. In general, Brela is a more relaxed beach town than Makarska and a better choice for families, offering all the same water sports but less nightlife.

Photo: Airbnb

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. Or, there’s this studio ($108 per night), a top-floor space designed for two, with twin beds, a private bathroom, and a sea-facing terrace. Both spots are close to the beach and offer a quiet place to settle in while staying right in Brela.

One bedroom, two guests
Price per night: $44

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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 water sports, shops, eateries, and beach bars — all of which help explain the young and lively crowd that favors Poreč as a Croatian beach town.

Photo: Airbnb

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. Just around the corner, the this stylish rental ($219 per night) offers a chic setup with a spacious bedroom, a compact kitchen, and a small sitting area. It’s also centrally located and includes parking about half a mile away.

One bedroom, three guests
Price per night: $121

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In northern Croatia, about 30 minutes south of Rijeka, Crikvenica is another town that lends its name to a riviera encompassing four 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 offers sun chairs, parasols, and pedal boats for hire.

Photo: Airbnb

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. Another, equally well-reviewed rental ($178 per night) sits uphill in a quieter part of town, with two terraces that overlook the sea and plenty of room for two couples or a small family. It has two bedrooms, a kitchen, and a large living area where you can cook, eat, or just take a break from the sun. You’ll also have access to a backyard grill and a parking space in front of the house.

One bedroom, three guests
Price per night: $60

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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.

Photo: Airbnb

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. In a quieter neighborhood just outside the center, there’s a larger luxury five-suite rental ($930 per night) with a pool, terraces, and a mix of shared and private spaces. It includes a sauna, gym, and small cinema room, and works well for groups who prefer to cook, relax, or stay local rather than head out every night. The beach and town center are still within walking distance, though you’ll have a quiet residential setting in exchange.

Two bedrooms, five guests
Price per night: $99

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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.

Photo: Airbnb

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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Located in the Kvarner Gulf, which also includes popular islands such as Krk, Pag, and Rab, Opatija is known as the birthplace of Croatia’s beach tourism — largely 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 is home to a handful of attractions you won’t find in other Croatian beach towns, including a seaside Croatian Walk of Fame featuring names like inventor Nikola Tesla, tennis pro Goran Ivanišević, and others.

Photo: Airbnb

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. Just a few minutes closer to the center, another one-bedroom ($137 per night) sits near the old market and includes a private terrace with dining space and deck chairs. From the living room and kitchen, you’ll get partial views of Kvarner Bay, and the apartment includes thoughtful extras like beach towels and a washer-dryer setup. It’s set slightly back from the main road, giving it a more private feel while keeping the promenade and shoreline within easy reach.

One bedroom, two guests
Price per night: $158