Pakoštane in Croatia – beaches, holiday life and camping

Writer: Helena Bergström

Updated: August 2026 | Pakoštane is a small resort on the Adriatic Sea in northern Dalmatia, just south of Biograd na Moru. Here you can find beaches with clear water, a small old town center, boating and restaurants along the coast. Its location between the sea and Lake Vrana also makes Pakoštane a good starting point for excursions in the area.

Pakoštane in Croatia

We visited Pakoštane during a trip along the Croatian coast and took the opportunity to combine a walk through the small town with swimming, ice cream and a visit to Camping Kozarica. Pakoštane is not big, but has a pleasant holiday feel and a nice location right on the Adriatic Sea.

The resort is located in northern Dalmatia, about 35 kilometers south of Zadar and just south of Biograd na Moru. Pakoštane is special due to its location between the Adriatic Sea and Lake Vrana, Croatia's largest natural lake.

Things to see and do in Pakostane

Pakoštane is above all a place for vacation, swimming and relaxation. You can stroll through the small town center, sit down at an outdoor cafe and continue down to the promenade and the harbor, where small boats are moored.

In the center is also the Church of the Ascension of Christ, which with its tall bell tower is one of the town's most prominent landmarks.

Along the coast there are several beaches and swimming spots with clear water. Pakoštane is also a good starting point for excursions. The Vrana Lake Nature Park is right next door, while the island world of the Kornati National Park can be experienced on boat trips from the area. Zadar, Biograd na Moru and Šibenik are other excursion destinations within easy reach.

For our part, we had a delicious ice cream in the sun and some shopping. In Pakoštane there are plenty of small tourist shops with summer clothes, hats, bags, sunglasses and jewelry.

Peter likes jewelry and couldn't resist buying a bracelet. Bracelets and rings tend to always be too small for him, but after a salesperson willingly stretched a bracelet, it worked out fine...

Camping Kozarica in Pakoštane

A short walk from the center of Pakoštane is Camping Kozarica, a large and leafy campsite right on the Adriatic Sea. It has spaces for motorhomes, caravans and tents, as well as various types of accommodation for those who are not camping with their own vehicle.

The campsite has everything you need, including a restaurant, bar and shop. There's a nice little pool down by the water, but above all you can swim in the crystal clear sea.

The water in Croatia is often crystal clear, and so is the case here. You can choose to step in from the gravel beach, rocks or a bathing ladder. We took a dip from one of the bathing ladders. When we swam here in June, the water was still a bit cool when you stepped in, but after the first dip it was really nice to swim.

More to see in the neighbourhood

Would you like more tips on things to see and do in Croatia? Here you will find tips and more reports:

• Things to do in Zadar
• Nin in Croatia
• Biograd na Moru
• Island of Pag
• Paklenica National Park