10 Best beaches In Split, Croatia: swim, refresh, and play picigin

The largest coastal town in Croatia, Split isn’t just about history – it’s actually a fun seaside town with many beaches and great swimming spots along its shores.

If you are visiting Split in summer, sooner or later, you’ll take a dip in the Adriatic, at many beaches in Split, Croatia. 

Sundecks at Bacvice Beach in Split, Croatia - Best Split Beaches, Illustration

You might visit Split for the ancient Diocletian Palace, but when the heat hits the town, a visit to some Split beaches will pop into your mind.

Beaches in Split offer refreshment to locals and tourists alike. Split beaches are fun places to be, to meet locals, and to just chill out on hot summer days. 

Here are the most popular beaches in Split, Croatia!

Best Split beaches

From sandy to pebbly, easily reachable to secluded, with or without facilities, shaded or sunny, kids- or pet-friendly, whatever your preferences, you’ll find a beach in Split to suit your needs.

Beach hopping is among the best things to do in Split, Croatia!

Below we share the best beaches in Split!

  • Bacvice Beach, a pebbly beach in the vicinity of the old town, is the most popular beach in Split.
  • Kasjuni Beach, the nicest Split beach and one of the most popular, also has a clothing-optional area.
  • Kastelet Beach, also called Obojena Beach, is a small pebbly beach, beneath south slopes of Marjan Hill, within easy reach from the old town. 
  • Jezinac Beach is a small swimming area just beneath the Mestrovic Gallery with some good cliff jumping spots.
  • Bene Beach is the most shaded beach in Split with wonderful pine forest in the back.
  • Ovcice Beach, a small pebbly beach located next to Bacvice Beach, has a beach bar, changing cabins and a jet ski rental in vicinity.
  • Firule Beach is a great place to have a swim in Split and then chill at the terrace of the nearby restaurant Dvor.
  • Trstenik Beach is popular for its fine pebbles and natural protection from winds.
  • Znjan Beach, due to many facilities, pebbly sea bed, and parking is a great beach for families with kids.
  • Duilovo Beach is the only official dog-friendly beach in Split.

1. Bacvice Beach

Best beaches in Split, Croatia: Bacvice Beach

Bacvice beach is a sandy beach right in the center of the town, less than 10minute walk from Diocletian Palace. A location in the vicinity of the old town makes Bacvice beach the most popular beach in Split.

It is also popular for its sports offer, lots of cafes, bars and restaurants, and active nightlife.

Sandy seabed makes Bacvice beach a perfect place for a game of picigin, a local sport played in shallow water with a peeled off tennis ball. It is entertaining to watch locals play this game.

Deck chairs and umbrellas are available for rental. Zbirac, one of our favorite daytime cafe bars in Split, is right at Bacvice beach.

You can easily reach Bacvice beach on foot. Just walk from the old town pass central bus station and ferry port to the very end until you reach the sea. Bacvice beach will be on your left.

Location!

2. Kasjuni Beach

Kasjuni Beach, Split

Kasjuni beach is a pebble beach located beneath Marjan hill, 3 km away from the old town. 

Kasjuni is the nicest Split beach and one of the most popular. Think pure nature amidst the city: thick pine forest surrounds the bay, the sea is crystal clear, and the blue of the Adriatic stretches out as far as the eye can see. A large breakwater protects the bay from waves. The Marjan Hill provides a wonderful backdrop. 

A part of Kasjuni beach is privately managed. The company in charge runs a beach bar (they serve some food too), rents sun umbrellas and deck chairs, and manages the parking. There is a dedicated dog-friendly area at one part of Kasjuni beach.

There are lots of parking spots but unfortunately not nearly enough in the peak season. However, you can also reach Kasjuni beach on foot, by bus no. 12, or by bicycle. Find the bus schedule here. 

The beach can get crowded during the peak season but that’s case with all beaches in Split at that time of the year. 

Food and drinks as well as other services are expensive, but you don’t need to use them. You can bring your own equipment, a cooler with a picnic, find a place on the beach for you and enjoy. 

Westernmost part of Kasjuni beach is clothing-optional. At Kasjuni bay, you will also find some good cliff jumping spots.

3. Kastelet Beach

Kastelet Beach, Split

Kastelet, also called Obojena, is a small pebbly beach, beneath south slopes of Marjan Hill, within easy reach from the old town. 

At 20min walk from the old town, Kastelet Beach is a great alternative to Bacvice for those who don’t fancy sandy beaches, but don’t feel to drive or walk further to other Split beaches. 

