Looking for the best beaches to visit in Split, Croatia? I have been travelling to Croatia my entire life and have visited some of the most beautiful beaches in Croatia.
When most people think of Split, Croatia, the first images that come to mind are the UNESCO-protected Diocletian’s Palace, bustling cobblestone streets, and the lively Riva promenade filled with cafés and palm trees. But step just a few minutes outside the ancient city walls, and another side of Split reveals itself: a coastline of stunning beaches that cater to every type of traveler.
Unlike many other destinations, the best beaches in Split Croatia are not hidden away far from town. Instead, they’re woven into the city itself—meaning you can wander through Roman ruins in the morning and be floating in the Adriatic by afternoon. From sandy shores buzzing with music to quiet coves shaded by pine trees, Split offers a surprising variety of seaside escapes.
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For families, there are wide, safe beaches like Žnjan and Bene, complete with playgrounds and lifeguards. Couples or solo travelers seeking peace will find it at Ježinac or Kaštelet, tucked under cliffs and galleries. Travelers looking for energy and nightlife can head straight to Bačvice, where the sandy shallows are as famous for the traditional ball game picigin as they are for late-night parties. And for those who crave luxury, Kašjuni and the Radisson (Trstenik) Beach combine crystal-clear waters with cocktail service and premium loungers.
We’ll also share how to get to each beach from Split’s city center—whether you want to walk from the Riva, hop on a local bus, or take a quick taxi ride. That way, you can decide not only where to swim, but how to fit each beach into your travel itinerary.
So whether you’re planning to spend a lazy afternoon sunbathing, an active day swimming and kayaking, or an adventurous island trip to the iconic Zlatni Rat on Brač, this Split beaches guide has you covered. Let’s dive in.
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Best Beaches in Split, Croatia
Table of Contents
1. Bačvice Beach – Split’s Social & Sandy Hub
- Highlights: Famous for its sandy shore and shallow waters, Bačvice is the birthplace of picigin, a ball game played in knee-deep water. By day it’s great for families, by night it’s a party hub with beach bars and clubs.
- Vibe: Energetic, youthful, central.
- Amenities: Sunbeds, umbrellas, bars, restaurants, showers, lifeguards.
- Cost: ~€15 per set (chair + umbrella) per day.
- How to get there: Just a 10-minute walk from the Riva promenade or a 5-minute taxi ride.
Best for: Social travelers, nightlife lovers, and anyone wanting sandy shores in Split.
2. Kašjuni Beach – Scenic Escape at Marjan Hill
- Highlights: A pebbled bay under pine-covered cliffs of Marjan Hill, Kašjuni feels secluded yet stylish with Joe’s Beach Club offering cocktails and loungers.
- Vibe: Relaxed, chic, upscale.
- Amenities: Sunbeds, umbrellas, beach bar, showers, changing cabins.
- Cost: €30–35 per set (premium).
- How to get there: From Riva, take Bus #12 (15 minutes) to the beach stop or drive in 10 minutes. Walking is possible via Marjan paths (~35–40 min).
Best for: Couples, upscale lounging, cocktails by the sea.
3. Kaštelet Beach – Art Lover’s Cove
- Highlights: A pebbled beach near the Ivan Meštrović Gallery, Kaštelet is quieter than Bačvice, with calm turquoise waters and fewer crowds.
- Vibe: Romantic, laid-back, cultural.
- Amenities: Sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, bars.
- Cost: ~€15–25 per set.
- How to get there: A 25-minute walk west from Old Town, or Bus #12 drops nearby. Taxi: ~7 minutes.
Best for: Couples, art lovers combining a gallery visit with a swim.
4. Bene Beach – Shady Family-Friendly Retreat
- Highlights: Located inside Marjan Forest Park, Bene is shaded by pines with a children’s playground, restaurant, sports courts, and an outdoor gym. Great for active families.
- Vibe: Natural, shady, lively but safe.
- Amenities: Sunbeds, umbrellas, restaurant, kayak rental, sports courts.
