The Best Places to Swim in Croatia

The Best Places to Swim in Croatia

Croatia is a place of outstanding natural beauty with some of the cleanest waters in all of Europe, making it incredibly popular for swimming. And it’s no wonder why when it hosts stunning beaches, beautiful blue oceans and luscious landscapes to bask in as you soak in the warm temperatures of the Adriatic sea. There’s a little bit of everything for people to enjoy in Croatia. Whether you’re looking to cool off by the beach or have a go at wild swimming in the country’s vast lakes – we have compiled the ultimate guide to help you find the best places to swim in Croatia! 

Where are the best places to swim in Croatia

Dubrovnik

Located in the south of Croatia, Dubrovnik is home to many gorgeous beaches which offer great open water swimming spots. The most famous, Banje Beach, is located just south of the Old Town and definitely worth a visit. The beautiful pebbly beach offers an iconic backdrop of the Old Town that makes for an memorable swimming experience. Although the beach can get quite crowded, the views from the ocean are what makes this one of the best swimming spots around. 

Just a short walk away from the Old Town is Sveti Jakov Beach. This is a great option for those wanting to escape the crowds of Banje Beach but still witness the stunning views of the Old Town from the water. From the sand you can see views of Dubrovnik’s city walls and in the evening heavenly sunsets illuminate the city skyline. This beach is also incredibly well shaded, with pine trees that roll down the shore offering plenty of cooling cover for sunbathers looking to escape the heat of the Mediterranean sun. 

Brač

Most famous for the Zlatni Rat Beach (more commonly called the Golden Horn Beach) Brač is a top location for swimming in Croatia. Along the shores lay white pebble beaches, feeding into the calm blue ocean that is perfect for escaping the summer heat. This is one of the more unique beaches in Croatia due to its ever changing nature. The wind and sea current move and change the shape of the beach year on year. The Adriatic sea is one of the cleanest bodies of water in Europe which makes this beach very popular for watersports. It is the perfect place to splash, swim and explore above and below the surface. So if you’re looking for a swim that is buzzing with life, the Golden Horn is the place to go. 

But if you seek a place to unwind and escape the bustling noise, Povlja beach on the other side of the island is equally as beautiful. Made up of small intertwining beaches hidden in coves, this beach is great for taking tranquil afternoon swims whilst still enjoying the stunning views that Brač has to offer. 

Split

With unbelievably clear water and easy to access beaches, Split is one of the best places to swim in Croatia. There’s a little bit of something for everyone – from the casual swimmers to the more experienced seeking a new adventure! 

If you’re looking to relax and ease into the water for a peaceful swim, Bacvice Beach is the perfect location for you. With cool temperatures and shallow water level, it is ideal for serenely floating around in the water. The beach offers a sandy shore that is soft on the feet when entering and exiting the water, making it a suitable location for families. 
Searching for something a bit more exciting? Around Marjan Hill, the rocky coastline is the perfect spot for diving and jumping into the cool open waters. The rocky area is found just west of the city center and is a unique experience that will get the blood pumping for an adrenaline-infused swim.

Looking for something a little more off the beaten path?

Vis Island 

If you’re looking for the best places to swim in Croatia away from all the crowds, Vis Island is the most remote of all the Croatian islands and perfect for escaping the bustling cities of the mainland. With many scheduled bays and quieter crowds, this area is guaranteed to be a peaceful swimming experience. Stiniva Beach is one of the best swimming locations on the island, located on the south side of Vis Island in Stiniva Cove.

The space hosts a white pebbled beach and serene turquoise sea surrounded by sheer rock walls, giving the area a calm and private feel. You are bound to lose track of time whilst you enjoy a soak here! 

If you’re looking for something a little different, just a short distance away from Vis Island, on the uninhabited island of Ravnik is The Green Cave. This cave is famous for its unique emerald glow, a natural occurrence that happens when the sun hits the bottom of the seafloor. It is typically accessible through boat hires and private tours such as our Luxury Croatia, Slovenia, Montenegro Tour. You’ll have the opportunity to make stops on the tour and swim to your heart’s desire throughout this spectacular cave. It’s definitely one to add to the bucket list. 

Mljet National Park

Mljet is one of the best places to swim in Croatia, especially for wild swimming. Located in the southern coastal region of Croatia, Mljet Island is blessed with a Mediterranean climate. Unlike Plitvice Lakes National Park where wild swimming is banned, Mljet island is home to one of the eight national parks in Croatia that still allows guests to swim. 

To the north-western side of the island, Mljet National Park has two saltwater lakes with temperatures typically higher than that of the sea which surrounds the island. These lakes make for a great swimming spot to unwind from the busy beaches and relax in nature. With very high salinity levels, the lake’s water has therapeutic properties that are good for your skin and will make you feel like you’re in your very own outdoor spa. 

When is the best time to swim in Croatia? 

The months of June through September are the best time to visit Croatia as the weather is warm and the water temperature is the most comfortable for swimming. During these months, the Adriatic sea average temperature is in the upper 70s Fahrenheit (around 25-26 Celsius). Lakes that are situated further inland can be slightly cooler than that of the sea, but still fall into a pleasant temperature for cooling off from the sun. See our blog about the best time to travel to Croatia to help you decide when to book your holiday for.

With so many beautiful places to visit in Croatia, it can be difficult to settle on just one place to go. If you’re struggling to plan your next holiday to Croatia, we can help you design the perfect vacation so you won’t miss out on any of these must-go destinations! Why not try our island hopping tour that can take you to some of the best places to swim in Croatia, or even customize your trip with a private chartered yacht. Wherever it is you’re wanting to go in Croatia, we can help you plan your dream destination.