Beaches & islands
Sakarun Beach: How to Get to Dugi Otok’s Sandy Beach from Zadar
Sakarun, also spelled Saharun, is the best-known beach in the Zadar region: pale sand, shallow turquoise water and pine trees along the shore. It lies on the island of Dugi Otok, and the easiest way to get there is a boat trip straight from Zadar.
Straight to Sakarun by boat
No ferry, no rental car: our Dugi Otok speedboat tour stops right in Sakarun bay in the morning. Full day from 9:00 to 18:00, from €100 per person.
Where is Sakarun Beach?
Sakarun lies in a sheltered bay in the north-west of Dugi Otok, between the village of Soline and Veli Rat lighthouse. Dugi Otok is about 45 km long, so the bay is far from the ferry port of Brbinj in the middle of the island. Keep that in mind if you plan the trip yourself.
What makes the beach special?
Pebble beaches are the rule on the Croatian coast and sandy beaches the exception. Sakarun has pale sand and water that stays shallow for a long way out, so children can wade far and the water glows bright turquoise. Pine trees behind the beach give shade.
In summer many sailing boats anchor in the sheltered bay. In July and August the beach is busy around midday; mornings and the shoulder seasons are much quieter.
Getting from Zadar to Sakarun
| Option | How it works | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Speedboat tour | Straight from Zadar into the bay, with more stops | Limited beach time; check the tour restrictions |
| Car ferry + car | Zadar Gaženica to Brbinj, then drive north | Few sailings a day; check the timetable |
| Passenger boat + island transport | From the city harbour to Božava, then taxi or local transport | Hard to time for a day trip |
Staying several days on Dugi Otok? The ferry and a car give you the most freedom. For a day trip from Zadar, the boat tour is the simplest option. All options are compared in our Zadar to Dugi Otok guide.
Combine Sakarun with Kornati
The combined Dugi Otok & Kornati speedboat tour links Sakarun with the Michele shipwreck and Mana and Lojena in Kornati National Park. It suits guests who want to see as much as possible in one day.
Tips for your beach day
- Sun protection and a hat: the sun is especially strong on the pale sand.
- Water shoes are handy if you explore the rocky edges of the bay.
- Bring water and some cash.
- On a boat tour, the skipper decides the route and stops depending on wind and sea conditions.
Frequently asked questions
Are Sakarun and Saharun the same beach?
Yes. Sakarun and Saharun are two spellings of the same bay in the north-west of Dugi Otok. Maps usually say Sakarun; online you will find both.
Is Sakarun a sandy beach?
Yes. Sakarun is one of the best-known sandy beaches in Croatia. The water stays shallow for a long way out, which makes it popular with families.
How do you get to Sakarun Beach from Zadar?
The easiest way is a boat tour from Zadar that stops in the bay. Alternatively, take the car ferry to Brbinj and drive to the north of the island, or take a passenger boat to Božava and continue by taxi or local transport.
When is Sakarun at its best?
In the morning, before most day visitors arrive. In July and August it is busy around midday; in spring and autumn it is much quieter.
Which Best of Zadar tour stops at Sakarun?
The Dugi Otok speedboat tour makes its first swim stop at Sakarun, then visits the Michele shipwreck, Veli Rat lighthouse and Božava. The combined Dugi Otok & Kornati tour links Sakarun with Mana and Lojena in Kornati National Park.
Your day at Sakarun
Straight from Zadar to the sandy beach, with a snorkelling stop at the wreck and Veli Rat lighthouse.