July the 4th, 2024 – As we scour the nation for the most picturesque beaches, we arrive on the Trogir archipelago’s largest member. Here are the 5 best beaches on Čiovo.
slatine
If you take the Bura Line boat to Trogir from Split, the first stop you’ll encounter on Čiovo island is Slatine. About a 30-minute journey from the Dalmatian capital by boat, Slatine is a small village for fishers and tourists just 8 kilometers from Trogir (and yes, it is accessible by car). With only around 1000 inhabitants, the area of Slatine is lined with pebbled and stone beaches, traditional Dalmatian tavern restaurants, pine trees, and open sports facilities for active children. A real gem of Slatine, however, is Kava Beach. Located around one kilometer from the heart of Slatine, Kava is a peaceful oasis of what feels like untouched nature. Because it’s a bit off the beaten path, Kava is just the place to go if you’re looking for a calming beach day – and if you’re looking to have lunch here, your single option is a fast food shack and cafe. Therefore, packing a picnic is encouraged.
Arbanija & Mastrinka
Located just a few kilometers from the town of Trogir you’ll find the villages of Mastrinka and Arbanija. Accessible by car, bus, and boat, the area is popular for tourists looking to have a home base away from hoards of tourists – though the last few years have seen increasing crowds in these parts as well. These are some of the best beaches on Čiovo. They boast access to the sea, making it the perfect place for families with children. Additionally, there is a variety to do if you’re looking for an active beach day, and visitors can enjoy everything from water sports to beach volleyball. Both Mastrinka and Arbanija are no stranger to restaurants and cafes, small shops and kiosks. Tourist accommodations just 200-300 meters from the sea are also flourishing in this area, so if you’re hoping for a true beach holiday, this is the place to be. The 15th-century Dominican Monastery of the Holy Cross (Sv. Križ) in the Arbanija village is also a popular destination for tourists.
okrug gornji
Now, if you’re looking for a beach that has all the bells and whistles, including the crowds, then Copacabana beach in Okrug Gornji is the perfect place for a beach day with your family and friends. Complete with all the amenities from restaurants to snack shops, kiosks, cafes, bars, water sports, inflatable playgrounds, toilets, showers, massages, supermarkets, and plenty of tourist accommodations, Okrug Gornji really does have it all – but we emphasize the crowds. It’s one of the best beaches on Čiovo, but it’s also the busiest. This is because a boat runs from Trogir to Okrug Gornji every 30 minutes in the peak season, it is easily accessible for those looking to escape the heat of sightseeing in Trogir during the day. Despite the hustle and bustle at this beach, it is great for swimming and is especially good for families with children – they’ll never get bored!
If you happen to find yourself in this area but are hoping to beat the crowds, head to the white pebble beach of Mavarštica just over the hill from Okrug Gornji; accessible only by foot with no food and drink facilities on offer.
okrug donji
Unlike its busy big sister, Okrug Donji is located on the west side of Čiovo and to the west of Okrug Gornji. Known as the quieter and less crowded of the two, Okrug Donji is also more residential. Okrug Donji’s cape boasts a small pebbled beached named ‘Kava’ (yes, different from the Kava beach at Slatine). The sea at Kava is calm, and pine forests provide natural shade for its visitors. Around Kava you’ll also find smaller, sandy beaches which provide even more privacy for swimmers. The area is accessible by car and even boasts free parking, though the beach itself does not provide any food or drink amenities for visitors.
duga & duboka bay
Because saving the best for last seems like the right thing to do, the bays of Duga and Duboka are the pearls of the island and ranked among the best beaches on Čiovo. Located on the eastern side of the Čiovo between Okrug Gornji and Donji, with a view of Fumija island, Duga is a dream for those hoping to swim in crystal clear and sparkling seas without the fuss of the crowds. Duga also boasts one of the islands gastronomic charms, Django, which is tucked up on the hill into the pines. Duboka Bay, Duga’s neighbor, is famous for Laganini Beach Club, a swanky and upscale beachside bar and restaurant that offers tasty creations, DJs, fancy cocktails, a spa, sunbeds, and cabanas. Though Laganini sounds a bit extravagant, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a swim from the rocky shores – without the advertising and loud music.
