Best beaches in Zadar county (Croatia): Top 8
The first thought that comes up to us when someone says ‘summer’ is a crystal clear beach with sun rays and a gentle breeze. That is exactly what you can find on the best beaches in Zadar! Aside from natural beauty and a clean environment, there are many interesting activities and sports to enjoy. Hopefully, our article will help you to choose a favourite from the best beaches in Zadar.
1. Sakarun Beach
Sakarun Beach is definitely worth the ride to the northwest side of Dugi Otok island. It’s about one hour of ferry or catamaran ride and once you are there, you can rent a bike and explore the island. If you are not in the mood for biking, there is a tourist bus that can take you everywhere.
Sakarun beach is situated in one of the prettiest coves. It’s known for its crystal clear blue water and white sandy beach. It’s 800m long and has a nice shade of pine trees. During the day, it’s a perfect place to relax, swim and sunbathe and at night, it has the best parties!
2. Nin Lagoon
Nin Lagoon or ‘Queen Beach’ is a beautiful sandy beach that expands over 9 kilometres. It is one of the best beaches in Zadar area, with shallow warm water, perfect for activities like kitesurfing and traditional ball game picigin. The beach has an incredible view of Velebit mountain in the background and healing mud is just steps away, helping people with various skin, bone and joint conditions.
The beach is truly unique, being one of the most beautiful beaches in this area and even in Europe. It’s a great place for families with small kids who can enjoy shallow water and compete in building sand sculptures. If you are interested in this beach, you are in luck because you can stay in our fantastic apartments in Queen Beach Nin (Croatia).
3. Zaton Beach
If you are looking for crystal-clean beaches in Zadar, this is the place. Zaton Beach was awarded blue flag stats, testifying the water quality, safety, quality service and environmental management. This sandy/pebbly beach has a comfortable shade of pine trees and offers a lot of exciting activities, just a few kilometres from Zadar.
4. Zrće Beach
This is the perfect place for party animals, located in Novalja, on Pag island. It’s one of the most popular beaches near Zadar and the most known party spot in Croatia, with parties lasting all summer long. Apart from all amenities, and blue flag status, the pebbly beach is renowned especially for parties.
5. Kolovare Beach
Kolovare Beach is one of the closest beaches in Zadar and a favourite spot for Zadran people who love to refresh themselves without leaving the city centre. It’s just a few minute walk southwards and it’s all it takes to reach it from the historical core and enjoy the comfortable shade of lush Mediterranean vegetation.
6. Borik Beach
Borik Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Zadar, stretching over 1-5 kilometres. It offers great places for swimming, with beautiful blue sea colours and great water quality with a pebbly beach. The natural shade is provided by tall pine trees, giving the coast its unique charm.
7. Puntamika Beach
Puntamika is a small and quiet beach that impresses with cosiness and amazing sea colours. It’s a very clean pebbly beach with a small promenade that runs along the coast. If you are looking for peaceful beaches in Zadar, then this is the place to go. At the lower end, there is a small marina and at the upper end, you will find a charming cafe, just next to the lighthouse. Locals love this romantic beach, so it’s a perfect place to experience Croatian culture and maybe even pick up a few words of the language.
8. Zadar Old Town Beach Riva
In the Old Town of Zadar, you can find Riva Beach which is a perfect place for refreshing if you are staying in the city. There are numerous access points and ladders that lead directly into the crystal clear water. Just a few steps away, there is a sea organ monument which is also a popular place for swimming and sunbathing while enjoying the mysterious sounds of the installation.
