Croatia's best sandy beaches

Ciovo peninsula is located near (3km) UNESCO protected town of Trogir. On Ciovo one can find many kinds of beaches, from sandy to rocky, from popular to deserted beaches.
Near Okrug Gornji village, the most popular tourist destination on the peninsula and also in whole Trogir area, in Saldun Bay, overlooking marina, there are sandy beaches from either side of marina. You can enjoy all kinds of daytime and nighttime activities around the main beach in Saldun, such as beach bars, water sports, diving and sampling the many bars and restaurants, or you can choose numerous peaceful coves and beaches dotted around the island for more relaxed and quite vacation away from the crowds. You can reach secluded bays and capes on the Ciovo peninsula on foot, by boat or by car.

Mavarscica is a magnificent cove with pebbly beach and surrounded by pine woods. It is situated just south of Okrug Gornji.Between Okrug Gornji and smaller Okrug Donji villages one can find isolated houses to rent and secluded beaches suitable for naturism.

Those who are really looking for some peace and quiet can hire a boat and take a tour to small islands in front of Ciovo - Drvenik Veli i Drvenik Mali where there are some sandy beaches. The most beautiful one is located in the cove of Vela Rina, also a pier for smaller yachts. On Veli Drvenik there are two beautiful coves, Solinska and Krknjasi, also often visited by yachts.

When is the best time to come?

July and August are the warmest months when the sea temperature reaches up to 28° C (83° F) and air temperature exceeds well over 35° C ( 95° F). This is the peak of the season, especially between July 15 and Aug 15, and you can expect crowds on the most popular beaches. If you prefer not so hot weather and less crowd, then June and September are ideal for you. Water is still warm and you will get plenty of sunshine. Swimming and sunbathing is also possible in May or October (if you come from Scandinavia or Canada and are not afraid of a bit colder water). Depending on the weather, even April is sometimes nice and warm enough for the beach.

VISITING CROATIA

Croatia has quickly become Europe's hottest destination, and for good reason. The rocky coastline continues for 1778 kilometres and includes pine-fringed coves, wide sandy beaches and cozy inlets. As if that weren't enough, there are a good 1185 islands that range from lush and wooded to stark and hilly. Yachties love the sailing opportunities, sunbathers have an incredible choice of beaches and scuba divers have a paradise of sea life to explore.Beyond the pretty scenery, Croatia also boasts a fascinating history and cultural life.The walled city of Dubrovnik on its southern tip is a must-stop for Mediterranean cruises but the long coast is littered with remnants of Croatia's varied past.
The Romans swept through two thousand years ago, leaving an amphitheatre in Pula and Diocletian's Palace in Split. Long ruled by Venice, many ports along the coast bear the distinctive imprint of its former master. In southern Dalmatia, the towns of Hvar and Korcula resemble Little Venices without the canals. In Istria, the striking bell tower in Rovinj is modeled after that on St Mark's Square in Venice.
In contrast to the Italian-influenced coast, the Croatian interior was part of the Austro-Hungarian empire and looks it. Zagreb, Croatia's capital, has the kind of stately architecture that wouldn't be out of place in Vienna or Budapest. Plus,it has a small medieval quarter that vaguely resembles Prague.To the north of Zagreb, in the middle of green, rolling hills, lies Varazdin, Croatia's most underrated city. Lying too far from the coast to attract much tourism, Varazdin nevertheless boasts a stunningly well-preserved baroque center.
So, what to see first? Following is my personal list of highlights for a Croatian visit:
· Dubrovnik
Byron called it the "Pearl of the Adriatic" for the magnificent curtain of walls surrounding a city paved in marble and strewn with Renaissance sculpture.
· Hvar Town
In addition to the splendid harbor promenade and sculptured facades, it's becoming known for the best nightlife on the Adriatic.
· Korcula Town
It resembles Hvar in some ways, especially the narrow cluster of streets,but iit lies on a narrow peninsula and is quieter.
· Rovinj
Istria's prettiest little town, it retains the flavor of a traditional fishing port despite the heavy influx of tourists in recent years.
· Plitvice Lakes National Park
It has to be seen to be believed. The 16 turquose lakes seem to glow and there are waterfalls everywhere. It's a UNESCO world heritage site.
· Brela Beach
The idyllic coves, bordered with pine trees, stretch out like a long necklace of beaches. Forbes magazine recently named it one of the top twenty beaches in the world.
No matter where you go in Croatia, you'll find people eager to welcome tourists after the grueling war of the early 1990s. English is widely spoken and costs are comparatively reasonable compared to the rest of the European coast. So what are you waiting for?

