Discovering Croatia's Hidden Beaches

Those who know Croatia well, however, know the country's most beloved beaches remain under the radar, enjoyed only by locals and the savviest of travelers. Croatia's beach season goes through October, making these beach destinations perfect for fall:

Adriatic Luxury Journeys, a boutique tour operator run by natives of Croatia, creates completely customized vacations for travelers looking to experience the Adriatic Coast as locals do. The company's on-the-ground, English-speaking Croatian guides take travelers to their own favorite spots, highlighting intriguing historical and cultural landmarks along the way. Here are their top 5 favorite “under the radar” beaches:

1. Best Beach for Stunning Views: Omis Riviera (pictured)

The scenic Omiš Riviera lies at the point where the Cetina River meets the Adriatic Sea, for truly breathtaking views. Climb the surrounding cliffs to look down on the emerald waters, flanked by lush green banks, or stroll along the sandy beaches to discover secret swimming spots.

2. Best Beach for Adventurers: Nin

This coastal city outside Zadar is best known for its medieval history, but those who live here are most in love with its azure beaches and views of the Dinaric Alps. With its calm winds, Nin is also a hot spot for kitesurfing.

3. Best Beach for Diving: Bisevo

Although most tourists visit Bisevo to see the famous Blue Cave, a shimmering sea cave that fills with glowing blue light, residents on the nearby island of Vis know there is much more beauty to explore on this isle of limestone cliffs and sandy beaches.

4. Best for Peace & Quiet: Palmizana Beach

This quiet, uninhabited beach on the island of Sveti Klement (a not-too-distant neighbor of Hvar) is an oasis of rocky coastlines mixed with sandy beaches and clear waters, perfect for quiet walks or boating on the crystal waters. Its bohemian vibe and artfully designed buildings make Palmizana an ideal place to simply relax.

5. Local Secrets

Some of Croatia's best beaches aren't in guidebooks or even easily found online. Without knowing exactly where to look, you may never discover these gems at all. A local guide by Adriatic Luxury Journeys can help you find Croatia's best off-the-beaten-path coastlines, and often much more along the way.

Adriatic Luxury Journeys is a boutique travel and tour operator offering bespoke small-group and private tours to Croatia and the neighboring countries of Slovenia, Bosnia, Montenegro, Italy and Albania. Founded by Croatian native Maria Kuchan to showcase the rich culture and history of her home country, Adriatic Luxury Journeys features authentic experiences made possible by personal connections and an intimate knowledge of the Adriatic Coast. With a presence in both the United States and Croatia, the company operates with a full-service approach catering to clientele who expect the highest level of luxury and extraordinary experiences.

For more information on Adriatic Luxury Journeys and to browse all available tours, please visit: www.AdriaticLuxury.com

Photo credit: omisriviera.com