'Zadar rooftops aerial city view, Dalmatia, Croatia' xbrchx / ShutterstockSituated at the very center of the Adriatic coast, Zadar area stretches along the 1200 km of very well indented shoreline shielded by the amazing and unique archipelago of even 365 islands and islets. This immensely rich coastline of unseen beauty is surrounded by the fertile hinterlands, consisting of five national parks (Kornati, Paklenica, Northern Velebit, The Waterfalls of Krka and The Plitvice Lakes) protected due to their unique and untouched beauty.
The well-indented coastline of Zadar Riviera provides practically countless choices in your search for a perfect beach whether you are vacationing with friends, family or a significant other. Numerous hidden coves and unexplored bays are perfect for sailing lovers and divers. Most of the beaches are, as in the majority of Croatian seaside resorts, covered in fine pebble, but there is a significant number of beautiful and among tourists highly valued sandy beaches.
A large number of beaches are marked with a Blue Flag, the international certificate of ecologic and touristic quality. The sea is always pleasantly refreshing and impeccably pure. Popular beaches offer a lot of additional services and activities apart from swimming and sunbathing. You can try numerous water sports such as windsurfing, diving, paddling, jet ski riding etc. Some beaches are accompanied by cafe and lounge bars with fast food and ice cream stands.
Kolovare Beach
The most popular beach in the city of Zadar is Kolovare. Covered with sand and pebble, it is equipped with showers and changing rooms and protected from the summer swelter by the thick and fragrant pine forest. The beach is surrounded by numerous shops, cafe bars and restaurants.
Saharun Beach
One of the most beautiful sand covered beaches on the Adriatic is Saharun Beach at the Island of Dugi Otok (The Long Island). Pearly white grit covers the 800 m long shoreline gently splashed by the crystal clear greenish-blue sea. It is the perfect place to enjoy swimming and recreation with your family.
Nin
If you are a fan of sandy beaches, be sure to visit Nin, a small settlement a few kilometers away north of Zadar. Kilometers long coastline is completely covered in fine golden sand and the shallow waters ensure the ideal environment for the kids to enjoy their summer fun.
Pinija Beach
Pinija beach at Petrcane settlement is one of the most popular bathing resorts on the Zadar Riviera. It offers numerous additional activities such as beach volleyball, diving or paddling in a rented boat. There are several pools in the area, including an easily accessible parking lot in the pinewood shade.
Zaton Beach
You can enjoy sand covered beaches in the settlements of Zaton, Sabunike and Biograd na moru as well. The beach of the tourist settlement in Zaton is probably the biggest beach of the entire Zadar area with a lot of additional sport activities, restaurants, cafe bars and shops. Sabunike beaches are hidden in the well-indented coves. They provide ideal conditions for surfing and sailing. Crvena Luka (The Red Harbor) in Biograd na moru is a beloved divers’ destination due to its immensely rich underwater wildlife.