Kolovare Beach

The basics

While most walking tours of Zadar stick to the Old Town, beach-hopping tours and electric tuk-tuk tours often visit Kolovare Beach, just south of the city center. Better yet, pack a beach bag and make a day of it. Kids will love the inflatable water park at the south end of the beach and there are also water sports, including Jet Ski and paddle boat rentals. Lifeguards are on duty throughout the summer season, making this a great place to swim.

Things to know before you go

• Facilities at the beach include showers, restrooms, and changing areas; sunloungers and parasols are available for rent.
• There are a few beachside bars and restaurants.
• The pebble beach can be hard underfoot, so you might prefer to wear water shoes.
• The beach is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.

How to get there

Kolovare Beach is less than a mile (1.5 kilometers) southeast of Zadar Old Town. To get there, it’s about a 20-minute walk or a 10-minute taxi or Uber ride.

When to get there

Croatia’s best beach weather is from June through August, but it’s often warm enough to hit the beach in May, September, and early October. Kolovare Beach can get packed in the summer, so arrive early to dodge the crowds and nab a good spot.

Beach-hopping around Zadar

North of Zadar, the pebble beach of Borik is known for water sports, including jet-skiing, windsurfing, parasailing, and banana boat rides, while nearby Vitrenjak Beach has shallow waters and a sailing club. The rocky coast of Punta Bajlo Beach is a tranquil swimming spot, though not ideal for young children, while Zaton Beach is the place to go for sandy shores. You can also set sail for the beautiful beaches of Ugljan, Pag, and Dugi Otok islands.