Why pebbles, not sand
The Croatian Adriatic is geologically karst limestone - the coast does not produce sand naturally the way an Atlantic coast does. The pebbles you find are limestone, often rounded by centuries of wave action.
Benefits: clearer water (no sediment), easier to keep clean (no sand in everything), the beaches stay cooler underfoot than sand on a hot day.
Drawbacks: harder on bare feet, harder for kids to dig and build, and difficult to put up a parasol.
Bring water shoes - the difference between miserable and comfortable.
Fine pebble beaches (sand-like)
Soline has the finest pebbles in the immediate Biograd area - small, smooth, mixed with sand particularly at the centre of the bay. Easiest for barefoot walking and the closest the Croatian coast gets to a sandy beach.
Janice in Pakostane is similar - fine to medium pebbles, easy underfoot, family-friendly.
The town beach in Biograd has a thin strip of fine pebbles between the concrete platform and the water.
Medium and larger pebble beaches
Drazica has medium-sized pebbles, slightly harder underfoot but still walkable. The water clarity is excellent here.
Bosana / Crvena luka has the largest pebbles in the area - hand-sized smooth stones in places. Definitely bring water shoes. The water is dramatically clear, which makes up for the rough underfoot experience.
Unmarked coves on the coastal path vary - generally larger pebbles than Soline, smaller than Bosana. Worth scouting one on foot before committing to a day.
Practical tips for pebble beaches
Water shoes: cheap (8-15 EUR at any seafront sports shop). Game-changing for anyone over 30 or any first-time pebble visitor.
Sun mats / beach mats: lay over the pebbles for a flat sleeping surface. Many guests bring inflatable mats.
Parasol: a tent-style sunshade works better than a traditional parasol with a spike (impossible to drive into pebbles). The local term is plazni sotor.
Keep the sea floor clean: pebbles do not store everything the way sand does, but please bring your trash back.