Split is the 2nd largest city in Croatia located along the stunning Adriatic coast. It’s a top summer destination naturally due to its prime location, magnificent Mediterranean climate and exceptionally rich historical and cultural heritage. If you’re heading to Split this summer, chances are that you’ll be looking to spend time at some of the best beaches in Split.
Whilst the beaches in Split lack sweeping fine sands, they make up for it with shallow waters which are gentle for swimming and an array of fun water sports, high quality, crystal clear turquoise waters sheltered by naturally picturesque scenery as well as easy accessibility.
You’ll be glad to know that most Split Croatia beaches can be reached from the city’s UNESCO World Heritage centre on foot or by local public transport which makes combining city sightseeing with relaxing whilst soaking up the sun and sea that bit easier. See our Split Croatia Travel Guide
As committed Croatia fans, Tyrone and I have visited Split many times and have been to most of the beaches in the city; there are so many of them.
The whole of Split is a beach! Anyway, to help you out, we’ve done all the difficult research for you and have created this detailed guide which has all the best beaches in Split Croatia which are worth your time.
Tip::Here is a guide with all the Best Places to Visit in Croatia including the most useful tips.
Here is our list of the best beaches in Split.
1. Bacvice Beach
Bacvice Beach Split is a Blue Flag beach which is also one of the most popular and first of a series of beaches of varying degrees of size lying on the city’s eastern coast.
The beach is a firm favourite with locals and visitors alike mainly due to its location, just a short walk from the Old Town, Split Port and the main bus station. Bacvice also boasts amenities and a bustling atmosphere unmatched by other beaches in the city.
This is one of few sandy beaches in Split with high quality, shallow waters safe even for toddlers to swim.
We recommend stocking up on picnic supplies at Split’s colourful, Green Market and making a day of it. Equally, Bacvice Beach bars, cafes and restaurants are perfect for cold drinks and light Dalmatian food, so don’t panic if you visit unprepared.
As with most city beaches, it can be hard to escape the crowds at Bacvice, especially during the summer days. We’ve found it much more enjoyable to visit early in the morning whilst the beach is still unspoiled and the amazing view of the wonderful Adriatic Sea and Italy in the distance undisturbed.
Bacvice is a popular spot for Picigin (a Croatian beach ball game which originated at Bacvice in 1908) in the city. The game is so popular at the beach that even if you don’t try your hand at playing it, you’re guaranteed to find yourself getting stuck watching the locals showing off their amusing Picigin skills.
Bacvice Beach is also one of the top places for nightlife in Split since it’s home to some of the city’s popular big-hitter bars and clubs, particularly with the younger crowd. If you’re keen to soak up some of Split’s lively nightlife, be sure not to miss it.
Getting to Bacvice Beach
Bacvice Beach is just a few minutes walk east of Split city center and around the corner from the ferry and cruise port with easy access to the beach from the walking path. Parking is also available, but unreliable during peak season.
The beach comes with lifeguards, changing booths and showers.
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2. Ovcice Beach
Ovcice Beach is a great alternative to the bigger and busier Bacvice. It’s ideal for families with small children or those just seeking peaceful moments in the sun though amenities on the beach are limited.
This is a fine pebbled beach with concrete paving in some parts, one or two small children’s play areas, a terraced cafe, an offer to rent sun loungers and umbrellas as well as changing booths and showers.
Bear in mind that the waters at Ovčice Split are not as shallow as those at Bacvice Beach.
Also, remember to bring along some water shoes as you’ll need them to protect your feet from the pebbles and rocky parts of this beach.
Getting to Ovčice Beach
To reach Ovčice Beach easily, choose to take a short stroll along the walking path on Bacvice Beach which links all the beaches on the city’s eastern coast. The path also offers a stunning view of the Adriatic Sea and the islands in the distance.
3. Firule Beach
Firule Beach, located just around the corner from Ovcice, is another sand-like Split beach which is popular with locals who refer to it as mini Bacvice. This is one of the best beaches near Split not to miss if you’re interested in soaking up some local atmosphere.
Firule is ideal to visit all seasons as it sits in a sheltered bay which gives it protection from strong winds and waves.
Shallow parts of Firule Beach are the go-to areas for families with small children whilst concrete and rocky areas as well as the beach cafes on the pier are popular with adults.
Lush trees backing the beach do provide some shade, but we still recommend that you bring your sun umbrella including other supplies you need for comfort as they aren’t offered to rent.
If you’re feeling sporty, the famous Firule tennis courts are the perfect place to sweat it out whilst also enjoying a cool breeze from the sea. Don’t panic if you visit unprepared; all tennis equipment can be hired on-site.
Within decent proximity to Firule Beach is the top Split beach club, Zenta Club. During the day, Zenta runs as a beach bar and at 11 pm turns into a vibrant nightclub.
Even if you aren’t into late-night partying, Zenta is worth checking out in the daytime as I believe it’s one of the best beach bars in the area. Zenta also offers free parking!
