Vourvourou blue lagoon

Croatia stretching along the coast Adriatic sea, Is an ideal destination for beach lovers. It only remains to choose a region. The best beaches, almost 90% of which belong to the state, are concentrated in four zones: on the Istrian peninsula, in the Middle and. We offer you a detailed study of each region.

Istrian coast: Croatia's most famous beaches

In the Mediterranean climate, which means it is slightly drier and colder here than in Dalmatia, the average summer temperature is + 28-30 ° C, which is especially pleasant for vacationers in July-August. You can start the beach season already in May, and end it by the end of October, there are plenty of beaches here, many of them are marked with the international “Blue Flag” sign for the cleanliness of the sea and water area. Let's walk through the main cities.

main feature beach recreation in this region - immense park areas that stretch from horizon to horizon along the sea. The air smells like the sea, pine needles, and the trees reach the very edge of the water. You can wallow all day in the dense shade of the trees, or take two steps closer to the surf line to bask in the gentle Croatian sun.

1) Umag- diving and tennis center of western Croatia near Slovenia. Most of the beaches are pebbly:

  • Laguna stella maris- the most gentle and small-pebbled, located just 3 kilometers from the city center.
  • Katoro- combines patches of sand and pebbles surrounded by pine trees, located in the homonymous resort village near Umag. Suitable for family vacation- there are playgrounds and sports grounds, a swimming pool and water slides.


  • Sol polynesia- one of many sandy beaches In Croatia in this region, pebble zones are also found. The "chip" of the beach is a grass pitch for football and badminton, a playground and a bar, as well as walking distance.


  • Kanova- a rocky area with concreted areas near the camping, located 8 kilometers from Umag, in a picturesque bay. Famous for its Večeri Karigadora - evenings with live music, fish dishes and dancing.


  • Savudrija- rocky beach in the resort town of the same name. A favorite spot for surfers, there are camping, restaurants and sports grounds. The main attraction is the 19th century lighthouse.


2) Porec- will be the second you see after Umag, if you move south. Cozy Mediterranean city surrounded by greenery, famous for the Euphrasian Basilica with Byzantine mosaics, the remains of ancient Roman temples and forums and, of course, 17 manicured small pebble beaches with coves and lagoons (length coastline is about 64 km). According to the city authorities, 20% of all "Blue Flags" of Croatia are concentrated in Porec. Here are the most famous of the beaches:

  • City Beach- a city beach in the very center of Porec. For tourists, sports water activities are provided here, there are several cafes and the popular Parentium nightclub.


  • Bellevue beach- located in the Blue Lagoon, about 2 km from the city center. The beach belongs to the hotel complex - special slopes to the sea have been created for vacationers, a first-aid post, parking and a lifeguard base are equipped.


  • Oliva (S. Nikola)- located on a small island opposite the city port. The beach is surrounded by a pine park.


  • Laguna Materada Hotel Beach ***- is a concrete area and sunbathing lawn. Marked " Blue flag», You can go in for water sports.


  • Beach of Village Laguna Galijot ****- a pebble site with concrete platforms (with descents-stairs) 5 km from Porec. There are outdoor pools, children's water slides, paid sun loungers and umbrellas.


3) Rovinj- one of the 225 most amazing places the world in 2015 (according to National Geographic magazine). And one of the most beautiful cities Istria, Croatia and the world (in our opinion)! A relatively large medieval town with cobbled streets polished to a shine with thousands of pairs of legs. The center with the traditional Old Town and the indescribable beauty of pink sunsets - just like the pink dessert wine Biser Mora from the Katunar winery! We recommend buying a cool bottle of wine, a couple of glasses of raspberries in the center and end the evening by climbing the most high point of the old city near the church of St. Euphemia. Find the most secluded place on the boulders, watch the sea glitter solemnly and every minute pleasure boats and snow-white yachts leave and return from the port.

The most famous local beach is located on the island of St. Catherine, where tourists can find a diving center, rent windsurfing equipment, play beach golf or volleyball. The northwest of the island attracts fans to jump from high cliffs into the sea.



