#174 European Rank

Veli Žal (Dugi Otok)

Zadar (Dugi Otok), Croatia•Adriatic Sea• Best Season: June, July, August, September

Photo: Romanm (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Wikimedia Commons source

EDITORIAL SCORE

4.64/ 5.0

SEA TEMPERATURE

25.8°C

August 30-year average

DAILY BUDGET

€35/day

SAND & SHORELINE

Fine White Sand

Gradual Drop

Sea Temperature by Month

30-year monthly averages for Zadar (Dugi Otok) · NOAA satellite data

Swipe 12 months ⇄

Warm Bathwater

Jan

13.8°C

Air 14°C

Feb

13.1°C

Air 15°C

Mar

13.4°C

Air 17°C

Apr

15.2°C

Air 20°C

May

18.9°C

Air 23°C

Jun

23.2°C

Air 26°C

Jul

25.4°C

Air 28°C

Peak

Aug

25.8°C

Air 28°C

Sep

23.8°C

Air 26°C

Oct

20.8°C

Air 23°C

Nov

17.8°C

Air 19°C

Dec

15.1°C

Air 16°C

Swimmability Window · NOAA Climatology

Swimmable 30 May – 13 Oct (>21°C) · 136 days

30-year NOAA satellite climatological mean (1991–2020).Explore all Croatia Sea Temperatures

Score Breakdown

Scenery & Setting4.6 / 5

Water Clarity & Cleanliness4.5 / 5

Sand & Shoreline Quality4.9 / 5

Atmosphere & Safety4.6 / 5

Accessibility & Entry Ease4.5 / 5

Affordability & Fair Pricing4.6 / 5

About Veli Žal (Dugi Otok)

Over a kilometer of gleaming white pebbles and turquoise waters facing the open Adriatic, set opposite the uninhabited islet of Mežanj.

Key Beach Facts

Official Records

•Access: Island road near Dragove village with hilltop parking and a marked downhill trail to the shore.

•Protected Status / Environment: Pristine Adriatic island habitat close to Telašćica Nature Park with open-sea water clarity.

•Notable Feature: Expansive white pebble beach facing the uninhabited islet of Mežanj, known for crystal-clear azure waters and sea kayaking.

Official Tourism Authorities:dugiotok.hr croatia.hr

Amenities & Facilities

Bathrooms

Yes

Showers

Yes

Free Parking

Yes

Food / Tavernas

Yes

Good for Kids

Yes

Dog Friendly

Yes

Lifeguard on Duty

Sunbed & Umbrella Rentals

Yes

Natural Cliff/Pine Shade

Wheelchair Accessible

Snorkeling & Watersports

Nudist / FKK Friendly

Yes

Getting There & Local Notes

Getting there:

From Brbinj ferry port on Dugi Otok, drive 10 km northwest along the island spine road and follow the Veli Žal sign.

•The seabed transforms into powdery white sand a few meters into the water

•Much quieter than Sakarun while sharing the same neon turquoise water color

•A small rustic beach shack serves cold drinks and ice cream

Nearest Airport & Transit Gateway

ZAD · 45m drive

Fast 45-min highway drive from Zadar Airport (ZAD) or 60 min from Split Airport (SPU).

Rent Car from ZAD Book Airport Meet & Greet

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Frequently Asked Questions about Veli Žal (Dugi Otok)

What is the water temperature at Veli Žal (Dugi Otok)?

The peak summer sea surface temperature at Veli Žal (Dugi Otok) averages 25.8°C (78°F), based on 30-year NOAA satellite climatology.

What type of coast or sand is Veli Žal (Dugi Otok)?

Veli Žal (Dugi Otok) is classified as a fine white sand shoreline located in Zadar (Dugi Otok), Croatia.

Is Veli Žal (Dugi Otok) good for families with kids?

Yes, Veli Žal (Dugi Otok) is suitable for families and children with manageable water entry.

Are there parking and facilities at Veli Žal (Dugi Otok)?

Free parking is available. Restroom facilities are present.

Getting Around & Activities

Coastal Stays & Hotels

Hotels, beach villas & boutique stays near Veli Žal (Dugi Otok).

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Scooter & Bike Rental

from €15/day

Scooters, mopeds & e-bikes for coastal cruising.

Compare Bikes & Scooters

Boat Tours & Excursions

from €50

Boat trips & guided activities along the coast.

Find Activities on Tiqets

Airport & Port Transfers

Direct Route

Private transfers with airport meet-and-greet.

Book Transfer on Welcome Pickups

Croatia Travel eSIM

from €4.50

Instant high-speed mobile data across Croatia with zero physical SIM swapping.

Get eSIM on Airalo

Travel & Medical Insurance

Trip Protection

Medical emergency cover, baggage protection, and watersports cover for coastal trips.

Get Covered on EKTA

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Croatia Coastal Alerts & Shortlist Backup

Backup your saved beaches to your inbox with a permanent restore link, and receive seasonal sea temperature updates for Croatia.

View 12-Month Sea Curves

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