- Cost: €15–25 per set.
- How to get there: From Riva, take Bus #12 (20 minutes) or drive to the Marjan entrance (10 minutes). Walking is possible (~45 min).
Best for: Families with kids, travelers who prefer shaded beaches.
5. Žnjan Beach – Split’s Largest Urban Beach
- Highlights: Stretching nearly 2 km, Žnjan is newly redeveloped with playgrounds, cafes, wide pebble areas, and lifeguard stations.
- Vibe: Spacious, family-friendly, modern.
- Amenities: Sunbeds, umbrellas, cafes, lifeguards, playgrounds, water sports.
- Cost: €15–25 per set.
- How to get there: From center, take Bus #15 or #8 (20 minutes), or taxi in 12 minutes. Walking takes ~45 minutes.
Best for: Families, groups, and those looking for modern beach facilities.
6. Trstenik / Radisson Beach – Calm Comfort
- Highlights: This pebble beach is partly managed by Radisson Blu Resort. Expect tidy surroundings, organized loungers, and a calmer vibe than Žnjan.
- Vibe: Relaxed, semi-private, clean.
- Amenities: Sunbeds, umbrellas, hotel service, beach bar.
- Cost: €20–30 per set (hotel-managed).
- How to get there: 10-minute taxi ride or 25-minute bus (#8 or #15).
Best for: Travelers wanting hotel comfort and quieter swimming.
7. Firule Beach – Sandy & Sheltered
- Highlights: A smaller sandy beach, less crowded than Bačvice. Popular with families with young kids thanks to calm, shallow waters.
- Vibe: Peaceful, neighborhood feel.
- Amenities: Sunbeds, umbrellas, cafes.
- Cost: ~€15–20 per set.
- How to get there: 15-minute walk from Old Town or 5-minute taxi ride. Bus #15 also stops nearby.
Best for: Families with children, travelers seeking a sandy but quieter spot.
8. Stobreč Jug Beach – Village Escape
- Highlights: A 9 km trip from Split, Stobreč Jug offers pebbled shores, clear water, and a relaxed atmosphere far from city crowds.
- Vibe: Quiet, authentic, local.
- Amenities: Umbrellas, sunbeds, cafes nearby.
- Cost: €15–20 per set.
- How to get there: Take Bus #25 or #60 (~25–30 minutes) or a 15-minute drive.
Best for: Travelers wanting an authentic Croatian seaside experience.
9. Ježinac Beach – Secluded & Romantic
- Highlights: A rocky-pebble beach hidden between cliffs near the Meštrović Gallery. It’s quieter, perfect for couples or solo travelers seeking solitude.
- Vibe: Intimate, secluded, natural.
- Amenities: Limited—bring towels, but some loungers/umbrellas are available.
- Cost: €15–20 per set.
- How to get there: 30-minute walk from Riva or Bus #12 stops nearby. Taxi ~8 minutes.
Best for: Couples, swimmers looking for privacy.
10. Ovčice Beach – Small & Local Favorite
- Highlights: Located just east of Bačvice, Ovčice is smaller, less crowded, and offers a more local vibe with clear water and cozy cafes.
- Vibe: Relaxed, friendly, semi-local.
- Amenities: Umbrellas, sunbeds, showers, bars.
- Cost: ~€15–25 per set.
- How to get there: 15-minute walk from Split center, right next to Bačvice. Taxi: ~5 minutes.
Best for: Travelers who like Bačvice’s location but want a quieter atmosphere.
11. Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn), Brač Island – Day Trip Icon
- Highlights: Croatia’s most photographed beach, Zlatni Rat’s horn-shaped spit changes with tides and wind. Accessible as a day trip from Split.
- Vibe: Iconic, adventurous, scenic.
- Amenities: Umbrellas, sunbeds, water sports, cafes.
- Cost: €20–30 per set.
- How to get there: Take a ferry from Split to Supetar (50 minutes), then a bus/taxi to Bol (40 minutes).
