Croatia's best off-the-beaten-track beaches

1. Debeljak Beach, Kamenjak, Istria

Pula, Istria’s largest city, gets more than its fair share of visitors to its Roman amphitheatre and other ancient sites. But drive just 15km (9 miles) south to the Kamenjak peninsula and you’ll find the quiet, sheltered cove of Debeljak beach.

Like the majority of beaches in Croatia, it’s pebbly and has some gravelly parts, so bring some swimming shoes to make things easier on your feet. However, once you get into the sparkling blue water, the pebbles give way to soft sand. There’s also a little beachside bar if you want some hot food and cold drinks.

Nearest parking: There’s a small parking area directly above the beach.

2. Valun, Cres

Cres is tied with its Kvarner Gulf neighbour Krk as the largest island in Croatia, yet much of it is undeveloped. Head west to the small village of Valun and follow the path to an intimate little swimming cove, where pine-clad hills curve around the pebbly beach.

The village may be tiny but there’s no shortage of excellent fish restaurants near the beach. Feast on a plate of freshly caught prawns on a waterside table at MaMaLu, where fish and seafood arrive daily from a local fisherman.

Nearest parking: Valun has a public car park above the village. It’s approximately a six-minute walk from here to the beach.

3. Livačina Beach, Rab

While pebbly beaches abound in Croatia, the small Kvarner Gulf island of Rab has been blessed with 22 sandy beaches within a 90sq km area. Head up to the Lopar peninsula and chill out on the sands of Livačina Beach, which is near its more famous neighbour, Paradise Beach.

Backed by pine forests, the beach has plenty of facilities, including restaurants and watersports centres. A visit to the island isn’t complete without a stroll around exquisite Rab Town and its medieval marble streets.

Nearest parking: There's a designated parking area above Livačina Beach.

4. Kraljičina Beach, Nin

This is a beach fit for a queen – aptly enough, as that’s what the name means. The sandy beach goes on for 3km (1.8 miles) and has a long shallow section that makes it a safe bet for small children. Once you’ve had a good splash about, give your skin a treat by wallowing in the medicinal mud that’s right behind the beach.

Nin is an enchanting little town on its own islet that’s only 500m in diameter and is connected to Croatia’s mainland via a 16th-century stone bridge.

Nearest parking: You can park on the grassy stretch just behind Kraljičina Beach. It’s accessed by a gravel road.

5. Sakarun, Dugi Otok

This spindly island in Croatia’s Zadar archipelago lives up to its name – Long Island. On its northwest coast is long, wide Sakarun, where white pebbles soon give way to sand. Pine fringes give welcome shade, and there are a few beachside bars if you’re thirsty.

Embrace the island’s slow, relaxed pace and make to explore the wonders of Telašćica Nature Park on the southern tip of the island. It’s easy to get the ferry to Zadar, where you can wander round the city’s Roman ruins and discover its medieval and Renaissance architecture.

Nearest parking: Less than 150m from the beach is a parking area that’s partly covered by pine trees.

6. Smokova and Stončica, Vis

The small island of Vis is about as far away as you can get from the coastline, and it was a military base until 1989. Its indented coast harbours inviting little coves and beaches, including the sandy bays of Smokova and Stončica. You won’t find many facilities, but you might come across the remains of a Second World War aeroplane wing.

In addition to its beaches, Vis makes some of Croatia’s most desirable wines, so find the time for a tour of the island’s family-run vineyards. Look out for Roki’s, which does fantastic food as well as wine.

Nearest parking: Smokova is only accessible via boat or a half-hour walk. The path to the beach starts near the HRM Ruins, where it’s possible to leave your car. There is roadside parking a ten-minute walk from Stončica.

7. Limuni, Mljet

One of Croatia’s greenest islands, Mljet is a popular choice for day trips from Dubrovnik. However, the day-trippers usually stick to the national park that takes up the western side of the island. For solitude, head to the oddly shaped peninsula hanging off its south-eastern end to visit Limuni beach.

This lagoon-like sandy beach is sheltered by pine forests, and its blue-green shallow waters are wonderfully clear. Nearby is the better-known double dose of beaches at Saplunara. For a stand-out lunch, book a table at Villa Mirosa.

Nearest parking: There’s a small parking area adjacent to the beach.

8. Trstenica Beach, Orebić

As ferry passengers leave Orebić for Korčula across the channel, they’re turning their backs on one of Croatia’s loveliest beaches. Trstenica’s gravelly beach stretches for a kilometre (0.6 miles), leaving plenty of space even in high season.

Grab a bite to eat from one of the snack bars on the beach, and if you’re in need of shade, you’ve got cooling pine forests right behind you. For a bit of culture, visit Orebić’s 15th-century Franciscan monastery, which is in a lofty position overlooking the town.

Nearest parking: You can park roadside on the coastal lane at the southern end of Trstenica Beach.

9. Badija island

Take a ten-minute ride on a water taxi from Korčula to Badija, the largest in the Skoji archipelago. This forested island is ringed with pebble and rocky beaches, but one of the nicest is only about a ten-minute walk from the jetty.

Stop for lunch at the beachside restaurant and, if you have time, explore the peaceful cloisters in the 14th-century Franciscan monastery right by the landing stage. You might spot some of the island’s tame deer that roam through the woods and like to say hello to visitors. There aren’t any shops on this Croatian island, so it’s best to bring your own supplies.

Nearest parking: Badija is a car-free island. Use the park and ride in Korčula, then take the water taxi from the harbour.

10. Nečujam and Maslinica, Šolta

Šolta offers a quieter, calmer experience than its bigger and better-known neighbours Brač and Hvar, yet it’s only an hour’s ferry journey from Split on the Croatian mainland.

Head to the little village of Nečujam – its protected beach is the largest on the island. When you want a break from the pebbles, jump into the public pool overlooking the beach.

It’s even more relaxed at the island’s western end among the tranquil coves of Maslinica. From its beachside cafés you can take in the views of a seven-island archipelago, which is a favourite among divers.

Nearest parking: Nečujam has limited parking on the road that runs alongside the beach. To park near Maslinica, your best bet is to use the roadside parking above the harbour. The walk to the beach takes ten minutes.