Zaton is a small village in southern Croatia, around 15 kilometres north along the coast from Dubrovnik. Set on a pretty and sheltered bay, Zaton is actually divided into two – Veliki (Big) Zaton and Mali (Small) Zaton. Zaton is a pretty relaxed, laid-back kind of place, and you would choose it as a holiday destination if you want your days to be relatively tranquil, filled with beach time, with an easy walk to lunch or dinner and drinks.
Zaton is also fairly well placed as a base to explore the southern Dalmatia region. Dubrovnik, of course, is only a short hop away, whilst you can enjoy the other small villages and towns of Ston, Cavtat (south of Dubrovnik) and Slano, as well as Trsteno Arboretum. You are also well-placed to enjoy the wineries of the Peljesac Peninsula.
Note: This Zaton should not be confused with the Zaton Holiday Resort which is a large-scale resort just north of Zadar!
Getting to Zaton
Zaton is located around 30km northwest along the coast from Dubrovnik Airport, making it around a 30-40 drive from the airport should you be utilising a hire car or travelling by taxi.
Alternatively, get the regular airport transfer bus from Dubrovnik (see our advice on travelling from Dubrovnik Airport) to its last stop (of two!), the main bus station in Dubrovnik. From here you can then take one of the local buses which stop in both Mali Zaton and Veliki Zaton. Lines 12, 15, 21, 22, 26 and 35. These bus lines do not operate all that frequently during the day (the most frequent, line 12, has 7 or 8 buses per day) BUT seeing as there are quite a few lines running from Dubrovnik to Zaton (and vice versa), you can pick and choose which one to use. Do note that lines 21, 22 and 26 do not run on Sundays, and line 15 has a reduced service on Sundays.
It is around a 20-minute journey from Dubrovnik to Zaton by bus. Take a look at bus times on the Dubrovnik Bus Station website.
What to See and Do in Zaton
You may assume that if Zaton is located on a bay there must be beaches here. And you are right!
Beaches
Soline Beach is located close to the main part of Zaton Mali; a small beach, there is some shade provided by trees and showers.
Zaton Beach is on the outskirts of Veliki Zaton; a pebble beach,
Stikovica Beach on the eastern side of the bay, opposite Zaton, is the Big Daddy or beaches around these parts. A narrow but wide beach, the shallow waters make it ideal for families with young children. You can rent beach umbrellas and sun loungers, as well as kayaks and SUP boards to have a bit more fun out on the sea. There are a few cafes for refreshment by the beach as well.
Zub Beach is due south of Veliki Zaton and can only be reached on foot. When you get to it, you will be rewarded with having this secluded beach practically to yourself.
Seaside Promenade
A walk on the rustic seaside promenade is ideal as it literally curves around the entirety of the bay, making it 3 kilometres in length. You will barely be steps from the Adriatic Sea at all times.
Day Trips from Zaton
A hop back to Dubrovnik is obviously a must! Just 20 minutes on the bus, you can easily get there in the morning and spend half a day sightseeing, enjoying a lovely lunch before an afternoon stroll and an ice cream.
By public bus, you can also easily reach Trsteno to visit the beautiful Arboretum, or why not head to Ston to visit the highly impressive town walls there, and indulge in their famous oysters?
If you head into Dubrovnik, you can of course also enjoy the tips possible from there to local islands and even further beyond. Take a look at our guides to Day Trips from Dubrovnik.
Adriatic Boat Tours can organise tours to local islands and places of interest.
Eating and Drinking in Zaton
There are some truly charming restaurants located here, almost all with lovely views overlooking Zaton Bay. You will be spoilt for choice!
Gverovic Orsan is a stylish place housed in an old boat house (an orsan, hence the name) that people come to from far around. Their house speciality is black risotto which is an absolute must.
Restaurant Ankora has a lovely setting with outdoor seating that’s so very close to the sea. Full of traditional dishes, grilled-cooked fish and seafood, plus plenty of meat and pasta options too.
Tavern Arka also has a great location by the Adriatic and is a top choice for a mid-range bite to eat. A short but excellent menu with steak and grilled fish main meals, as well as prawns and mussels to start. (Why not try both in a risotto?)
Restaurant Kasar is a long-standing eatery that again offers typical Mediterranean and Croatian coastal dishes, with an emphasis on fish and seafood. Highly rated.
Konoba Dandy has a rustic charm and a wide-ranging menu. As well as the usual local fare, they have excellent pizza and pasta picks. Or come here for cocktails!
Accommodation in Zaton
There aren’t any hotels here, but there is still a decent choice of accommodation, primarily apartments and villas. Villa accommodation, in particular, would be ideal as many properties have their own private pool. Some villas in Zaton to consider include the Villa Ana Maria (a 4-bedroom property that sleeps 8), Villa Dubravka (4 bedrooms, sleeps 8), Villa Ansay (2 bedrooms, sleeps 4) and Villa Madrevita (3 bedrooms, sleeps 8).
Take a look at what’s available using the map below:
Camping Polje is a small, 60-person campsite that can accommodate tents and campers.
Good to know
There is a small Studenac supermarket in Zaton. If you are self-catering during your stay, it would be better to stock up on your groceries and similar in the larger Super Konzum in the Gruz district of Dubrovnik.
More info
Jet2Holidays and TUI both offer holidays to the Zaton Riviera.