If you are planning to ride on catamarans or boats, the shallow pebble beach of Lone Bay (15 minutes walk from the city center) is suitable. It is located in a shady park, and you can have a bite to eat in one of the two snack bars.


Another picturesque beach marked with the Blue Flag is Vestar (5 km from the city center), which stretches for 700 meters. Here (on the campground) you can rent sports and boat equipment. The entrance to the sea is shallow, ideal for small children.


4) Pula- a port city, in which there are many antiquities of the Roman era (all sights are within walking distance from each other). The beaches here, as well as on the entire Istra peninsula, are rocky and pebbly, many with concrete areas:

  • Vile Štinjan- the beach is 5 km from Pula, due to its convenient entry into the water, it is suitable even for elderly couples and. There is a sandy volleyball court, bike paths, a diving center and a restaurant with stunning views of the Brioni Islands.


  • Gortanova Bay is famous for its small coves, which have long been occupied by divers. The entrance to the sea is shallow, there is a beach cafe.


  • Brioni is one of 44 Blue Flag beaches in Istria. Close to the Verudela Resort and the 2-star Brioni Hotel with outdoor pools.


5) Opatija- a city surrounded by laurel forests, where Chekhov, Nabokov and Remarque loved to rest. Luxurious villas in thickets of magnolias and bamboo, the legendary Camellia cake with figs (the city is reliably protected from the winds by the Učka mountains and other islands) - Opatija Riviera is considered one of the most elegant Croatian resorts, often compared with French Riviera... In summer, the sea warms up to + 26 ° С, the air temperature is + 23-25 ​​° С. Almost all local beaches are concreted, stairs lead to the sea, separate sandy areas are allocated for playing volleyball. Almost everyone offers their guests a pool with seawater. The following are very popular:

  • Slatina- the most famous beach in the city, stretching along the most beautiful embankment Lungomare. The recreation area is equipped with showers, you can rent an umbrella and a sunbed, within walking distance there are souvenir kiosks. The descent into the water is concrete, like in a pool. There is a free playground, ice cream parlors, fried chestnut stalls, etc.


  • Moscenicka draga- a beach with fine pebble screenings and bright turquoise water 15 km from the center of Opatija. To be more precise, this is a whole strip (6 km) uniting several beaches. There are almost no waves, during the high season (July-August) there are a lot of tourists here. There are ramps for the descent of disabled people, you can rent catamarans or a water scooter.


  • Medveja- a large (about 45 thousand square meters) beach with large pebbles. Come here with children - there is a water park and a scuba rental on the beach, bike paths are equipped, a restaurant with a large selection of the freshest seafood is open.


  • Lido- it is worth visiting at least once after sunset! In the immediate vicinity of the beach is the picturesque Angioliny Park, as well as a cinema under open air- not only films are shown here, but also concerts are organized. Plus - all the conditions for marine species sports, surfboard rental and even a 6-meter springboard.


Dalmatia: Croatia's best resorts with sandy beaches

The Dalmatian coast is washed by the Adriatic Sea. Unlike Istria, coastal landscapes are more varied here - pines are interspersed with palms and olives, there are many small bays and harbors. The region is conventionally divided into Central, South and North Dalmatia.

6) Rijeka(North Dalmatia) - option for active rest... Come here if you are bored of active traffic, city noise, wide avenues. Firstly, it is easy to get from here by bus to other cities in Croatia, Italy or Slovenia. Only 30 km away is the island of Krk with international airport(the island is connected to the mainland by a 1.5-kilometer bridge). Secondly, it is the third largest city in Croatia, so there are many cultural attractions here - from the bustling Crozo pedestrian street to old castle Trsat. Thirdly, there are two huge well-equipped beaches in Rijeka. Kostrena is located a few minutes from the center - you can get here along the busy promenade, renting a catamaran or boat on the spot. Slightly more distant is the small-pebble beach Ploce (the landmark is the Kantridi stadium) with an area of ​​14 km², with equipped embankments, restaurants and a volleyball court.



