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With breathtaking views and crystal clear water, the Adriatic Sea offers some of the best beaches for the ultimate summer vacation. Located in the northernmost arm of the Mediterranean Sea, the Adriatic is a body of water separating the Italian Peninsula from the Balkan Peninsula. Noted for its stunning blue and green hues, the countries you'll find in its coast includes Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro, and Albania. All with their unique culture and traditions, these nations have some of the most beautiful as well as the cleanest coastlines.
So if you're in need of inspiration for your next summer destination, check out this gallery for some of the best beaches on the Adriatic Sea.
This stunning beach is tucked away in a protected nature reserve in Puglia, just a 10-minute drive north of Otranto.
Located by the coastal fishing village Numana, on the Conero Riviera, this beach is characterized by very fine white sand and an extremely calm sea. Perfect for those in search of relaxation and beauty.
Surrounded by untouched nature and clear water, Punta Aderci is a nature reserve in the Abruzzo coastal strip. Perfect for nature lovers!
Accessible by land through its namesake hotel or via boat from Mattinata, Baia delle Zagare is another pristine beach in Puglia.
Named the "beach of the two sisters" after two large rock formations nearby, this secluded, fine white pebble beach is accessible only by shuttle or boat from Porto Numana.
Situated in the Conero National Park, a small car park is located in the hills above the beach, and then it's a 15-minute hike down the path to Mezzavalle. Alternatively, a boat can take you there and back.
Translated into Moon Bay, Mesečev Zaliv is a hidden gem, located inside the Strunjan Nature Park. It can only be accessed by foot.
Perched on the edge of a narrow peninsula jutting out into the Adriatic Sea, Piran isn't a sandy beach. However, the coast is paved in concrete all along and has various facilities to ensure the most refreshing of swims.
Izola is a small and pebbly beach in the old fishing village of Izola. Stretching out deep into the Adriatic, it provides incredible views of the Slovenian Riviera.
The most popular beach destination in Slovenia, Portorož beach is surrounded by seaside resorts and a wide selection of restaurants, shops, and cafés. It's one of the few sandy beaches in the nation.
Situated on the island of Hvar, Dobovica is a tiny cove with a beach of dazzling white pebbles. It's only a 15-minute drive from Hvar Town, and then a 10-minute walk downhill from the main road.
Quite a small beach, but absolutely beautiful, you'll find Murvica on the island of Brač. It's accessible by road about three miles (5 km) from the popular Zlatni Rat beach.
Also known as the Lubenice beach, this stunning spot is located on Cres Island. With pristine white pebbles and turquoise waters, this idyllic beach can only be reached via a steep one-hour descent along a rocky path.
A 30-minute walk from Dubrovnik's Old Town, and then a hike down (and back up) 160 steps, Sveti Jakov offers some breathtaking views. It's also a lot calmer than Dubrovnik's central beaches.
Off the southern coast of the island of Vis lies the striking bay Stiniva, surrounded by rocky cliffs with only a narrow opening to the sea. You can try to hike down the steep footpath from Žužeca, but most visitors arrive by boat and swim to the beach.
Often referred to as the Golden Cape or Golden Horn, this beach is located on the sunny island of Brač. Considered as one of Croatia's best beaches, it's also the country's top windsurfing destination.
With the backdrop of the Adriatic Sea, Petrovac is situated on the Budva Riviera. It offers the perfect blend of turquoise waters and rustic old-town charm.
Nestled on the Luštica peninsula, this Montenegrin beach is renowned for its clean water. The clarity of the sea here makes it one of the best spots for snorkeling in the country.
Despite attracting many visitors, Lučice beach near Petrovac is still pristine and unspoiled. The shallow water here makes it an ideal swimming destination for families.
One of the longest and liveliest beaches in Montenegro, Jaz is a hub of activity and music. A clean and pebbly beach, it's also a top spot for visitors interested in water sports.
A 15th-century village, and later a glamorous holiday spot for the rich and famous, the tiny islet of Sveti Stefan is now a popular summer destination. The public beach at Sveti Stefan is situated at the end of the causeway and provides excellent views of picturesque surroundings.
Divided from the bustling town of Budva by a beautiful peninsula, Bečići is quieter than the main beaches in the area.
Hidden from sight by cradling mountains, Gjipe is characterized by its tranquil and relaxing nature. It's ideal for those looking to disconnect from their daily lives.
Against a rustic backdrop of olive groves, the largest beach in southern Albania stretches out over a length of four miles (7 km). Borsh is a picture-perfect paradise with a calm coastline.
Known for its clear waters and surrounding mountainside, Drymades offers a pebbly stretch as well as a sandy expanse, which is divided by a large rock.
South of the resort town of Sarandë, you'll find one of the most coveted beach destinations in Albania: Ksamil. Here you'll find a number of beaches where you can rent a paddleboard or a kayak to explore the coastline.
The southwestern Albanian coastal town of Vlorë is home to the country's most magnificent mountain ranges and beaches.
Sources: (Condé Nast Traveler) (The Culture Trip) (Lonely Planet) (L'Officiel)
See also: Why Montenegro is the most underrated jewel of the Mediterranean
One of Albania's best-loved beach towns, Himarë is home to stunning beaches, hidden coves, and water in glorious shades of turquoise.
One of the most beautiful beaches in the region, Punta Rata is located on the picturesque Makarska Riviera.
The best beaches to visit on the Adriatic Sea
Consider adding these stunning locations to your travel bucket list
TRAVEL Europe
With breathtaking views and crystal clear water, the Adriatic Sea offers some of the best beaches for the ultimate summer vacation. Located in the northernmost arm of the Mediterranean Sea, the Adriatic is a body of water separating the Italian Peninsula from the Balkan Peninsula. Noted for its stunning blue and green hues, the countries you'll find on its coast include Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro, and Albania. Each with its own unique culture and traditions, these nations have some of the most beautiful and unspoiled coastlines in the world.
So if you're in need of inspiration for your next summer destination, check out this gallery for some of the best beaches on the Adriatic.