Zadar’s Top Beaches: The 12 Best Beaches You Must Visit

Zadar, one of the most important cities in Croatia’s Dalmatian region, is a famous destination for summer visitors to Croatia.

The city is located on the shores of the Adriatic Sea, in a picturesque setting, offering tourists both natural and historical attractions.

Whether you want to bask in the sun on the shores of the Adriatic Sea or explore the historic sights, Zadar has something for every traveler.

The city center is home to numerous historical monuments and buildings dating back to antiquity, to Roman and Venetian rule.

In addition, the vibrant life of the city, with its countless restaurants, bars and cafés, will ensure that you have a good time while you’re sightseeing.

Furthermore, the natural beauty of the surroundings, the crystal clear sea and the beautiful beaches make Zadar a paradise for holidaymakers and nature lovers.

In this article we will focus on the natural attractions of Zadar, especially its most famous beaches, providing information for those planning a summer beach holiday in Zadar.

So if you’re looking for the beaches of Zadar for your Croatian beach holiday, this article is for you.

Best beaches in Zadar

The beaches of Zadar are part of the Adriatic coastline of Croatia and attract visitors from all over the world, especially during summer.

In the city center of Zadar, as well as in the surrounding areas and neighboring municipalities, numerous beaches can be found, among which several stand out as particularly noteworthy.

If you’re planning a summer holiday in Zadar, you have a wide array of options to choose from, spanning many kilometers of both rocky and pebble-strewn shores to suit your preferences.

Now, let’s take a closer look at some of the most beautiful beaches in and around the Zadar area.

So let’s see which are the best beaches in Zadar.

Borik Beach

Borik Beach is located in the resort area of Zadar, in the north of the city, in a quiet yet well-developed area. The beach is pebbly and sometimes rocky, the water is crystal clear and shallow. The beach area is home to water sports rentals, restaurants and bars, all of which contribute to a comfortable and fun beach experience. And the long promenade that runs along the beach makes it the ideal place for a pleasant stroll by the sea.

Puntamika Beach

Puntamika Beach is located near Borik Beach. It is a pebbly, rocky beach with shallow water. You can easily park your car at the beach and you can also relax in the shade. There is a beach bar on the beach with a terrace offering fantastic sea views.

Uskok Beach

Uskok Beach is a short stretch of beach between the D-Marin Borik and Vitrenjak marinas. Next to the beach is an asphalt parking lot and a playground. However, we recommend it less because of the proximity of the road and the marinas.

Golden Wave Beach

Golden Wave Beach is a small stretch of beach next to Kolovare Beach.

Here you will find facilities such as the Zadar Diving Board and a public swimming pool.

The beach has steps, and is steep and rocky.

Next to the beach, you will find a small café where you can have something to eat and drink.

Kolovare Beach

The Kolovare Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Zadar, thanks to its central location and excellent infrastructure. The pebbly beach and the clear blue water offer the perfect combination for relaxation.

The beach has showers, changing rooms and several cafés for your comfort, as well as umbrellas and sunbeds for rent.

Water sports enthusiasts can hire jet skis, pedal boats and kayaks. A volleyball court is also available.

An aqua park is available for younger children, making the beach a great choice for families.

Karma Beach

Karma Beach is a beach south of Kolovare Beach. It is pebbly, rocky in places, and offers a relaxing and secluded place away from the crowds. However, it offers fewer facilities.

Punta Bajlo Beach

Punta Bajlo Beach is located in the south of Zadar, in a peaceful setting, next to Punta Bajlo Park.

You can see the shady, wooded surroundings as soon as you arrive, which means you can leave your car in the shade and relax in the shade.

The rocky beach is mostly accessed by stairs, and the water is deep, except for the southern part of the coast.

It is recommended for good swimmers and those who want to relax in peace.

Other beaches near Zadar

So far we’ve listed the beaches within the city of Zadar, now let’s take a look at other beaches near the city.

Bibinje Beach

Bibinje Beach is located in Bibinje, south of Zadar. It is a long, pebbly beach with plenty of apartments nearby. For bars, dining and rentals, check out the north and south ends.

Diklo Beach

Diklo Beach is located in the village of Diklo, a resort area north of Zadar. The beach has different stretches, including a central stepped, paved section and quieter, rocky parts.

You can find plenty of apartments and guesthouses in the area. Restaurants and a tennis court can be found in the central part of the beach, next to the marina.

Zaton Beach

Zaton Beach is located further north of Zadar, in Zaton.

It is a very well-developed tourist resort with everything a tourist on a summer holiday could wish for: hotels, guest houses, a huge campsite, sports fields, swimming pools, playground, bars and restaurants.

The beach is sandy and in some places fine pebbles. One of the rare beaches in the area with enough showers.

Zaton Beach is the perfect choice for people of all ages looking for high-quality relaxation.

Queen’s Beach

Queen’s Beach, also known as Kraljičina Beach, is located in Nin, near Zaton.

The beach offers sandy shores for bathing, several restaurants and bars along the coastline, jet ski rentals, and a small water park for children.

It is also worth visiting for its mud spa, another unique feature of the area.

Essentially, this is a pleasant, rural location with well-developed beaches; while we highlight Queen’s Beach specifically, there are also other noteworthy beaches nearby.

This area is particularly popular for its sandy beaches, which are relatively rare in Croatia.

Nearby beaches worth mentioning include Ninska Laguna Beach, Sabunike Beach, Ždrijac Beach, and Prodorica Beach.

Beaches of Pag Island

While exploring Zadar, you shouldn’t overlook the nearby island of Pag, another popular summer destination.

Pag Island is easily reachable by car, and due to its distinct shape, it boasts an abundance of beautiful beaches that are worth visiting when in Zadar.

Among our top picks on Pag are Zrće Beach and Jadra Beach, although the island is home to numerous other fantastic beaches.

What else is worth visiting in Zadar?

Furthermore, here are additional attractions to explore beyond the beaches during your trip to Zadar.

Sea Organ

This unique architectural work transforms the movement of the waves into music, creating a special, meditative atmosphere. It is worth listening to the sounds generated by the waves while walking along the promenade or even sitting on the steps of the organ.

The Greeting to the Sun

Located next to the Sea Organ, this solar-powered installation greets the sun at sunset with a magical light show, creating a stunning spectacle.

Roman Forum

The ancient center of Zadar is located in the heart of the city and preserves the remains of Roman civilization. The Roman Forum was an important part of city life and ruins of ancient buildings can still be seen.

Church of St. Donatus

Built in the 9th century, the circular church is one of Zadar’s best known and most important monuments.

It is located right next to the Roman Forum and is well worth a look.

The Bell Tower beside them is also one of the most famous buildings in the old town of Zadar.

These are just some of the things to see and do in Zadar during your holiday.

Finally, let’s look at some frequently asked questions about holidays in Zadar.

Best time to travel to Zadar

If you want to go to the beach, we definitely recommend the summer months. The water is warmest in July, August and September.

However, you should also be aware of the high temperatures on hot summer days, which can make other activities (such as sightseeing) difficult.

In addition, you’ll find the highest prices in high season.

If you want a compromise solution, September is probably the best month, when prices are starting to fall, but the weather is still pleasantly warm.

So, that was the introduction to Zadar’s top beaches. We trust that we’ve supplied you with helpful information and inspiration for your Zadar summer vacation.

Whether you’re looking for a comfortable beach close to the city center or exploring the secluded bays of the surrounding islands, Zadar has something for everyone.

Don’t miss the opportunity to explore these wonderful beaches and enjoy all the pleasures of coastal life in Zadar.