Split-Dalmatia County is the largest county in Croatia by area and one of the most visited regions in the Mediterranean. Located along the stunning Dalmatian Coast of the Adriatic Sea, it encompasses the historic city of Split with its UNESCO-listed Diocletian's Palace, the charming medieval town of Trogir (also UNESCO-listed), the glamorous island of Hvar, the famous Zlatni Rat beach on Brač island, and the scenic Makarska Riviera. The county stretches from the Cetina River canyon in the north to the Neretva delta in the south, bordering Bosnia and Herzegovina to the east. With over 1,700 km of coastline and more than 300 islands, islets and reefs, Split-Dalmatia offers world-class beaches, crystal-clear Adriatic waters, Roman ruins, medieval architecture, outstanding seafood cuisine, vibrant nightlife, and exceptional natural landscapes including the Biokovo mountain range.
Top beaches
A ranked editor’s shortlist of the coastline worth planning a day around in Split-Dalmatia County.
-
Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn)
Croatia's most photographed beach and a true natural wonder. The distinctive horn-shaped peninsula extends 634m into the sea and actually shifts shape and direction with the winds and currents. Backed by pine forest for shade. Crystal clear turquoise water. Popular for windsurfing and kitesurfing due to consistent Maestral breeze. Voted one of Europe's top beaches regularly.
Best for. ['Scenery', 'Windsurfing', 'Photography', 'Swimming']
-
Bačvice Beach
Split's most popular urban beach, famous as the birthplace of picigin (a UNESCO-recognized Dalmatian ball game played in shallow water). One of the few sandy beaches in Dalmatia. Very shallow water makes it ideal for families and picigin players. Surrounded by cafes, bars, and beach clubs. The beach itself is small and gets very crowded in summer.
Best for. ['Families', 'Local atmosphere', 'Picigin game watching', 'Convenience']
-
Punta Rata Beach
Named one of the most beautiful beaches in the world by Forbes magazine and one of Europe's top beaches. Features the iconic Brela Stone (Kamen Brela) - a rocky outcrop rising from the turquoise water at the beach's point. Framed by century-old pine trees providing natural shade. Emerald green Adriatic water of extraordinary clarity.
Best for. ['Scenery', 'Photography', 'Swimming', 'Families']
-
Stiniva Cove
Voted Europe's Best Beach by European Best Destinations (2016). A dramatic hidden cove where two massive limestone cliffs almost meet, creating a narrow grotto-like entrance to a sheltered turquoise bay. Access is via a steep 30-minute hike from the road or by boat from Komiža (easier and recommended). The dramatic landscape makes it one of Croatia's most memorable beaches.
Best for. ['Natural scenery', 'Seclusion', 'Photography', 'Adventure']
-
Kasjuni Beach
Split's most beautiful beach, hidden below the forested slopes of Marjan Hill. A calm, protected cove with crystal-clear water and pine trees providing shade. 20-minute walk from the old town through Marjan park. Much less crowded than Bačvice. Popular with locals for swimming and snorkeling.
Best for. ['Peaceful swimming', 'Snorkeling', 'Escape from crowds', 'Natural setting']
-
Bene Beach
Popular beach on the far western tip of Marjan peninsula. Concrete platforms and pebbles, with excellent facilities including a sports complex. Great for families with children - relatively calm water and good facilities. Views to the open sea and islands.
Best for. ['Families', 'Sports', 'Local experience']
-
Dubovica Beach
One of Hvar island's most beautiful beaches - a small, sheltered cove with magnificent turquoise water on the south coast of Hvar. An old stone house sits at the head of the beach adding to the picturesque scene. Reachable by road from Hvar Town (7km) or by boat. Very photogenic.
Best for. ['Seclusion', 'Photography', 'Clear water', 'Snorkeling']
-
Milna Beach (Hvar)
A long, attractive beach at the village of Milna on Hvar's south coast, backed by pine trees. Less visited than the main Hvar Town beaches. Good facilities and a local konoba nearby. Accessible from Hvar Town by road (15km) or boat. Beautiful setting with views to the sea.
Best for. ['Relaxed swimming', 'Pine shade', 'Less crowded']
-
Tučepi Beaches
A beautiful 3km stretch of fine pebble beach below the limestone massif of Biokovo at the resort town of Tučepi. Less busy than Makarska beach itself. Excellent facilities, clear Adriatic water, and a stunning mountain backdrop. Many Blue Flag sections.
Best for. ['Families', 'Resort beach', 'Water sports', 'Sun holidays']
-
Maslinica Bay
Beautiful sheltered bay on the western tip of Šolta island, set in a charming fishing village atmosphere. Calm, clear water - excellent for swimming and snorkeling. The island is less visited than Brač or Hvar so the beach is rarely crowded. A genuinely authentic Croatian island experience.
Best for. ['Authenticity', 'Peace and quiet', 'Snorkeling']
What to bring
A short packing list for a comfortable beach day — adjust for season and the specific spot.
- Sun protectionHigh-SPF sunscreen, hat, polarised sunglasses, light long-sleeve cover-up.
- HydrationReusable bottle, salty snacks for longer days, electrolyte sachets if it’s hot.
- FootwearWater shoes for pebble or rocky entry, flip-flops for sand, dry pair for the trip home.
- Swim & coverQuick-dry towel or sand-resistant mat, change of swimwear, light cover-up for restaurants.
- Cash & valuablesSmall notes for beach clubs and rentals; waterproof pouch for phone, keys, cards.
- ExtrasReef-safe sunscreen near protected coastline, a book, a small first-aid kit for jellyfish or scrapes.
Beach safety
Hard-earned guidance — read this before you swim, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the coast.
Critical
Swim where lifeguards are posted and follow flag warnings — green is safe, yellow is caution, red means no swimming. Rip currents are the leading beach hazard worldwide.
Caution
Watch for tide changes and marine life — jellyfish blooms, sea urchins on rocky entries, occasional shark or stingray advisories. Don’t swim alone, especially at dawn or dusk.
Tip
Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes and after every swim. Take shade between 11 am and 3 pm — the sun is harsher than people expect, even when the air is cool.
Practical
Keep valuables out of sight or back at the accommodation. Beach theft is a small-but-real risk at busy beaches; never leave bags unattended while you’re in the water.