#398 European Rank
Zavratnica
Jablanac, Velebit, Croatia•Adriatic Sea• Best Season: June, July, August, September
Photo: Ivana Hrestak (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Wikimedia Commons source
EDITORIAL SCORE
4.49/ 5.0
SEA TEMPERATURE
24°C
August 30-year average
DAILY BUDGET
€39/day
SAND & SHORELINE
Pebbles / Shingle
Gradual Drop
Sea Temperature by Month
30-year monthly averages for Jablanac, Velebit · NOAA satellite dataSwipe 12 months ⇄
Ideal Swimming
Jan
12.9°C
Air 18°C
Feb
11.8°C
Air 19°C
Mar
12.0°C
Air 21°C
Apr
13.7°C
Air 24°C
May
17.4°C
Air 27°C
Jun
21.4°C
Air 30°C
Jul
23.7°C
Air 32°C
Peak
Aug
24.0°C
Air 32°C
Sep
21.8°C
Air 30°C
Oct
19.4°C
Air 27°C
Nov
17.0°C
Air 23°C
Dec
14.7°C
Air 20°C
Swimmability Window · NOAA Climatology
Swimmable 12 Jun – 25 Sep (>21°C) · 105 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 Quality4.2 / 5
Atmosphere & Safety4.6 / 5
Accessibility & Entry Ease4.5 / 5
Affordability & Fair Pricing4.6 / 5
About Zavratnica
A fjord-like inlet knifing 800 metres into the Velebit massif, its vivid water reached only on foot or by boat.
Key Beach Facts
Official Records•Access: Reached via a 20-30 minute coastal walking trail from the port village of Jablanac or a hiking path descending from Zavratnica viewpoint; entry requires a nature park ticket.
•Protected Status / Environment: Protected landscape since 1964, integral component of Velebit Nature Park (Park prirode Velebit) and the Natura 2000 ecological network.
•Notable Feature: Dramatic 900-meter submerged canyon / flooded valley resembling a fjord with steep 100-meter limestone cliffs and a sunken German WWII landing craft in shallow waters ideal for snorkeling.
Amenities & Facilities
Bathrooms
NoShowers
NoFree Parking
YesFood / Tavernas
YesGood for Kids
NoDog Friendly
YesLifeguard on Duty
NoSunbed & Umbrella Rentals
NoNatural Cliff/Pine Shade
YesWheelchair Accessible
NoSnorkeling & Watersports
YesNudist / FKK Friendly
NoGetting There & Local Notes
Getting there:
Located near Jablanac, Velebit. Accessible via regional coastal roads (44.706°N, 14.908°E).
•Deep, clear and sheltered in the narrow inlet.
•A slender 800-metre inlet beneath the Velebit mountains, reached on foot.
Nearest Airport & Transit Gateway
INTL · 40m driveConvenient highway or local transit access across Jablanac, Velebit, Croatia.
Are you a Venue Owner or Promoter at Zavratnica?
Promote your beach club, summer residency, or submit photo & data updates to Shores.
Frequently Asked Questions about Zavratnica
What is the water temperature at Zavratnica?
The peak summer sea surface temperature at Zavratnica averages 24°C (75°F), based on 30-year NOAA satellite climatology.
What type of coast or sand is Zavratnica?
Zavratnica is classified as a pebbles / shingle shoreline located in Jablanac, Velebit, Croatia.
Is Zavratnica good for families with kids?
Zavratnica has steeper entry or natural coastal features better suited for confident swimmers.
Are there parking and facilities at Zavratnica?
Free parking is available. No public restrooms directly on-site.
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