Hidden Gem Beaches in Croatia

We rank the 13 hidden gem beaches in Croatia. Stiniva (Croatia) comes first with 4.7 / 5, followed by Dubovica, Nugal Beach.

The sea reaches about 24 degrees C in season, and most of these beaches are at their best from June to September. 2 of the 13 have easy access, and 13 are hidden gems.

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1Stiniva

Vis, Croatia · 4.7 / 5 · Challenging access · about 24 °C

A hidden pebble cove squeezed between sheer cliffs, with a narrow sea entrance framing the turquoise water.

2Dubovica

Hvar, Croatia · 4.6 / 5 · Moderate access · about 25 °C

A small pebble cove on the south coast of Hvar, reached by a steep path from the road or by boat.

3Nugal Beach

Makarska, Dalmatia · 4.6 / 5 · Challenging access · about 24 °C

A small, secluded pebble cove with clear turquoise water below limestone cliffs and pines, reached on foot along a path from the Makarska coast.

4Pasjaca Beach

Popovici, Konavle, Croatia · 4.6 / 5 · Challenging access · about 23 °C

A wild pebble beach below a steep cliff in Konavle, south-east of Dubrovnik, known for its dramatic setting.

5Sakarun Beach

Dugi Otok, Croatia · 4.6 / 5 · Easy access · about 25 °C

A long, shallow, white-sand bay in the Kornati archipelago — rare for the Adriatic and ideal for families.

6Saplunara

Mljet, Croatia · 4.6 / 5 · Moderate access · about 25 °C

A rare sandy bay at the southeast end of Mljet, relatively quiet and set in protected surroundings.

7Porat Beach

Bisevo, Croatia · 4.5 / 5 · Moderate access · about 24 °C

A small sandy bay on the island of Bisevo, with very clear water, a few houses and terraced fields behind.

8Sveti Jakov Beach

Dubrovnik, Dalmatia · 4.5 / 5 · Moderate access · about 24 °C

A small pebble and shingle cove east of Dubrovnik old town, with clear, deep blue water and wooded cliffs behind.

9Jagodna Beach

Hvar, Dalmatia · 4.4 / 5 · Moderate access · about 25 °C

A pebble beach in a clear bay on the south coast of Hvar, east of Hvar Town, backed by pine forest.

10Pinizule Beach

Premantura, Istria, Croatia · 4.4 / 5 · Moderate access · about 23 °C

A small rocky cove on the Istrian coast with clear water, flat stone slabs and pine trees reaching down to the shore.

11Stoncica Beach

Vis Island, Croatia · 4.4 / 5 · Moderate access · about 24 °C

A sheltered pebble bay on the island of Vis, with clear water and pine-covered hills around it.

12Zavala Beach

Zavala, Hvar · 4.4 / 5 · Moderate access · about 24 °C

A pebble and gravel beach in the village of Zavala on the quiet south coast of Hvar.

13Kupari Beach

Zupa dubrovacka, near Dubrovnik · 4.2 / 5 · Easy access · about 24 °C

A pebble beach in Zupa dubrovacka, about 10 km south of Dubrovnik, beside the shell of a military holiday resort built for Yugoslav army officers.

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How we picked these beaches

Included when we flag the beach as a hidden gem, meaning it is quieter than the headline beaches nearby, then ranked by editorial score. See how we rate beaches for the full method.

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• Best Pebble Beaches in Croatia
• Best Family Beaches in Croatia
• Easiest Beaches to Reach in Croatia
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• Hidden Gem Beaches in Portugal

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