Zadar has no shortage of places to swim – the question is which beach suits your day. We have lived and worked here for 15 years, and these are the beaches we recommend to our own guests: from a quick swim near the Old Town to sandy beaches for small children and a hidden cove on the island of Pag.
Quick answer
Staying in town? Swim at Karma in Arbanasi, Puntamika or Diklo. With small children? Head for the sand at Queen’s Beach in Nin or Bilotinjak in Privlaka. Want something special? Our secret tip is Rožin bok on Pag – and the most famous turquoise bay, Sakarun, is easiest to reach by boat.
Zadar beaches at a glance
| Beach | Type | Best for | Where |
|---|---|---|---|
| Karma, Arbanasi | Pebble beach with promenade | A swim close to the Old Town | Zadar (Arbanasi) |
| Puntamika | Small pebbles, shade from trees | Sunsets and an easy beach day | Zadar (Puntamika) |
| Diklo | Narrow beach, easy entry | A quiet swim and seaside cafés | Zadar (Diklo) |
| Queen’s Beach (Kraljičina plaža), Nin | Sand, shallow water | Families, healing mud nearby | Nin, about 15 km |
| Bilotinjak, Privlaka | Fine sand, very shallow | Small children | Between Privlaka and Zaton |
| Rožin bok, Pag | Natural cove | Nature and peace – our secret tip | Bošana, island of Pag |
| Sakarun, Dugi Otok | Turquoise bay | The most famous bay near Zadar | By boat from Zadar |
Beach facilities change with the season – check on the spot.
Karma beach and promenade, Arbanasi
In the Arbanasi neighbourhood, a short way from the Old Town, Karma combines a pebble beach with a seaside promenade. The water is calm and shallow near the shore, and in season there are beach bars, showers and sun loungers – an easy swim before or after exploring the city. Water shoes help on the stones.
Puntamika beach
Puntamika, in the north-west of Zadar, has small smooth pebbles that slope gently into the sea and tall trees for shade. A promenade with cafés runs past a small marina to the lighthouse at the tip – one of the nicest places in town to watch the sun go down.
Diklo beach
Diklo, a quiet seaside neighbourhood north of the centre, has a narrow, calm beach where you can walk straight into the water. Restaurants and cafés line the waterfront, and the promenade is perfect for an evening walk.
Queen’s Beach (Kraljičina plaža), Nin – sandy beach
Around 15 km from Zadar, Queen’s Beach near Nin is one of the best-known sandy beaches in the region. The sea is warm and shallow – ideal for families – and the famous healing mud of the Nin lagoon is right nearby. There are showers, sun loungers and parking. While you are there, visit the historic little town of Nin.
Bilotinjak beach, Privlaka – sand for small children
Bilotinjak, between Privlaka and Zaton, is a beach made entirely of fine sand with very shallow water – one of the best spots for small children. It is a natural, unmanaged beach: bring shade, water and snacks, and come early, as the few parking spots fill up quickly.
Best of Zadar secret tip
Rožin bok beach, Bošana (island of Pag)
Our absolute favourite. Rožin bok is a natural cove near Bošana on the island of Pag where everything comes together: turquoise water, green oak forest, the bare white hills of Pag and the Velebit mountains on the horizon. Steps lead down to the beach, and the sea here is often pleasantly cool thanks to freshwater springs in the area.
Combine it with a short trip around Pag: stroll through Pag town, famous for its lace and Pag cheese, and on the way stop at Fortica, the small medieval fort just below the Pag Bridge with views over the strait. Pag town is about an hour’s drive from Zadar.
Sakarun beach, Dugi Otok – by boat
Sakarun on Dugi Otok is the bay you see on postcards: shallow, turquoise water over a light sea floor. The easiest way to get there from Zadar is by boat – our Dugi Otok speedboat tour stops at Sakarun.
Beaches you can only reach by boat
Some of the most beautiful swimming spots around Zadar are on the islands. On our boat trips you swim where cars can’t go:
- Sakarun and Dugi Otok – a full day by speedboat.
- 4 Jewels of Zadar – half a day, 4 islands and 4 swim stops, snorkelling gear included.
- Kornati National Park – a swim stop in Lojena bay.
Frequently asked questions
Which beach in Zadar is best for small children?
Sandy, shallow beaches are best: Queen’s Beach in Nin and Bilotinjak in Privlaka. In town, Karma has calm, shallow water near the shore.
Are there sandy beaches near Zadar?
Yes – Queen’s Beach (Kraljičina plaža) in Nin and Bilotinjak in Privlaka are sandy. Most beaches in Zadar itself are pebble beaches.
Which beaches are in Zadar itself?
Karma in Arbanasi, Puntamika and Diklo are all in the city, not far from the Old Town.
Where can I watch the sunset in Zadar?
Puntamika is a great spot, as is the Old Town waterfront by the Sea Organ. Or watch it from the sea on our sunset boat tour.
How do I get to Sakarun beach?
Sakarun is on Dugi Otok. The easiest way from Zadar is by boat, for example on our Dugi Otok speedboat tour.
Plan your beach days in Zadar
Combine city beaches with a day on the islands – easy online booking, no hidden costs.