Bacvice Beach
Bačvice is Split's most famous and rare sandy beach, a short walk from the Old Town and ferry port. Its soft sand and shallow water make it ideal for families with young children and for the local game of picigin. Expect lively crowds, cafés and bars, and rentable (pricey) sunbeds, though some visitors note dirtiness and mediocre water quality.
- Best time:
- Early morning or before 4pm to secure a spot; shoulder season (e.g. June) for warm water and fewer crowds. Peak summer midday is very crowded.
- Who it's for:
- Families with small children and visitors wanting a lively city beach within walking distance of the Old Town.
The facts
- Sand / surface
- sand
“One of the rare beaches in Croatia with sand”
- Water quality
- mixed
“clean water”
- Family friendly
- yes
“great for families with children (shallow waters)”
- Bar
- yes
“refreshing beverages available at the seaside bar”
- Restaurant
- yes
“you will find a lot of pubs,bars and restaurants”
- Showers
- yes
“The beach has a Free shower”
- Toilets
- yes
“There is a cafe with toilet”
- Parking
- Parking available nearby, crowded in high season
“Parking available nearby, but can be crowded in the summer”
- Sunbeds
- yes, for rent (approx 10-25€)
“you can rent a parasol and a sunbed (pricey, though)”
- Cleanliness
- no
“The beach is very dirty - covered in graffiti, and smelt strongly of urine”
- Crowd level
- crowded
“Sooo crowded during summer”
Good to know
- No lifeguards — “there are no life guards, but no riptide either”
- Injury risk jumping from rocks — “I saw a boy fall and taken to hospital”
- Pickpockets / theft — “you have to watch out for pickpocketers”
Pros
- +Rare soft sandy beach in a pebble-dominated region
- +Shallow water safe for small children
- +Very close to Old Town and ferry port
- +Free showers, cafés, bars and ice cream nearby
- +Lively atmosphere with local picigin culture
Cons
- −Gets very crowded in high season
- −Sunbeds and umbrellas are expensive (up to ~50€/set)
- −Reports of dirtiness, graffiti and urine smell
- −No lifeguards; watch for pickpockets
- −Water quality less clear than other Split beaches
FAQ
- Is Bačvice a sandy beach?
- Yes, it is one of the rare sandy beaches in the area, with soft sand and a gentle shallow entry into the sea.
- Is it good for children?
- Yes, the shallow water stretches far out and is considered safe for small children, though there are no lifeguards.
- Can I rent sunbeds and umbrellas?
- Yes, but they are pricey—roughly 10-25€ each, and up to about 50€ for two chairs and an umbrella. Shade spots fill early.
- How do I get there?
- It's a short walk from Split's Old Town and ferry port; parking is available nearby but crowded in summer.
- Are there facilities?
- Yes, there are free showers, cafés, bars, snack stands and toilets, though some reviewers say it can be dirty.
Location
Croatia
View larger map ↗