Kolovare Beach
Kolovare is Zadar's most popular city beach, just a short walk from the old town, with clear water and a pebbly, rocky shore. It offers solid amenities — showers, changing areas, sunbed and umbrella rentals, cafes, a bar and beach volleyball courts — but it's narrow and gets very crowded in high season. Great for a swim and a relaxed few hours rather than a private full-day beach retreat.
- Best time:
- Late spring or early summer to avoid peak crowds; visit in the early afternoon for warmer swimming, and arrive early in July/August to secure a spot.
- Who it's for:
- City-based travelers and families wanting an easy, well-equipped beach within walking distance of Zadar's old town.
The facts
- Sand / surface
- pebble
“Mostly rocks and pebbles and not sand”
- Water quality
- excellent, clear
“The water here is incredibly clear, clean, and beautiful”
- Family friendly
- yes
“the atmosphere felt calm and family-friendly”
- Bar
- yes
“a bar (with high prices)”
- Restaurant
- no
“There really isn't much to eat close by”
- Showers
- yes
“There's also a free shower, which is very convenient”
- Toilets
- yes
“showers and a bathroom nearby”
- Parking
- yes, paid ~1€/hour, sometimes free nearby
“The parking is large but paid for (1€ per hour) but if you are lucky you can also find it free”
- Sunbeds
- yes, €10 or €13 premium
“Sunbeds are 10€ each or 13€ for a luxury one with padding”
- Snorkeling
- yes
“recommend coming with swimming goggles... you can spot individual fishes”
- Diving
- yes
“a place where to do dives not too far”
- Cleanliness
- generally clean, but toilets can be poorly maintained
“Pretty clean with showers and a bathroom nearby”
- Crowd level
- busy/crowded in summer
“in high season like in July you hardly can find a free spot”
- Water sports
- jet ski, beach volleyball
“There were cafes, jet skis, and outdoor volley ball”
- Changing facilities
- yes
“Perfect beach, with changing areas and showers available”
- Beach size
- small
“Space is not much, but you can always find a place”
Good to know
- sea urchins — “review tag: sea urchins”
- rocky/pebbly seabed - water shoes advised — “I recommend bringing water shoes”
- immediately deep water — “It is immediately deep for swimming”
- occasionally wavy sea — “The sea is clean but a bit wavy”
Pros
- +Very clear, clean water good for swimming and snorkeling
- +Close to the old town, easy to reach
- +Full amenities: showers, changing areas, sunbeds, bar
- +Beach volleyball courts and water toys for kids
- +Friendly atmosphere and lifeguard present
Cons
- −Pebbly/rocky underfoot — water shoes recommended
- −Gets very crowded and space is limited in summer
- −Few toilets and inconsistent cleanliness
- −Little food available right at the beach; bar prices are high
- −Parking is paid (~1€/hour) unless you find a free roadside spot
FAQ
- Is Kolovare Beach sandy?
- No, it's mainly pebbles and rocks with a stony seabed, so water shoes are recommended.
- How much do sunbeds cost?
- Around €10 for a standard lounger or €13 for a premium one with a cushion and shade.
- Is there parking?
- Yes, there's a large paid lot at about 1€ per hour, with occasional free spots along the road.
- Is it good for families?
- Yes, it has a calm, family-friendly feel with shallow-access areas, water toys and volleyball, though it gets crowded.
- Are there facilities like showers and toilets?
- Yes, there are free showers, changing areas and toilets, though the toilets are limited and can be poorly maintained.
Location
Kolovare ul. 11, 23000, Zadar, Croatia
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