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A beach day with young children calls for something different from a quick swim after a walk around town. When looking for beaches in Zadar, it is worth considering Nin and Zaton too. Zadar lets you combine sightseeing with the sea, while the Nin Riviera is especially known for sandy beaches.
The quick answer: For a swim alongside a visit to Zadar, Kolovare is a natural choice. If you want sand and shallow water, compare Queen’s Beach near Nin with the beach at Zaton Holiday Resort. Ždrijac is also worth considering for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Bilotinjak may suit you if a natural setting matters more than a wide choice of activities. [1–4]
Which beach fits your plans?
Use this comparison as a starting point, based on each beach’s features. The right choice also depends on where you are staying and how much planning you want your beach day to involve.
| What you would like | A beach to consider | What to keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Sightseeing and a swim | Kolovare, Zadar | Check the beach’s location against your city sightseeing route |
| Different beach sections in Zadar | Borik | Check which sections are sandy and which are pebbly |
| Sand and shallow water | Queen’s Beach, Nin | Plan for shade, weather and what to bring |
| A family day with facilities | Zaton Holiday Resort | Check day visitor access and any separately charged services |
| Sand and water sports | Ždrijac, Nin | Follow the designated swimming and water sports areas |
| A natural beach with a distinctive coastline | Bilotinjak | Check access and what you need to bring |
Kolovare: Combine a swim with a day in Zadar
Kolovare is close to the city centre. Zadar’s tourist board also describes coves and a seawater pool here. [1]
This makes Kolovare worth considering when you want both the city and the sea in one day. You could explore Zadar and finish with a swim, without organising a separate trip for each.
A good fit for you if:
You want to explore Zadar and include a swim in your day.
Borik: Choose between sand and pebbles in Zadar
Zadar’s tourist board describes Borik as a beach with sandy and pebbly sections. [1] If you have your heart set on sand, take a closer look at the particular section you plan to visit.
For planning your day, that difference matters more than a lovely beach photo. Would you like to lie on sand, play with the children or mainly swim? Choose the section that fits your plans.
A good fit for you if:
You want a beach in Zadar and are happy with different types of shoreline.
Queen’s Beach in Nin: Sand and shallow water
Queen’s Beach is called Kraljičina plaža. It is one of the sandy beaches of the Nin Riviera, where shallow water makes the area appealing to families with young children. [2]
If sandcastles and playing by the water are top of your list, this is a good place to start. Check how to reach the beach and decide what you would like to bring with you.
Shallow water still needs supervision. For a relaxed family outing, sun protection, drinks and a pace that suits your children matter too. Look beyond the beach surface when making your choice.
A good fit for you if:
Sand and swimming together with your children come first.
Zaton Holiday Resort: A beach with family facilities
The operator describes an approximately 1.5-kilometre-long, mostly sandy beach with shallow water. Facilities include showers, changing rooms, sun lounger and parasol hire, restaurants and bars. The operator also mentions a wheelchair ramp into the water. [3]
Here, your choice may be different from a day at a natural beach. Which facilities matter to you, and which services would you actually like to use?
If you are staying in a holiday villa: According to Nin’s tourism brochure, visitors staying outside the resort pay an entrance fee. [2] Before you go, check current day visitor conditions. Ask which services are included and which cost extra; beach access does not automatically include every resort facility.
A good fit for you if:
You are planning a beach day with facilities close at hand.
Ždrijac: A sandy beach with water sports
Ždrijac is one of the sandy beaches near Nin. The local tourism brochure mentions a windsurfing and kitesurfing school here. [2]
This could suit you if water sports are part of your holiday plans. For a course, ask the provider about dates and requirements. If you simply want to swim, follow the marked areas and check the conditions when you arrive.
A good fit for you if:
You want a sandy beach and are considering water sports too.
Bilotinjak: A natural sandy beach with a distinctive coastline
Nin’s tourist board describes Bilotinjak as a natural sandy beach on the Zadar Channel, with distinctive sandy cliffs. [4]
The landscape is the main reason to consider this beach. A natural setting does not guarantee an empty beach, though. If you want a quieter day, think about when you travel and what time you arrive.
Check the access beforehand and bring what you will need for your visit. A beautiful beach and an easy family outing are two things worth considering separately.
A good fit for you if:
The natural setting matters most to you.
Planning beach days from your holiday villa
Look beyond the distance on a map. Think about the whole journey: from your accommodation to the parking area or entrance, then to the part of the beach where you want to spend your time.
Keep two options in mind: one beach for an easy swim and another for a longer outing. That way, you can adapt to the weather, your plans and what the people travelling with you would like to do.
When choosing your accommodation, it is worth asking your host a specific question:
Which beach is easiest to reach from this villa for the kind of day we have in mind?
A clear answer helps more than a general description such as “close to the beach”.
Your questions about beaches in Zadar and nearby
Are there sandy beaches in Zadar?
Yes. According to Zadar’s tourist board, Borik has sandy and pebbly sections. You will find more sandy beaches nearby, particularly around Nin and Zaton. [1–3]
Which beach should I consider with young children?
Compare Queen’s Beach near Nin with the beach at Zaton Holiday Resort. Both are described as sandy with shallow water. Also consider access, the facilities you want and conditions on the day you visit. [2–3]
Is Zaton Holiday Resort’s beach free for visitors staying elsewhere?
Nin’s tourism brochure mentions an entrance fee for visitors who are not staying at the resort. Ask the resort for current prices and which services are included. [2]
Which beach works well with a visit to Zadar?
Kolovare is a natural option because it is close to the city centre. Check the route from the places you plan to visit in Zadar. [1]
Are these beaches guaranteed to be quiet?
No. The type of beach cannot tell you how busy it will be on your chosen day. Consider the season, weather and time of day when planning your visit.
Sources and research date
This guide draws on information published by the tourist boards and the resort operator. It does not describe personal visits to the beaches. Research date: 7 October 2026. Access conditions and seasonal services may change.
Nin Tourist Board: Annual programme 2024 – describes Bilotinjak’s natural sandy beach and sandy cliffs.
Zadar Tourist Board: Beaches – city beaches, Kolovare and Borik.
Nin Tourist Board: Nin Riviera – A Rich Treasury, 2026 – sandy beaches, Ždrijac and paid access for visitors staying outside the resort.
Zaton Holiday Resort: Beach – beach length, shoreline and facilities.