19 Top-Rated Beach Resorts in Croatia

Written by Becca Blond
Updated Dec 7, 2023

Covering around 350 miles between its oldest city, Zadar, and its most famous medieval crown jewel, Dubrovnik, Croatia's sun-dappled Dalmatian Coast has become one of Europe's top beach resort destinations in recent years.

The Adriatic Sea here sparkles the most amazing shades of aquamarine, emerald, and cerulean blue, calm, and backed by dramatic cliffs tumbling down into its crystal clear depths. The views from the beach resorts on this coastline and the myriad of easily accessible offshore islands are pure eye candy.

The resort scene, which trends towards luxury, but still has several mid-range and budget choices, has developed dramatically in the last 15 years. Places like Split, Cavtat, Hvar, and Brac Islands, once sleepy small cities and fishing villages, are now trendy destinations, attracting throngs of international jet setters and yacht charter guests each season.

Despite its popularity, Croatia still has beach resort destinations that appeal to those seeking to escape the crowds. One example? Korčula Island, which has an Old Town resembling a smaller-scale Dubrovnik and a laidback vibe.

And while the vast majority of beach resorts are found in Dalmatia, especially the Dubrovnik to Cavtat section of coast, you'll also find more scattered around Istria. The peninsula, which belongs to three countries (Slovenia and Italy being the other two), is Croatia's far west. It is also home to historical sites and medieval hilltop villages, and it is a popular road trip destination in Croatia.

Note that Croatia's beaches are seldom wide, sandy affairs. Instead expect pebbles or in some cases just ladders leading directly into the sea from promenades. You won't care though once you are in the water, which while not as warm as many in Greece, is still very comfortable, especially in August and early September.

Whether you are on a family holiday or looking for an adults-only or all-inclusive resort, Croatia's beach destinations offer something for all kinds of travelers. Visit in the off-season for excellent deals at even the most expensive holiday destinations.

Find the best base for your next vacation with our list of the best beach resorts in Croatia.

Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik

Built into the side of a cliff, the magnificent, 5-star Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik is a swanky property through and through, and one of the best places to stay near Dubrovnik. Just a 15-minute walk from the entrance to Dubrovnik's medieval Old Town (for Game of Thrones fans, this is Kings Landing), the resort overlooks the beach at Miramare Bay.

Guests have access to this pebble beach with gorgeous hued water via an elevator. You can relax on sun loungers set right on the pebbles or on the terrace facing the sea. You'll have direct sunlight until mid-afternoon. Make sure to swim to the cliffs to your left side when entering the water, and you'll be able to enter the mouth of a wide cave.

The décor is modern Mediterranean and makes fantastic use of marble, wood, and glass in rooms and public spaces. The 91 rooms and suites have recently been refreshed and come with tasteful design and décor, like black-and-white photographs hanging from walls that depict life in Dubrovnik circa the 1960s. All come with sea views from floor-to-ceiling windows, but the lowest category does not have balconies.

Breakfast is included each morning and served on a sunny terrace facing the sea or inside the Vapor Restaurant. It features made-to-order omelettes and other dishes as well as a light buffet with everything from fresh fruit and yogurt to salads, cheese, meat, and smoked salmon. The restaurant also serves innovative Mediterranean fare at dinner.

Other amenities include a spa with a range of massage and skincare treatments, a small indoor free-foam pool with Adriatic Sea views from its floor-to-ceiling windows, and sun loungers in a space where the air temperature is heated a few degrees above that of the pool, a Finnish sauna, a steam room, and a fitness center.

Address: Pera Cingrije 7, Dubrovnik

Hotel Lemongarden

A 5-star property on Brac Island, this beachfront resort is a heritage property, comprised of three stone buildings that date back more than 300 years. They have been meticulously restored and now house 35 rooms in a few different categories. The best have sea views from furnished terraces. All come with luxe décor like Murano glass chandeliers, high-end linens, and specially placed objets d'art throughout.

The grounds here are beautiful and filled with all sorts of flowering bushes and trees, from lemon to palms, giving the feel of a private country retreat. But the hotel is also just steps away from a private beach and the seafront promenade in Sutivan, a small town on the northwestern coast. Amenities include a restaurant, spa, and heated swimming pool.

Address: Perica Kala 1, Sutivan, Brac Island

Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik

One of Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik's best assets is its location, just a 5-minute walk from the old town. Another is its westward location that leads to the most brilliant sunsets over the Adriatic Sea backdropped by the medieval city – you won't be able to put your camera down.

