Good to know
Good to Know
- Kolovare and Borik are the best-equipped city beaches; expect higher prices at beach bars due to commercial seaside locations
- Puntamika and Uskok offer quieter alternatives within accessible distance, ideal if seeking fewer crowds
- Most city beaches have pebble or stone bottoms; wear water shoes for comfort when entering the sea
- Parking at Kolovare is paid (approximately 1 EUR/hour); arrive early in peak season for better spaces
- For genuine sandy beaches, day trips to Nin or Sakarun are worthwhile despite longer travel times
- Many beaches offer minimal facilities; bring your own supplies or check specific amenities beforehand
- Beach bars serve drinks and food but at markedly higher prices than restaurants in the old town
Beaches In City
Kolovare Beach
- Type
- pebble with concrete areas and pine trees
- Parking
- HRK 60
- Amenities
- restaurants, coffee bars, water sports, changing rooms, shade
- Character
- family, full-service, activity-packed
- Key Features
- Largest and most popular city beach, aquapark, kayak rentals, beach volleyball, green park areas, Blue Flag status
- Distance From Center
- 10-15 minutes walk south of Old Town
- Parking Note
- 1 EUR per hour; some free parking nearby
Borik Beach
- Type
- sand and pebble
- Amenities
- loungers, umbrellas, changing rooms, bars, restaurants, water sports equipment
- Character
- family-friendly, activity-centered, developed
- Entrance Fee
- HRK 10
- Key Features
- Sandy bottom, shallow water, playground, water sports, pools and slides for kids
- Distance From Center
- 4 km north, part of Falkensteiner resort
- Entrance Fee Note
- Fee required for non-hotel guests; shallow waters ideal for families
Puntamika Beach
- Type
- pebble
- Amenities
- coffee bars, beach hangout areas, shade limited
- Character
- quiet, laid-back, peaceful
- Key Features
- Less crowded, coffee bars, playground, Puntamika Lighthouse nearby with Adriatic views
- Distance From Center
- 1.1 km from Old Town; accessible by car or bike
Uskok Beach (Vitrenjak)
- Type
- pebble
- Amenities
- sun-lounger rentals, playground, wheelchair access, clean restrooms, snacks
- Character
- family-friendly, quiet
- Key Features
- Small playground, local café bar, natural olive tree shade
- Distance From Center
- Borik area, near sailing club
Punta Bajlo Beach
- Type
- pebble and rock with forest shade
- Amenities
- beach bar, volleyball, snack corner
- Character
- sporty, active, quiet nature-oriented
- Key Features
- Local meeting place, volleyball nets, cliff-jumping, pine forest shade, small bar
- Distance From Center
- Accessible by car or short ride from center
Nearby Day Trips
Zrće Beach (Pag Island)
- Type
- pebble
- Character
- party destination
- Activities
- bungee jumping, diving, water sports, clubbing all summer
- Key Features
- Party hub of the Adriatic, all-night beach bars and clubs, summer music festivals, Blue Flag status
- Distance From Zadar
- Less than 2 hours by bus
Queen's Beach (Nin)
- Type
- sandy
- Character
- family-friendly, quiet, therapeutic
- Activities
- swimming, mud therapy, sandcastle building, water sports
- Key Features
- One of Croatia's longest sandy beaches, mountain backdrop, naturally occurring medicinal mud with healing mineral content, shallow waters
- Distance From Zadar
- 30 minutes drive north
Sakarun Beach (Dugi Otok Island)
- Type
- white sand
- Character
- pristine, serene, scenic
- Activities
- swimming, relaxation, exploration
- Key Features
- White sand, aquamarine waters, calm sea, lush dunes, less crowded, postcard-perfect scenery, nearby Veli Rat lighthouse
- Distance From Zadar
- Ferry/catamaran 1 hour from Zadar
Zadar offers a diverse range of beaches within and around the city, from bustling activity centers to quiet family-friendly spots and party destinations further afield.
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this beaches research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
More About Zadar
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.