This is nautical haven and Dalmatian culinary gem! See you in Sukošan.

On the coast, right between Zadar and Biograd, lies Sukošan – a small town that on the map appears as just a few centimeters long line, but in the life stories of travelers turns into a whole chapter. It’s the kind of place where the first coffee lasts an hour, the second stretches until lunch, and then the whole day somehow melts away into the sea, sun, and the little rituals of life.
Sukošan is not glamorous like Dubrovnik, nor as trendy and mondane as Hvar. It is different – simple yet charismatic, quiet when it needs to be, and fun when the party starts. The most interesting thing is that everyone experiences it in their own way: families with children through peaceful beaches, young adventurers through island excursions, and sailors as the perfect starting point for their sailing routes.
Dive into the story of Sukošan – a small Dalmatian town that may seem modest at first glance, but hides a wealth of history, delicious gastronomy, and the heart of the largest marina on the Adriatic. A place where nautical passion naturally blends with the warmth of local life, and where everyone can find their perfect spot under the sun.

History in stone and sea

Although it breathes a gentle rhythm today, Sukošan has had strategic significance throughout history. It is mentioned as early as ancient times as a village in fertile fields, while the Romans used its bay as a natural harbor. Archaeological finds testify to the continuity of life and to the fact that people have never abandoned this area.
The most frequently photographed historical fragment is the summer residence of the archbishops of Zadar from the 15th century, located on a small islet in the middle of the bay. It was a country estate, and today, although in ruins, it looks poetic. The sea has gnawed at it and continually washes over it, making it a symbol of a passing era in which church dignitaries found peace – exactly where today’s visitors seek it as well.
In the town, the parish church of St. Cassian stands out, dedicated to an unusual saint who, according to tradition, died a martyr’s death because he refused to teach children by order of the Roman emperor. The choice of patron saint symbolically points to the town’s connection with education and community.
Over the centuries, Sukošan was also an agricultural center – olive groves, vineyards, and dry stone walls testify to the hard work of its farmers. Even today, as you drive through the hinterland, you will see olive groves tended with the same care as a hundred years ago.

What to see and so: from beaches to cultural feasts

Sukošan offers its visitors experiences that may not appear spectacular at first, but leave a lasting impression.

Beaches:

• Children’s Paradise – a sandy and shallow beach that seems made for families with children. The sea gently laps over pebbles, while pine trees provide natural shade.
• Golden Bay – ideal for those seeking peace, and its sunset is a scene that remains etched in both the camera and the heart.
• Small Hidden Coves – if you move a bit further towards Punta or the villages nearby, you can find small coastal spots almost to yourself.

Feasts and traditions:

In summer, the fishermen’s feasts are inevitable. Sardines grilled in the streets fill the air with aroma, wine is poured into plastic cups, music plays, klapas sing, and locals dance together with tourists. That’s the moment when you realize that Dalmatia is as much a gastronomic story as it is a musical and social one.

Excursions:

Sukošan is an ideal starting point for trips – Zadar is only 10 minutes away by car, while the wondrous Kornati National Park, Paklenica, and Krka are nearby. Adventurers can also set off on cycling routes in the hinterland, climb in canyons, or simply explore islands like Pašman and Ugljan.

The taste of Sukošan – where the kitchen joins sea and land

The dining table in Dalmatia always reflects the seasons. Summer is dominated by fish, shellfish, and light salads, while autumn and winter bring stronger dishes like game or “peka.”
In Sukošan you will find taverns that follow this rhythm of nature. For an authentic experience, sit down at Kod Guste or Gargamel, where dishes are served simply but with lots of soul. The smell of bread from the wood-fired oven, arugula picked from the garden above the house, olive oil from the nearby groves visible from the window – this is a philosophy no Michelin-starred restaurant can replace.
For wine lovers, the Zadar region has seen a real revival in recent years. Maraština, pošip, debit, and plavina are becoming more and more popular, and some bottles are even worthy of serious international competition. Tasting local wine in Sukošan means tasting terroir – shallow red soil, the sun that scorches, and the sea that always brings a rich scent of salt.

