Best Beaches in Zadar

Kolovare is the practical choice when you are already sightseeing in Zadar. It sits close to the centre and works well when the beach is one part of a city day.

Treat it as an easy swim rather than a remote escape. Bring what you need for a few hours, then continue into the city instead of trying to turn every convenient beach into an all-day destination.

A late swim can lead into an evening at one of Zadar’s sunset spots.

Kolovare is the practical city-beach choice close to central Zadar.

Borik is a useful option for travellers who want facilities, beach bars and different sections of coastline in one area. It is livelier than the smaller settlements to the north.

In peak summer, arrive earlier if shade and a comfortable place matter to you. If your group prefers a quieter swim, keep Borik for a day when facilities are the priority and choose a smaller coastal stop on another day.

Borik combines an accessible shoreline with more facilities nearby.

Kozino has sandy and pebble sections with clear water. We like it when the goal is not to tick off a famous beach, but to swim close to where you are staying and return whenever the light looks right.

If you are choosing a base nearby, read our guide to staying in Kožino for a clearer sense of the area.

The Kozino coast offers a quieter rhythm close to the accommodation.

Diklo is useful for an easy swim while staying close to the city. Around Petrčane, Pinija and Punta Skala, the coast offers a mixture of public access, resort-adjacent facilities and longer views toward the islands. Conditions and access can change by season, so confirm the exact approach before setting out.

For days when you want to leave the car parked, consider apartments close to the sea.

Diklo keeps an easy swimming stop close to Zadar.

The Nin Riviera is the obvious addition when sandy shallows are the priority. It is a different beach day from the rocky and pebble sections closer to Zadar, and often works well for families. Bring realistic expectations about wind, summer crowds and the walk across warm sand.

You can also combine a beach day with one of these day trips from Zadar.

Queen's Beach brings sand and shallow water to a beach day near Zadar.