Image: Dog beaches in Split and nearby illustration/CU
More and more dog owners are taking their four-legged companions on holiday, but finding a beach where dogs are genuinely welcome is not always straightforward.
There are four official dog beaches in Split and two more in the Kaštela area. They range from well-equipped and fenced areas to quieter beaches with natural shade.
We visited all six of them to compare access, parking, facilities and what you can actually expect when you arrive.
This guide also explains how to reach the dog beaches in Split from the city centre. Larger dogs cannot travel on Promet buses unless they are guide or service dogs, so a car or pet-friendly taxi may be more practical. Read more in Getting Around Croatia With Pets: Buses, Ferries, Taxis and Local Transport.
Duilovo dog beach in Split
Duilovo is one of the best-known and most frequently visited dog beaches in Split. It is located in the eastern part of the city, close to the seafront promenade and its easy access and relatively generous amount of space make it a popular choice among both local dog owners and visitors travelling to Split with a pet.
The drive from central Split takes approximately 15 minutes, depending on traffic. It is also possible to travel by bus, followed by a short walk to the beach. There are no steps on the approach and an informal free parking area is located next to the beach.
The beach combines pebbles with rocky sections.
There is no natural shade. Several sun shelters for dogs have been installed, but as of summer 2026 they are damaged and no longer provide shade, so bring your own beach umbrella or other sun protection. Water and a shower are available at the beach, which is particularly useful during the hottest part of the summer.
The nearest cafés are located at the public beach, approximately 20 minutes away on foot.
Duilovo is popular and can become busy during the summer, but there is usually enough room to put down a towel and spend some time with your dog.
Map showing Duilovo dog beach in Split, Croatia
What to expect at Duilovo dog beach
Location: Duilovo, Split
Getting there from central Split: Approximately 15 minutes by car; travelling by bus followed by a short walk is also possible
Parking: Informal and free
Beach type: Pebble and rocky
Access to the sea: Easy
Natural shade: None
Drinking water and shower: Yes, on the beach
Café nearby: At the public beach, approximately 20 minutes away on foot
Step-free access: Yes
Summer crowds: One of the most popular dog beaches in Split, but there is usually enough space
Best suited to: Dogs of all sizes
Our verdict: Duilovo is the most practical option for owners looking for an organised dog beach without a complicated approach. Water, a shower and free parking make it suitable for a somewhat longer stay, although visitors should be prepared for the lack of genuine natural shade. It is also the most popular of the dog beaches in Split among local owners.
Zvončac dog beach in Split
The dog beach at Zvončac is located close to central Split and is particularly convenient for those who do not want to drive out of the city centre. Its proximity to Marjan, the West Coast promenade and a large public park makes it one of the best dog beaches in Split for combining swimming with a longer walk.
Zvončac can be reached from the centre on foot in approximately 20 minutes, by car or on bus route number 12, which departs from Split’s Riva waterfront. Several paid public car parks are located nearby.
Directly above the beach is Zvončac Park, a large green area with pine trees and benches where local owners walk and exercise their dogs every day. The beach itself runs alongside a promenade bordered by a low stone wall, with tamarisk trees growing above it. Visitors can sit on the wall or place a towel there in the shade.
There is no shower on the beach, but water is available near Zvončac Park and at the far end of the beach. A café is located within the nearby Jadran swimming pool complex. Although Zvončac is close to the centre, the dog section of the beach is rarely extremely crowded.
Map showing Zvončac dog beach in Split, Croatia
What to expect at Zvončac dog beach
Location: Zvončac, Split
Getting there from central Split: Approximately 20 minutes on foot, 5 minutes by car or on bus route number 12
Parking: Several paid public car parks nearby
Beach type: Rocky and pebble
Access to the sea: Easy
Natural shade: Along the promenade beneath the tamarisk trees; a large pine-shaded park is located directly above the beach
Drinking water: Near Zvončac Park and at the far end of the beach
Shower: No
Café nearby: Yes, within the Jadran swimming pool complex
Step-free access: Yes
Summer crowds: Rarely very busy
Best suited to: Combining a walk, time in the park and a swim
Our verdict: Of all the dog beaches in Split, Zvončac may be the best central option for owners who want to spend a few hours swimming, walking and playing with their dog. Its greatest advantage is the park directly above the beach.