7) Trogir(Central Dalmatia) - This region is characterized by small pebble beaches with small sandy areas. There are no beaches directly in the city, but there is a port, from where motor boats and boats carry tourists around the area. Among the largest beaches:

  • Okrug Gornji on the island of Ciovo (3 km from Trogir, you can get to the island by a bridge) - quiet places, shallow sea, lots of small bars. Unofficially, this 2 km long beach is called Copacabana Trogir because of the abundance of entertainment (including nightlife) and picturesque landscapes. Nearby there are bakeries and a restaurant, a supermarket and a pharmacy.


  • There is a beach in the eastern part of Ciovo Slatine(12 km from Trogir) - also small pebbles, with clear water. There is almost no entertainment here (only a couple of cafes), but even at the height of the season it is not crowded enough.


  • Mavarshtice bay beach is a concrete slab with stairs to the sea, in some places you can find sandy areas. Popular in Croatia hotels with a sandy beach are concentrated here - for example, Villa Punta Liveli or the eponymous villa Mavarstica. The place is very calm, far from the main highways, all domestic wastewater is discharged into septic tanks and transported to the mainland.


Zadar(North Dalmatia) - a favorite area for windsurfers and kitesurfers, it is also concentrated here most of sandy beaches of Croatia for children. The largest recreation areas:

  • Sakarun(Dugi Otok Island) - this beach has a wow effect on everyone who sees it for the first time! It is located in a nature conservation area (there are no sun loungers and umbrellas on the beach), the water is clean, bright turquoise, easy entry to the sea.


  • Zaton- suitable for amateurs active entertainment(you can play volleyball, mini-golf, picigin). In addition, all conditions have been created here for vacationers with disabilities.


  • Sabunike- a popular family vacation spot about 6 km from Zadar. People come here to do sailing and surfing, undergo therapeutic mud therapy and visit the National Park.


9) famous for its mild Mediterranean climate, quarries (Brac limestone, for example, lined with the White House in Washington) and the iconic resort of Bol. It is there that the main attraction of the country is located - a small-pebble beach on the Golden Horn (Zlatni rât), marked with the "Blue Flag". Depending on the direction of the winds and sea currents, the cape changes its shape - it is a popular place among lovers of water skiing, parasailing, jet skis and other water activities.



Is not the only beach on the island, on Brac, there are many secluded green recreation areas: Splitska, Mirca, Supetar, Postira, etc.

10) Sibenik(Central Dalmatia) - if you are collecting information about where the sandy beaches in Croatia are, you cannot do without mentioning this city. It is here, 6 km from the city center, that beautiful beach Solaris with fine white sand - it is adjacent to the Solaris hotel complex Holiday Resort which includes five hotels. The location is excellent - there are two National parks with waterfalls, AquaLand water park, SPA centers.


The second lively beach in the region is Slanica on Murter Island, which has its own amusement park, numerous bars and restaurants. The sea is shallow, suitable for children. Nearby is a nudist beach.


For something a little more secluded, head to Cigrada, a rocky beach on the same island, or to the pebbled Podvrske. There are not so many people here, there are small fish restaurants.



11) considered the most expensive and romantic resort in South Dalmatia - the landscapes here are reminiscent of Italy. Small villages, surrounded by pine forests- sometimes pine trees create a cozy shade right on the beaches, and the air smells like the sea and pine needles. By choosing this option, you can diversify beach vacation with trekking in the Biokovo mountain range. The beaches here are usually small-pebbled:

  • Nikolina in the municipality is suitable for families with children - kids can play in the playground or jump on trampolines, rescuers are watching for safety. Pine trees provide natural shade.


  • Punta raata in the resort - a long beach along the promenade with numerous restaurants and pizzerias. There is a rental of catamarans and jet skis, conditions have been created for people with disabilities (including special descents into the water).
per square meter (in Dubrovnik and Split, the famous TV series is being filmed and excursions are organized "to places of military glory"). The lion's share of the sandy beaches of Croatia is concentrated here, the climate is subtropical, with very hot summers (the average maximum is + 28 ° С). The best hotels with beaches - Valamar Lacroma Dubrovnik, Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik, Rixos Hotel Libertas, Hotel Splendid, etc.

