Soline beach - the family favorite
The best family beach in the area. Soline sits just south of Biograd marina towards Pakostane - a long shallow bay with fine pebbles, sunbeds, beach bars, and water that stays knee-deep for almost 50 metres from shore.
What it has: lifeguard in peak summer (June 15 - September 15), rentable umbrellas and sunbeds (15-25 EUR per day), 2-3 beach bars, ice cream kiosks, parking 200 m back from the beach (5 EUR per day or free along the road if you arrive early).
Best for: families with young kids, anyone who wants amenities, swimming non-swimmers. Skip if: you want quiet - Soline is the busiest beach in the area in July and August. Distance from Martha's: 5.5 km / 10 minutes by car.
Drazica beach - quiet pine cove
Smaller, quieter, with natural shade. Drazica is a pebble cove tucked between Soline and Bosana, surrounded by pines. No bars, no rentals - bring everything.
The water is slightly deeper than Soline - knee-deep for 10-15 m, then gradually to chest height. Excellent snorkeling along the rocky edges.
Best for: couples, anyone who wants pine shade naturally, snorkelers. Skip if: you need amenities (bring water, food, towels, shade). Distance from Martha's: 7 km / 12 minutes by car.
Bosana / Crvena luka - red cliffs and clear water
The picture-postcard beach of the area. Bosana / Crvena luka sits about 2 km south of Pakostane - a sheltered pebble cove backed by red pine cliffs. Water gets deep quickly, which makes it less ideal for tiny children but perfect for snorkeling and cliff jumping.
Crvena luka resort behind the beach has a bar and small spa accessible to outside guests. There is a 5-minute walk down to the beach from the parking lot (some steps).
Best for: snorkelers, photographers, cliff jumpers (at your own risk), couples on quiet weekdays. Skip if: you have a stroller or very young kids (steep access path). Distance from Martha's: 10 km / 14 minutes by car.
Janice beach in Pakostane - the family alternative
Janice sits at the eastern edge of Pakostane village towards Biograd. Long, shallow, family-friendly, with a thin pebble strip and pine trees right behind. Less crowded than Soline because Pakostane gets less day-tripper traffic.
Small kiosk for coffee and snacks. No sunbeds or umbrellas to rent - bring your own.
Best for: families who want quiet, locals who go for an after-work swim, anyone with a stroller (flat access). Skip if: you want a beach bar atmosphere. Distance from Martha's: 8 km / 12 minutes by car.
Town beach in Biograd - convenient if you walk
Biograd town beach stretches near Hotel Ilirija on the southern edge of the old town - a concrete sunbathing platform with steps into shallow water, plus a thin strip of pebbles. Not the most attractive, but convenient if you are staying in or walking the centre.
Lifeguarded in peak summer, with a row of mature pines for shade. Beach bars and ice cream 50 metres away. Stroller-accessible.
Best for: anyone walking from the centre, families with toddlers who like still water without waves. Skip if: you have a car and any other beach is a 10-minute drive. Distance from Martha's: 3 km / 6 minutes by car (or walk along the coast).
Unmarked coves and which beach to choose
Between Sveti Filip i Jakov and Pakostane, dozens of small pebble coves are tucked between rocks. None are marked. Most have space for 5-10 towels. Bring everything. The coastal footpath links them - walk south from Sveti Filip seafront until you find one that feels right.
Choose Soline if: family with young kids, want amenities, first beach trip. Choose Drazica if: couple, snorkeling, want natural shade. Choose Bosana if: photogenic, snorkeling, no toddlers. Choose Janice if: family, less crowded. Choose town beach if: walking from Biograd centre. Choose unmarked coves if: want quiet, willing to bring everything.