BEST SPLIT BEACHES: COMPLETE GUIDE & MY FAVOURITE BEACHES

If you’re staying in Split and looking for the best Split beaches, I’ve got you covered! Split is a great city to explore, but it’s also a great place to spend a day by the sea.

As a local Croatian, I’ve visited Split many times, and while I wouldn’t say the city has the best beaches in Croatia, there are definitely some great ones worth visiting. In this guide, I’ll show you the best beaches in Split, what each one is like, how to get there, and which ones I’d personally choose!

BEST SPLIT BEACHES YOU NEED TO VISIT

These are some of the most popular beaches in and around Split. However, don’t expect the most incredible beaches here. Split is a big city with a lot to offer, but as a Croatian, I’ve seen plenty of beaches around the country, and world-class beaches aren’t really what Split is known for. If you’re looking for truly stunning beaches in Croatia, I’d highly recommend renting a car and going to the Makarska Riviera to explore its coastline, or to the islands like Brac and Hvar.

WHICH SPLIT BEACH IS BEST FOR YOU?

Beach	Best for	Type	From Old Town
Bacvice	Sand, families, central location	Sandy	Walkable
Kasjuni	Clear water, scenery, relaxing	Pebble	Short drive/bus
Znjan	Families, facilities, space	Pebble	Bus/drive
Firule	Families, shallow water	Sandy/pebble	Walkable
Jezinac	Clear water, locals, quieter swim	Pebble/rock	Walk/drive
Trstenik	Space, swimming	Pebble	Bus/drive

BACVICE BEACH

Type: Sandy beach
Best for: Families, kids, swimming, nightlife
Distance from Old Town: Short walk
How to get there: Walk, bus, or car
Facilities: Showers, sunbed rentals, restaurants and bars
Parking: Paid parking nearby

Bacvice Beach is the most popular beach in Split, but honestly, it’s the one I like the least. Its biggest advantage is definitely its location. It’s just a short walk from the city centre, so you can easily get there from the Old Town. It’s also a sandy beach with shallow, calm water, which makes it a good option for families with kids and non-swimmers. The water is clean, and there are plenty of amenities, including showers, sunbed rentals, restaurants and bars nearby. At night, the area is popular for its nightlife, so you can also come here for a night out.

However, it’s usually very crowded and, in my opinion, not particularly beautiful. If you have time to explore other beaches, I’d personally skip Bacvice and go somewhere that better shows you the beauty of the Adriatic.

KASJUNI BEACH (MY FAVOURITE!)

Type: Pebbly beach
Best for: Swimming, snorkeling, families, relaxing
Distance from Old Town: About 3 km / 8-minute drive
How to get there: Car, bus #12, or walk
Facilities: Changing cabins
Parking: Good amount of parking nearby

Kasjuni Beach is a pebbly beach located about 3 kilometers from Split’s city centre, and it’s at the base of Marjan Hill surrounded by beautiful pine forests. It’s around an 8-minute drive from the Old Town, so it’s not really walkable unless you’re up for an hour-long walk. If you’re on a budget, you can take public bus number 12 to get there.

The beach has crystal-clear, shallow water, so it’s great for swimming and snorkeling. It’s absolutely my favourite beach in Split. It’s a popular spot for families and anyone who wants to relax away from the busy old town. The beach is much more basic than it used to be. In 2026, the beach bars and sunbeds were removed, so you’ll need to bring everything you need with you. There are changing cabins, but I’d still recommend bringing your own water, snacks, and anything else you might need for the day. 

There’s also a good amount of parking nearby, although it can fill up during the busiest summer days. The facilities may change again next season, so check what’s available before your visit if you’re planning to spend the whole day there.

FIRULE BEACH (MY FAVOURITE!)

Type: Sandy beach
Best for: Families, kids, shallow water, a more local atmosphere
Distance from Old Town: About 20-minute walk
How to get there: Walk, bus, or car
Facilities: Showers, changing cabins, cafés and restaurants nearby
Parking: Paid parking nearby

Firule Beach is a small sandy beach just east of Bacvice, and it’s my favourite sandy beach in Split. I actually think it’s a much nicer option than Bacvice if you want a sandy beach. It’s about a 20-minute walk from the Old Town, so you can easily get there on foot along the coast. You can also drive or take public transport if you don’t feel like walking.

The beach has very shallow, calm water, so it’s a great choice for families with young kids. It’s also one of the few sandy beaches in Split, which is a nice change from the city’s many pebble beaches. You’ll find showers and changing cabins at the beach, while cafés and restaurants are nearby. There is some natural shade around the beach, but it can still get very crowded during the summer. 

I personally prefer Firule to Bacvice. It’s still close to the Old Town, but it feels a little more local and less touristy. If you’re looking for a sandy beach but don’t want to go to Bacvice, I’d definitely choose Firule instead.

ZNJAN BEACH

Type: Pebbly, gravel and rocky beach
Best for: Families, swimming, water sports, facilities
Distance from Old Town: About 10–15 minutes by car
How to get there: Car, bus, or Uber
Facilities: Sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, toilets, restaurants and lifeguards
Parking: Available nearby

Znjan Beach is one of Split’s most popular beach destinations. It’s in the eastern part of the city, and it actually consists of several beaches with a mix of pebbles, gravel and rocky sections. Znjan is actually a great option for everyone, from families and casual swimmers to water sports lovers.

One of the biggest advantages of Znjan is the number of amenities. You’ll find sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, toilets, restaurants and lifeguards, so you have everything you need for a comfortable beach day. The beach is also wheelchair-accessible, which is a great bonus.

