4 Croatian Beaches Named Europe’s Best

by croatiaweek
April 9, 2024
in Travel

Pasjača Beach (Photo: BookRetreats/Supplied)

April 9, 2024 – With Croatia preparing for its biggest summer holiday season yet, BookRetreats Summer 2024 Report officially ranked the best beaches across the continent for travellers seeking sun, clean seas, and secure shores.

The comprehensive study analysed more than 200 beaches in 16 European countries, ranking them on key factors for beachgoers like weather, safety, accessibility, and water quality.

Spain stood out as the ultimate summer holiday destination claiming 28% of the top 25 beaches, including Europe’s best: La Concha. But Croatia was not far behind, with 4 world-class beaches that made it onto the list, and Dubrovnik’s secret Pasjača Beach taking third place overall.

Known for its towering cliff edge and the crystal-clear waters, Pasjača Beach scored an impressive 4.22/5 in the study. Although it has fewer reviews on Google, with a popularity score of 0.51/1, it shined in every other aspect, propelling it to the third spot on the list of Europe’s best beaches.

Tucked along the coast near Popovići, just a stone’s throw from Dubrovnik Ruđer Bošković Airport (Čilipi Airport), Pasjača Beach is the 5th most accessible beach out of 251 locations analysed in the study.

Pasjača Beach (Photo: BookRetreats/Supplied)

This secluded spot also received an excellent water quality rating from the European Environment Agency—along with 95.6 % of Croatia’s bathing areas—making Croatia the third best destination in Europe for clean coastal waters.

Other Croatian beaches that made it onto BookRetreats best beaches list include Seagull’s Rocks (Galebove stijene) in Pula in 8th position, Mala Raduča Beach, Primošten in 9th, and Oprna Bay on the island of Krk in 18th place.

Oprna bay

For those planning their next summer getaway, here are the best beaches in Europe for sun, safety, swimming, and accessibility:

1. Beach of La Concha, Spain
2. Praia da Falésia, Portugal
3. Pasjača Beach, Croatia
4. Las Canteras Beach, Spain
5. Lama Monachile, Italy
6. Cala Comte, Spain
7. Tuerredda Beach, Italy
8. Seagull’s Rocks, Croatia
9. Mala Raduča Beach, Croatia
10. Marinha Beach, Portugal
11. San Juan Playa, Spain
12. Rabbit Beach, Italy
13. Cala Saladeta, Spain
14. Playa de Mónsul, Spain
15. Ponta da Calheta, Portugal
16. Seitan Limania, Greece
17. Praia da Armona, Portugal
18. Oprna Bay, Croatia
19. Spiaggia di Mari Pintau, Italy
20. Praia do Garajau, Portugal
21. Warnemünde Strand, Germany
22. Primera Playa del Sardinero, Spain
23. Terra Estreita Beach, Portugal
24. Porto Giunco Beach, Italy
25. Cala Capreria, Italy

Further down the list, Hvidbjerg Strand in Denmark ranked 64th, White River Beach in Cyprus came in 68th, and Bulgaria’s Iraklio Papludimys also made it into the top 100, showcasing the diverse and stunning coastline Europe has to offer.