CROATIA'S ISLANDS - THE TEN BEST CROATIAN ISLANDS TO VISIT

With 1185 islands to choose from, Croatia's Adriatic coast truly offers an embarrassment of riches. Whether your interest is lounging lizard-like in the sun, exploring ancient villages, hiking through lavender fields or partying until dawn, there's an island in Croatia for you. And you don't need your own yacht to see them! All of the following islands are easily reachable by regular ferries run by Jadrolinija, Croatia's largest ferry company. Let's start at the southern tip of Croatia and work our way northward.
Mljet Island
A good part of Mljet Island is pristine national park including two inland seawater lakes that present the very picture of tranquility. You can bike around the lakes, paddle or swim them or take a hike through the interior. Most people visit on a day trip from Dubrovnik, but there's no reason you can't stay overnight. There's only one hotel but a good amount of private accommodation.

Korcula Island
Large and forested, Korcula offers endless possibilities for exploration. Start in the Old Town, crowded onto a little peninsula and then explore some quiet islets around the main island via excursion boat. To get away from it all, stay in one of the interior villages.

Hvar Island
Unquestionably the trendiest of Croatian islands, it seems that everybody wants to head to Hvar. The old town is impossibly romantic, the harbor is the most delightful in the Adriatic and the nightlife. . .Suffice it to say that you'll find everything from chic cocktail bars to down 'n' dirty backpacker joints (although much more of the former). During the day, take a boat to the naturist islands that beckon offshore or traipse through the lavender fields that dot the interior.

Brac Island
The most accessible island from the Dalmatian coast, Brac is a favorite getaway for Croatian mainlanders. Cheaper and somewhat less crowded with foreigners, Brac Island's highlight is the unusual Zlatni Rat beach, a staple of Croatia's tourist brochures. Supetar is the main entry point and boasts an appealing "fishing port" ambiance.
Vis Island
Here is that special gem that is still relatively undiscovered, mostly because Vis Island is a long ferry ride from the coast. But it's so worth it. Neither hip nor chic (yet), Vis has the unspoiled nature, the swimming and diving possibilities plus two great villages. Vis Town has early Greek and Roman remnants and Komiza is the kind of charming fishing village that is rapidly disappearing from the Mediterranean. Think St Tropez about, oh, 100 years ago.
Dugi Otok
Also not on the tourist circuit, Dugi Otok is long and relatively flat compared to the other islands. Still, there's good swimming and a calm and peaceful atmosphere. It's main highlight is the Telascica Bay nature park with a saltwater lake and miles of rugged coastline.
Pag Island
All Croatians sigh over Pag Island as it produces the country's finest cheese, pungent and aromatic. Dry and flat, Pag Island still boasts a kind of offbeat beauty. The main town is Pag Town, with its straight, stone streets but party people will want to head to Novalja on the northern end of the island. At the first thought of summer, Novalja's main beach is transformed into a non-stop outdoor party with DJs, cocktail bars, foam nights and a regular circuit of theme events.
Cres & Losinj Islands
These two long thin islands are separated only by a narrow canal. Losinj in the south is much more developed for tourism with a range of hotels and a magnificent bay that is a center for windsurfing. Cres is much wilder and mostly devoted to fishing and sheep raising. Accommodation is somewhat limited in terms of both comforts and quantity but it's easy to stay in Losinj and visit Cres.
Rab Island
This is a pretty island near the northern coast with scenic Rab Town as its center. Tourism is very developed here largely because of the splendid sandy beaches in Lopar. Sandy beaches are a rarity in Croatia! This is the place for an easy, relaxing beach holiday.
Krk Island
With an airport receiving international flights right on the island, Krk is one of the easiest islands to reach. Desolate it isn't but you'll find a wide choice of places to stay on this large island. Visit the historic center, walled Krk Town but also Baska with its long stretch of pebbly beach and the hilltop village of Vrbnik.

BEAUTIFUL CROATIAN BEACHES

Tourist resorts appeal to the traveler who enjoys the convenience of nearby restaurants, nightclubs and bars, as well as the many on-site amenities provided. But you may have found that the added stress inherent in these overcrowded facilities outweighs the benefits of the hot stone massages you can have there. You're not exactly antisocial. Perhaps you've just had sand kicked in your face one too many times. or you're tired of dodging Frisbees and footballs on the beach. Now it's time for some peace and quiet.

So what to do? Pack a picnic lunch, a good read and a swimsuit (or not!) and head for the road less traveled. Here's a list of undiscovered beaches to help you navigate that road. And where does it lead? Away from the crowds. Wear sunscreen and enjoy your book!

1. Croatia's best beach for bathing in your birthday suit - If you're a sun worshipper who prefers to bathe sans swimsuit, Croatia boasts some 20 official naturist resorts as well as numerous naturist beaches and hidden coves. Nudist Camp Beach, Vrboska, Hvar, has a bistro and grocery store as well as a pleasant pebble beach. Take the ferry from Trogir and get off at Starigrad. Go straight out the exit road and look for signs. A friendly, multi-purpose beach, this place attracts Czech, Danish, German and British visitors, but is rarely crowded. Wind surfing in the buff? Why not give it a whirl?