Split, Croatia is a well-known coastal city that sees a steady stream of catamarans and ferries coming and going from the harbor. That doesn’t mean there aren’t Split beaches, too!
In the heat of summer, there is nothing quite like taking a swim in the crystal-clear water along Split’s coastline. So, grab your towel and sunscreen and let’s discover the 10 Best Beaches in Split, Croatia!
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Best Split, Croatia Beaches
Split may have a bustling port, but the city’s location on the Adriatic Sea means there are numerous beaches near the Split city center.
The best beaches are within walking distance from the Split Old Town – and spending time on the shoreline is a highlight of any trip.
Sandy Beaches in Croatia
Much of the Croatian coastline is rocky, which begs the question: Are there beaches in Split that are sandy?
Well, to be honest, the sandy beaches in Split are few and far between. Most of the top beaches in Split are either pebble, rock or concrete platforms.
But don’t let the lack of sand deter you from spending time on the shoreline. These beaches are still stunningly beautiful.
Top Tip: The best sandy beaches in Croatia are on the islands. The town of Lumbarda on Korcula has a wonderful sandy shoreline. Find out more in our Day Trips from Split article.
Split Swimming
Swimming in Split, Croatia is one of our favorite activities! The water is unbelievably clear and refreshing.
Deciding where to swim in Split really depends on how you like to get in (and out of) the water. We prefer jumping into the sea from rocks rather than wading in from the shoreline.
Regardless of whether you go to rock, pebble or sand beaches in Split, we recommend wearing water shoes.
Not only are the pebbles uncomfortable to walk on, but the coastline is home to numerous spiky sea urchins (and an occasional piece of sharp glass).
Travel Tip: Although spending time in and near the water is essential, there is much more to Experience in Split.
TOP 10 SPLIT BEACHES
For each featured Split beach, we include essential information and a pin drop, so that you can quickly get there. Additionally, you will find our Beaches in Split Map link at the end of the article.
Save, Pin or Bookmark our Split Beaches Guide for your trip to Croatia!
#1 Bacvice Beach
{MAP} Incredibly convenient, Bacvice is Split’s most popular beach for travelers. With lively beach bars, shallow water and a sandy shore, the area gets absolutely packed in the summertime.
Although we prefer less crowded Split beaches, Bacvice is a fun party spot complete with bars serving tropical cocktails and DJ’s spinning tunes.
Split Beach Bacvice is also the only sand beach near the city. This portion is in the center along the curve of the bay. Concrete makes up the rest.
Sun loungers are available for rent from the Split beach clubs, but many beach-goers simply spread out their towels on the pavement.
Top Tip: Looking for a place to stay in Split? We talk about Bacvice Beach Hotels and Split beach resorts at the end of the article.
Things To Do at Bacvice Beach
Besides sunbathing, swimming and drinking, the floating Aqua Park Bacvice Split is a fun way to enjoy a day at the beach – and there is also a place to rent jet skis.
At the western end of the bay, large boulders extend into the water. Adventurous travelers can climb the rocks to a nice viewpoint spot in Pomoraca Park above Kavala Point.
Outside of the summer months, the beach exudes a low-key, local vibe. Most of the beach clubs and restaurants are closed, but Cafe Zbirac – at the sandy beach – is a lovely spot for a morning coffee.
Despite the chilly water, it’s common for locals to play Picigin – a traditional type of handball played in the shallow water.
Bacvice Beach Nightlife
Bacvice is not only hopping when the sun shines; it’s a place to be both day and night. Clubs at keep the Split Beach party going well after dark and into the wee hours of the morning.
Hop Tip: We love the craft beer in Split! Find the best places in our guide to Split Croatia Beer Bars!
#2 Ovcice Beach Split
{MAP} Just to the east of Bacvice is Ovcice Beach. This small, pebbly beach is popular with families and serviced by one café.
The beach is slightly angled to the west, which makes it a great spot to catch some rays later in the day as well as sunset.
Tucked along the eastern side of Ovcice Beach are a couple of shaded tables. Local men gather here in the late afternoon to play chess and gossip.
On top of the eastern headland that separates Ovcice from Firule (the next beach to the east), is a small park and parking lot. Those seeking a break from the sun can climb the stairs into the shade.
Also, the sea-level concrete at the tip of the headland has a few benches and ladders where swimmers can get in and out of the water. The rocky outcrop that extends into Firule Bay is fun to explore at low tide.
#3 Firule Beach Split
{MAP} The Firule Bay is nearly as wide as Bacvice, but with a much smaller beach. In fact, water comes right up to the walkway on the entire western half of the bay, leaving only a small beach on the eastern side.
