In and around Zadar: everything you need to know about the best beaches in the region
Popular with everyone: Borik
Located approximately four kilometres north of the city centre, Borik is quite rightly one of Zadar’s most popular beaches: with a length of over 1.5 kilometres, there is enough space for everyone, be it families with children, sunbathers or water sports enthusiasts. The beach is a parasailing hotspot and equipment can be hired there. Most bathing areas have a gravelly bottom, but there are also sandy sections and concrete stairs for easy access. The clear sea water shines in beautiful shades of turquoise, and the water quality has been awarded the “Blue Flag”. Practical for families: in addition to playgrounds and parasol rentals, there is also good infrastructure with parking, showers and toilets, and some hotels, cafés, bars and restaurants are nearby.
Shady urban oasis: Kolovare
Kolovare beach is particularly pleasant on hot days, as it is lined with pine trees that provide natural shade. The beautiful bay is just south of the old town and is within easy walking distance. The beach consists of fine gravel, but there are also smooth areas for sunbeds and parasols, which you can rent here. In addition to water sports, there is a bouncy castle for children in the water and a beach volleyball court nearby. Showers, toilets and kiosks are located in the immediate vicinity. Our tip: End your beach day with Croatian specialities in one of the local restaurants or bars.
Romantic: Puntamika
This natural gravel beach is located between a charming lighthouse and a small marina. Originally an insider tip from the locals, Puntamika is becoming increasingly popular with tourists. You can swim, snorkel or glide over the crystal-clear water on a paddle board. It is advisable to wear bathing shoes due to the pebbles and rocks in some places. Our tip: At sunset, the beach by the lighthouse is a particularly romantic spot.
Idyllic: Punta Bajlo
Punta Bajlo beach is located on a small idyllic peninsula with a pine forest at the end of the waterfront promenade in the district of Arbanasi. Here there are pebbly areas that allow easy access to the water, as well as higher rocks from which you can jump into the sea. Sporty visitors can also play beach volleyball here. The cosy beach bar right on the sand is the perfect place to relax. Practical: Punta Bajlo is within walking distance of the old town, but there is also complimentary parking.
Hit the sandbank: Ždrijac
This unique sandy beach in the Nin lagoon has the unusual shape of a long sandbank that seems to frame the town centre. This results in clear, shallow water on two sides, ideal conditions for playing picigin, a Croatian sport that is played with a small ball in shallow water. There is also a great view of the lagoon and the old town. The wind conditions here attract numerous wind and kite surfers. Outdoorsy holidaymakers can take courses or rent equipment at local water sports schools. Nin is around a 30-minute drive from Zadar.
Royal bathing pleasure: the Queen’s Beach
The Queen’s Beach near Nin is one of Croatia’s longest and most beautiful sandy beaches and is only 15 kilometres from Zadar city centre. It is named after Queen Jelena, the wife of the first Croatian king, Tomislav, who is said to have loved watching the sunset and the beautiful landscape of the Velebit Mountains from here. There is also a source of healing mud nearby. As early as Roman times, this healing mud was used for skincare. If you want to try it out, there is an official open-air spa in Nin.
Caribbean feeling: Sakarun on the island of Dugi Otok
It’s hard to believe this beach is in Croatia and not in the Caribbean: on Sakarun beach on the island of Dugi Otok, fine white sand meets crystal-clear waters. The sea remains shallow here for a long way out, making the bathing area ideal for families with small children. The beautiful bay is framed on three sides by pine trees offering many pleasantly-shaded places for visitors on hot days. Experiencing the bay by boat is highly recommended. Various companies offer daily boat trips from Zadar. If you want to stay longer on the island, you’re best taking the ferry from Zadar (travel time approx. 1 hour and 40 minutes).
Island hopping: Jaz on the island of Ugljan
Jaz is a popular beach in Preko on the island of Ugljan, just over 20 minutes from Zadar. The beach is partly natural with pebbles and sand, but there is also a concrete section with complimentary sunbeds and steps for easier access to the water. Children love the slides that lead directly into the sea. Experienced swimmers can swim to the opposite small island of Galevac, while others can simply take a boat to visit the church, including the cemetery and museum on the island. The beach is located near the ferry terminal and is also easily accessible for day visitors.
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