Pebble beaches - Vucine(in the Zuljana bay), Veliki zali(30 km from Dubrovnik, near the village of Brsecine), Sveti Jakov(the bay near the Church of St. James in the Old Town).




The longest sandy beach in Dubrovnik - Lapad... The infrastructure is 100% developed here - you can rent a sunbed or an umbrella, shop at souvenir shops or play badminton in the shade of olive trees. A special plus - the swimming area is protected from water transport... Another sandy beach - Vela przina in the south (ferries go here from Dubrovnik). It is considered the second most popular beach in the whole of Croatia - the place is protected from the winds by protruding rocks with vineyards, there are restaurants and equipment rental centers for aquatic species sports. If you want to find more beautiful place, take a look at the rocky beach Buza under the walls of the Old Town - despite the external "wildness", there are descents into the water, there are sun loungers and even a bar.



As you already understood, in Croatia you can find beach areas for every taste - from typical urban concrete areas to sandy beaches in the shade pine groves... And most importantly: in almost every region, every town has several very diverse beaches. For health improvement, they traditionally come to South Dalmatia - the air saturated with coniferous ethers and iodine is very useful for the respiratory tract. Typical hangout region - Dubrovnik and Split. The most clear water and delicious seafood can be found in Central Dalmatia... Whatever you choose, bright emotions are provided for you!

The iron is no longer hot, but I will continue to forge it diligently. Fortunately, there really is something to show. This day turned out to be one of the most picturesque of all time.
I just announced the beginning of the 3rd day, which started very early for us. I started the alarm for the beginning of the 5th, so we agreed with Charlie. When I woke up, I made sure I was the first to wake up and went to wake Charlie on deck. By the way, Charlie constantly slept in the air, wrapped in a sleeping bag. Woke up, began to gather. And then I decided to anneal. Taking a howling whistle, he went to wake Sam, his friend, the captain of a nearby yacht, with which we were paired and moored. I climbed onto their yacht, looked into the hatch from above and, seeing Sam sleeping, pressed the whistle, directing him inside :))
I watched it from the sidelines, Charlie almost fell off the yacht with laughter when he moved back to us))) Choking with laughter, he said that Sam flew up on the bed a meter, without changing his position)))
Then I expected revenge from Sam for some time, but apparently this is in the order of things for them)
The rest of the crews quietly woke up, calmly weighed the anchors and raising the mooring lines, went to the open sea to meet the dawn

(all photos on click in large size)

Also on this day we visited the Blue Lagoon cave, very a nice place... There are two paths leading to the cave, along the water by boat, and in the cave itself there is still an underwater passage under one of the sides of the rock, and light comes from there, thanks to which the space of the cave is reflected in blue. And after the lagoon, we went to the island of Vis, and there, in a cozy small town of the same name, we had a great evening :)

But first things first...

We leave the bay, past a lonely lighthouse and further into the sea ...

And finally, the coastal mountains are painted in bright colors, our sun is on the way.
All the crew, clutching at the photographic equipment, are expecting the appearance of the first ray of the sun. And finally, he looked out from behind the coastal mountains. We exclaim joyfully and start taking pictures with might and main))

That's how it mixed in one picture, our yachting life and the romance of the sea

and so Zhenya and Oksana met the dawn

We are spinning with Stepanski, at first they took pictures of us against the background of the sun, then they change places

Skipping Stepanski

But finally, Zhenechka woke up and went out to sleep and look at the sunrise))

We took a picture and went leisurely to the bay to fill up a couple of three hours)

Stepanski gets up very well in the sun for a small photo shoot

I heard FriendsTravel arranges a separate yogurt on yachts. At first I was surprised, but then I realized that in the sea on a yacht you can find so many places and time to comprehend Zen (or whatever it is). So then I sat on the deck and blissed out from the surrounding beauty, silence and doing nothing.