When Firule Beach gets crowded, people stake their claim along the breakwater and on the walkway.
The shallow water along the beach is a good spot to ease into the sea, which makes it especially popular for families with young kids (and is another popular spot to play Picigin).
Mythos, up the stairs above the breakwater, has cliffside tables with great views and serves food, and the adjacent Day & Night Bar Tennis is just for drinks.
Foodie Tip: Perched above Firule is Dvor, an upscale Michelin-recommended restaurant. Read our complete guide to the Best Restaurants in Split!
#4 Trstenik Beach Split (and Radisson Beach)
{MAP} Trstenik Beach lies to the east of the Zenta Marina. The calm bay has crystal clear water, a clean pebbly beach and plenty of room to spread out your beach blankets.
Radisson Beach Split
The Radisson Blu Resort Split sits just east of Trstenik Bay – and the shoreline in front of it is often referred to as ‘Radisson Beach’.
Loungers are available for hire (even by those not staying at the resort) from the stylish Mistral Beach Club.
Top Tip: Trstenik Beach is popular for water-sports. You can rent jet skis or book trips for parasailing.
#5 Znjan Beach
{MAP} Located east of Radisson Beach, past the small bay, Znjan is a long stretch of pebbly beach.
Even though it gets very crowded in the peak summer months, the water is clean and the pebbles are finer than at most other Split beaches.
It takes about 45 minutes to an hour to walk from the Split Old Town to Znjan Beach. There is a large lot for those who want to drive, but parking can be a challenge.
Travel Tip: Bus #15 is an alternate way to get Znjan Beach from the Split city center. The ride to Beach Znjan takes about 20 minutes.
#6 Jadran Beach Split
{MAP} The Jadran Beach Bar Split sits on the sea, just beyond the harbor and is mostly popular with locals.
The concrete and natural rock beach has ladders for swimmers to get in and out of the sea. Next to the Jadran Beach Bar, there is also a swimming pool.
Pro Tip: Google Maps does not provide correct walking directions here! Jadran Beach cannot be accessed through Sustipan Park. Walk to the corner of the small marina and look for signs that lead through a gate to the pool and beach bar.
#7 Zvoncac Beach (Rocks along the Coastal Path)
{MAP} Along the shoreline path, west of the Lucica Marina, is (what we think is called) Zvoncac Beach. The water comes right up to the walkway, which is far too narrow for beach-goers to spread out towels.
However, the natural rocks to the west provide a perfect perch above the sea. There are no services and the rocks are steep and sometimes slippery. Swimming here is at your own risk!
#8 Jezinac, Kastelet and Obojena Beaches Split
{MAP} Jezinac Bay has a fantastic beach and is often not as crowded, despite being absolutely beautiful. Both pebbles and rock create this three-cove beach.
The first cove is Jezinac and is the most natural (with a small, sandy beach). It is protected by a string of rocks just off shore, making the water nice and calm.
The next two beach coves (Kastelet and Obojena) are divided by a small peninsula, which is partly used as a parking lot. Jezinac Beach is ideal for laid-back vibes and easy access to wade into the water.
Travel Tip: We are unsure if Jezinac, Kastelet and Obojena are all the same beach…or different names for the different coves!
#9 Kasjuni Beach
{MAP} Kasjuni is the most popular Marjan beach. Located in a large cove at the end of the peninsula, it features a long, west-facing pebble shore that is perfect for catching afternoon rays and fabulous sunsets.
The popularity of the Kasjuni Split Beach means that prices are a bit higher (for sun loungers, drinks and beach food), but the scenery is spectacular.
Top Tip: Looking for nudist beaches in Split, Croatia? The furthest end of Kasjuni Beach is designated FKK (a.k.a. Nude).
#10 Bene Beach Split
{MAP} Nearly as well-known as Kasjuni Beach (but still thought of as one of the hidden beaches in Split for it’s remote location), Beach Bene is nestled into a northern cove on the Marjan Peninsula.
Bene Beach has a restaurant, tennis courts, a kids’ play area and natural shade. You can spread out on the flat rocks that sprawl into the sea, go swimming in the shallow water or rent kayaks.
Top Tip: While buses and Ubers will get you here, our favorite way is to hike. Find all the details in our Hiking Marjan Hill article!
Split Beaches Map
Use this Google Map for an interactive version of our Split, Croatia Beaches Map below.
More of the Best Beaches in Croatia
Croatia is home to thousands of miles of coastline and some great beaches. We are highlighting a few more of our favorite beaches near Split, Croatia.
Banje Beach in Dubrovnik
The stylish beach features epic views of Old City Dubrovnik – and has both a public section and beach bar. Read more about Banje Beach and 5 other incredible Dubrovnik Beaches!
