April the 15th, 2026 – There’s a Croatian beach that Forbes listed as being among the world’s most beautiful, with many comparing it to something from a far-away paradise.
As Putni kofer writes, somehow, it’s already mid-April. Summer is knocking on our door more and more loudly and the thoughts of many are gradually drifting towards Croatia’s hottest period.
When the warmer months arrive, the Croatian coast is always at the top of many wish lists around the world. It’s pretty hard to find fault with that, because with more than 1000 islands, islets and cliffs, as well as hundreds of hidden coves, beaches and charming villages, it’s almost impossible to explore all its beauty in one single lifetime.
If gorgeous beaches are your top priority, then you need look no further than the truly stunning Dugi Otok. It’s a place where one of the most beautiful beaches in the world is located. There are plenty of places up and down the Adriatic that win people over at first sight, but Sakarun beach is otherworldly. Its almost unreal combination of turquoise sea, light sand and dense pine forests are the reason why many people compare it to exotic destinations like the Caribbean without thinking twice.
Thankfully, nobody has to travel that far to see it.
Sakarun is about 300 metres long and is known for its extremely clear, shallow sea that extends far from the shoreline into the open Adriatic. That’s why it is ideal for families with children, as well as for anyone who likes to enjoy the warm shallows carefree and without needing to employ any particular swimming skills. The sea here is almost always calm, and the colours change from light blue to a deep turquoise shades.
What further enhances the impression of this beach is its totally natural environment. It is almost entirely surrounded by beautiful Mediterranean pine trees that provide plenty of shade during long, scorching summer days. The sound of crickets, a light breeze and the view of the open sea truly create an atmosphere of complete relaxation that makes many stay on the beach for hours, returning year after year without fail.
Its sheer beauty has also been recognised by global media outlets, seeing it often placed on the lists of the most beautiful beaches in Europe and the world. It was precisely this Croatian beach that Forbes included in its list of the world’s most beautiful – in the top ten, no less.
Forbes placed particular emphasis on the crystal clear sea that laps its shoreline and the untouched environment that make it one of the most special places on the entire Adriatic.
Although Sakarun is the first reason for many to come, Dugi Otok offers much more than this utterly spectacular beach. It’s one of the most special islands in the expansive Zadar archipelago, known for its wild nature, authentic places and a relaxed atmosphere that is difficult to find in more popular destinations.
One of the most impressive natural attractions is certainly the amazing Telašćica Nature Park, an area that takes your breath away with its steep cliffs that rise dramatically above the sea far below them. These cliffs, among the highest in the Adriatic, are often the subject of photographs that travel the world, and the view from their edge leaves all who see it totally speechless.
Dugi Otok is not a destination for those looking for bustling nightlife, but for travellers who want to slow down and enjoy nature’s simple things. Small settlements like Sali exude authentic timeless Dalmatian charm, and in the summer, they come alive with traditional festivals and events.
For those who enjoy an active holiday, the island offers numerous hiking and cycling trails, as well as the possibility of excursions to the nearby Kornati National Park, a unique archipelago of rocky islands that look like scenes from another planet. History also has its place here, with all kinds of archaeological sites dotted all over the island that testify to the exceptionally long and equally rich history of this unspoiled part of the world.