The 5-star resort is set inside a historic villa dating back to 1913 and boasts a sleek modern wing. Built on a hillside, it has just 9 floors with reception on the top, and the spa, sea access, and a romantic al fresco restaurant on the lowest level. Over the years, the small resort has hosted everyone from kings and queens to Hollywood royalty, and today remains one of Dubrovnik's most coveted sleeps.

The interior design is understated elegance throughout and there are 158 rooms and suites. Many have magnificent views of the sea and old town from balconies. Breakfast is included and is a mix of a cold buffet and hot made-to-order dishes. There are three restaurants total including Prora, which is right on the sea wall, set under waterside arches, and Sensus, which does excellent Dalmatian fare.

At the spa, the technicians know what they are doing and can personalize massage, facial, and body treatments. There is also a large indoor swimming pool, a sauna, and a steam room.

The hotel has access to the Adriatic from stairs off a promenade lined with sun loungers, although there is a sandy public beach located between it and the old town.

Address: Frana Supila 12, Dubrovnik

Hotel Croatia Cavtat

The charming small town of Cavtat, which is about a 30-minute drive from Dubrovnik and less than 10 minutes from the international airport, offers better value for money than its larger sister city while still being easily accessible to it. Set in a woodsy area filled with cypress, Aleppo pine and olive trees on a rocky peninsula that tumbles into the sea, the Hotel Croatia is another favorite 5-star beachfront resort. It is also within walking distance from Cavtat's historic center.

At first glance, the hotel startles you. The building pays homage to concrete brutalism and won several design awards when it opened in 1973. Expect open, modernist public spaces with structural columns and abstract sculptures in its reception area. The 487 rooms and suites come in several configurations. The best face south and have large balconies with sea views.

There are two beaches. One has sun loungers on a concrete platform facing Cavtat Bay with ladders into the sea. The other is more secluded and on the south side of the property. Here you'll find designated entry spots into the sea on concrete slabs set among the rocks.

Amenities include several restaurants. One serves fresh fish and other local specialties on a lovely terrace facing the water. Another does excellent steaks and locally sourced lamb. There's also an outdoor swimming pool, a spa, a fitness center, a Finnish sauna, and a steam room. If you are traveling with children, there is a kids' club onsite.

Address: Frankopanska 10, Cavtat

Villa Dubrovnik

Villa Dubrovnik is a romantic 5-star resort just outside the city's fortified Old City walls, and offers views across the sea to them. This modernist-style resort boasts white architecture and clean lines. Choose from rooms, suites, or residences. Rooms and suites are stylish and very comfortable, and many have ocean views.

The residences offer a hotel-within-the-hotel experience in unique apartments. These are accessed via a small pine forest and are separate from the rest of the hotel. Residences have three bedrooms and four bathrooms that are spread across four floors.

Amenities here include a private beach area, as well as a swimming pool and fitness center. Also, check out the Villa Spa. It features a full range of personalized treatments. It is easy to get into the Old City for sightseeing as well, thanks to a complimentary shuttle service.

Make sure to book a table on the patio at the Pjerin Restaurant for stellar views. Sunsets are a popular time to sit out here. The food and service are also top-notch. Reception offers an internal WhatsApp number to text with any needs. Note that the property does shut down in winter.

Address: Vlaha Bukovca 6, Dubrovnik

Hotel Dubrovnik Palace

While not quite as posh as the Hotel Bellevue, Hotel Excelsior, or Villa Dubrovnik, the Hotel Dubrovnik Palace still offers luxury with a slightly more affordable price point. If you are driving, it also has super easy, free parking in a large lot out front (parking is notoriously difficult in Dubrovnik, so this is a huge perk).

The property has a large rock-and-concrete beach area located with sun loungers and umbrellas set on several levels below three outdoor pools – one large one and then two small ones flanking it. There is more access to the water from secluded rocky coves off to one side.

Located at the western tip of Dubrovnik's Lapad peninsula, the resort also boasts spectacular sunsets. More amenities include a scuba diving center, a spa on the top floor with an indoor pool and fitness center facing the sea, two hot tubs, a steam room, and a Finnish sauna.

Choose from four restaurants, including one that is open in the summer only and another that serves light lunches by the pool. The main restaurant, Elafiti does a buffet breakfast and dinner service.

The resort has a fun contemporary look that is the creation of Croatia designers. All the rooms and suites have balconies with sea views. Book one of the four suites in the VIP wing for an ultra-luxe experience.