Znjan Beach has also gone through a major renovation in the last two years, so the area is much more modern and developed than it used to be. If you’re looking for a beach in Split with lots of facilities, beach clubs, and plenty of space, Znjan is definitely the place to go.

KASTELET BEACH

Type: Pebbly beach
Best for: Swimming, relaxing, locals and tourists
Distance from Old Town: About 2 km / 30-minute walk
How to get there: Walk, car, or public bus
Facilities: Outdoor showers, changing rooms, beach chairs and umbrellas for rent
Parking: Available nearby

Kastelet Beach is located at the base of Marjan Hill, about 2 kilometers west of Split’s city centre. It’s quite a bit closer than Kasjuni Beach and takes around 30 minutes to reach on foot from the Old Town, so it’s a popular spot for both locals and tourists.

This pebbly beach is known for its crystal-clear, blue water and relaxing atmosphere. You’ll find outdoor showers and changing rooms, as well as beach chairs and umbrellas available for rent. There isn’t much natural shade, so I’d recommend arriving early if you want to find a spot with some shade. The beach is easily accessible by car or public bus if you don’t feel like walking.

JEZINAC BEACH

Type: Pebbly beach
Best for: Families, swimming, relaxing, locals
Distance from Old Town: About 2 km / 30-minute walk
How to get there: Walk, public bus, or car
Facilities: Outdoor showers, restrooms and beach bar
Parking: Parking lot nearby

Jezinac Beach is also located at the base of Marjan Hill, right next to Kastelet Beach. It’s a peaceful, pebbly beach that’s very popular with locals. You can reach it by taking a scenic coastal walk, public bus, or car. There’s a parking lot nearby, so parking isn’t usually an issue.

The beach has great amenities, including outdoor showers, restrooms and a beach bar. The calm, shallow water makes it a good option if you’re coming with a family, while the nearby rocky areas are great for more adventurous swimmers who enjoy jumping into the water or exploring. To make the most of your visit, arrive early during the peak season to grab a good spot, and I’d recommend bringing water shoes for extra comfort on the pebbly shore.

WHAT TO BRING TO SPLIT BEACHES

• water shoes (so much easier to enter the sea!)
• towel
• sunscreen
• water
• snorkel
• umbrella if going to beaches without much shade
• waterproof phone case
• snacks and drinks

FAQ ABOUT BEACHES IN SPLIT

What is the best beach in Split?

In my opinion, Kasjuni Beach is one of the best beaches in Split. It has beautiful, clear water and a nice setting at the base of Marjan Hill. If you want a beach that feels a little more like a beach getaway while still being close to the city, Kasjuni would be my first choice. I also really like Firule beach if you’re looking for a sandy beach. It’s much better than Bacvice!

What is the nicest beach in Split?

I’d say Kasjuni, Kastelet, and Jezinac are the nicest beaches in Split. They’re all located around Marjan Hill and have clear water and a more relaxed atmosphere than some of the busier city beaches. Personally, I’d choose Kasjuni if you only have time for one. I just love the beaches that have some greenery around them!

What is the closest beach to Split Old Town?

Bacvice Beach is the closest beach to Split Old Town. It’s only about a 10-minute walk from Diocletian’s Palace, so it’s very convenient if you want to combine sightseeing with a quick swim. However, it’s also one of the busiest beaches in Split, and it’s not my personal favourite.

Are there sandy beaches in Split?

Yes, there are sandy beaches in Split. Bacvice is the most famous sandy beach, while Firule is another good option. Most of the other popular beaches in Split are pebbly, gravelly, or rocky.

Are Split beaches free?

Yes, most of the public beaches in Split are free to access. You don’t need to pay an entrance fee to swim at beaches like Bacvice, Kasjuni, Znjan, Kastelet, or Jezinac. However, you may have to pay for extras such as parking, sunbeds, or umbrellas where these are available.

Which Split beach is best for families?

Znjan and Bacvice are both good options for families. Bacvice has sandy, shallow water, while Znjan has plenty of space and facilities. Firule is another good choice, especially if you want a smaller beach with very shallow water.

Which beach in Split has the clearest water?

Kasjuni, Kastelet, and Jezinac are among my top choices for clear water in Split. They’re all around Marjan Hill, away from the busiest part of the city, and are great if your priority is swimming in clear Adriatic water.

Can you walk to the beach from Diocletian’s Palace?

Yes! Bacvice is the closest beach and takes around 10 minutes to walk to from Diocletian’s Palace. You can also walk to Firule, Kastelet, and Jezinac, although they’ll take longer. If you only have a few hours in Split, Bacvice is the easiest beach to reach on foot.

MY PERSONAL TAKE ON SPLIT BEACHES

Honestly, Split is never my first choice when it comes to beaches in Croatia, and it wouldn’t even make my top 10. However, if you’re spending most of your time in or around Split, these beaches are great for a quick swim or a few hours by the sea. Out of all of them, I’d personally recommend Kasjuni, Firule, Kastelet, and Jezinac the most.

But if you really want to experience the Adriatic at its best, I’d suggest booking a boat tour to swim in secluded coves or visiting one of the nearby islands like Brac or Hvar.

CONCLUSION: SPLIT BEACHES

There aren’t many beaches in Split, but a few are definitely worth visiting. However, if Split is just one stop on your Croatian itinerary, I’d focus more on exploring the Old Town and nearby islands, and save your proper beach time for other destinations. Trust me on this one! If you do still want to explore Split beaches Kasjuni, Kastelet, and Firule would be my option!