The best beach bars Croatia

What looks like a refreshment bar is actually an opening in the ramparts, which cling to the rocks at this point in the old town. From the Stradun, head south down Od Marguerita alley, follow the "cold drink" sign and, after passing the Jesuit church, turn left. At the entrance to Buža, take the steps to enter the fortification wall through the hole(buža in Ragusan dialect). This is the larger of the two bars of the same name, and also the more expensive. Magical at sunset.

On the footpath of the Rat Peninsula, literally clinging to the rocks, this beach bar is perfect for a break during the walk, after swimming or kayaking. We like this wooden house on stilts, its tables, benches and stools, also made of wood, which look at the sea. If, all day long, it is well frequented, it is particularly appreciated at sunset. Offers cold drinks with or without alcohol, cocktails, beers, wines and sandwiches. Relaxing music and a very cool atmosphere. Order at the counter.

Looking to escape the crowds? Take the steps down from Pile to this little beach bar. You can sip a coffee or a beer, eat tapas and even take a dip while keeping your table. The place is ideal for a morning coffee-croissant overlooking the sea, or for a charcuterie and cheese board at aperitif time. Are you really hungry? No problem, between cocktails and other cold drinks, this beach bar also offers a good snack bar. The kitchen opens at midday.

Since the summer of 2022, when the Hookah closed in 2021, the Hotel Imperial Beach café and beach club has occupied the site. The place is open from morning for a coffee, a cold drink or breakfast. During the day, it's drink & beach, then afters get the party going. Extend the evening with a cocktail or other beverage, with or without alcohol, and something to dine on (pizzas, hamburgers). For the calendar of clubbing and live evenings (especially the local dance scene)consult the venue's Facebook page.

"Sabbia" means sandin Italian and, in fact, you can sit on the ground floor, opposite the beach, at a coffee table and on benches placed on gratings. A pleasant relaxing break for a cool drink, with or without alcohol. Good cocktails menu. Upstairs, two atmospheres, pizzeria-bar-lounge or more chic lounge café with breathtaking views of the coast. In the evening, it comes alive with the DJs. In short, beach club, restaurant and music evenings.

The number of beach bars and restaurants has exploded on this side of the port, along the Vela luka. The Roso was one of the first to invest the waterfront. It's open from morning to night. For breakfast, it's mostly espresso, fresh fruit juices, pastries. Then when lunchtime comes, it's time for pizza, grilled meats and salads. In the afternoon, the preference goes to ice creams and cold drinks, and in the evening, one appreciates the cocktails (a little expensive all the same!) as well as the DJs who liven up the clubbing atmosphere.

Situated in the bay of Uvala Lapad, 2.5 km from the old town, this seaside resort, with its various facilities, attracts many visitors. The resort boasts no fewer than 2 restaurants (Blanco and Trattoria), a lounge club and a beach bar with deckchairs and cabanas where you can relax your toes sipping a cocktail in front of a magnificent sunset! Ideal for children, the swimming area is safe and there are play areas. In the evening, the area comes alive with concerts and entertainment, especially in summer!

On the small peninsula, at the end of the old Arbasani district, you can still find fishermen's houses that blend in with the modern buildings. This modest beach bar, with its old-fashioned tables and chairs, has been set up in one of them and enjoys a superb terrace overlooking the sea, a staircase leading down to the sea, a young atmosphere with cool music, cool drinks, with or without alcohol, cocktails, sunsets.

The relaxed atmosphere, the thatched roof, the view over Mihajla Bay and the sunset over the sea: Mihajla's little bar is a magical place. In August, during the Lastovo Otok Glazbe festival, the bar often comes alive late into the night. On other summer days, bar customers play cards, chat, have a coffee or sip a gemišt (white wine and sparkling water) or a beer between two dips in the sea. Sometimes, hot croissants are also available in the morning. Ideal for breakfast by the sea.

Much less concreted than the east coast (around Bačvice beach), the Sustipan district is after the ACI marina. The beach bar at the Jadran Hotel is open to all. While consuming here, you can enjoy the sunbeds (for a fee). Located next to a swimming area, it presents itself as a comfortable place to sunbathe, swim and relax with a drink. The atmosphere is pleasant. Good cakes, cocktails but no food. The place is very popular in the early evening, at sunset. Good selection of music.

In the heart of the lagoon, 5 minutes walk from the old town, this club operates on two levels and in two atmospheres. During the day, the beach bar side is open for coffee, cold or hot drinks with or without alcohol (good cocktails) and relaxing on the beach, but without catering. During the summer evenings, the DJs wake up the dancefloor until late with good music, rather house, disco, R'n'B, with dancers and light shows. A VIP area and a bottle service at the table are available (on reservation only).

In the seaside district of Borik, the view of the bay and the old town of Zadar is breathtaking. This nice beach bar is located right next to the Puntamika lighthouse. A beach bar that has remained simple and welcoming at the same time. We come here in the morning for coffee and all day long. But the best moment is at aperitif time, when you can enjoy a cold drink, with or without alcohol, while admiring the sunset. A must for the locals that tourists are very happy to have discovered!