As an Australian, I do admit that I am a bit of a beach baby. Stereotypical but true. The majority of us Aussies grew up near the coast and our island home boasts some of the best beaches in the world. Being close to the sea is soothing to us. Comforting.
So when I discovered that I would be in the region of one of Croatia’s most pristine beaches, I couldn’t pass up a visit.
Welcome to Sakarun Beach. Aka heaven.
When I first sighted the hue of that impossibly turquoise water, I immediately felt my pace quicken, breaking into a half-run towards that surreal azure. With sailing boats moored off the coast and swimmers casually paddling a hundred metres from the shore in some of the warmest and most shallow water I’ve ever swum in, I knew immediately that I wouldn’t be leaving this beach for the remainder of the day.
Getting there and away
This heavenly little bay is located on Dugi Otok, an island that can easily be reached by ferry from the city of Zadar on Croatia’s dalmatian coast. Ferries depart daily year round with the journey taking approximately 1 hr 20 minutes. Sakarun Beach is on the northwestern coast of the 45 km long island. For the most convenience, it is best to hire a car in Zadar and bring it across on the ferry to Dugi Otok, as transport is limited on the island. If you do not have your own transport, there is an infrequent local bus that connects a few of the island’s towns, although this can be an unreliable method of transport.
Food
There are two options for lunch at Sakarun beach and I highly recommend the delicious, fresh and light fare at Amarcord, a beach shack positioned on the far side of the bay. Prices are very reasonable considering the view! Don’t go past the fresh Greek salad and a Karlovačko beer.
After lunch, take a walk further up the coast and find a secluded spot to while away the afternoon. I couldn’t think of anything better.
Is there a beach that you have discovered on your travels that has blown you away? Share your experience below!
Incredible! Great post, have to agree with the Australian obsession with beaches. How can you not!
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21 year old travel blogger on the road since she was born.
http://globeetrotter.blogspot.co.nz/
Thank you Alissa and thanks for stopping by! Australia is a special place — there’s no place like home. These Croatian beaches are pretty incredible too, no? x
Goodness gracious the water is so blue!
It was unbelievable Stephanie! Just heavenly!
Although I’m more of a pebble beach fan, this beach is really something special!
I spent 5 days on Dugi Otok this summer, most of them enjoying this turqoise lagoon.
Nice photos! 🙂
Wow — 5 days on Dugi Otok! You must have really been able to see a lot of the island, Anja. How did you get around? We made the mistake of not organising transport before we arrived so had to rely on the infrequent bus and some hitchhiking! But all worth it to spend a beautiful afternoon at this special spot. Thanks for your comment x
Hi Rachel,
we are fortunate enough to have friends on the island, so we knew from their experience that it is a bit complicated getting around without the car! Even though we had one, we didn’t use it much- we enjoyed Sakarun every day and did a bit of cycling on that part of the island. It is really perfect for a relaxed summer holiday!
Do you have any plans of visiting Croatia again this summer?
How wonderful to know locals on the island Anja! I’m sure you they shared with you Dugi Otok’s best tips. Yes, it was a little complicated without our own transport, but I guess it was all part of the adventure! We looked into heading to Bozava to try to hire a scooter but they were all out and it was quite far from where we were staying in Brbinj. Next time! I would LOVE to see more of Croatia this year, but haven’t got any plans locked in just yet. Where are you dreaming of heading this summer? x
Oh, and I forgot to say that there is a very well organized rent-a-scooter in Bozava, and I think it is a pretty good option for getting around the island!
It must have been their busiest time of the year when they ran out of scooters!
If you decide to visit Croatia again I would be happy to give you some local advice, especially if you decide to visit Istria or Zagreb!
Right now I am dreaming of/planning Portugal in spring!
And when it comes to summer, for me there is no place like home (Croatian coast) 🙂
It was indeed — the height of summer. Thanks so much Anja! I will definitely be in touch when I head back. There’s a possibility I might visit Zagreb in late May. Have the BEST time in Portugal! x
Thanks Rachel, I’ll try 😀
If you do visit Zagreb in May, I’ll be happy to give you some advice or (if I’m in Zagreb) show you around!
Cheers
You’re wonderful Anja, thank you! I’ll be sure to let you know! xx
Hi Rachel,
I’m so inspired by your post that I’d like to go to Sakarun this summer, but some reviews on Tripadvisor claim that this beach is really dirty.
Are there more than one areas of the beach? Maybe you found a quieter corner?
We’re thinking of not renting a car; do you know if we can reserve a scooter in advance?
Where did you stay, if you’d recommend it?
Thanks so much!
Bettina
Hi Bettina, so happy to hear you’re planning a trip to Sakarun! I’m so jealous — how divine! <3 I'm not sure what the reviews on Tripadvisor mean by 'dirty'. The beach is certainly very clean and sandy. It's possible that the reviews are in reference to the dried seaweed that is scattered all over the beach, but I wouldn't call that dirty at all! There is one main beach area but a small walking track leads around to a pebbled cove which is also nice for swimming. You definitely need to organise some kind of transport (we didn't and regretted it!), and a scooter would be perfect. I think you can reserve one in Božava which is the main town in Dugi Otok, otherwise bring one across on the ferry from Zadar. We stayed at a really quiet hotel in Brbinj. I wouldn't stay in that location again as there wasn't much there and it was quite far from the other towns without transport. Have a great time! x
For me, this has to be one of Croatia’s best kept secret beaches, and definitely one of the most famous beaches in the Zadar area. Sakarun beach is filled with white sand, and some of the clearest water you will ever see.
It’s so heavenly Mario! I wish I could transport myself back there right now!