Sun shades and deck chairs rental is available at the beach, and so are changing cabins and parking.

This used to be a popular party spot for Split youth. Even today, beach bars play loud music, and you’ll normally find a younger crowd at this beach. 

See location on Google Maps!

4. Jezinac Beach

A canon at Jezinac Beach in Split Croatia

Jezinac is a small swimming area just beneath the Mestrovic Gallery with some good cliff jumping spots. It’s close to the old town, an easy 20 minute walk. 

The beach is partly rocky and partly cemented. It’s not big and it doesn’t have any cafe for refreshments. However, there are bars in the vicinity.

The beach has changing cabins and showers. There is a little shade in the back of the beach, also old canons and some ruins. 

You’ll find more facilities at Kastelet Beach, that is just next to Jezinac Beach. 

Location!

5. Bene Beach

Bene Beach, Spli
Photo credit: Luigi De Paola

Bene beach is rocky beach located beneath the northwest slopes of Marjan Hill. 

Parking is not immediately on the beach, but rather above it. Bene beach is one of the most naturally looking beaches in Split despite part of the coast being paved for sunbathing and an easy access to the sea.

Bene beach is the most shaded beach in Split with wonderful pine forest in the back. A limited car access makes this beach less crowded compared to other Split beaches.

There is a small beach bar on the beach as well as changing cabins, and deck chair rental. Many kayak tours in Split start from Bene beach.

A sports center, consisting of tennis courts, children’s playground, and open-air gym, also makes Bene beach a popular spot among locals. 

This beach is especially popular among families, partly due to its sandy seabed. 

You can reach Bene beach on foot or bicycle using Marjan Hill trails, or by bus no.12 (the last stop!). 

Around Bene beach, you can also find less crowded spots, if you like a bit of privacy.

See location!

Book These Split Travel Essentials!

6. Ovcice Beach

A small pebbly beach located next to Bacvice Beach, Ovcice has a beach bar, changing cabins and a jet ski rental in vicinity. And just like Bacvice beach, Ovcice beach is within a short walking distance from the old town.

This small swimming area consists of a cemented deck and a pebbly beach. The crowd is mostly local.

Ovcice Beach, Panoramic view

A beach bar, with a terrace at the very edge of the sea, has friendly staff and really affordable prices. Local brandies cost only €2 ($2.20, £1.70) a shot, cocktails are less than €9 ($9.90, £7.70), a draft beer is €3 ($3.30, £2.60), and simple food like toast costs only €2 ($2.20, £1.70). 

There is some shade in the back of the beach, along the small wall, but these spots get occupied quickly.

You can rent umbrellas and deck chairs. A jet ski rental is just next to the beach. Beach also has showers and changing cabins. A small parking is close by but it’s almost always full. 

Location!

7. Firule Beach

Firule Beach, Split

If you continue walking east from Ovcice Beach, you will reach Firule Beach. This small beach is located in the neighborhood of the same name.

The beach is sandy with cemented areas for sunbathing. There are also outdoor showers at the beach.

The low-key beach, Firule is a great place to have a swim in Split and then chill at the terrace of the nearby restaurant Dvor.

Dvor’s terrace is just above the beach, and it is super cozy, shaded and provides nice views down to the beach and the sea. You will also find Split’s main tennis center nearby. 

See location on Google Maps!

8. Trstenik beach

Trstenik Beach in Split

Further out of the old town, always going east, you’ll find Trstenik beach. 

Trstenik beach is popular for its fine pebbles and natural protection from winds. It is also quieter and less crowded than other beaches in Split. There is a car-free promenade along the beach.

The beach lacks shaded areas, but you can rent sun umbrellas and deck chairs for the better comfort. 

Trstenik Beach is located near Zenta Harbor and the Radisson Blu Split Hotel. A portion of the beach is managed by the hotel and is exclusively reserved for their guests, while the rest of the beach is free and open to everyone.

9. Znjan Beach

Znjan Beach in Split

One of the most popular swimming spots in Split, Znjan beach has easy access and big parking, so for people of Split it is a very convenient beach to visit.

This is the longest swimming area in Split, it stretches from Trstenik beach all the way to Hotel Amfora. 

The beach is mainly pebbly, with crystal clear water and lots of facilities. There are many beach bars, inflatable waterpark for kids, changing cabins, sun umbrellas and deck chairs rentals, and lots of parking. But the beach lacks natural shade. 

