Lubenice Beach
Cres Island, Kvarner, Croatia
Lubenice Beach, known locally as Sveti Ivan, sits below a 4,000 year old hilltop village on the island of Cres, Croatia, reachable only by a steep 45 minute path cut through scrub down the cliffside. The water below runs a clear, deep blue that's made this one of the most photographed beaches in the Kvarner region, despite the effort it takes to actually stand on the sand.
One of Kvarner's most striking beaches precisely because so few people make the climb down, though the total lack of facilities and the brutal walk back up are a real cost for the reward.
Pace the walk back up. It's a much harder climb than the descent, and there's no shade or water source on the trail, so bring more than you think you'll need.
Park in the village of Lubenice itself, high above the coast, since there's no road anywhere near the beach. Some visitors arrive by boat instead, mooring just offshore.
The only route down is a steep, roughly 45 minute path through rocky scrub, not suitable for strollers, limited mobility, or anyone without sturdy footwear.
June through September brings the warm, clear water the beach is known for, while the steep trail is best avoided entirely during the heat of midday in peak summer.
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