And some more photos

a rookery of cats was noticed on Stepansk)

It's good in Croatia, I would live here :)

We went into the bay to rest, someone lay down to take a nap, and someone climbed to swim and sunbathe (of course Zhenya :)). Depth 7m, the bottom was visible at a glance

Along the picturesque shores

while we are going decided to take pictures of the interior decoration of our yacht. On the left is our cabin, a double bed, and a hinged shelf-bed for a child, a small locker, a fan, that's all.
And on the right is our bathroom, another one of the same on the bow of the boat. Marine toilets have a clever pump-like device. First you need to, holding the handle, pump water into the tank, if so 10-15. Then switch the lever and do your thing. Then all your hidden reserves need to be pumped out into the sea, we grab the handle and do it again 15-20. Everything. Awesome fitness I'll tell you :))

Our living room, aka kitchen, sorry, galley. Ahead in the center are two cabins of a poltorashka, and behind them is another bathroom, to which doors from both cabins lead.
Absolutely all walls and bins serve as a place for storing things and products. And on the right is a view of our aft cabins and stairs, our cabin is on the right.

Refrigerator and inertial plate, which holds the horizon when the yacht is tilted, unless, of course, it is fixed at the same time. Before moving, and especially when sailing, it is recommended to remove everything from the shelves. And the refrigerator must be closed more reliably. And then on our very first transition, a dozen eggs flew out of it and the oil turned over. Such a fabulous srach came out, Oksana and I got worn out there in a rolling wipe the whole thing with paper towels

Poltorashka and navigator compartment, with chartplotter, walkie-talkies, MCC and other technical wisdom

By the way, have I bored you with my reports yet? :)

If not, then soon we will move on to the pictures from the most beautiful cave, now we are approaching the island where it is located.

The bay near the cave is full of yachts, from which tuziks scurry to the cave every now and then. Here is a beautiful yacht, for example, and the glare from the water on the bow.

By the way, I noticed that there are a lot of young people on the yachts. It is very common for them to have such a rest on a yacht, they rent a yacht and go along the seas and mountains.

Traffic. And from our yacht a tuzik led by Charlie took the first batch of the crew to the cave. Zhenya and I stayed to cook)

Here under this rock is the entrance to the cave.

Here's a google about her:
The Blue Cave is located on the island of Bisevo near the island of Vis and is a unique natural landmark of the Adriatic. In the morning hours, thanks to the sun's rays, the cave seems to glow from the inside, and the water takes on a beautiful blue hue. The entrance to the cave is paid. You can get to the cave with an excursion boat that picks up tourists in one of the bays near the cave. Due to the abundance of tourists, there is quite a lively boat traffic in the cave, the use of a motor in the cave is prohibited due to the confinement of the space. For the same reason, swimming is not allowed in the cave.

Well, I don’t know about the prohibitions, the people were not thick, and the first, setting an example, jumped into the water Charlie :))
And then I

And then Zhenya :)

To take pictures well and beautifully, I did not understand exactly how. it's dark without a flash, it's not that with a flash ...

twirled there, and back. You can't swim and take pictures)) But if you really want to ....))

We stood there a little longer, dined ourselves and fed the fish. Yes, and sailed to the island of Vis

On the way, we sent a little bit, we put a grotto

On the way, I dozed a little and woke up exactly during the entry into the bay

The island of Vis was inhabited by the ancient Greeks from Syracuse as early as the 4th century BC, served Greek colony and was called Issa. The island has always been of strategic importance, as it was located in the very center of the Adriatic. Almost to this day, the island was fortified, giving it the importance of a fortress. The most famous naval battle at Vis took place in 1866 between the Austrian and Italian fleets, in which the Italian fleet was defeated.

Well, we were late for a comfortable berth, everything was already taken. And our attempt to squeeze between two yachts was harshly stopped ...

So we went to moor to the buoys. I forgot how it is called correctly. I loop the mooring lines on the buoy. the shorts are dirty from some kind of putty, which missed the skymakes on the cockpit. In the heat, they become smear. Upon arrival, the shorts were retired alas

Valeta beach is located 13 km from the center of Porec in the northwestern part of the Lanternaa peninsula. Lovers come here clean sea awarded with the Blue Flag, as well as guests of the nearby campsite.

