Tourists in Sakarun bay, Dugi Otok island, Croatia(Image: Getty)A stunning beach boasting turquoise waters and white sands, reminiscent of the Maldives, is just a short flight away from the UK. For those seeking a beautiful getaway without the need for a long-haul flight, Croatia presents an ideal destination.
Merely three hours by plane from the UK, Croatia is celebrated for its pristine white sands, vibrant turquoise seas, idyllic car-free islands, and breathtaking cliffside coves. According to rental experts Villsy.com, Croatia offers all the beauty of the Maldives without the long-haul journey.
Croatian coastal bathing areas, according to the European Environment Agency’s report, are the cleanest in Europe. Tamed by its 1,244 islands, the Croatian sea is also very calm.
Villsy.com’s founder Toni Hrelja offers insights into Croatia’s most exquisite beaches, including secluded spots where the “crystal-clear waters and stunning scenery rival the Maldives.” Sakarun beach on Dugi Otok island is one such place, reports the Mirror.
Toni notes that Sakarun beach “stuns” visitors with its shallow turquoise sea and white sands interspersed with smooth pebbles. The beach boasts a “calm lagoon with a wide sheltered bay”, providing shade from the pine trees.
Secret turquoise beach, Island of Dufi otok, Dalmatia, Croatia(Image: Getty)Dugi Otok, the elongated island where the beach is situated, features quaint, serene villages and is populated by 1,500 residents. It also houses the expansive Telašćica Nature Park.
On TripAdvisor, reviewers have labelled the beach a “hidden gem”, calling it a “a magical place” and a “pearl of sand.” It currently holds a 3.5 rating overall.
Praise has been pouring in for Sakarun Beach, with one visitor writing: “Sakarun is the most beautiful beach I have ever been. Crystal clear turquoise water, light sand, amazing view.”
Another reviewer was equally impressed, stating: “One of the most beautiful beaches you can find in Croatia! It’s worth spending at least a day there. We left Zadar with a tour that included a transfer with a fast catamaran (we arrived on the island in an hour) then they took us to the beach by coach!
Sakarun bay near Veli Rat, Dugi Otok island, Croatia(Image: Getty)“Wonderful. You have to walk a little to reach the bus and then to reach the beach but it’s worth it. I recommend reaching the pine forest at the end of the beach to settle in the shade. There are a couple of bars, a small shop selling beach supplies and some chemical toilets that are generally clean. There are no showers.”
A different user echoed the sentiment, adding: “Carribean sea in Croatia. Far away the most beautiful beach in Croatia. Difficult to reach, the best way is by boat. A nice sandy beach with clear blue water.”
Toni added: “Due to the island being remote, the beach isn’t crowded, even in the peak season, but it takes an effort to reach it.” For UK travellers, direct flights are available to Zadar from London, Leeds, Newcastle, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Liverpool and Bournemouth.
From Zadar there are two ways to reach the island – either to take the ferry to Brbinj (1:45) or a passenger catamaran to Božava (1:20). If you don’t have a car to drive around the island, there’s a tourist train from Božava to Sakarun that goes every two hours.