Address: Masarykov Put 20, Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik President Hotel Valamar Collection

Photo Source: Valamar Collection Dubrovnik President Hotel — Photo Source: Dubrovnik President Hotel Valamar Collection

On the beach near Dubrovnik, Valamar Collection Dubrovnik President Hotel is another 5-star seaside resort. The beach here is wide and quite beautiful, and the property is still convenient to Old Town Dubrovnik, just four miles away.

The rooms and suites here all come with sea views and private terraces. They come in a variety of sizes, but even the entry-level rooms are comfortable, with high-end linens, designer toiletries, and a pullout sofa bed that can sleep an extra person—great for families with one kid. There are also interconnected rooms for families who need more space.

Amenities here include a restaurant, swimming pool, spa, sauna, and fitness center.

Address: Iva Dulcica 142 | Babin kuk Complex, Dubrovnik

Sun Gardens Dubrovnik

On a beach near Dubrovnik, Sun Gardens is a 5-star hotel that caters to families. There is a kids' club on-site that offers activities, trips, and other events, so parents can have some chill time to themselves. Babysitting can also be arranged.

The rooms and suites are colorful, and most come with sea views and balconies. All come with designer Salvatore Ferragamo toiletries, and high-thread-count linens on comfy beds. Book the club level for access to a lounge.

There are also eight restaurants on-site. Other amenities include a pool, spa, sauna, tennis court, and gym.

Address: Na Moru 1, Orasac

Le Meridien Lav Split

Set on a private beach in Split, Le Meridien Lav Split is a lovely 5-star resort that works equally well for families and couples. The property is stylish and contemporary, with 381 rooms and suites. These are done-up in warm hues and feature framed, old, black-and-white photos hanging from the walls. They also feature balconies, and most have sea views.

On-site amenities include four restaurants, a spa with a Finnish sauna, and three Roman baths complete with heating lounges and multiple swimming pools. If you're traveling with children, there is a kids' club on-site, as well as a playground and children's swimming pool.

Address: Grljevacka 2A, Podstrana

TUI BLUE Adriatic Beach

Photo Source: Tui SENSIMAR Adriatic Beach Resort — Photo Source: TUI BLUE Adriatic Beach

On the Dalmatian Coast between Split and Dubrovnik in Makarska, TUI BLUE Adriatic Beach is an adults-only property that is popular with couples. It has 266 rooms that are stylish and modern with comfy beds and pops of color throughout. They also feature stunning sea views.

There are three restaurants to choose from, including a buffet. The resort sits just a minute's walk from a pebble beach, and the views are also dramatic, thanks to its position at the foot of one of Croatia's highest peaks. Amenities include a large pool and options to book swim-up rooms.

Address: Porat 135, Zivogosce

Radisson Blu Resort & Spa Split

Facing Brac Island and the Adriatic Sea, the Radisson Blu Resort & Spa is about a 30-minute walk from the medieval Old Town in Split. This large hotel offers 250 rooms and suites, and each floor is themed and color-coded—if you are on the olive floor expect a green theme revolving around olives.

Regardless of your theme, expect floor-to-ceiling windows that open onto balconies, with sea views from most. For the best views, you'll want to book the new annex space, which also has the swankiest décor.

Amenities include access to a pebble beach with sun loungers, as well as stand-up paddle-boards and Jet Ski rentals. There is also a swimming pool and a very impressive spa with hydrotherapy, including an ice fountain. For dining, there are a few restaurant options, including one that does a big buffet spread.

Address: Put Trstenika 19, Split

Hotel Park

Located just above Split's main beach beyond the city's walls, the Hotel Park is the oldest property in the city, first opened in 1921.

This 5-star hotel has beautifully maintained grounds with garden areas and ocean views. Although not directly on the beach, it is one of Split's top resorts, and guests have easy access to Bačvace beach below. It's also just a quick 10-minute stroll to the Old Town.

The rooms and suites here are luxe with a color palette of blues and grays influenced by the ocean, and Art Deco style throughout. There are also seven apartments for guests looking for more space. One of these has a private outdoor Jacuzzi.

Amenities include a small swimming pool set on a wooden deck surrounded by landscaped gardens with sun loungers and umbrellas. There is also a delightful spa with a salt room, hot tub, and sauna. For dining, the hotel restaurant serves quality meals in a formal interior or on the patio outside.

Address: Hatzeov Perivoj 3, Split

Park Plaza Verudela Pula

In Istria, which is a less-touristy and equally beautiful region of Croatia, the Park Plaza Verudela Pula is on the sea in the town of Pula.

