Sakarun

Sakarun is a wide, white-sand beach on the north-west coast of the long island of Dugi Otok, north of Zadar, and it is one of the beaches that locals will name if you ask for the best in Croatia. The sand is fine and pale, the water is shallow and turquoise for a long way out, and pine forest runs right down to the back of the beach, giving deep shade.

Unlike the pebble coves that dominate the Croatian coast, Sakarun is genuinely sandy, which makes it popular with families. It is reached by a narrow road from the village of Veli Rat, or by the boat excursions that run from Zadar, which often combine it with a stop at the nearby lighthouse and the cliffs of Telašćica.

In peak season Sakarun gets busy, especially when the excursion boats land, but the beach is broad enough to spread out. There is a small cafe and basic facilities in summer, and little else out of season.

For photographers, the shallow turquoise over pale sand reads best from a high angle at the edge of the pines, and a polarising filter helps with the water colour. Bring shade and water, the pines are the only cover, and reef shoes are useful for the rocky patches at the ends.

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