Often called 'the Caribbean of Croatia', Sakarun features unusually white sand — rare on Croatian shores — and shallow turquoise water perfect for families with young children. Pine forest backdrop provides natural shade.
Sakarun sits on the western tip of Dugi Otok ('Long Island') in the Zadar archipelago of northern Dalmatia, Croatia, consistently ranked among the finest beaches in the region. The beach is unusual for the Croatian coast in that its shoreline is composed of fine white and light-grey sand — a rarity among the predominantly pebble and rock beaches of Dalmatia — giving it a tropical appearance that earns it frequent comparison to Caribbean shores. The water at Sakarun is exceptionally shallow for a considerable distance from the shore, warming quickly in summer to temperatures of 25–27°C, and turns distinctive shades of turquoise and pale blue depending on cloud cover and sun angle.
The beach extends roughly 800 metres in a gently curving arc, backed by dense Aleppo pine forest that provides natural shade along most of its length. The pine trees grow close to the shoreline, enabling visitors to combine sun and shade easily. The shallow, calm water and sandy floor make Sakarun one of the best beaches in Croatia for families with very young children; paddling and wading remain safe well out from the shore. There are no significant currents or surf.
Basic amenities are available in summer: sunbeds and parasols can be hired near the central section, a beach bar operates from June to September, and toilet and shower facilities are located near the main parking area. The parking area fills quickly on peak days in July and August, so arriving before 08:30 is advisable. A small grocery store and café operate in Veli Rat village about 2 kilometres away.
Reaching Sakarun requires travelling to Dugi Otok by ferry from Zadar. Jadrolinija operates car ferries to Brbinj (2–2.5 hours) from where the beach is roughly 30 kilometres north by road. A faster passenger catamaran also serves the island seasonally. Visitors without a car can arrange local taxi transfers at Brbinj or Sali.
Amenities
- sunbeds
- beach bar
- showers
- toilets
- parking nearby
- natural shade
Good to know
- Best for
- families, swimmers, sunbathers, couples, beachcombers
Highlights
- Fine white sand beach — one of very few genuinely sandy beaches in the Dalmatian archipelago
- Turquoise, shallow water warming to 25–27°C, ideal for paddling and families with young children
- Pine forest growing to the water's edge providing shade across most of the 800m curved beach
- Calm, current-free conditions on the sheltered western tip of Dugi Otok
- Quieter atmosphere than Brač or Hvar beaches despite its Caribbean-quality setting
Tips for visiting
- Arrive before 08:30 in July and August — the car park fills completely by mid-morning and overflow parking is limited
- Walk left (northward) from the central sunbed area for a quieter stretch of beach beneath the pines
- Bring food and water; the beach bar is the only on-site refreshment option and provisions in Veli Rat are basic
- The sandy floor continues into the water, making water shoes unnecessary — unusual for Croatian beaches
- An arrival after 16:00 sees the sun drop behind the pines, reducing midday heat while the water stays warm
When to visit
June and early September offer warm water with noticeably fewer visitors than peak August. The beach faces west, making late-afternoon swims particularly pleasant as the low sun illuminates the turquoise water. July and August draw the largest crowds, especially at weekends and on Croatian public holidays.
Accessibility
The path from the main parking area to the beach is unpaved but relatively flat over approximately 300 metres. The sandy beach surface makes pushchairs and beach wheelchairs more manageable than at typical Croatian pebble beaches. No dedicated adapted facilities are known to be available on-site.
Frequently asked questions
Is Sakarun a true sandy beach?
Yes — it is one of the rare beaches in Croatia with genuine fine sand rather than pebbles or shingle. The sandy floor continues into the water, making it unusually comfortable for wading and suitable for young children.
How long does it take to get to Sakarun from Zadar?
The Jadrolinija car ferry from Zadar to Brbinj takes approximately 2–2.5 hours. From Brbinj, Sakarun is about 30 kilometres north, taking around 30–40 minutes by car. Total travel time is typically 3–3.5 hours.
Are there facilities at the beach?
A beach bar, sun-lounger and parasol hire, showers, and toilets are available in peak season from June to September. Outside those months few or no facilities operate.
Is Sakarun suitable for snorkelling?
The sandy floor and clear shallow water near the shore are pleasant for snorkelling. The rocky outcrops at the northern and southern ends of the bay offer better marine life — sea bream, octopus, and sea urchins are commonly spotted.