When you close your eyes and imagine life on Croatia’s most marvellous island, there’s a good chance you’ll visualise yourself on a beach. That isn’t far from the truth, and the island is ringed by some of the best beaches in Europe, each with a different character and atmosphere, from organised hotspots to secret shelters bathed in romance.
There are also nude beaches that continue the island’s proud history of naturism (look for those marked FKK, from the German for “free body culture). The Visit Jelsa website has a special application Plaja Beach Finder that features all of the island’s beaches, so load it up and take your pick.