Most Beautiful Beaches in Istria Croatia

Are you dreaming of sun-soaked beaches, crystal-clear waters, and breathtaking landscapes? If so, Istria, Croatia, should be at the top of your travel list. This stunning region, often overlooked, is a hidden gem that offers a remarkable blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. In this guide, we’ll dive into the best beaches of Istria and discover why this Adriatic paradise is worth visiting.

Exploring the Best Beaches in Istria

Before you pack your beach bag and head out, here are some essential tips for making the most of your beach experience in Istria:

• Uvala is the Croatian word for beach, so keep this in mind when you're asking locals for directions.
• The majority of beaches in this area are rocky, so it's advisable to bring water shoes and possibly beach mats for comfort.
• Renting a car is almost essential to explore the best beaches, as public transport is limited and often does not reach the more secluded spots.
• The water is typically stunning, with crystal-clear turquoise hues that beckon you for a swim; however, it can be a bit chilly, so a daring dive is recommended!

Also, don’t forget to carry your Revolut and/or N26 card to avoid foreign transaction fees while withdrawing cash abroad.

Now, let’s take a closer look at some of the most beautiful beaches in Istria that you simply cannot miss:

1. Beaches in Kamenjak National Park (Premantura)

The peninsula of Premantura, located just over 10 km from Pula, is the perfect destination for a beach day. Here are some noteworthy beaches:

› Uvala Pinižule

This is a personal favorite: the water is crystal clear, and the landscape is simply breathtaking. There's parking available, and it’s just a quick five-minute walk to the beach.

› Uvala Polije

A beautiful beach, though a concrete pier divides it, reducing some of its charm. The snorkeling here is decent (we even spotted a starfish!).

› Uvala Njive

This beach offers the clearest waters and the best snorkeling experience in Kamenjak, in our opinion. It can get crowded, so we took a trail to the left and found some quiet rocky spots. Highly recommended!

› Uvala Portic

Located on the eastern side of the Premantura peninsula, it’s a decent beach, especially for families looking for tranquility, but we prefer the beaches on the west side.

› Safari Bar Area (Cliff Jump)

This is the most remote area of the peninsula, perfect for thrill-seekers who love to jump off cliffs into the water. It tends to attract many travelers, making it one of the most popular spots in the park. The Safari Bar above has a lively atmosphere.

› Useful Info for Kamenjak National Park

Entry to Kamenjak National Park costs between €10-15 depending on the season. There are options to purchase multi-day passes (3-day or weekly). We recommend buying tickets online in advance, though there’s also a booth before entry. You can choose to park in the first parking lot and wait in line or head directly to the park entrance, where tickets are also sold.

⭐ More info and prices here.

2. Galebove Stijene, Our Favorite Beach in Istria

This beach was our absolute favorite in Istria. We discovered it thanks to our Airbnb host. You need to leave your car at the parking lot for Stoja beach and follow a coastal trail for about 15-20 minutes to reach it.

We recommend heading towards the rocky areas, where you can find shade and enjoy the tranquil waters. We loved it enough to visit twice!

If you’re traveling with children, Stoja beach is family-friendly and easy to access, although it may not be the most picturesque option.

3. Zlatne Stijene

To reach this beach, follow the signs for Zlatne Stijene (or Hotel Horizont). After parking your car, go through the resort's gate and make your way down among the bungalows. The beach is easily recognizable due to its stunning colors.

Keep walking along the shore for about 7-10 minutes, and if you’re unsure, just ask for directions to the hotel restaurant, which is located just below. Despite the unsightly building, it’s worth the trek to enjoy one of our favorite beaches.

4. Hawaiian Beach (Verudela)

This beach is beautiful but can be quite crowded, at least when we visited. If you want to enjoy it without the crowds, arrive early in the morning. There’s free parking about 5-7 minutes away, and you can rent sun loungers for added comfort.

Other Stunning Beaches in Istria (Croatia)

Here are some additional beautiful beaches in this area of Croatia that are worth exploring:

• While we haven't visited, we’ve heard great things about the Rabac area (particularly Girandella Beach) and the beautiful surroundings of Mošćenička Draga.
• During our stroll through Rovinj, we noticed that the city beach is quite nice. It’s located next to the restaurant Puntilina, which offers stunning views and delicious food (though not exactly budget-friendly).
• If you’re staying in Pula and don’t have a car, you can check out the nearby Uvala Gortanova.

⭐ Here’s our guide on the 7 most beautiful islands in Croatia to further satisfy your craving for stunning beaches.

Map of Recommended Beaches in Istria

To make your planning easier, here’s a map of all the beaches in Istria mentioned throughout this guide. Save it for your trip, as it will be incredibly useful!

So far, we’ve shared the most beautiful beaches in Istria, Croatia, the ones that made us sigh, float like croquettes in the water, and vow to return with more sunscreen next time. However, this isn’t the final word: if you’ve visited the area and know of any hidden gems, please share them in the comments. We love discovering new spots and adding them to our travel list!

Check out this video to get a glimpse of the enchanting landscapes of Istria:

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