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Best Beaches in Split Croatia

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Best Beaches in Split Croatia

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View of small village near one of the best beaches in Split Croatia, trees to the left and blue ocean to the right with woods and rocks in the background.

You’re in for a special treat if you are planning a trip to some of the best beaches in Split this summer. As Croatia’s second biggest city, Split is in an awesome position right on the beautiful Adriatic coast.

It’s definitely a top summer place to go because of its great location, awesome Mediterranean weather, and super interesting history and culture. So, if you’re heading to Split this summer, you’ll totally want to spend time at some of the best beaches around.

You can easily visit Split’s beaches. Although they don’t have long, soft sandy areas, the shallow waters are calm for swimming. Additionally, you can enjoy fun water sports in the high-quality, clear turquoise waters. Moreover, the beaches offer naturally beautiful scenery. Furthermore, they are easily accessible. You’ll be pleased that most Split beaches can be reached by walking from the UNESCO World Heritage city centre. Alternatively, you can take local public transport. Consequently, combining sightseeing with relaxing by the sun and sea is simple.

Split is one big beach! However, we’ve made it easy for you by researching and creating this detailed guide to the best Split beaches worth visiting. I personally couldn’t wait to explore these stunning coastal spots during my trip to Split.

The Best Beaches in Split Croatia + Bonus Beach

1. Bačvice Beach Split

Don’t Miss This Gem of The Best Beaches in Split

If you’re looking for Split beaches near the port, Bacvice beach is the answer!

Bacvice is a natural phenomenon and the most popular sandy city centre. beach. Furthermore, it’s only 1 km from Split’s centre. – a 10-minute walk heading toward the main bus station and ferry port. Simply cross the bridge and you’ll see the sandy bay.

During the day, Bacvice is a promenade enjoyed by all ages and a chill-out spot for local and foreign swimmers. However, at night it transforms into an entertainment centre. for young people.

When mentioning Bacvice beach, the reason is likely picigin – this game originated and was perfected in the very bay. Accordingly, since 2005 Bacvice has hosted the World Picigin Championship. Uniquely, the score isn’t kept traditionally, but by which team performs more impressive stunts keeping the ball aloft using just their palms. Watching the locals play this unique game was a highlight of my visit to Bacvice.

Perhaps Bacvice’s most valuable speciality is its shallow water, suitable for picigin as well as entertainment for little ones. Specifically, children can use the sand to build sandcastles and other imaginative creations.

The Best Things About Bacvice Beach in Split

Bacvice’s capacity allows over 10,000 visitors. Additionally, parking lots are located at the northern and western entrances. Therefore, reaching the beach by car is possible – certainly an advantage.

Above the main sandy area is the famous Zbirac cafe where you can escape heat and enjoy drinks. Moreover, you can rent beach chairs and umbrellas on the beach itself for sun protection.

Furthermore, if you bring valuables, lockers are available to safely store items while bathing. Another restaurant and outdoor gym with exercise equipment are on the western coast.

Near Bacvice’s eastern entrance is Hotel Park, one of the best hotels. In that area, you’ll also find an ATM, corner shop, and bicycle parking rack. Furthermore, the eastern coast has a hospitality complex with numerous cafes, fast food kiosks, restaurants, a children’s playroom, water amusement park, and famous nightclubs popular with Split’s youth and foreign visitors.

It’s worth noting that free public showers with drinking water are available on both sides of the beach.

Beautiful Bačvice beach one of the best beaches in Split Croatia
Bačvice beach in Split Croatia

2. Znjan Beach

Relaxation Redefined at One of the Best Beaches in Split

Split’s Znjan Beach is popular with locals and tourists willing to visit. Numerous beach cafes, restaurants and clubs are available. As one of Split’s most popular swimming spots, Znjan has easy access and ample parking, making it very convenient for locals.

It’s the longest Split swimming area, stretching from Trstenik beach to Hotel Amfora. The mainly pebbly beach offers crystal clear water and many facilities. For instance, you’ll find beach bars, an inflatable kids’ water-park, changing cabins, sun umbrella/chair rentals, and lots of parking. However, it lacks natural shade. I made sure to bring plenty of sunscreen to protect my skin while enjoying the sun and sea at Znjan.

With its many facilities, pebbly seabed, and parking, Znjan Beach is great for families with kids. Additionally, it’s popular among windsurfers due to good afternoon winds.

Located east of Radisson Beach past a small bay, Znjan is a long pebbly stretch. Although very crowded in peak summer, the water is clean and the pebbles finer than most other Split beaches.

It takes around 45-60 minutes to walk from Split Old Town to Znjan. Alternatively, you can drive and park in the large lot, though parking can be challenging. A third option is taking Bus #15 – just a 20-minute ride from the city centre.

