Things to Do in Sakarun Beach
Sakarun Beach, Croatia - Complete Travel Guide
Sakarun Beach sits on the northwestern tip of Dugi Otok island, about an hour's ferry ride from Zadar. This crescent-shaped stretch of white sand feels almost Caribbean - the water here is that particular shade of turquoise that makes you question whether you're actually still in the Mediterranean. The beach curves around a shallow bay that's protected enough for families but interesting enough that you won't get bored floating around for hours. What makes Sakarun special isn't just the obvious beauty - though the contrast between the white sand and pine-covered hills is genuinely striking - but the fact that it still feels relatively undiscovered, at least compared to some of Croatia's more famous coastal spots.
The surrounding area is part of Telašćica Nature Park, which means the development is minimal and the landscape stays wild. You'll find a couple of beach bars and basic facilities, but this isn't Hvar - the appeal here is more about the natural setting than the scene. The water stays shallow for quite a way out, making it perfect for swimming, and the bay's orientation means it's usually calm even when other parts of the coast are choppy.
Top Things to Do in Sakarun Beach
Swimming and snorkeling in the turquoise bay
The water at Sakarun stays relatively shallow and calm, making it ideal for extended swimming sessions. The clarity is excellent for snorkeling, particularly around the rocky areas at either end of the beach where you might spot some interesting marine life.
Booking Tip: No booking required - just bring your own snorkeling gear as rental options are limited. The water is warmest from July through September, but June and October can be surprisingly pleasant if you don't mind slightly cooler temperatures.
Hiking in Telašćica Nature Park
The nature park surrounding Sakarun offers several hiking trails that wind through Mediterranean vegetation and offer spectacular viewpoints over the Adriatic. The trails range from easy coastal walks to more challenging climbs up to the island's higher elevations.
Booking Tip: Park entrance fees are around 40 kuna per person during peak season. Early morning or late afternoon hikes are most comfortable in summer, and the lighting is better for photos. Bring plenty of water as shade can be limited on some trails.
Kayaking along the coastline
The protected waters around Dugi Otok are perfect for sea kayaking, with hidden coves and dramatic cliff formations to explore. The coastline here is particularly scenic, with plenty of spots to pull ashore for swimming or picnicking.
Booking Tip: Several operators in Zadar offer day trips that include kayak rental and transport to the island, typically costing 300-500 kuna per person. Book ahead in summer as spots fill up quickly, and look for operators that provide dry bags and snorkeling equipment.
Sunset watching from the cliffs
The western-facing cliffs near Sakarun offer some of the most dramatic sunset views in the region. The combination of the open Adriatic horizon and the rugged coastline creates particularly spectacular evening light, especially during the golden hour.
Booking Tip: This is free and doesn't require booking, but plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before sunset to find a good spot and enjoy the changing light. The cliffs can be windy, so bring a light jacket even in summer.
Beach hopping around Dugi Otok
While Sakarun gets most of the attention, Dugi Otok has several other beautiful beaches and coves worth exploring. Many are accessible by foot or short drives, each with its own character and often fewer crowds than the main beach.
Booking Tip: Consider renting a scooter or small car on the island for around 200-300 kuna per day to explore at your own pace. Some of the more remote beaches require short hikes, so bring comfortable walking shoes and plenty of water.
Getting There
Getting to Sakarun Beach requires a ferry journey from Zadar to Dugi Otok, with regular services operated by Jadrolinija running several times daily during summer months. The ferry takes about an hour and costs around 25 kuna per person, with additional fees for vehicles. From the ferry port at Brbinj, Sakarun Beach is about a 15-minute drive north. If you're not bringing a car, there are usually taxis available at the ferry port, or you can arrange transport through your accommodation. During peak summer months, it's worth booking ferry tickets in advance, particularly if you're bringing a vehicle.
Getting Around
Dugi Otok is a relatively small island, and most visitors either rent a car or scooter to get around, or rely on walking and occasional taxi rides. The roads are generally in good condition, though some of the more remote areas might require careful driving on narrower paths. Many accommodations offer bicycle rentals, which work well for exploring the immediate area around Sakarun, though the island does have some hills that might be challenging for casual cyclists. If you're staying near the beach, much of what you'll want to see is within walking distance.
Where to Stay
Sali village
Božava
Dragove
Verunić
Luka
Brbinj
Food & Dining
Dining options on Dugi Otok tend to be simple and focused on fresh seafood and local ingredients. You'll find a couple of beach bars directly at Sakarun that serve basic meals and drinks, but for more substantial dining, the villages of Sali and Božava have several family-run restaurants specializing in grilled fish, octopus salad, and other Adriatic classics. Many places operate on a casual basis - don't expect elaborate menus or formal service, but the quality is generally good and prices are reasonable. It's worth noting that some restaurants close early or have limited hours outside of peak season, so it's always good to ask locally about what's open.
Top-Rated Restaurants in Zadar
Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)
When to Visit
July and August offer the warmest water and longest days, but they're also the busiest and most expensive months. June and September tend to be sweet spots - the weather is still excellent for swimming and hiking, but crowds are more manageable and accommodation prices drop significantly. May and October can be lovely if you don't mind slightly cooler water temperatures, and you'll have the place much more to yourself. Keep in mind that ferry schedules are reduced outside of summer months, and some restaurants and accommodations close entirely from November through March.
Insider Tips
The beach bars at Sakarun can get quite busy during lunch hours in summer - arriving early morning or late afternoon often means better service and more space to spread out
If you're planning to hike in Telašćica Nature Park, the trail maps available at the entrance aren't always perfectly accurate - downloading offline maps on your phone beforehand is a smart backup
The ferry back to Zadar can fill up on summer afternoons, particularly on Sundays - if you're not bringing a car, passenger spots are usually available, but it's worth getting to the port 30 minutes early to avoid stress