The Sakarun Beach – Dugi Otok Island
Sakarun is undoubtedly the most famous beach of both Dugi Otok and the Zadar archipelago. It’s the only large Bay on the outer side of Dugi Otok, tucked in with the protruding cape of Lopat. This cape resembles a small island connected to the coast by a stretch of scattered sea pebbles. The Bay maintains a shallow depth along the coastline, with its most indented sandy part being the shallowest. The coastline, composed of large rocky boulders, gradually formed the white sand through these boulders grinding against each other over an extensive period of tumultuous days. The Bay was believed to be formed due to the continuous impact of powerful waves from the south over millions of years. This process is ongoing and happens gradually, which is not noticeable within our short lives. It would be interesting to observe the creation of such deep bays that faced south during the time of the ancient Illyrians. These tribes inhabited all the islands during the Bronze and Iron Ages, and it would be fascinating to know what they looked like in those ancient times.
During autumn and winter, the southern waves reach their peak and cover the Bay with layers of seaweed that are ripped and washed ashore, often over a meter high. It can be challenging for tourists, who only experience the summer season, to imagine the power and size of the waves that the southern winds create on the outer side of Dugi Otok, or “Kulfa”, as the locals refer to the open sea towards Italy.
During summer, the Bay’s recessed part stretches approximately 300 meters.
The shallow waters make this beach ideal for swimming and various water activities for kids and adults. Visitors can engage in a popular game called “Picigin,” a Dalmatian version of beach volleyball. The game involves using a slightly larger ball than a tennis ball, played in the shallows. Additionally, skilled players prefer the 30-40cm shallows, where they can showcase their acrobatic skills to keep the ball in the air for as long as possible. The shallow waters extend over 50 meters from the shore and gradually deepen to around 1.8 meters, where buoys are placed to restrict boat access to the bathing area. Saharun’s Bay is a popular destination for local and foreign sailors, especially Italians, who often sail from Italy to spend weekends here. As a result, many mooring spots are available in the deeper part of the Bay, attracting various vessels during the mid-season, from speedboats and small fishing boats to yachts.
There are two beach bars at Saharun Beach, one on the western side in a pine forest and the other on the eastern side under the shade of umbrellas. They serve refreshments and fast food. Some tourists may not find Saharun to meet their expectations, expecting a well-organized city beach with large restaurants and a commercial atmosphere. However, Saharun Beach, situated in Dugi Otok, is known for its natural beauty and modest commercial facilities.
To truly experience the beauty of this beach, one should visit during the off-peak season, as this is the perfect time to take in the serene atmosphere and soak in the natural surroundings. The sand may not be white, but its light grey colour blends perfectly with the azure blue of the clear seawater.
Towards the deeper part, near the western coast of the Bay, at around 60 meters from the shore, between 7 to 13 meters deep on the sandy bottom, one can find fields of seaweed covered with large stone slabs. For those fond of free diving or snorkelling, these areas often teem with fish. Octopus holes are common sights, albeit mostly inhabited by smaller octopuses during the summer. Among the frequent fish species are groupers and the occasional smaller dentex. Over the sand, one might notice a few flatfish digging for worms, and moray eels are also quite common. A diving buoy is recommended for those eager to explore the underwater world due to the considerable boat traffic, even with caution. For a safer diving or snorkelling experience, venturing 200 meters south of Saharun’s Bay presents an underwater world abundant with marine life, ranging from the coastline to depths of 10 meters.
Sakarun Beach Dugi Otok
How to get to Sakarun Beach?
Accessing Sakarun Beach can be done by sea with private boats or through various agencies offering boat tours, mainly departing from Zadar. Alternatively, if you’re already in Dugi Otok, you can reach it by car or join organized trips departing from Božava using a small train. For those who’ve never been but wish to visit Dugi Otok for several days, the easiest way is by ferry from Zadar’s Gaženica port, especially if you have a car. The ferry sails to Brbinj, and the journey takes 1 hour and 45 minutes. Alternatively, there’s a fast catamaran to Zaglav, situated in the southern part of Dugi Otok, with a travel time of 45 minutes. From Zaglav, there are bus connections, but it’s advisable to check the schedule as the routes might not be frequent.