Znjan Beach, due to many facilities, pebbly sea bed, and parking is a great beach for families with kids. The beach is also popular among wind surfers as it gets good winds in the afternoon.

10. Duilovo beach

Duilovo beach is the furthest away from the center. You can reach Duilovo beach by bus no 15. This beach has certainly seen better days. It’s a bit in a state of despair with an abandoned nightclub, and worn-out concrete platform for sunbathing.

However, Duilovo is the only official dog-friendly beach in Split. Duilovo beach served also as one of shooting location for Game of Thrones series. Parts of Duilovo are also clothing-optional, and gay-friendly.

Location!

Top Beaches near Split

While Split has plenty of beaches to offer, sometimes a change of scenery can be refreshing and give you an opportunity to explore more of this beautiful country. Split is an excellent starting point for exploring some of the most beautiful beaches in Croatia.

These beaches are often highlighted in promotional materials when advertising Croatian tourism, such as Punta Rata Beach in Brela and Zlatni Rat Beach in Bol on Brac Island. Both of these stunning locations are easily accessible from Split.

1. Zlatni Rat Beach, Brac Island

Small pebbly beaches leading to Zlatni Rat Beach, Brac Island

One of the most famous Croatian beaches, Zlatni Rat is located on the island of Brač, just a short ferry ride away from Split.

This unique beach stretches out into the sea like a golden tongue, changing its shape depending on the winds and currents.

Its white pebble beach is surrounded by clear blue water, making it a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.

2. Dubovica Beach, Hvar Island

Dubovica Beach, Hvar

If you’re willing to venture further from Split, consider visiting the island of Hvar and its beautiful beaches.

Among the most popular beaches on Hvar Island is Dubovica Beach, located on the south side of the island. This tranquil cove offers crystal-clear water, white pebbles, and a charming beachfront restaurant.

Another must-visit is Stiniva Beach, known for its stunning natural bay surrounded by soaring cliffs.

3. Blue Lagoon, Drvenik Veli Island

Just off the coast of Drvenik Veli, the Blue Lagoon beckons with its mesmerizing shades of blue and turquoise. Known as a snorkeler’s paradise, this stunning beach is a must-visit destination for those exploring the coastal offerings near Split.

Organized boat trips are readily available, offering a delightful journey to this pristine lagoon, ensuring a seamless and memorable day trip for beach enthusiasts seeking the serenity of untouched nature.

4. Pisak Beaches

A beach in Pisak, beaches near Split, Croatia

If you’re looking for a more secluded spot away from the crowds, the Pisak beaches are hidden gems just 40 km away from Split city center.

These natural pebble beaches offer clear waters and stunning views of the surrounding mountains, making them a popular spot for locals looking for a peaceful getaway.

5. Punta Rata Beach

Beach Punta Rata, Brela

Another must-visit beach near Split is Punta Rata Beach in Brela. Located about an hour away by car or bus, this tranquil beach boasts crystal-clear waters, fine pebbles, and stunning views of the Biokovo mountain range.

It is known for a picturesque pine tree growing atop a small rock in the sea.

6. Makarska Riviera Beaches

Beach Nugal, Makarska, Croatia

If you’re willing to venture further south, the Makarska Riviera offers some of the best beaches in the country. Nugal, Velika Duba, and Djevicanska are among our favorite beaches in the area.

No matter which beach you choose to visit near Split, one thing is for sure – you will be surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty.

From the crystal-clear waters to the stunning views of the surrounding mountains, these beaches are truly a paradise on Earth.

Remember to pack your sunscreen, towel, and water shoes, and get ready for a day of relaxation and fun in the sun on one of Split’s stunning beaches.

Split beaches map

More Info about Visiting Split, Croatia

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4 thoughts on “10 Best beaches In Split, Croatia: swim, refresh, and play picigin”

  1. hi frank i am going to split with my boyfriend this august. As first timers in split, which beach do u mostly recommend? Also do u think its worth it if we go to hvar too? the thing is we are only staying 3 nights in split and already book a tour in krka but i wanna go to hvar also but worried that we might not have time to explore split. any suggestion or advice? thank you!

  2. I am doing island hopper with Busabout & we’re starting at Split going to Hvar, Mljet, Dubrovnik, Korcula, Makarska & back to Split! I am so excited for it :)

  3. Ooh this will be handy for the summer. I’ve got a free day or so in Split & since I’ve been before, I just want to relax before I head out for Croatia Sail.

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