Stays near sandy beaches in Kvarner
Kvarner has more sand than most of the Croatian coast, but it is concentrated in a few places. Lopar on Rab is the headline; Crikvenica, Pag and Susak complete the list.
Search stays near sand in KvarnerLopar, at the northern tip of Rab, has 22 sandy beaches, according to the local tourist board. The best known is Rajska plaža, about a kilometre and a half of soft sand where the sea stays knee-deep far from the shore, with sunbeds, beach bars and water sports. Livačina, close by, is smaller and quieter, and Sahara, one of three naturist beaches in Lopar, has wind-shaped dunes. Lopar is calm in the evenings, which suits families, and a year-round ferry from Valbiska on Krk lands right in the village.
On the mainland, Crikvenica's main town beach is pebbly with sandy areas that draw families with young children, and in neighbouring Selce, Rokan beach has a shallow sandy section ideal for small children. On the island of Pag, Prosika beach near Pag town runs for around 800 metres of sand and small pebbles and slopes gently into the sea, while Povljana in the south-east is known for its sandy, gradually shelving beaches. Most of our stays near sand in Kvarner are on Rab and Pag.
For something different, Susak, a small island reached by boat from Mali Lošinj, is made largely of sand. Its main beach, Spiaža, is a wide crescent of fine sand with water shallow for hundreds of metres, and Bok, around a headland, is smaller and quieter. Elsewhere, Baška on Krk is small smooth pebble with sandier patches once you are in the water, and Opatija, Cres and most of Lošinj are pebble, rock and concrete. Susak has no cars, so it is best as a day out.
Stays in Kvarner near sandy beaches
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Tips before you book
- Base yourself in Lopar if sand every day is the priority; it has the biggest choice of sandy bays.
- On Pag, check the distance to Prosika or the Povljana beaches rather than to the sea in general.
- Sandy beaches have little natural shade, so bring a parasol or beach tent.
- Allow for ferry crossings to Rab and Lošinj on arrival day, and check timetables in advance.
Frequently asked questions
Where are the best sandy beaches in Kvarner?
Lopar on Rab has the most, 22 sandy beaches including the long, shallow Rajska plaža. Crikvenica's town beach and Rokan beach in Selce have sandy sections, Pag has Prosika near Pag town and the sandy beaches of Povljana, and the little island of Susak is almost entirely sand.
Is Baška on Krk a sandy beach?
Not quite. Vela plaža in Baška is made of small, smooth pebbles, with sandier patches underfoot once you are in the water. It shelves gently, so it still suits families, but if you want real sand to dig in, Lopar on Rab is the better choice.
Can I visit Susak as a day trip?
Yes. Susak is reached by boat from Mali Lošinj, and many visitors come for the day to swim at Spiaža, its wide sandy beach with very shallow water. Check the boat times for the return before you set off, especially outside the main summer season.