13 Best Zadar Beaches To Visit In Croatia
Are you looking for the best Zadar beaches to visit?
Welcome to Zadar, one of Croatia’s most beautiful coastal cities and home to some of the Adriatic’s most gorgeous beaches.
Zadar is a perfect location if you’re a beach lover and looking for a taste of the Mediterranean paradise because of its rich history, vibrant culture, and crystal-clear waters.
Geographically, Zadar is located in the Ravni Kotari region, northwest of the Adriatic Sea.
I’ll cover 13 of Zadar’s top beaches, along with advice on where to stay, how to get around, and what makes each beach special. So, grab your sunglasses and let’s explore the stunning beaches of Zadar!
Let’s go!
Does Zadar Have Good Beaches?
Absolutely! Some of the most beautiful beaches in the country can be found in Zadar, a charming coastal city in Croatia. Zadar’s beaches are undoubtedly a must-visit location if you’re a beach enthusiast because of their clean waves, plush sands, and variety of water sports and activities.
The city’s coastline is home to a wide range of beaches, from crowded urban areas to serene secluded coves, making it possible for you to select the ideal beach experience to fit your interests and preferences.
13 Best Beaches in Zadar
These 13 beaches are my personal recommendations to make the best of your stay in Zadar!
1. Kolovare Beach
Kolovare Beach is well-liked by both locals and visitors due to its clear seas and pebbly shore. This urban beach is convenient for getting to, has a ton of cafés and restaurants close by, and is ideal for a fun-filled day of relaxation.
You can visit Zadar’s historic monuments and exciting nightlife before or after your beach excursion because of its close proximity to the city center.
2. Borik Beach
This beach is excellent for families with children and is located in the Borik tourist resort region. The shallow waters, which include a mixture of pebbles and sand, are safe for kids to swim in. The beach also provides a variety of water activities and extras like sun loungers and umbrellas.
Families can stay in a variety of neighboring hotels, which guarantees a relaxing and pleasurable vacation for everyone.
3. Saharun Beach
Saharun Beach, which is located on Dugi Otok Island, is famous for its white sands and turquoise waters. This lovely beach is a little bit of a hidden gem and ideal if you’re seeking a quiet getaway.
To get to this sanctuary, you must take a ferry from Zadar, but the trip is well worth it. A pine grove that borders the shore makes it the ideal location for picnics and leisure.
4. Ninska Laguna Beach
Ninska Laguna Beach is popular if you’re seeking to improve your skin and general health because of its therapeutic mud. Due to its shallow seas and steady winds, this sandy beach is also excellent for kiteboarding.
This beach offers a distinctive blend of natural beauty and cultural activities thanks to the surrounding salt museum and the nearby ancient town of Nin.
5. Queen’s Beach
Queen’s Beach, a sizable sandy beach close to the medieval town of Nin, is another great place for kiteboarding. If you’re a beginner, you may learn to kitesurf here because of the shallow waters, and if you’ve never done it before, you can even take lessons.
The beach provides breathtaking views of the Velebit mountain range, making it a picturesque location for relaxing and sunbathing.
6. Karma Beach
On the island of Pašman, there is a quiet pebble beach that’s a lovely place to relax and take in the sunshine. It is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving because of the calm, clear waters.
The beach is surrounded by luxuriant Mediterranean flora, which gives you a relaxed and picturesque experience.
7. Vitrenjak (Uskok) Beach
Vitrenjak is a small, serene pebble beach that’s ideal if you’re looking for a more personal beach experience.
This beach is surrounded by pine trees and provides lots of shade and seclusion, making it the perfect location for a romantic day out. You can easily explore the undersea world while snorkeling in its crystal-clear waters.
8. Petrcane Beach
The magnificent pebble and sand beach is well recognized for its pristine waters and picturesque surroundings. It’s a terrific option for families and provides you with a number of attractions and water sports.
You can taste some delicious Croatian food in the area’s lovely cafés and restaurants while admiring the breathtaking views of the sea.
9. Crvena Luka Beach
Crvena Luka Beach, located inside a resort of the same name, has a mixture of sand and pebbles and is surrounded by thick flora. Paddleboarding and beach volleyball are just a couple of the attractions and activities available at this family-friendly beach.
The resort offers you a nice and comfortable stay by way of a spa, restaurants, and a marina.
10. Uvala Bilotinjak Beach
On the island of Ugljan, there is a quiet cove that makes a lovely haven from the city. The pebble beach offers fantastic snorkeling and diving chances despite being surrounded by rocks and thick vegetation.
You can stroll along the beach and take in the serene ambiance, or you can explore the underwater caverns and marine life.
11. Soline Beach
Soline Beach, which is close to the municipality of Kukljica, is a serene sandy beach that’s perfect for swimming and tanning. The beach is surrounded by a dense pine forest, which offers lots of shade and a relaxed ambiance.
If you want to stay longer in this breathtaking location, a neighboring campsite provides lodging alternatives.
12. Puntamika Beach
With a combination of pebbles and sand, Puntamika is a well-liked beach among both visitors and locals. The beach offers breathtaking views of Zadar’s ancient town and is ideal for swimming and sunbathing due to its calm waves.
Along the shoreline, there are many beach bars and eateries that offer sips and entertainment all day long.
