Fall in love with one of the bluest waters in the world.
If there’s one thing that puts Croatia on the top of every traveler’s bucket list, it’s definitely the stunning Adriatic Sea. With its endless coastline, breathtaking views, rich marine life, world-renowned beaches, and scenic islands, it will leave even the most seasoned travelers in awe. Whether you’re a beach bum or just love to bask in natural beauty, the crystal clear, turquoise-blue waters are simply impossible to resist. To find out more about what makes this maritime jewel so enchanting, grab your swimsuit and let’s dive into what makes the Adriatic Sea one of Croatia’s top treasures!
Where is the Adriatic sea
The Adriatic sea is situated in the central part of the Mediterranean Sea, mostly between Italy and Croatia. It separates the Italian Peninsula from the Balkan Peninsula, with the Croatian coast taking up most of its shingled seashore. The entire Adriatic stretches from the Strait of Otranto in the south to the Gulf of Venice in the north, but the Croatian part stretches along the Istrian Peninsula, Kvarner Gulf and Dalmatia. It extends for more than 1700 kilometres, making it the third longest coast in the Mediterranean — right after Greece and Italy.
Why is the Adriatic sea so special
A million shades of blue
The coast is so long because of more than 1000 scattered islands — 66 of them are inhabited, and each developed its unique culture. Every year, the Croatian coast is visited by more than 15 million tourists, and many consider it one of the most beautiful in the world.
The shimmering Adriatic sea is an inseparable part of the photogenic shoreline, characterised by a particular clarity and intoxicating shades of blue. The colour depends on different seafloor sediments including relict sand, rocky beds and sandy cove areas. You’ll get spoiled swimming in the Adriatic because the sea is so clear that most of the time you’ll see the seafloor beneath you. In some southern areas, the clarity of the water reaches a staggering 56 metres.
Dip more than just your toes
The Croatian sea is loved not only because of its transparency but also its warmth. The average summer temperature of the Adriatic is between pleasant 22 °C and 27 °C, warm enough to splash around for longer periods and cool enough to refresh yourself from the sun. If you just want to rest peacefully on its surface, great! The salinity of the Croatian seawater is higher than the world average, which means you can float easily.
It’s true that sometimes the Adriatic coast gets windy, but most of the time the sea is “as calm as oil”, as Croats would say. Once in a while, some waves will occur, creating perfect conditions for windsurfers and sailors.
Ever swam with a dolphin?
An abundance of flora and fauna found home in the magnificent nature of the Adriatic. There are more than 7000 animal and plant species in the clean sea, many of them rare and endangered. The coast provides refuge for the ancient sea turtle, the Mediterranean monk seal recently made a comeback, and you can even see the common bottlenose dolphin playfully riding the Adriatic waves. Bream, bass and tuna are also a part of the rich Croatian marine life, and you can buy many species of freshly caught fish at the village markets all across the coast.
Exploring Croatia’s clear blue sea: top destinations
Looking at a Adriatic Sea map and wondering where to start your holiday? There are so many beautiful destinations along Croatia’s coast it seems quite impossible to choose, but there are some foolproof spots to enjoy the clear blue waters of the Adriatic. Here are some of our favorites:
- Krk: the biggest island on the Croatian coastline is also the one closest to the capital and thus very easy to reach. Known for the Bašćanska ploča monument, charming Košljun monastery, Vrbnik vineyards and fairy tale villages, it’s well worth a visit.
- Dubrovnik: This historic city is renowned for its stunning architecture and rich history. Take a walk along the city walls that starred in Game of Thrones, enjoy the views from one of the many lookouts, or simply relax on one of the many beaches.
- Pag: With a unique moonlike terrain and stunning views, Pag is the perfect place for a romantic holiday or family getaway. There are plenty of activities to do on the island, including hiking, cycling, horseback riding, scuba diving and windsurfing. Pag also offers many different types of accommodation ranging from luxurious hotels to top camping resorts, such as our very own camp Šimuni!
- Zlatni rat: This is definitely the most photographed beach on the Croatian Adriatic! Zlatni rat is located on the island of Brač, and is famous for its unique shape — its ever-changing tip extends far into the crystal sea.
- Hvar: This beautiful island is known for its lavender fields, quaint villages, and wonderful beaches. Be sure to visit Stari Grad, the oldest town in Croatia, and explore its narrow streets and traditional stone houses.
- Korčula: Another lovely island, known for its medieval old town surrounded by walls. The streets are lined with Venetian-style palaces and there are several interesting museums to explore. Be sure to try the local wines!
- Split: The largest city on the Croatian coast, Split is a vibrant hotspot with plenty to see and do. Explore the ancient Roman ruins of Diocletian’s Palace, stroll along the Riva promenade, or take a day trip to one of the nearby islands.
- Zadar: A charming seaside city with a long history dating back to Roman times. Explore the Old Town with its well-preserved buildings and monuments, stroll along the seafront promenade, or simply relax on one of the beautiful beaches.
Activities to enjoy in the Adriatic sea
Whether you want to explore ancient ruins, relax on a beach, or sip on some local wines, there is something for everyone! The Adriatic Sea offers an array of water-based activities, including swimming, snorkeling, and diving in crystal clear waters. Sailing and windsurfing are also popular in the Adriatic, with many charter companies offering boats for hire — or if you want something more simple, kayaking and paddleboarding are great ways to discover hidden coves and beaches.
Fishing trips are available for those who want to experience the local fishing culture and try their luck at catching their own dinner, but if you just want to kick back and relax, take a boat tour and enjoy the breathtaking views of the coastline and surrounding islands.
If reading this made you want to book a holiday immediately, Pag is the ideal destination to experience island life and discover nearby cities and islands on the Adriatic. See what we have to offer, book your accommodation at Camping Village Šimuni, and get ready to enjoy the view!