Valeta is located in a 200-meter bay, which bathes in sunshine almost all year round. This beach is pebbly, in some places there are asphalt and concreted areas, which makes it ideal place recreation for the whole family.

In some areas, the entrance to the sea was equipped with stone stairs with metal handrails, the steps of which descend directly into the water. Showers and changing cabins are located on the beach, and safety is provided by the coastal rescue service, working from 10 to 18 hours. Valeta Beach and the nearby car camping site have a rich gastronomic and sports demand.

Plava Laguna beach

Plava Laguna Porec - the beach of the same name resort complex in the town of Porec, Croatia. The mild climate of the Mediterranean, the preserved beauty of nature, the clear sea - all this makes the beach one of the popular places rest of Europeans.

Plava Laguna Porec Beach is a small bay with white pebbles and a gentle slope. Due to the geography, the beach does not exist here big waves and strong wind... The coastal strip is surrounded by pine forest, which gives a unique aroma to the air and creates enough shade to relax from the bright sun. Plava Laguna is located five kilometers from the city limits, and this distance from civilization only adds charm to the picturesque landscape of the beach.

On the beach there is a rental service and a rescue point on the waters.

Materada beach

Materada Beach is part of the Laguna Materada Hotel and is located close to the hotel in an ecologically clean coastal parkland.

The beach is a concrete platform covered with pebbles and excellent grassy lawns for relaxation. There are 5 tennis courts at your disposal, for lovers of water sports - equipment for surfing, rafting and karting, as well as many other services.

In 2002, the hotel's beach was awarded the Blue Flag by UNESCO.

Villa "Antonia" on the top of the hill, on which the tourist complex Laguna Bellevue is located, with an antique-luxurious room, which was generously allocated to us upon arrival, at the end of the day was nevertheless changed to a more familiar modest apartment also with a sea view, but a little lower. The apartment was spacious and two-room, with two bathrooms and two, again, balconies, which is twice as much as paid. Good, but still a bit tall. Two or three days later, our legs got used to it, and we began to fully enjoy our vacation in Croatia.

The kitchen is equipped with everything you need, a minimarket is nearby, a larger store is downstairs, by the sea. There are all sorts of parshutes, delicacies, fruits, beer, wines, and everything else, there were no problems with food. We have been to Croatia twice already, this time we chose accommodation in apartments so as not to be tied to the restaurant's schedule, this has its advantages, but there are also disadvantages: food must be cooked ...

However, it was possible to pay in neighboring hotel half board, if for three days, then 18 euros per day per person. Floating the lagoon our way - Blue Lagoon... Remember the blue intergalactic singer from The Fifth Element?

RECREATION AND ENTERTAINMENT IN ISTRIA. MELAVA LAGUNA AND POREC

We swam and sunbathed, if there was no excursion, went to the cozy Porec on foot (3 km) and by boat (departure every hour), returned in the same way, and sometimes on a children's train. When we got used to it, it turned out that not everything is far and high. And the Europeans did not go anywhere at all: on the top of the hill there is a swimming pool, next to the bar and tavern "Istrinskaya hizha", where else to go? Most of all Austrians and Germans, there are Italians.

The sea is good, the beaches are different, there are small beaches with pebbles for just a couple of people, there are places arranged on stones, concreted or lined with flat stone with steps or ladders for descending into the water. There are no hedgehogs, there is vegetation at the bottom, fry and small gray fish with a spot on their tail scurry about. Rare fishermen on the docks did not boast of their catches, the size fit into the length of the index finger.

When night fell, the hill fell into an inky silence, broken only by the whisper of the sea. Plava Laguna is a place for a quiet, very quiet family vacation (another family could have been accommodated in our apartment, and we probably would not have noticed them), in the neighboring "Mediterana" live music thundered. Mediteran, a nondescript-looking gray building, is located a couple of minutes walk down the hill, as if in the opposite direction from the sea, but they also have the sea, we lived as if on a peninsula, there was water on three sides. The hotel looks good inside, but only three stars.