Best beaches in Croatia - written by Jez Rourke

Croatia's coast is a popular destination for holidaymakers from the UK and Europe and finding the top beach spots in Croatia will leave you spoilt for choice, if consider that many have been awarded the much coveted Blue Flag. This is an international eco label that was introduced in 1987 and is only awarded to beaches that meet strict criteria regarding facilities, preservation, water quality and services offered to those swimming in the sea.

Boric beach is surrounded by a pine forest and offers picture postcard perfection with sparkling deep blue waters. The beach has a volleyball pitch, children's play area and sports and dive centre.

Brulo beach is made up of concrete paved areas for sunbathing, gravel and rock and is surrounded by the spectacular scenery of holly, oak, cypress and pine forests. It is connected to the main city beach and partakes in various educational activities including information about protected species.

Valeta and Crinka beach is close to one of the largest camps in Croatia offering a wide range of sports activities and tent, trailer and mobile home hire. The beach is an an ideal location if you take your dog with you on holiday.

St Andrea beach is a boat taxi ride away from the earthly paradise of the red island Crveni Otok. It is a rocky beach close to the promenade that runs along the whole coastline from the city centre.

Girandella is situated close to a popular tourist village. It is ideal for younger holidaymakers looking for a combination of night-life, sport, swimming. Made up of sand, rocks and pebbles it offers waterskiing, jet skiing, beach volleyball, canoes and banana and pedal boat rides. It also hosts a number of yearly music festivals.

Jezevac beach on the island of Krk has been flying the Blue Flag for numerous years. It is a pebble beach but has a sand pit for the children. There is a sports centre, dressing cabins and showers as well as deckchair and parasol hire. Lanterna beach has a splendid rocky shoreline with paved and grassy areas and is close to a self-catering complex. There is a volleyball pitch, sandpit and sports centre as well as showers and changing rooms.

Cava beach is fairly rocky but there are some areas suitable for sunbathing and there are many facilities available at the nearby Copacabana beach. It has crystal clear water; an amazing view of the Elafiti islands and part is suitable for nudists. Koralj beach is situated in a lovely idyllic romantic cove. It has a sandy seabed and an excellent diving club, sailing school, jet skiing, organised fishing, boat trips and rental of sail, motor and paddle boats. There are marked hiking trails close by and it is suitable for naturists.

President beach consists of white pebbles, rocks and paved sunbathing areas. There is parasol and deck chair hire, changing rooms and water sports and numerous facilities available at the neighbouring boutique hotel.

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