Changing booths, showers and toilets are available at this beach.
4. Trstenik Beach
Trstenik Beach, located in Split’s neighbourhood which it is named after, is by far one of the most beautiful beaches in Split along the city’s eastern coast.
This spectacularly crescent-shaped beach is among our top favourites of all the beaches in Split with soft pebbles, shallow translucent green-blue waters, unmatched cleanliness, and direct access to the sea.
Trstenik Beach feels quite spacious as it’s long and wide, so even in high season it never feels crowded. It’s the perfect place to escape the other busier beaches along this part of Split’s coastline.
Trstenik comes with a beachside bar where you can rent sun loungers, play areas for children, wide walkways which are perfect for a long stroll or cycle by the sea as well as numerous updated seats. Bear in mind that there aren’t offers to rent water sports equipment at Trstenik, so we recommend you bring your own.
I’m told Trstenik Beach’s well-kept image is down to Radisson Blu Resort and Spa which is situated on the ground. Radisson Blu Resort Split is highly rated, so if you’re in search of a top-notch seaside spot offering a stunning view of the Adriatic Sea to base yourself whilst in Split, then, look no further.
Getting to Trstenik Beach Split Croatia
Trstenik Beach Split Croatia is 3 km away from Split Centre. You could either take a 10-minute taxi ride, cycle or go on foot via the walking path starting from Bacvice Beach.
Changing booths, showers, lifeguards and toilets are offered at this beach.
5. Znjan Beach
Znjan Beach is one of the newest Croatia Split beaches boasting modern amenities and easy accessibility for those with reduced mobility, unlike other popular beaches in the city. It’s a pebble beach which consists of a collection of numerous bays offering easy access to the sea. The beach’s crystalline water makes swimming and snorkelling fun.
Žnjan is a beach for all different kinds of people. Families are treated to a wide variety of child-friendly activity areas, open spaces to splash and run around as well as street food stalls to keep them going. For adults, Znjan offers an excellent choice of beachside bars and seafood restaurants.
Some pine trees dotted along the beach offer some shade, but Znjan is mostly bare. If you don’t plan to rent a sun umbrella on site, we recommend you bring everything you need for comfort as the sun can be quite intense, especially during mid-summer. A supermarket which is located directly across from the beach is a good choice for stocking up on picnic supplies in case you’re travelling on a budget.
Modern and chic Hotel Amphora across from Znjan Beach and overlooking the sea, offers the perfect Split beach stay.
Getting to Znjan Beach Split
You can get to Znjan from the Split centre by walking (45-50 minute walk), cycling or by getting the local bus (line 15) which stops directly across from the beach. A parking lot across the beach offers free parking.
6. Kasjuni Beach
Kasjuni Beach is for many the best beach in Split which is found along the city’s western coast. It’s one of the several Split beaches referred to as the Marjan Hill beaches due to their location in the foothills of this city’s prominent landmark.
The area around Kasjuni seems to have been saved from large-scale developments found elsewhere in the city, so being there can feel like a world away. It’s never crowded despite its proximity to the Split Centre. If you’re someone who enjoys a bit of quiet time by the sea, definitely choose to visit Kasjuni Beach.
Like most of the natural beaches in Split, Kasjuni is pebbly with shallow, clear green-blue waters which are sheltered by a rich green hill. Just bear in mind that this beach seems to be geared towards adults, particularly the young ones. It’s also one of the few beaches in Split which welcomes naturists in its rocky and forested parts whilst its eastern parts are designated to dog owners.
The only beach bar at Kasjuni, Joe’s Beach Bar Split, is famed for its cocktails, light summer food menu and great vibe, so it’s worth checking out.
Sun loungers are available to rent from the beach bar, but if you arrive early, you are guaranteed to grab a place in some of the shaded spots on the beach.
Getting to Kasjuni Beach
Kasjuni Beach can be reached from the Split Centre on foot, however, the walking path is tight in some parts. Taking a local bus, bus line 12, from the western side of the Riva is probably your best bet if you’re relying on public transport.
A parking lot behind the beach offers free parking.
7. Kastelet Beach (Obojena Svjetlost)
Kastelet Beach also known as Obojena Svjetlost Beach is another popular Split beach which is tucked in the green foothills of Marjan Hill Forest Park and just a stone’s throw away from the popular Ivan Meštrović Gallery.
This beach as well as other Split beaches within its vicinity such as Jezinac Beach are mostly frequented by local families and young children.
Kastel is mostly pebbly, rocky and steep in some parts with shallow and clean water safe for children to swim though care is still essential. Even though there isn’t much for children, the beach is quite spacious allowing kids to splash and run around playfully. The atmosphere at this beach is lovely and laid back.
Though amenities are quite limited at Kastelet, you are guaranteed to have a good day out by the sea if you go prepared with your own provisions and other equipment you need for comfort. Also, the view of the Adriatic Sea is quite stunning from Kastelet and worth a visit on its own.