Kašjuni dog beach in Split
A section of Kašjuni Beach on the western side of Marjan is officially designated for dogs. It has one of the most natural settings among the official dog beaches in Split and feels removed from the busiest parts of the city, although the designated dog section is relatively small.
Kašjuni can be reached by car, city bus or on foot across Marjan. Walking is pleasant in spring and autumn, but it can be demanding during the summer heat, especially for dogs that are sensitive to high temperatures.
The dog section is pebbled, with a gradual entry into the sea. Pine trees behind the beach provide some natural shade. Water and showers are available on the neighbouring public section of the beach. Parking is available, but spaces are very limited and fill quickly during the summer.
Kašjuni is very popular during the season, especially in the morning and later in the afternoon.
For more information about the wider beach, facilities and how to get there, read Kašjuni: One of Split’s Most Beautiful Beaches.
Map showing Kašjuni dog beach in Split, Croatia
What to expect at Kašjuni dog beach
Location: Dog section of Kašjuni Beach, Marjan
Getting there from central Split: By car, bus or on foot across Marjan
Parking: Available but very limited
Beach type: Pebble
Access to the sea: Easy
Natural shade: Yes, beneath the pine trees
Drinking water: On the neighbouring public beach
Shower: On the neighbouring public beach
Café nearby: None
Step-free access: Yes
Summer crowds: Heavy
Best suited to: A longer stay, especially when arriving early enough to find shade
Our verdict: Kašjuni is a good choice for anyone who values pebbles, straightforward access to the sea and natural shade. Parking is its biggest drawback, so during July and August it is best to arrive early in the morning or towards the evening. The dog section itself is also extremely small, meaning that crowding should be expected.
In addition to the official dog beaches in Split, several designated or specially arranged options can be found within a relatively short drive of the city.
Fenced dog beach in Stobreč
A fenced dog beach is located in central Stobreč, at the mouth of the Žrnovnica River. The enclosure is its main advantage, allowing owners to relax more easily, particularly if their dog likes to explore or tends to wander away from the towel.
The drive from central Split takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes when traffic is light. During the summer season, however, the journey can take considerably longer because of congestion on the approaches to Stobreč and Split.
The beach has sandy and pebbled sections, with a gradual entry into the sea. Several large parasols provide shade, although it is advisable to bring your own in case they are already occupied. A dedicated dog washing basin with a shower has also been installed beside the beach. Cafés and other amenities can be found nearby, both within the campsite and in central Stobreč. The beach has step-free access.
Map showing Stobreč dog beach in Split, Croatia
What to expect at Stobreč dog beach
Location: Mouth of the Žrnovnica River, Stobreč
Getting there from central Split: Approximately 10 to 15 minutes by car when traffic is light
Parking: Free and paid parking available nearby, outside the campsite
Beach type: Sandy and pebbled
Access to the sea: Gradual
Natural shade: None, but several large parasols are available
Drinking water: Yes, at the dog beach
Shower: Yes, with a dedicated dog washing basin
Café nearby: Yes
Step-free access: Yes
Summer crowds: Moderate
Special feature: Fenced area for dogs
Our verdict: Stobreč stands out among the dog beaches in Split because of its enclosed area, making it a particularly appealing option for owners who do not feel comfortable letting their dog off the lead on an open beach.
Dog beach in Kaštel Kambelovac
The official dog beach in Kaštel Kambelovac is a long pebbled stretch located directly beside the coastal road. A low wall separates the beach from the road, but there is no fence or other barrier, so owners should keep a close eye on their dogs. The access itself is straightforward, with gravel and occasional larger stones along the shore.
The drive from central Split takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic through Kaštela. Owners of smaller dogs can use the local bus if the dog is carried in a suitable pet carrier. For larger dogs, travelling by car, using a pet-friendly taxi or booking a service such as Uber Pet, when available, will usually be more practical.
The beach is pebbled, although parts of the seabed near the shoreline are rocky rather than fully covered in pebbles. Water shoes can therefore be useful for adults and children. Entry into the sea is gradual.
