Winter Sun Holidays to Croatia

Blue Flag status is awarded for water quality and facilities, so these beaches are the ones to consider if you want a clean, well-managed shoreline even in cooler months.

• Zlatni Rat, Bol: Zlatni Rat, Bol is a pebble beach on Brac island, widely known for its tongue-shaped spit that shifts with the currents and wind. In winter the water is too cold for most people, but the promenade and sheltered coves make a bracing walk worthwhile on a sunny day. We would recommend it for travellers who enjoy a windswept coastline and do not mind wrapping up for the sea air, the same brief our Croatia Family Holidays deals are built around.
• Lokrum, near Dubrovnik: Lokrum, near Dubrovnik, is a small wooded island just a short boat ride from the city's old harbour, offering rocky bathing spots and a botanical garden to explore. Boat departures thin out in the cooler months, so the timing of your visit depends on the operator's schedule. We would suggest it as a half-day outing for travellers seeking a quieter alternative to the mainland shore, the same brief our Croatia Last Minute Holidays deals are built around, with the garden paths offering welcome shade on bright days.
• Bacvice, Split: Bacvice, Split is the city's main sandy beach, sitting just a short walk from the city centre and the Diocletian's Palace complex. It is one of the easiest beaches in Croatia to reach on foot, which makes it a practical choice for a winter stay based in town, the same brief our Croatia All Inclusive Holidays deals are built around. Cafés along the seafront stay open on sunny days, so it works well as a stop between sightseeing trips and a relaxed end to a busy day.
• Kastela Bay: Kastela Bay is a line of small towns stretching between Split and Trogir, with stony shorelines and calm, shallow water. Its towns are less touristy than the old centres, so they suit travellers who want a local feel. We like it as a base for shorter coastal walks when the main resorts are quiet, and the views across the bay are especially pleasant in the low winter light. It is the kind of quieter stretch that fits the same brief our Croatia Beach Holidays deals are built around.
• Trogir waterfront: Trogir is a small medieval town on an island linked to the mainland, with a UNESCO-listed historic centre and a palm-lined promenade. The waterfront is mostly a place to walk and sit rather than swim in winter, but the light on the old stone is excellent. It is a short drive from Split, so it pairs well with a city base and makes a rewarding day trip.