Plaža Ždrijac
Plaža Ždrijac in Nin is a rare long sandy beach with warm, very shallow water that stretches far out, making it a standout family destination near Zadar. It offers a full range of facilities including free showers, toilets, changing rooms, cafes and food stalls, plus easy free parking. Afternoon winds draw kitesurfers and windsurfers, and the setting features dramatic views toward the Velebit mountains.
- Best time:
- Morning for calm water and lower crowds; afternoons get windy (after ~16:00), which suits kite/windsurfers. Summer is peak and busy.
- Who it's for:
- Families with young children and wind/kitesurfers seeking a large, shallow sandy beach.
The facts
- Sand / surface
- sand
“This is a real sandy beach”
- Water quality
- shallow and warm but not always clear
“not clear enough for snorkeling”
- Family friendly
- yes
“Perfect for children”
- Bar
- yes
“showers, changing areas, bar/cafe”
- Restaurant
- yes
“there is Dodo pizza, hamburger place”
- Showers
- yes
“free showers along the beach”
- Toilets
- yes
“Clean toilettes”
- Parking
- yes, free parking close by
“great free parking”
- Sunbeds
- yes, plastic sunbeds/chairs for rent (umbrellas limited)
“They had chairs to rent”
- Snorkeling
- no
“not clear enough for snorkeling”
- Surfing
- yes, kitesurfing/windsurfing
“good for everybody... or wind surfing”
- Cleanliness
- mixed - facilities clean, some say water not clean
“Clean and warm water”
- Crowd level
- busy, especially main area
“Super crowded”
- Water sports
- kitesurfing, windsurfing, pedal boat rental
“the sky is filled with many kites from the kites surfer”
- Changing facilities
- yes
“dressing rooms”
- Beach size
- large
“Long, with two shores”
Good to know
- Strong afternoon wind — “usually gets very windy in the afternoon”
- Limited shade / risk of sunburn — “We sat in direct sun with kids”
Pros
- +Genuine long sandy beach, rare in the region
- +Warm, very shallow water ideal for small kids
- +Full facilities: free showers, toilets, changing cabins
- +Free parking close to the beach
- +Good conditions for kitesurfing and windsurfing
- +Scenic views toward Pag and the Velebit mountains
Cons
- −Gets very crowded and busy in peak times
- −Windy in the afternoons
- −Limited/greasy food options and scarce umbrella rentals
- −Water not always clear and too shallow for real swimming or snorkeling
FAQ
- Is Ždrijac beach good for children?
- Yes, the water is warm and stays shallow for a long distance, making it very popular with families.
- Is there parking at Plaža Ždrijac?
- Yes, reviewers mention easy, free parking close to the beach.
- Can you go kitesurfing here?
- Yes, afternoon winds make it a popular spot for kitesurfing and windsurfing.
- Are there toilets and showers?
- Yes, there are free showers, toilets and changing cabins along the beach.
- Is it a sandy beach?
- Yes, it is one of the rare genuinely sandy beaches in the area, though some spots are coarser or slightly mixed.
Location
23232, Nin, Croatia
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