Did you know that there is actually a beach so beautiful out there that it is called Paradise Beach? Yes, it is – and it’s located in Croatia, kind of a hidden gem here. But worry not, I am here to tell you everything about this amazing location.
Also known as Rajska Plaža, Paradise Beach is found on Rab Island – one of the less popular Croatian islands, but still relatively well known and touristy. Let’s jump right in!
What Is so Special about Paradise Beach?
If you’ve ever pictured the ideal beach, that image probably involves crystal-clear waters gently lapping the shores of a pristine sandy beach, while the sun is perfect and the entire place is a relaxing heaven.
Well, this is exactly what makes Paradise Beach aka Rajska Plaža so special!
I have walked along this beach’s sandy shores and soaked in its turquoise waters, on numerous occasions, together with my family and I can assure you, it is indeed truly spectacular. But don’t just take my word for it – why not experience it for yourself?
The main thing about Paradise Beach in Croatia is that it is a beautiful sandy beach – and sandy beaches are not often found in the country. (Yet, you can still find amazing beaches such as the best in Sibenik or the best beaches on Hvar Island.)
But back to today’s topic, Paradise Beach is one that stands out, even amongst the most renowned beaches on the Adriatic. This beach is a haven for true sand enthusiasts, boasting all the hallmarks of a quintessential sandy beach, and more:
- Fine white sand, as soft and warm as powdered sugar beneath your toes.
- Shallow sand bottom, allowing for a leisurely dip without the worry of a sudden drop.
- An expansive sandy landscape, stretching over 2 km – plenty of room for everyone.
- Perfect for families, especially those with young children who want to splash around in the shallow waters.
- Impeccably clean and well-maintained, preserving its natural beauty for everyone to enjoy.
- A plethora of fun activities to enjoy, ensuring there’s never a dull moment.
- Night clubs open until 6 AM for those who love to party until dawn.
In other words, it’s pure heaven for evrybody and every type of traveler.
A Few Considerations about Rajska Plaza
Like any popular tourist destination, Paradise Beach has a few challenges that come with its fame:
- It can get crowded during the high season, so consider visiting during shoulder months if you prefer a quieter beach experience.
- Unfortunately, our four-legged friends aren’t allowed on this beach.
- The parking fee may seem steep to some, so plan accordingly.
- Lastly, if you’re a strong swimmer seeking deeper waters for your swims, the shallow depths might not be ideal.
But if you don’t consider these cons as deal breakers, it’s worth checking it out. I recommend Rab Island – and especially the area around this beach – for a longer stay, of at least 5-7 nights.
Best hotels near Paradise Beach
If you’re looking for the best accommodation near Paradise beach, I have some amazing suggestions for you. These hotels below are my favorites and they are perfect as they don’t break the bank, but also offer a lot in terms of quality.
Plus, they are really close to the Paradise beach, so you can enjoy it every day!
The Epario hotel (3 stars) is a family managed hotel located in intimate surroundings, offering a pleasurable stay to all tourists and it is our go-to destination in the area. You’ll sure love it too!
It is a small place with only 25 double and 3 single rooms. All rooms are air-conditioned and have wireless internet, TV and telephone.
The beach is about 200 meters away and in the vicinity you have a bakery, pharmacy, greengrocer and supermarket with ATM machine.
This small family-run hotel is very clean and tidy. The owners are friendly and always available, the rooms are neat, clean and very quiet. The city of Rab can be reached by car in 10 minutes.
An alternative, if you look for something higher brow, would be Villa Dubravka. This is a beautiful, new villa built just 300m away from Paradise beach.
It is the equivalent of a 4-star hotel, so you get better service and larger rooms, but for a slightly higher price.
This is a perfect place for families or larger groups, as you will book here 2-bedroom apartments that are fully equipped (kitchen included too). Really nice overall.
The Journey to Paradise: Where Is Paradise Beach Located?
To find Paradise Beach, you’ll venture approximately 14 km from the historic town of Rab. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by a 2 km long beach, celebrated as one of the most renowned sandy stretches on the Adriatic coast.
I can still remember the first time I laid eyes on it, the sun kissing the sea and sand, creating an image that was nothing short of postcard-perfect. I don’t have a photo of that moment, but maybe you will be more inspired than I was and have your phone ready to immortalize the moment.
Either way, I’ve marked it on Google Maps here. For some reason, embedding the map doesn’t work, so this will have to do.
Rab Island has two car ferry connections, one connecting the ferry port Misnjak on the island of Rab with the ferry port Stinica on the mainland Croatia. This line N° 337 takes only 14 minutes from the mainland to Rab island.
Another car ferry connects Lopar town with ferry line N° 338 from Valbiska (Krk island). It takes around 80 minutes to reach Lopar.
Finally, for those who come without a car, there is a fast catamaran option from Rijeka to Rab town, proceeding to Novalja (Pag island).
Once you’ve reached the island, Paradise Beach is just a stone’s throw away – most likely within walking distance, depending on where you’re staying.
A True Paradise: What to Expect from Rajska Plaza
Now, what makes Paradise Beach so special? Imagine the softest, finest sand under your feet, a sea so clear you can see your toes wriggling under the water, and temperatures that climb to a cozy 28°C during the summer months.
All of this, bordered by a lush pine forest offering the perfect balance of sun and shade. Sounds like a dream, doesn’t it?
These are just a few of the reasons why so many travelers, particularly from Italy and Germany, are drawn to this beach. Who wouldn’t be enticed by such an idyllic setting?
An Oasis for All
One of the many charms of Paradise Beach is its shallow waters. It extends about 500 meters before the sea even reaches half the waist of an adult.
Imagine the joy on the faces of the little ones as they frolic in the gentle waves, or the peace of mind for those who aren’t confident swimmers. It’s absolutely amazing and probably one of the shallowest, best waters in Europe. So another reason to come to this part of Croatia.
This beach isn’t just perfect for families, but also for the elderly, providing a safe and enjoyable seaside experience.
Paradise Beach is not just a pretty face, though. It has the facilities to ensure a comfortable, safe, and environmentally-friendly visit.
Sport facilities and equipment for those who love a good beach volleyball game, lifeguards and lifesaving equipment for your safety, first-aid facilities because accidents can happen, and even facilities for the disabled. All of these are present nearby for a worry-free vacation.
There’s also a range of rental facilities, from sun loungers to paddleboards, and waste recycling facilities to keep the beach clean.
Hungry after all that fun? Catering facilities are there to satiate your appetite, some of the restaurants being directly on the beach or offering amazing sea views.
My favorite restaurants around Paradise Beach are Stella – a small family restaurant with plenty of Seafood and fish dishes (but also more) or Restaurant Laguna, which offers plenty of choices, including traditional Croatian cuisine.
Blue Flag Recognition
After all the words of praise that I had for this beach, it shouldn’t come as a big surprise that it has been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag recognition – an international award given to beaches that meet excellence in safety, amenities, cleanliness, and environmental standards.
It’s a testament to the outstanding care and preservation efforts that go into maintaining this slice of paradise.
Wrapping up
There you have it, a sneak peek into Paradise Beach, a must-visit place when in Croatia – and surprisingly, still somewhat of a hidden gem here.
This beach, my friends, is more than just a beach – it’s a celebration of nature’s beauty, an oasis for all ages, and a testament to sustainable tourism. So make sure to put it on your wish list and check it out as soon as possible.