It is popular with families on holiday, as it offers self-catering, apartment-style digs. These are spacious and modern in décor, clean, and overall very comfortable. The resort is right on the beach and has a swimming pool, as well as free parking and Wi-Fi.

Address: Ulica Verudella 11, Pula

Hotel Korsal

In Korcula, the Hotel Korsal is set right on the beach and is just a 5-minute walk from the city's historic Old Town. There are just 18 rooms in three buildings, and these are clean and comfortable, with quality mattresses and pillows, and hardwood floors. Most rooms have sea views and underwent a recent renovation.

Amenities include a restaurant with a lovely outdoor terrace that overlooks the promenade running along this stretch of sand. Massage services can be arranged, and the hotel is kid-friendly.

Address: Shetalishte Frana Krshinica 80, Korcula Island

Amfora Hvar Grand Beach Resort

On Hvar Island, Amfora Hvar Grand Beach Resort is a sprawling property that sits just outside Hvar Town in the trendy main port area. This is a large resort that gets busy in summer, but rooms are clean and comfortable and come with balconies.

Amenities include a giant, heated swimming pool with lots of sun loungers around it and often a buzzy scene with music blasting out of speakers in the afternoon—it's popular with young couples and groups of friends. There is also a luxury beach club (entrance fee is charged) with its own spa, restaurant, Adriatic beach access, and cabanas.

If you are traveling as a family, there is a kids' club. There is also an international buffet restaurant on-site.

Address: Ulica biskupa Jurja Dubokovica 5, Hvar, Hvar Island

Hotel Fortuna

Also on Hvar Island, Hotel Fortuna is a 4-star boutique property with a lovely beachfront location in the village of Milna, just three miles from Hvar town. The hotel has just 18 rooms, but all are bright and welcoming with comfy beds and nice bathrooms—some even come with hydro-massage showers. All rooms have balconies with either sea or garden views.

When it comes time to sunbathe and swim, there are four pebble beaches in the vicinity of Hotel Fortuna, including the main beach, which is just 15 feet from the entrance. Sun chairs and umbrellas can be rented on the beach.

There is also a restaurant set on the beach. It has an international menu that is known for its pizza and pasta dishes.

Address: Milna 27, Milna, Hvar Island

Hotel Bozica

A small, family-owned boutique property, Hotel Bozica is on lush Sipan Island off the coast of Dubrovnik.

This 4-star hotel overlooks Sudjuradj Bay and offers sweeping views from a quiet location right on the waterfront. There is a private beach. From here, it is also easy to access the islands of Brac and Hvar. Sipan Island, where the hotel is located, is gorgeous and filled with groves of wild herbs and olive trees.

Accommodation is in 27 rooms that are done up in light colors and are spacious and comfortable. Many have sea views, and some have balconies. If you are willing to stay in the "attic rooms" on the third floor, which isn't accessible by elevator, you'll get a great deal on your lodging. Amenities include a restaurant with a large terrace, and a swimming pool with sun loungers surrounding it.

Address: Ulica br. 13, 1D, Sudurad

Bluesun Hotel Elaphusa

Adjacent to Brac Island's gorgeous Zlatni Rat beach, Bluesun Hotel Elaphusa is a luxe modern property that is popular with families looking for an active vacation.

Here, you can indulge in everything from scuba diving to bowling or biking. There is also a huge spa and wellness center with an indoor saltwater swimming pool, hydromassage facilities, numerous saunas, and a variety of massages and facials.

Rooms are bright, with maritime-inspired colors and décor and wood floors. There are floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that open onto balconies, but not all have direct ocean views. For dining, there are a few options, including the main restaurant that does a buffet three meals a day.

Address: Put Zlatnog Rata 46, Bol, Brac Island

The Maritimo Hotel

Set right on a pebble beach—most Croatian beaches are pebble-backed by the warm, clear water of the Adriatic Sea—the Maritimo Hotel is a small family-run property with a charming vibe. It's in Makarska by a small marina, and from the hotel, you'll look out onto the islands of Hvar and Brac, which are easy to access from here.

There are 21 rooms and one apartment on the top floor of the hotel. Each has a modern design and is clean and comfy. There is also an on-site restaurant serving a range of traditional Croatian fare, as well as dishes to please international palates. If you plan to eat most meals at the restaurant, ask about the all-inclusive holiday package.

Address: Put Cvitachke 2a, Makarska