Couple in the shade on Znjan Beach, one of the best beaches in Split Croatia

Couple in the shade on Znjan Beach, Split Croatia

3. Firule Beach

Where Cherished Memories Are Made at the Best Beaches in Split

Firule Bay is nearly as wide as Bacvice, but has a much smaller beach. In fact, water comes right up to the walkway on the entire western half, leaving only a small beach area on the eastern side. When crowded, people claim spots along the breakwater and walkway.

However, the shallow water along the beach allows gradually easing into the sea, making it especially popular with families having young kids. Additionally, it’s another favoured picigin playing spot.

The sandy beach has cemented sunbathing areas. Furthermore, outdoor showers are available as well.

The low-key Firule beach is a great spot for a swim in Split, then chilling at the nearby Dvor restaurant’s terrace.

Dvor’s cosy, shaded terrace overlooks the beach and sea with nice views. Additionally, Split’s main tennis centre. is nearby.

Furthermore, Mythos has cliff-side tables with great views and serves food. The adjacent Day & Night Bar Tennis is just for drinks. I enjoyed a refreshing post-swim cocktail at one of these scenic spots.

Trees in the background at Firule Beach, one of the best beaches in Split Croatia

Gently shelving water at Firule Beach, Split Croatia
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4. kasjuni Beach

Serenity Embraces You at One of the Best Beaches in Split

Kasjuni is a pebble beach located beneath Marjan hill, 3 km from Split’s old town. It’s one of the nicest and most popular Split beaches. Think pure nature amidst the city – a thick pine forest surrounds the bay with crystal clear sea and the endless blue Adriatic stretching out. Additionally, a large breakwater protects the bay from waves while Marjan Hill provides a wonderful backdrop.

Part of Kasjuni is privately managed. The company runs a beach bar that serves food, rents sun umbrellas and chairs, and manages parking. Furthermore, there’s even a dedicated dog-friendly area!

There are many parking spots, but unfortunately not nearly enough in peak season. However, you can also reach Kasjuni beach on foot, by bus #12, or bicycle.

The beach gets crowded during peak season, as is the case with all Split beaches that time of year. Food, drinks, and services are expensive, but you don’t need to use them. Instead, you can bring your own equipment, a cooler picnic, find a spot, and simply enjoy.

Furthermore, the westernmost part of Kasjuni is clothing-optional. Additionally, you’ll find good cliff jumping spots in the bay. I was tempted to take the plunge, but ultimately chickened out and stuck to swimming!

The gorgeous curve of Kasjuni Beach, one of the best beaches in Split Croatia

The gorgeous curve of Kasjuni Beach, Split Croatia

5. Trstenik Beach

Adventure Awaits at One of the Best Beaches in Split

Heading east from Split’s old town, you’ll find Trstenik beach.

Trstenik lies east of Zenta Marina in a calm bay with crystal clear water, clean pebbles, and plenty of space to spread beach blankets. However, there are currently no concessions, so plan accordingly. The beach is popular for water sports – visitors can rent jet skis or book parasailing trips.

Trstenik beach is popular for its fine pebbles and natural wind protection. It’s also quieter and less crowded than other Split beaches. The beach lacks shaded areas, but you can rent sun umbrellas and chairs for better comfort. Additionally, there is a car-free promenade along the beach.

Trstenik Beach is right near Zenta Harbour and the Radisson Blu Split Hotel. Part of the beach is managed by the hotel, reserved only for their guests. However, most of Trstenik is free and open to the public. The nearby “Radisson Beach” in front of the hotel offers lounger rentals for all, not just guests. There you’ll also find the cool Mistral Beach Bar and Restaurant, run by the Radisson.

Hills and apartments behind Trstenik Beach one of the best beaches in Split Croatia

Hills and apartments behind Trstenik Beach, Split Croatia

6. Bene Beach

Luxury Awaits at One of the Best Beaches in Split

Nearly as renowned as Kasjuni Beach, but still considered a hidden Split beach for its remote location, Bene Beach nestles into a northern Marjan Peninsula cove. Bene has a restaurant, tennis courts, kids’ play area, natural shade, and open-air gym, making it popular among locals too.

It’s a rocky beach located beneath Marjan Hill’s north-west slopes.

Visitors can spread out on flat rocks sprawling into the sea, swim in shallow water, or rent kayaks. Typically, Bene Beach has a laid-back, serene setting.

It’s Split’s most shaded beach with a wonderful pine forest backdrop. Limited car access makes Bene less crowded compared to other Split beaches.

A small bar, cabins for changing, and chair rentals dot Bene Beach. This sandy spot is a top starting point for Split’s kayak tours and favoured by families thanks to the shallow seabed.

Though parking isn’t beachside but situated above, part of Bene’s coastline is paved for sunbathing and sea entry while retaining its natural look – among Split’s most unspoiled beaches.

