Best Beaches in Split
Sandy bays, hidden coves, and pine-shaded shores — all within walking distance of the palace
Split Beach Guide
Split offers something rare for a historic city — beautiful beaches just minutes from a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From the bustling sandy expanse of Bacvice to the secluded coves beneath Marjan Hill, you are never far from a swim.
The Marjan peninsula alone has half a dozen hidden spots accessible only on foot, while the eastern coastline stretches for kilometres with family-friendly beaches and full facilities. The sea temperature ranges from 18°C in May to a warm 26°C in August, making Split a great swimming destination from late spring through early autumn.
Whether you want a sandy beach with bars and nightlife, a quiet rocky cove for snorkelling, or a spacious family beach with playgrounds and water sports, Split has it all within easy reach. Below you will find the 8 best beaches in and around Split, along with practical tips to help you plan your beach days.
Bacvice Beach
Split's most famous beach and the birthplace of picigin — a beloved local ball game played in the shallows. This sandy crescent sits just a 10-minute walk southeast of Diocletian's Palace. The beach has a lively atmosphere with bars and clubs right on the waterfront, making it the centre of Split's summer social scene.
Location: Southeast of Old Town, 10-min walk from Riva
Facilities: Sunbeds, showers, beach bars, nightclubs, water sports
Best for: Social atmosphere, picigin, easy access from the centre
Kasjuni Beach
Hidden on the southern slopes of Marjan Hill, Kasjuni is widely considered Split's most beautiful beach. Sheltered by pine trees and dramatic cliffs, it feels worlds away from the city despite being just a 20-minute walk from the centre. The turquoise water and scenic setting make it worth the effort.
Location: Southern side of Marjan Hill
Facilities: Beach bar, sunbeds, parking nearby
Best for: Scenery, swimming, a quieter alternative to Bacvice
Firule Beach
A family favourite just south of Bacvice, Firule has calm, shallow water and a relaxed atmosphere. It is less crowded than its famous neighbour and surrounded by cafes and a seaside promenade. The nearby tennis courts add to the sporting vibe of this neighbourhood beach.
Location: Between Bacvice and Trstenik, south of Old Town
Facilities: Cafes, playground, showers, sports courts
Best for: Families, calm swimming, local atmosphere
Bene Beach
Tucked into the northern side of Marjan Hill, Bene is a spacious recreational beach surrounded by pine forest. It has excellent facilities including a sports centre, restaurant, and plenty of shade. The combination of swimming and forest walks makes it a great full-day destination.
Location: Northern side of Marjan Hill
Facilities: Sports centre, restaurant, changing rooms, parking
Best for: Active visitors, families, full-day outings
Znjan Beach
PebbleA long stretch of pebble beach east of the city with excellent facilities and plenty of space even in peak season. The shallow entry makes it safe for children, and the beachfront is lined with bars, restaurants, and water sport operators. A great choice if you want a full beach day with all amenities.
Location: Eastern Split, 4 km from Old Town
Facilities: Restaurants, water sports, trampolines, parking
Best for: Water sports, families, avoiding crowds
Jezinac Beach
Rocky & PebbleA local favourite tucked into the western end of Split near the foot of Marjan Hill. Jezinac is a small rocky beach with incredibly clear water and a laid-back atmosphere. Pine trees provide natural shade along the edge, and there is a popular beach bar serving drinks and snacks. The sunsets here are spectacular, with views across the open sea toward the islands of Solta and Brac.
Location: Western Split, at the foot of Marjan Hill
Facilities: Beach bar, natural shade, no sunbeds
Best for: Sunset views, locals' vibe, snorkelling
Ovcice Beach
PebbleSitting between Firule and Bacvice, Ovcice is a calm pebble beach that tends to attract a more local crowd. The water is shallow and clear, making it safe for young children. There is a small beach bar and the promenade connects it to Bacvice in one direction and Firule in the other, so you can easily walk between all three.
Location: Between Bacvice and Firule, south of Old Town
Facilities: Beach bar, promenade, showers
Best for: Families with young children, quiet alternative to Bacvice
Kastelet Beach
RockyA series of rocky platforms and small coves along the southern shore of Marjan Hill, reached by walking the coastal path from Jezinac. The swimming is off flat rocks into deep, crystal-clear water — ideal for snorkelling among sea urchins and small fish. There are no facilities, so bring your own water and snacks. The solitude and natural beauty make it worth the walk.
Location: Southern shore of Marjan Hill, past Jezinac
Facilities: None — bring your own supplies
Best for: Snorkelling, solitude, nature lovers
Beach Tips for Split
Marjan Beaches
The south side of Marjan Hill has several small rocky coves only accessible by foot — perfect for snorkelling in solitude.
Water Temperature
The sea is warmest from June to September (22-26°C). May and October are still comfortable for swimming at 18-20°C.
Getting Around
Most beaches are walkable from the centre. For Znjan and eastern beaches, local bus #15 runs frequently along the coast.
Peak Season Tips
July and August get busy. Arrive before 10am at popular beaches, or head to Marjan's southern coves for more space.
Frequently Asked Questions about Split Beaches
Most beaches in Split are pebble or rocky. The notable exception is Bacvice, which has a sandy shore — it is the only truly sandy beach in the city centre. Firule has a mix of sand and pebble. The Marjan Hill beaches are mostly rocky with flat platforms for sunbathing.
Znjan Beach is the best option for families. It has a long, spacious shoreline with shallow water, trampolines, water sports, and plenty of restaurants. Firule is another great family choice closer to the centre, with calm water and a relaxed atmosphere.
Yes, several beaches are within easy walking distance. Bacvice is a 10-minute walk from Diocletian's Palace. Firule and Ovcice are about 15 minutes on foot. Kasjuni and Jezinac on Marjan Hill take around 20-25 minutes. Only Znjan requires a bus (line 15) at about 4 km from the centre.
The swimming season runs from late May to early October. The sea is warmest in July and August (24-26°C) but these months are also the busiest. June and September offer warm water (22-24°C) with far fewer crowds. For the best balance, early June or mid-September is ideal.
Picigin is a traditional ball game unique to Split, played in the knee-deep shallows of Bacvice Beach. Players stand in a circle and keep a small ball in the air using only their palms, often with dramatic diving saves. It has been played at Bacvice since the 1920s and is considered a symbol of Split's beach culture. Anyone can join a game — just wade in and ask.
Yes, the southern shore of Marjan Hill has several secluded rocky coves that are only accessible by walking the coastal path. Kastelet, Bene, Kasjuni, and Jezinac are the most popular, but between them you will find small unnamed coves perfect for snorkelling in solitude. Bring water shoes and your own supplies as most have no facilities.
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Diocletian's Palace, history, transport, and everything you need to plan your trip.
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