I Found the Clearest Water in Croatia
July, somewhere between a beach nap and my fourth scoop of gelato
Okay. So here’s the thing: I think Croatia broke me—in the best way. I’m talking absurdly clear, glassy, fish-saying-hello kind of water. The kind that makes you question whether you’ve been swimming in dirty puddles your whole life.
This trip wasn’t even supposed to be about swimming, but… that lasted maybe 12 minutes. Once I saw that turquoise shine from the ferry window, it was over.
So here’s where I ended up, in my slightly sunburned, slightly salty, totally awe-struck state:
π Stiniva Cove, Vis Island
Day 2: “Let’s take the hard way,” I said. Like a fool.
Got to Stiniva Cove the dramatic way—hiking down a steep, sketchy trail that basically turned into rock climbing. But the moment I saw the cove, with its cliffs guarding a narrow opening and the kind of calm, clear water that looks like it’s holding its breath? Worth. Every. Leg cramp.
πͺ¨ Note to future self: next time, take the boat.
π Sakarun Beach, Dugi Otok
Day 4: Fell asleep in shallow water. Twice.
Sakarun is stupid pretty. It looks like someone tried to make a desktop background in real life. Shallow, clear turquoise stretching way out, and the ground under the water is white pebbles that almost glow. I just floated, blinked at the sky, and forgot what year it was.
There’s a beach bar nearby that sells lemonade and fries. 11/10 combo, by the way.
π Proizd Island (off KorΔula)
Day 6: May have turned into a sea creature here.
Took a tiny boat to this tiny island that’s basically a slab of white rock surrounded by insane, deep-blue water. The contrast? Unreal. The water here was so clear I could see 3 meters down while just sitting on the edge with my feet in. No one around. No shops. Just sun, sea, and silence. It felt like being let in on a secret.
π Punta Rata, Brela
Day 8: Classic. Crowded. Still perfect.
Okay, this one’s more famous—and yes, more people—but there’s a reason it’s in all the guidebooks. That combo of green pine trees, smooth pebbles, and that greenish-blue water? Just feels good. Like a place you could stay all day without checking your phone once.
I swam with a bunch of fish who had clearly been in tourist selfies before. Veterans.
Other random notes I scribbled down:
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I now judge all water by Croatia’s standards. That’s a problem.
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Water shoes are not optional. Those rocks don’t care about your vacation.
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I don’t think I’ve worn proper clothes in a week. Just swimsuits, salt, and snacks.
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The Adriatic Sea is like the world's biggest spa. Minus cucumbers on your eyes.
π Final thoughts
Croatia doesn’t yell at you to notice it—it just is beautiful. Effortlessly. Quietly. And the sea? The sea’s the star of the show. If you're looking for peace, clarity (in more ways than one), and maybe a few pebble-induced foot cramps, you’ll find it here.
Now excuse me while I go float in the sea until I turn into a raisin.
– Me, slightly sunburnt but very at peace π
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