There is no natural shade on the dog beach itself, and the beach can be very exposed to the sun during the day. There is no designated parking directly beside the beach. Some visitors leave their cars along the roadside, while limited informal parking can be found slightly farther away.
Around a 5 to 6 minute walk from the dog beach, there is a developed public beach with a shower, a small parking area, a café and other facilities.
Map showing the dog beach in Kaštel Kambelovac near Split, Croatia
What to expect at Kaštel Kambelovac dog beach
Location: Kaštel Kambelovac
Getting there from central Split: By car, by bus for smaller dogs in a carrier or by pet-friendly taxi
Parking: Available nearby
Beach type: Pebbled, with rocky sections on the seabed
Access to the sea: Gradual; water shoes are recommended
Natural shade: None
Drinking water: On the neighbouring public beach
Shower: On the neighbouring public beach
Café nearby: On the neighbouring public beach
Step-free access: Yes
Summer crowds: Moderate
Best suited to: Owners who want to avoid Split’s busiest beaches
Our verdict: Of all the dog beaches in Split and the surrounding area, this is the one we would not recommend. The location is not particularly suitable for a dog beach, as it sits directly beside the road and is not fenced.
Dog beach in Kaštel Štafilić
The second official dog beach in Kaštela is located in Kaštel Štafilić. It lies along a quieter, more natural section of coastline and is best reached by car, as it is relatively far from central Split and public transport is less practical with a dog.
The beach is predominantly pebbled, with some rocky sections. On one smaller part of the shoreline, the rocks can be slippery, so a little extra care is useful when entering the sea.
One of the main advantages is the natural setting, with plenty of space nearby for walking your dog. A good part of the beach also benefits from shade beneath the pine trees, which makes it more comfortable during the hotter part of the day.
There is no drinking water, shower or café immediately nearby, so visitors should bring everything they need. Because of the location, arriving by car is the most practical option. Parking is informal and free, and the approach is step-free.
The beach is popular with dog owners, but it is also spacious enough that it is usually possible to find a comfortable spot.
Map showing the dog beach in Kaštel Štafilić near Split, Croatia
What to expect at Kaštel Štafilić dog beach
Location: Kaštel Štafilić
Getting there from central Split: Easiest by car
Parking: Informal and free
Beach type: Pebble and rocky
Access to the sea: Shallow
Natural shade: Yes, beneath the pine trees
Drinking water: No
Shower: No
Café nearby: No
Step-free access: Yes
Summer crowds: Popular, but usually enough space
Best suited to: Owners looking for space, nature and shade
Our verdict: Among the dog beaches in Split and the surrounding area, this is neither the most developed nor the easiest to reach, but it may suit owners looking for a quieter setting, free parking and shade beneath the pine trees.
Best dog beaches in Split by facilities and location
The best choice will depend on whether you prioritise easy access, natural shade, a fenced area or nearby facilities, but this guide to dog beaches in Split and the surrounding area should make it easier to find the most suitable option for you and your dog.
Best equipped: Stobreč, thanks to its fenced dog area, gradual access to the sea, nearby cafés and a dedicated stone washing basin with a shower for rinsing dogs after swimming.
Best for combining swimming with a walk: Among the dog beaches in Split and nearby, Zvončac, Duilovo and Kaštel Štafilić are the best choices. Zvončac has a large park and promenade directly above the beach, Duilovo is close to the coastal promenade, while Kaštel Štafilić offers a quieter setting beneath pine trees.
Best for nearby amenities for owners: Stobreč and Zvončac are among the most convenient dog beaches in Split and the surrounding area for cafés, walking areas and other facilities.
Easiest free parking: Duilovo and Kaštel Štafilić are the most convenient dog beaches in Split and the surrounding area for free parking, with informal spaces close to the beach.
Our pick: Stobreč offers the best overall balance of facilities, easy sea access and nearby amenities, making it our top choice for dog beaches in Split and the surrounding area, while Zvončac is our preferred option closer to central Split.
If you’re looking for advice on getting around Croatia with your dog or planning a visit to the dog beaches in Split, read Getting Around Croatia With Pets: Buses, Ferries, Taxis and Local Transport for all the available transport options.