Reach Bene on foot or bike using Marjan Hill trails, or take Bus #12 to the final stop. The surroundings offer more secluded areas too if you prefer privacy over crowds. I loved the tranquil atmosphere and natural beauty of Bene beach.

Flat sunbathing platforms at Bene Beach, one of the best beaches in Split Croatia
Flat sunbathing platforms at Bene Beach, Split Croatia
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As you are planning to be close by I couldn’t leave out one of the potential highlights of any trip to Croatia. That is the sublime Zatni Rat Beach, which from Split is only an hour away. Enjoy.

Bonus Feature: Zlatni Rat Beach, Bol

A Top Contender Among The Best Beaches in Croatia

Zlatni rat beach is considered to be possibly one of the best beaches in the Med. Its unique shape makes it exceptionally stunning worldwide. Accordingly, many famous travel magazines like the New York Times, National Geographic, and Insider Travel have listed it repeatedly as one of the world’s most spectacular beaches.

Zlatni rat’s elegance makes it a symbol of Bol and Croatia. Consequently, the Croatian government protects this beach as an important natural monument. However, its beauty comes not just from its shape. Additionally, it’s surrounded by crystal clear turquoise and dark blue sea within 10-20 meters. Moreover, decades-old pine trees planted by locals provide natural shade bordering the beach.

Zlatni rat beach is less than 2 km from Bol town. A lovely promenade under pine tree shade connects them, with many small beaches along the way. This fascinating 500-meter long pebble beach has a unique peninsula shape stretching 900 meters into the sea on both sides. The beach area exceeds 20,000 square meters, comfortably accommodating over 10,000 people.

Curiously, the beach’s shape and position change with wind, tide, and currents. Sometimes the tip rotates significantly, forming a small pool. Mornings are usually windless, while afternoons bring breezes. However, one side always has calm water, perfect for families with young children.

Things to Do on Zlatni Rat Beach

You’ll find Zlatni rat beach famous for adrenaline seekers who windsurf and kite-surf. Specifically, the strong “Maestral” wind regularly blows nicely, thrilling experienced surfers. Accordingly, several centres near the beach offer windsurfing and kitesurfing lessons and rentals. As an avid windsurfer myself, I was excited to catch some waves at this iconic spot.

However, the beach also provides many exciting activities for kids and adults. For instance, you can play beach volleyball. Additionally, parachute rides give you an amazing bird’s-eye view. Moreover, you can ride jet skis or banana boats and visit a huge water park. Furthermore, near Zlatni rat, you can scuba dive, play tennis or volleyball at Borak beach, and rent motorboats. Consequently, you can explore secluded beaches west and east of Bol.

You can rent paddle boats with slides or kayaks to explore Zlatni rat’s coastline. Additionally, two restaurants are just steps from the beach where you can enjoy local specialities under natural shade. Moreover, several stands sell fresh fruit, smoothies, pancakes, etc.

One curiosity to note when visiting – don’t forget the remnants of an ancient Roman Villa Rustica hidden among pine trees meters from the beach. Another curiosity is to see if you’re lucky enough to find a “stone of happiness.” Specifically, it’s a small stone that looks like a snail fossil closing a seashell and is said to bring luck. You may find them anywhere on the beach, but the west side beginning is best for searching. I spent hours combing the shore for one of these lucky charms!

Furthermore, Zlatni rat has a “Blue Flag” certification. Consequently, you’ll find all the comforts you need, especially clean waters and beach. However, please help us keep it that pristine condition.

How to Get From Bol to Zlatni Rat Beach

What is Zlatni rat’s location? The beach is 2km west of Bol centre. You have four options to get there. Driving is least recommended since Bol is tiny, and summer driving isn’t pleasant. However, if you do drive, ample parking is available for a daily fee.

An excellent option is walking from Bol via the beautiful seaside promenade under pine tree shade, taking around 20-30 minutes. Alternatively, you can take the street tourist train running between Bol centre. (near the gas station) and Zlatni rat.

The fourth fun option is taxi boats carrying 20-50 people directly from Bol centre. to the beach. These small coastal rides take just 10-15 minutes and run frequently. I opted for the scenic walk and wasn’t disappointed by the stunning views along the way.

The majestic sight of Zlatni Rat, Bol one of the best beaches in Croatia

The majestic sight of Zlatni Rat, Bol Croatia

Best Beaches in Split Our Conclusion

Split’s many beaches and those on surrounding islands vary, but share pristine, crystal-clear Adriatic waters and excellent summer weather chances. Pack sunscreen, goggles, and get ready to euphoric relaxation – we think Split will definitely charm your sandals off! I can’t wait to return to these stunning beaches and create more unforgettable memories in Split.

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