Velika Plaza in Omis
One of the best beaches near Split, Velika Plaza is a sandy beach just steps from the picturesque Omis Old Town.
Unlike the small Split sandy beaches, Velika Plaza is big (the name actually translates to Big Beach).
Omis is a well-known adventure destination – with top activities like ziplining, hiking and rafting – but spending time on the shore is one the Top Things To Do in Omis!
Zlatni Rat in Bol on Brac Island
Zlatni Rat – which means Golden Horn – is the most famous beach in Croatia. The pebbly spit of land extends into the Adriatic Sea and constantly moves with the currents and tides.
Spending time on the beach is, of course, an ideal way to experience it. However, for the best view of this natural marvel, you will need to go up Vidova Gora.
Beaches on the Makarska Riviera
One of the prime stretches of coastal shoreline is found along the beautiful Makarska Riviera.
Located between Split and Dubrovnik, Makarska is a fantastic destination for Croatia beach vacations. We share advice about visiting the region in our guide to the Best Things To Do in Makarska.
Split Beach Accommodation
When it comes to accommodation in Split, Croatia there are heaps of options! If you are looking for hotels in Split near the beach, however, there are far fewer choices.
Before you start your search for a place to stay, read out Top Tips for Booking the Best Hotels.
Briig Boutique Hotel
The luxury Briig Hotel features a rooftop pool, included breakfast and sea-facing rooms.
The swanky venue is a bit pricey – the Penthouse Suite goes for almost $2,000 per night in the summer – but it is right off the beach.
Hotel Park Split
Consistently rated as one of the best beach hotels in Split, the historic property dates to 1921 and was completely renovated in 2015 and again in 2021.
Just steps from Bacvice Beach, Hotel Park has a pool, on-site restaurant and spa, as well.
Hotel Fanat
Located on Znjan Beach, Hotel Fanat receives fabulous ratings. The property has an indoor pool, on-site restaurant and fitness center.
Marvie Hotel
Located by Firule Beach, the Marvie opened in 2017. The hotel features a rooftop pool, sea view rooms and an on-site spa. It’s an exceptional place to stay on the beach in Split, Croatia.
Hotel Amphora
Located on the far east end of Znjan Beach, Hotel Amphora bills itself as a spa oasis right on the water. Highly rated for couples, it may be a great choice for a romantic Croatian holiday!
Planning a Trip to Croatia
If this is your first trip to Croatia, we recommend starting with our guide to Planning a Croatia Vacation. You might also find it valuable to read our tips for European Trip Planning.
We also share our Best Croatia Destinations and have created a detailed 2-Week Croatia Itinerary and sample 7 Day Itineraries.
Pro Tip: Get (and stay) organized by using our Trip Planning Printables!
What To Pack for Split Beach Vacations
Now that we have covered the best beaches in Split, a map to find your way, top beach accommodations and trip planning tips – it’s time to pack!
Swimsuit, Flip Flops and Water Shoes
Of course, if you plan on spending time at the Split best beaches, then you need to pack beachwear! Pack at least one swimsuit (or two if you are planning a Split beach vacation).
We also recommend packing flip flops or sandals that you can wear from your accommodations to the beach.
As we already mentioned, water shoes are a good idea for those who plan on going for a swim. We share more suggestions in our guide to the Best Travel Shoes.
Croatian Sun Protection
The sun in Croatia is intense! Make sure to pack sunscreen for your trip – and also consider bringing a wide brimmed travel hat and sunglasses.
Water Bottle
Although there are cafes at most of the Split, Croatia beaches, it’s always a good idea to bring your own water. We recommend packing a refillable, collapsible water bottle for your Croatia trip.
Towel and Beach Blanket
You may or may not need to pack a towel and beach blanket. Both are a bit bulky and can take up room in your luggage – so find out if your accommodations provides them.
That said, a versatile wrap can double as a beach blanket – and it’s one of the must-haves on our Ultimate Packing List.
Waterproof Phone Case
The beaches of Split, Croatia are beautiful – so you will want to bring your phone to snap photos.
However, if you plan on swimming – or getting anywhere near the water – we recommend protecting your phone with a waterproof case.
Day Pack
When heading out for a day, you will want to bring a beach bag that can hold all of your essentials.
We use small backpacks as our travel day bags – and they work for carrying everything we need for the beach, too!
Croatia Travel Insurance
Good trip insurance may cover a range of travel mishaps – from lost luggage to getting injured or ill abroad.
If you don’t already have coverage for your trip to Croatia, consider the rates and plans from World Nomads.
Start planning your trip to Croatia! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more tips – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
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