Just like the history or landscape, the cuisine in Sukošan tells a story:

• Fish and seafood: Here it is always freshly caught. Fish specialties like gilthead bream, sea bass, or sardines are served grilled with Swiss chard in olive oil and a hint of garlic.
• Meat dishes: Lamb under the bell (peka) and pašticada remind us that Dalmatia is not only sea but also hinterland that for centuries has nurtured livestock farming and the tradition of slow cooking.
• Spices and olive oil: Every dish here is enriched with olive oil from local groves. The aroma is intense, ripe, somewhat grassy – the one that gives everything a special touch.
• Wines: In the surroundings, wines from varieties such as maraština, debit, pošip, or plavina are increasingly popular. Small family wineries are attracting more travelers seeking authentic experiences.

The taverns in Sukošan often function as extensions of homes – the food is homemade, the atmosphere familial, and chatting with the owner is the best way to learn local customs.

How to get there – Sukošan as an easily accessible oasis

Another great advantage of Sukošan is its connectivity.

• Planes: Zadar Airport, about 10 minutes’ drive away, is the main asset. Its accessibility makes it suitable for weekenders from Munich, Berlin, Vienna, or Stockholm.
• Highway: The A1 Zagreb – Split highway has an exit nearby, meaning you can get from Zagreb to Sukošan in about three hours
• Sea: Of course, the best way to enter Sukošan is by sea. Golden Bay offers natural protection, recognized by old seafarers, and today modern nautical solutions confirm this safety.

Marina Dalmacija, a nautical city

Marina Dalmacija is not just a mooring spot – it is a real little city on the water. With its 1,200 moorings in the sea and 300 on land, it is the largest marina on the Adriatic and one of the most modern.
In summer, a special energy reigns here. On the pontoons, languages mix – English, German, Norwegian, Swedish – while local sailors and technicians ensure that everything runs flawlessly. The marina becomes a cosmopolitan place where relaxed Mediterranean style meets a serious international nautical scene.
Within the marina basin are restaurants, cafes, shops, and services, so the sailor really has everything within reach. From here, you can go on a gentle weekend sail through the Kornati, a multi-day trip to the Šibenik archipelago, or a long journey to Vis and southern Dalmatia.

Croatia Yachting – the advantage of investing here

It is exactly in this marina that Croatia Yachting has established its base. Why? Anyone who steps into Marina Dalmacija will understand – spacious moorings, a sense of security in a protected bay, and the fact that Zadar airport is only about ten minutes away make this town one of the most practical and attractive places on the entire Adriatic.
For boat owners who decide to entrust their boat to Croatia Yachting’s charter management, this location brings several very concrete advantages.

• First is that guests love to sail out of Sukošan – the Kornati are only an hour or two away, and islands like Dugi Otok, Ugljan, or Pašman are always on their wish list.
• The second advantage is excellent connectivity – crews land in Zadar and literally half an hour later are already at the marina, which greatly facilitates arrivals and ensures that the season lasts longer.
• The third, perhaps most important for owners, is safety and care. The marina is under constant surveillance and offers complete infrastructure, while the Croatia Yachting team takes care of everything – from boat maintenance to guest communication. Finally, the most important thing: in this region, demand for charter has been stable for years, so the boat does not stand idle but works for its owner.

In other words, having a boat in Croatia Yachting’s charter management in Sukošan means two things at the same time – the prestige of having your boat moored in the largest marina on the Adriatic and the security that your investment will bring income. And maybe a third, more personal thing: the peaceful feeling that somewhere in Dalmatia your boat is waiting, ready for the sea and adventure you can share with family and friends.

Sukošan in a few sentences

Sukošan is a place you experience with your heart. In the morning it wakes you with the scent of the sea, in the afternoon it seduces you with the quiet of the beach, and in the evening it convinces you that life is simpler with a song and a glass of wine. Its history stands in stone and ruins, but its future sails out from the largest Dalmatian marina towards the Kornati and beyond.
For someone who comes just for a day, Sukošan is a beautiful memory; for someone who sets sail from its harbor, it is a promise of new journeys. And when you know that Croatia Yachting has found its base here, it’s easy to understand why – because if a boat needs a home, it’s right here, in the heart of the Adriatic, among people who live for the sea and by the sea.