13. Jaz Beach
Jaz Beach is a little pebble beach on the island of Ugljan with crystal-clear water. It is a hidden gem. Away from the tourists, it’s a great place to snorkel and unwind.
The beach is surrounded by steep cliffs and Mediterranean flora, making it a gorgeous and private setting for a relaxing day at the beach.
Where to Stay In Zadar?
When it comes to accomodation, Zadar has a variety of options to fit all interests and budgets. You can plan your stay through budget, mid-range or luxury options.
Budget
If you’re on a tight budget, think about booking a room in a hostel or guesthouse in the city center or close to a popular beach. In order to help you save money while still having a nice stay, these hotels often offer minimal facilities and shared areas.
Mid-range
In Zadar, there are several affordable hotels and private flats that often offer quick access to the city’s beaches and other attractions. For a more comfortable stay, these options often provide private rooms as well as extras like kitchens and laundry rooms.
Luxury
You can choose a boutique hotel, a beachfront resort, or a high-end villa with breathtaking sea views for a more opulent stay. These lodgings often come with first-rate amenities like spas, exquisite cuisine, and exclusive beach access to guarantee an enjoyable holiday.
How to Get Around in Croatia?
Croatia has an efficient transportation system, making getting around the country rather simple. You have a couple of choices for discovering the country.
Car
Having a rental car allows you the freedom to go at your own speed. Remember that driving in Croatia may require an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Driving gives you the freedom to explore off-the-beaten-path locations and take in the stunning Croatian scenery at your own pace.
Bus
In Croatia, there is a robust and reasonably priced bus system that connects the majority of the major cities and tourist areas.
Buses are a practical means of getting from one city to another, and many include air conditioning and soft seats for a comfortable ride.
Ferry
Consider taking a ferry to one of the many islands around the shore. Both the ferry companies Jadrolinija and Krilo are well-known in the area. With possibilities for both people and cars, ferries are a great way to see the beautiful islands and coastal villages.
Train
The train network in Croatia is not as large as the bus network, but it can still be a convenient and beautiful method to travel between some cities, including Rijeka, Split, and Zagreb.
What Beach is the Nicest on Zadar?
Although each of the beaches listed above is lovely, Saharun Beach on Dugi Otok Island is often cited as one of the best beaches close to Zadar.
It’s a beautiful paradise with white sands and turquoise waters, making the boat voyage from Zadar well worth it. A pine grove that borders the shore makes for the ideal location for picnics and leisure.
Also, because of the shallow waters, it’s perfect for families with young children or those seeking a tranquil swim.
Besides Saharun Beach, I personally also love Jaz Beach!
Can You Swim in the Sea in Zadar?
Yes! You can swim in the sea. Many beaches have shallow spots that are ideal for kids or inexperienced swimmers, and the seas around the shoreline are clear and safe for swimming.
Summertime in Zadar is usually a great season for swimming and other water activities because the water is usually at a reasonable temperature.
Also, a lot of the local beaches have received the Blue Flag for environmental management and cleanliness, guaranteeing swimmers a fun and safe experience.
Ever wondered if it’s safe to swim in Zadar? Check out my post about sharks in Croatia!
Which Is the Best Secluded Beach Near Zadar?
On the island of Ugljan, Uvala Bilotinjak Beach is a great option if you’re seeking for a quiet beach close to Zadar. The beach is tucked away in a quiet cove, providing a sense of seclusion and peace that is difficult to obtain at busier beaches.
It is ideal for swimming and snorkeling because of the clean seas and rocky shoreline.
The beach is bordered by thick vegetation and rugged cliffs, which adds to its sense of seclusion and makes it the perfect location for a relaxing day by the sea.
Is Zadar a Good Holiday Destination?
Yes! Zadar is unquestionably a fantastic holiday spot! This little Croatian coastal city offers the ideal fusion of natural beauty, culture, and history.
It is the perfect destination for a wonderful vacation because of its breathtaking beaches, beautiful ocean, and lively old town.
Zadar is known for its stunning beaches as well as its one-of-a-kind landmarks like the Sea Organ and the Monument to the Sun.
In addition, you have the option of taking a day trip to one of the numerous adjacent islands or visiting nearby national parks including Kornati Islands and Plitvice Lakes.
Zadar is certain to leave you with lasting memories and a desire to return because of its warm and welcoming atmosphere, lovely local cuisine, and a variety of activities to suit all interests.
The Wrap-Up: 13 Best Zadar Beaches To Visit In Croatia
If you want to experience Croatia’s breathtaking coastline, Zadar is a must-visit location. It has a lot of lovely beaches, wonderful lodgings, and an abundance of activities and attractions.
There is a beach in Zadar for everyone, from popular locations like Kolovare Beach to hidden treasures like Uvala Bilotinjak Beach or Jaz Beach.
So get ready for an incredible Croatian beach experience that blends natural beauty, rich culture, and a laid-back environment by packing your swimwear, sunscreen, and sense of adventure.
The beaches of Zadar guarantee that your trip to Croatia will leave you with some great memories, whether you’re a single traveler, a couple, or a family.
If you’re looking for a get-away trip to Croatia’s capital city, check out my post on Zagreb.
Your restless voyager,
Dustin
