Punta Bajlo Beach
Punta Bajlo is a rocky, cliff-lined bathing spot on a Zadar peninsula, popular for cliff jumping, snorkeling and swimming rather than lounging on sand. It offers plenty of pine-tree shade, free showers, portable toilets and a well-liked bar with sea views, plus a calmer shallow side good for kids and a deeper, wavier open-water side. Some visitors flag litter and concerns about port-related pollution.
- Best time:
- Late spring through early autumn (September and October still pleasant); early mornings or sunset for fewer crowds and best light.
- Who it's for:
- Adventurous swimmers, snorkelers and cliff jumpers, plus families who use the shallow, calmer bay side.
The facts
- Sand / surface
- rock
“No sand here just very sharp rock”
- Water quality
- mixed
“The water is extra-clean”
- Family friendly
- yes
“not so deep beach to swim with kids”
- Bar
- yes
“there is a buffet and a cafe/bar”
- Restaurant
- yes
“pizza exceptional, excellent”
- Showers
- yes
“There are showers with fresh water here”
- Toilets
- yes
“mobile toilets were placed”
- Parking
- yes, free
“Parking is free, which is a big plus”
- Snorkeling
- yes
“excellent for snorkeling around the entire beach”
- Diving
- yes
“People dive off the rocks”
- Cleanliness
- mixed
“Garbage all around with cigarettes dominating”
- Crowd level
- moderate
“Lots of room and very popular”
- Water sports
- cliff jumping
“swimming and jumping from the cliffs”
- Changing facilities
- yes
“changing cabins”
- Beach size
- medium
“Lots of room and very popular”
Good to know
- Sharp, jagged rocks — swim shoes recommended — “The rocks are pretty jagged and I’ve seen a few people cut themselves”
- Quickly deepening water on open-water side — “quite deep water with interesting fish for snorklers”
- Reported sea pollution near nearby port — “the sea has become significantly polluted – the seabed is dirty”
- Cliff jumping/diving risk — “there are some really nice cliffs about 5m high, where you can try it”
Pros
- +Free parking under pine trees
- +Abundant natural shade from trees
- +Great snorkeling and cliff jumping
- +Free fresh-water showers and a well-reviewed bar
- +Beautiful sunset and port/sea views
- +Shallow calmer side suitable for kids
Cons
- −No sand — sharp, jagged rocks, swim shoes essential
- −Only portable toilets, described by some as poor
- −Litter and cigarette butts noted by several visitors
- −Reports of sea pollution from the nearby port
- −Little dedicated space to sit and relax
FAQ
- Is there sand at Punta Bajlo Beach?
- No, it's rocky with sharp, jagged rocks; the bay side has some pebbles. Water shoes are strongly recommended.
- Is parking available and free?
- Yes, there is free parking under the pine trees, though it can be a bit chaotic.
- Is it good for kids?
- One side of the peninsula stays shallow and calm, making it suitable for children, though the open-water side deepens quickly.
- Are there toilets and showers?
- There are free fresh-water showers and portable (dixie) toilets, plus changing cabins mentioned by some visitors.
- Can you cliff jump here?
- Yes, cliff jumping is popular, with cliffs up to around 5m; take care as rocks are sharp.
Location
23000, Zadar, Croatia
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