Changing booths, lifeguards, showers and toilets are offered at the beach as well as free parking.
Getting to Kastelet Beach
Local bus, bus line 12, stops at Kastelet, but bear in mind that the walking path down to the beach from the main road is quite steep and not ideal for those with limited mobility.
8. Bene Beach
Bene Beach is the furthest from the Split centre of all the Marjan Hill beaches. Getting to Bene Beach is only allowed to pedestrians, so the local bus (line 12), or the Marjan tourist train are your best bets to reach it. Crowds are kept away from Bene in part due to the bit of effort required to get to it, so the beach does feel remote.
Unlike most beaches in Split, Bene is mostly rocky with a small sandy area. It comes with glassy, shallow green-blue waters and is tucked nicely into a picturesque crescent-shaped cove which is sheltered by a lush green pine forest.
Bene Beach overlooks the city’s northern coast offering some of the most incredible views of the Adriatic Sea with Trogir town and Ciovo Island in the distance.
A terraced restaurant at the beach is quite handy for a cold drink and light Dalmatian fare. Equally, you can pack your supplies for a perfect picnic by the sea. There is no need for sun umbrellas as the trees surrounding the beach offer excellent shade even in the height of summer.
Close to Bene Beach are sporting fields, tennis courts and a children’s playground which is worth exploring particularly if you’re visiting as a family or group.
Lifeguards, changing booths, showers and toilets are offered at this beach.
Top tip: The Tourist Office at the start of the western side of the Riva in the Split Centre is great for tips on how to explore Marjan Hill including its beaches. Whilst exploring Marjan Forest Park, be on the lookout for some of the most beautiful hidden beaches in Split City.
9. Zlatni Rat on Brac Island
Zlatni Rat Beach (Golden Horn) on Brac Island is one of the best beaches in Croatia if not in the whole of the Mediterranean. We are recommending that you add it to your list of the best beaches in Split mostly because Zlatni Rat and Brac Island as a whole make for a perfect add-on trip to your Split stay.
The uniquely shaped beach is covered in white pebble, clean and clear turquoise waters which are sheltered by a rich pine forest and surrounded by a wide variety of seaside entertainment as well as seaside accommodation to suit all tastes.
Inevitably, a stunning beach like Zlatni Rat attracts a huge crowd especially in the height of summer, so it can be difficult to fully explore and appreciate it.
We have made a few day trips to Zlatni Rat during the high season and have found it more enjoyable to visit it early in the day and have breakfast from our favourite spot, Bio Mania or late in the evening just to soak up the beach’s vibrant night atmosphere. See things to do on Brac Island
Popular Brac Island Boat Tours
10. Podstrana Beaches
During the high season, many Split locals take off to the seaside town of Podstrana to enjoy its glorious beaches which are less known among foreign visitors but are some of the best beaches in Croatia Split.
Podstrana offers a 6 km stretch of numerous pebble beaches with clear turquoise waters, backed by red-roofed buildings which are built around the green hilltops on which the village sits.
The loveliest of all Podstrana beaches Split is the one belonging to the 5-star Le Meridien Lav Resort. However, all the other beaches within this resort’s vicinity also offer decent amenities including lively beachside cafes, bars and a variety of street food stalls.
The Tourist Office in the village centre is a great place to start whilst exploring Podstrana beaches. It’s a great resource for tips on where to find the best tours and water sports which are widely available in the Podstrana area.
Getting to Podstrana
Podstrana is about 10 km away from the Split city centre. If you are relying on public transport, you can reach Podstrana by a local bus (line 60).
11. Stobrec Beaches
Stobrec is one of the most beautiful as well as important villages in Croatia, historically, lining Split’s eastern coastline, about 7 km from the city centre. It’s a laid-back village offering some of the nicest beaches in the Split area that remains something of a secret to locals and well-informed tourists. The best of them all, Stobrec Jug Beach, is tucked underneath the village’s old town, backed by a green and breezy forest.
Though Stobrec Jug is not as shallow as most of the other Split beaches, it offers lovely swimming in sheltered crystal clear water. The beach itself feels unspoiled and if you visit early in the day, you’ll likely have it to yourself.
Camp Stobrec Beach, named after a camping site located behind it, is another beach in Stobrec which is bigger and busier. The beach is located along the village’s waterfront overlooking the picturesque Podstrana.
Gentle access to the sea, calm and clear blue waters, children’s playgrounds, water activities such as Stand Up Paddle Boarding and numerous beachside cafes and restaurants make Camp Stobrec a perfect family beach.
If you’re in search of a low-key family-friendly spot to base yourself for a longer Split stay, definitely consider Stobrec.
Good to Know!
Konoba Nikola, located in Stobrec, is among Split food destinations with excellent reviews. It offers a truly incredible dining experience, so if you’re a foodie, don’t miss it.
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We hope you find this guide to Croatia Beaches Split useful.
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