There are some names that make you dream as soon as you hear them… Sakarun, on the island of Dugi Otok, is one of them. Crystal-clear water, a turquoise lagoon worthy of the Maldives, breathtaking photos that are doing the rounds on Instagram.
When you’re staying on the island of Vir, it’s hard not to be tempted by an excursion to this little corner of paradise.
And frankly? It’s an adventure to be had, especially if you like to take to the open sea, sail between islands, dive among the fish and discover the hidden treasures of the Croatian coast.
But (yes, there is a “but”), Sakarun isn’t necessarily what you think it is, and that’s precisely what makes the trip interesting.
🚤 The experience since Vir: a full day of sea and discovery
From Villa Kajic on the island of Vir, it’s perfectly possible (and even recommended!) to take a day trip to Sakarun.
Here’s why it’s worth the detour, even if the beach isn’t perfect:
- The route is sublime: by boat, you sail through incredible seascapes, pass between wild islands, and discover secluded coves accessible only by sea. It’s easy to forget your destination, so magical is the journey itself.
- By private boat or organized tour, you can stop wherever you like – and there you’ll discover beaches far more authentic and tranquil than Sakarun itself.
- The waters around Sakarun are incredibly clear: perfect for snorkeling, with plenty of fish to spot.
- The local atmosphere is friendly, with some really nice beach bars where you can relax in the afternoon.
🏝️ On site in Sakarun: simple, but everything you need
Once you’ve arrived at Sakarun, you’ll find all the essentials for a good time: a large arched beach lined with pine trees, a few deckchairs for hire, natural shaded areas, and a cool little bar-restaurant where you can eat a burger or sip a cocktail overlooking the sea.
There are no big complexes or infrastructures, and that’s precisely what makes this place so charming. For those in the know, the atmosphere is a little reminiscent of the Outer Banks: a raw, simple, relaxed corner where time slows down.
You’ll feel right at home there, in your flip-flops, your hair still wet, with just enough around you to spend the afternoon without worrying about a thing.
🤿 Sakarun: the lagoon yes… but the beach? Not our favorite
Let’s be honest: the beach itself may come as a surprise if you’re expecting heavenly fine sand.
- There’s often Posidonia algae washed up on the shore – nothing serious, it’s natural, but not very pleasant to cross.
- The pebbles are big, so you’d better have water sandals.
- And the water is sometimes very warm at the edge, making it less refreshing in midsummer.
But all this is a mere detail if you experience Sakarun as a stage in a day of sailing or exploration. And for that, it’s a great destination.
🗺️ How to get there from Vir
From the port of Vir, we embark at sunrise, when the sea is still as smooth as a mirror.
Heading west towards Sakarun, the boat winds its way between islets, skirting coves invisible from land, and each turn reveals a new corner of paradise. We pass deserted beaches, steep cliffs and sometimes even… curious dolphins.
For around 1h30 of sailing, the trip becomes a real getaway in itself. It’s the kind of outing where you want to slow down, cut the engine just to swim in a deserted bay or share a picnic on deck, facing turquoise water.
And if you’re not yet feeling seaworthy enough to manage everything yourself, there are quiet, local solutions for enjoying the trip without worrying about navigation.
Departure from Vir is simple and straightforward, but to give you a better idea of the route, here’s the map that will guide you all the way to Sakarun. It can help you plan the route and discover a few hidden corners along the way.
The crossing takes 1h30 on average, but with the breathtaking scenery along the way… we almost wish it were longer.
💡 My advice from Villa Kajic
If you’re staying on Vir, take a full day for this adventure. Leave early, take your time, explore the little beaches along the way (we’ve got our little secret spots to share with you if you come to the villa 😉 ), and experience Sakarun as a whole, not just a beach.