Apartments and holiday homes in Sukošan
A village on the wide bay of Zlatna Luka just south-east of Zadar, with a shallow children's beach, a lively little harbour and one of the Adriatic's largest marinas on its doorstep.
Search stays in SukošanSukošan lies about 7 kilometres south-east of Zadar on the old coastal road, spread around the bay of Zlatna Luka. The old core is a knot of narrow stone alleys around the harbour, with konobas that locals drive out to for dinner, and the ruins of a 15th-century summer residence of Zadar's archbishops sit on a tiny islet in the bay. On the edge of the village, D-Marin Dalmacija fills the next cove with masts.
It suits families and couples who want a real village with restaurants in walking distance, but without being far from anything. Zadar Airport is about 8 kilometres away and buses run to the city roughly every hour, which makes Sukošan practical for shorter trips and late arrivals. The marina also makes it a natural base if you are picking up a charter boat or want to explore the Zadar archipelago by boat.
Stays close to the centre put you near Dječji raj, the main beach, and within a few minutes' walk of the harbour, shops and konobas. Stays on the quieter edges of the village, including the Zlatna Luka side towards Zadar, tend to offer more space and a garden, and are handy for the pine-shaded beach there. Many of our stays here are close to the water and have sea views, and a good share are near beaches with a sandy seabed.
Beaches
Dječji raj (Children's Paradise)
The main village beach, named for its shallow water and sandy seabed. It is a favourite for picigin and for splashing about with children. You can hire loungers and pedal boats, and there are showers, changing cubicles, toilets and cafés. The shore itself is mostly pebble, partly paved with stone.
Zlatna Luka
At the entrance to Sukošan from the Zadar side, a pebble beach shaded by tamarisk and pine trees. It has showers, changing cubicles and toilets, plus a beach volleyball court, and it is usually a little calmer than the village centre.
Makarska beach
Partly paved and partly pebble, with plenty of natural shade from tamarisks. Beach volleyball, basketball and bocce courts are close by, which keeps older children and teenagers entertained between swims.
D-Marin beach
A renovated beach inside the D-Marin Dalmacija marina complex, with the Portus beach club and other facilities. It is more polished than the village beaches and a good spot for a drink with a view of the yachts.
Getting there and around
Zadar Airport at Zemunik is about 8 kilometres away, so the transfer is short, and many hosts can arrange a pick-up. The Adriatic Highway runs through the village, and the fast road linking the A1 motorway with Gaženica ferry port has a junction at Sukošan, which is handy for island day trips. Buses to Zadar run almost hourly. Parking is usually included at private apartments, but it is tight around the harbour in the evening.
Stays in Sukošan right now
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Tips before you book
- Kitesurfing is one of the village's listed activities, so expect kites in the bay on breezy days.
- Dječji raj has a sandy seabed, but most other beaches are pebble; water shoes help.
- Gaženica port, for ferries to Ugljan, Pašman and Dugi Otok, is only about 6 kilometres away.
- Sukošan is known locally for its konobas, so leave at least one evening for a long dinner in the old village.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Sukošan from Zadar?
About 7 kilometres, or roughly a quarter of an hour by car outside rush hour. Buses to Zadar run almost every hour. The airport is about 8 kilometres away and Gaženica ferry port about 6, so Sukošan is one of the most convenient bases on the Zadar riviera if you want to explore without long drives.
Does Sukošan have sandy beaches?
Partly. The main beach, Dječji raj, has a shallow sandy seabed that children love, although the shore is mostly pebble and stone. Zlatna Luka and Makarska beach are pebble with tamarisk shade. For long, fully sandy beaches, head north to Nin or Privlaka, both within an hour's drive.
Is Sukošan good for families?
Yes. Dječji raj is shallow and has showers, changing cubicles, pedal-boat hire and cafés, and there are sports courts near Makarska beach. The village is small enough to walk around, with restaurants and shops close to most stays, and many of our apartments here are family-sized with outdoor space.