The most beautiful beaches in and around Zadar: a first-timer's guide
From Kolovare in town to the sands of Nin and turquoise Sakarun on Dugi Otok – beaches you can reach from Zadar on foot, by car or by ferry, with tips on how to enjoy them.
6 min read
Zadar is a perfect base for a summer by the sea: the city has well-kept bathing spots, the sandy lagoons of Nin and Vir are half an hour's drive away, and ferries take you to islands with some of the loveliest bays in the Adriatic in no time. Here are the beaches we recommend to guests visiting Zadar for the first time – ordered from the closest to those that need a day trip.
Beaches in Zadar itself
Kolovare – the city classic
Kolovare is the best-known city beach, an easy seaside stroll from the Old Town. A mix of pebbles and concrete sun decks, showers, changing cabins, cafés and shady trees make it a practical choice for a swim between sightseeing. It looks out towards the island of Ugljan and is one of the nicest places to watch the sunset.
Borik – for families with children
North of the centre, in the Borik resort area, the beach runs along a pine forest that provides natural shade. The water is shallow and calm with a gentle entry, and restaurants, cafés and activities for children are close by. Ideal for days when you don't want to travel anywhere.
Nin and around – sand and views of Velebit
Queen's Beach (Kraljičina plaža)
About twenty minutes' drive north of Zadar lies Nin, a small town on an islet surrounded by a lagoon. Queen's Beach is one of the longest sandy beaches in this part of Croatia: the sea is so shallow you can walk on sand for a long way, which makes it a family favourite. The peaks of Velebit rise behind it, and the famous healing mud traditionally used here is nearby.
Sabunike
Right next to Nin, Sabunike is a sandy beach facing Velebit. Thanks to the steady wind it is very popular with kitesurfers and sailors, while the long pier and nearby bars make it pleasant for anyone who simply wants to enjoy the view.
Vir island – over the bridge to the sea
Vir is connected to the mainland by a bridge, so you can drive there from Zadar in thirty to forty minutes. The busiest beach is Jadro in the town itself: the entry is pebbly, then the sea turns into long sandy shallows. There are sunbeds, parasols, equipment rentals and a floating water park, so it's always lively. For complete peace, head to the western cape and the Vir lighthouse – the shore is rocky, so bring water shoes and a picnic.
The islands off Zadar
Ugljan: Preko and Kukljica
The ferry from Zadar to Preko takes about twenty minutes, making Ugljan the easiest island to reach. Jaz beach in Preko has showers, shade and cafés, and opposite it lies the islet of Galevac with a 15th-century Franciscan monastery that you can swim or row to. In the south of the island, near Kukljica, Zelena Punta beach offers pine shade, pedal boat and kayak rentals and seafood restaurants.
Dugi Otok: Sakarun and Telašćica
Set aside a whole day for Dugi Otok – or better, a night or two – as the boat from Zadar takes between an hour and a half and two hours. In the north of the island is Sakarun, a bay of white sand and pebbles with very shallow turquoise water often called the "Caribbean of the Adriatic". In the south lies Telašćica Nature Park: a sheltered bay with many hidden coves, steep cliffs facing the open sea and the salty Lake Mir, whose water is warmer than the sea in summer. There is an entrance fee to the park.
Practical tips
- When to go: July and August are the liveliest, but June and September bring warm water and fewer crowds.
- Arrive early: at popular beaches the best shady spots are gone by 10 am.
- Water shoes: handy on rocky and pebbly stretches, especially with children.
- Ferries: check the timetable before you set off and arrive early in summer.
- Sun protection: shade is mostly found only under the pines, so bring a parasol or choose a beach with rentals.
Getting to the beaches with Life Tours Zadar
Don't want to worry about transport and timetables? We arrange transfers and taxi, car rental for exploring Nin and Vir on your own, and boat rental for bays you can't reach by road. To see the most beautiful part of the archipelago in a single day, join our Kornati National Park boat trip with a swim at sandy Lojena beach. And for your summer base, browse our accommodation or get in touch – we're happy to help you plan.