Best for: Instagrammable day trips, water sports, must-see Croatian beach.
| Beach | Price Range (Chair + Umbrella) | Distance from Split Center | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bačvice | €15 | 10-min walk | Nightlife, sandy, central |
| Kašjuni | €30–35 | 15 min bus / 10 min drive | Scenic, upscale, cocktails |
| Kaštelet | €15–25 | 25 min walk / 7 min taxi | Artistic, romantic |
| Bene | €15–25 | 20 min bus / 10 min drive | Families, shade, activities |
| Žnjan | €15–25 | 20 min bus / 12 min drive | Families, groups |
| Trstenik/Radisson | €20–30 | 25 min bus / 10 min taxi | Comfort, hotel services |
| Firule | €15–20 | 15 min walk / 5 min taxi | Families, sandy |
| Stobreč Jug | €15–20 | 30 min bus / 15 min drive | Quiet getaway |
| Ježinac | €15–20 | 30 min walk / 8 min taxi | Secluded, couples |
| Ovčice | €15–25 | 15 min walk / 5 min taxi | Local vibe, near Bačvice |
| Zlatni Rat | €20–30 | Ferry + bus (90 min total) | Iconic, day trip |
Frequently Asked Questions About Beaches in Split
What is the best beach in Split for families?
For families, the best beaches are Žnjan (large, modern, with playgrounds and lifeguards) and Bene (shady pine forest, restaurant, and playground). Both offer safe swimming and plenty of activities for kids.
Which is the best sandy beach in Split?
Split is mostly known for pebble beaches, but Bačvice and Firule stand out as sandy. Bačvice is lively and central, while Firule is smaller, calmer, and popular with families.
How much does it cost to rent a beach chair and umbrella in Split?
Prices range from about €15 per set per day at public beaches like Bačvice, Firule, and Ovčice, up to €30–35 per set at upscale Kašjuni. Hotel-managed beaches such as Radisson’s Trstenik also tend to be more expensive.
Are Split beaches free?
Yes — all beaches in Split are public and free to access. You only pay if you want extras like a chair, umbrella, or beach club service. You can always bring a towel and enjoy the sun at no cost.
How do I get to the beaches from Split Old Town?
Most beaches are within walking distance (10–30 minutes) or a short taxi ride. For Marjan Hill beaches (Kašjuni, Bene, Kaštelet, Ježinac), you can take Bus #12 from the Riva promenade. For Žnjan, Trstenik, and Firule, Bus #15 or #8 will get you there in 20–25 minutes.
Which beach near Split has the clearest water?
Beaches around Marjan Hill—like Kašjuni, Kaštelet, Bene, and Ježinac—are known for crystal-clear turquoise water and pine-fringed scenery. They’re quieter and more natural compared to urban Bačvice.
Can I visit Zlatni Rat beach from Split?
Yes! The famous Zlatni Rat on Brač Island makes a perfect day trip from Split. Take a ferry from Split to Supetar (~50 minutes), then a bus or taxi to Bol (~40 minutes). Expect chair and umbrella rentals to cost €20–30 per set.
Do Split beaches have lifeguards?
Yes, most main beaches such as Bačvice, Žnjan, and Bene have lifeguards during the summer season (June–September). Smaller coves like Ježinac may not.
Are Split beaches dog-friendly?
While dogs aren’t allowed on most main beaches during peak season, there are designated dog beaches near Žnjan. Always check signage or ask locals before bringing pets.
Best Beaches in Split, Croatia Conclusion
Split’s beaches cater to every mood and budget. Whether you’re:
- Playing picigin at Bačvice
- Sipping cocktails at Kašjuni
- Relaxing with kids at Bene or Žnjan
- Escaping to Ježinac or Ovčice for calm waters
- Or sailing to Zlatni Rat for the ultimate Croatian beach experience
—there’s a perfect seaside spot for you.
And now tha
t you know the chair & umbrella rental costs and directions from Split center, you can plan smarter and enjoy more.
Which Split beach will you visit first: lively Bačvice, stylish Kašjuni, or hidden Ježinac?