Discovering the Best beaches of Dugi Otok: A Secluded Oasis at Beach Veli Žal and Island Mežanj
Dugi Otok is the perfect destination if you’re looking for a secluded oasis to escape this summer. One of the best beaches to visit on the island is Veli Žal, known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning views. Unfortunately, the beach is tucked away in a bay on the other side of Dugi Otok, looking at the open sea, so it can be a bit difficult to find. Still, with our speed boat tours, you will reach it easily and be rewarded with a peaceful and relaxing environment.
The beach, Veli Žal, is located southwest of town. Dragove overlooks the island of Mežanj and the open sea. Veli Zal is not as busy or known as Sakarun (for now, at least) but is another excellent option if you’re looking for a beach in our Zadar Region. It is simply impossible to take a bad picture here. Velo žalo beach is specific with its white pebbles transitioning into a sandy bottom formed from the sand ground from the same white stone specific to Dugi Otok.
Island Mežanj is located on the northwest side of Dugi Otok, just across Velo Žalo beach facing Italy and just about 300m from the coast of Dugi Otok.
The sea in that area opposite the islet of Mežanj is of beautiful azure colour, and guests who come to bathe on this beach in the summer enjoy the colours typical of some tropical ocean destinations. The same white pebbles can be found all around Mežanj, which in the winter period is often exposed to waves from the strong southern winds and storms from the west. However, despite the high winter waves, just a few meters from the sea, low vegetation flourishes on the island.
Mežanj is a particular island due to its rich and exciting seabed configuration. The shallows that begin at the bay and the famous Saharun beach stretch from the Saharun point of Lopata to Mežanj and continue to the cliffs before the Brbišćica Bay to the south. The outer side of this shallow ends with an underwater wall that extends more or less along its entire length, passing close to the outer side of the islet of Mežanj and south of it, just a hundred meters from Mežanj towards the south, forming an exciting underwater destination that, at a depth of only 6-8m, drops over the edge of that wall onto the sandy bottom at depths of 27 to over 30m.
The water around Mežanj is so clear that you can see to the bottom, making it perfect for swimming and snorkelling.
