'Extraordinary' beach that 'feels like a Mediterranean paradise' is just hours from UK
For those wanting a picturesque location without committing to a long-haul flight, Croatia might be the perfect solution.
A popular beach praised for its "Maldives charm" is just hours away from the UK. For holidaymakers wanting a picturesque location without committing to a long-haul flight, Croatia might be the perfect solution.
Just a three-hour flight from the UK, Croatia is known for its white sand, turquoise seas, car-free islands and dramatic cliffside coves. According to rental experts Villsy.com, Croatia offers all the beauty of the Maldives without the long-haul journey.
Croatian coastal bathing areas, according to the European Environment Agency's report, are the cleanest in Europe. Tamed by its 1,244 islands, the Croatian sea is also very calm.
In the summer, Croatian reaches temperatures of around 21 degrees in June and up to 28 degrees in August.
Toni Hrelja, founder of Villsy.com, shared a local's guide to Croatia's most beautiful beaches, including hidden gems where the "crystal-clear waters and stunning scenery rival the Maldives." Among them is Zlatni rat (Golden Horn) beach on Brač island.
According to Toni, the name 'Golden Horn' comes from the beach's unique shape — a 'horn' that juts out from the island. Toni said: "With bright turquoise waters and deep blue gradients, this dreamy beach feels like a Mediterranean paradise.
"While the water has that Maldives charm, the shade comes not from palm trees, but from pine trees, reminding you that you're still in Europe."
Golden Horn beach is located on Brač, one of the largest Dalmatian islands. The beach is 4km from the town of Bol, making it slightly secluded, but not entirely remote due to its popularity.
The beach has proven hugely popular with TripAdvisor reviewers, who have described it as "a place you will always return to," "unique," and "living up to the hype," with an impressive 3,410 reviews and an overall rating of four stars.
Among them many reviews, one person said: "An extraordinary experience! A very beautiful beach, a pebble beach where you can enjoy the crystal waters of Zlatni Rat Beach."
A second wrote: "Zlatni Rat is undeniably one of the most stunning beaches I've visited, with crystal-clear water and gorgeous views." A third added: "By far the most beautiful beach in Croatia and certainly one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The sea is so clean and turquoise that it is simply fantastic. This place is definitely a MUST VISIT."
There are direct flights from London, Manchester, Glasgow, Birmingham and Leeds to Split, a coastal town in Dalmatia. From Split to Bol (Brač) the passenger catamaran ride lasts up to one hour. There's also a ferry boat option (50 minutes) from Split to Supetar, for those opting to rent a car during their visit.
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