Zaton Holiday Resort

Zaton Holiday Resort, Dražnikova ulica, Zaton, Croatia
1-99 Years
Paid

Description

If you are looking for the best things to do with kids in Zadar, the Zaton Holiday Resort is a premier choice for a family-focused holiday. Located on the Adriatic coast near the historic town of Nin, this massive resort is purpose-built for family relaxation, offering a mix of sandy beach access, extensive pool complexes, and a packed programme of activities for all ages.

Prices for a stay at Zaton Holiday Resort vary depending on the accommodation type, such as apartments, camping homes, or the new glamping village, and the time of travel. Rates typically start from around €63.00 per night for basic apartments, with premium options and half-board packages ranging significantly higher depending on the season.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out or a full family holiday that combines a bustling resort atmosphere with Mediterranean nature, this resort is a dependable choice. Its location makes it simple to balance lazy days at the pool with short trips to the historic streets of Zadar or the nearby salt pans of Nin.

Features

  • Paid
  • Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Key Features

  • Family-Focused Pools: The resort features massive aquatic complexes totalling over 2,500 square metres, including a large family lagoon pool, heated pools, and dedicated splash grounds for younger children.
  • Sandy Beach: Unlike many rocky Croatian shores, this resort boasts an expansive, Blue Flag-certified sandy beach with shallow waters, ideal for toddlers and nervous swimmers.
  • Kids’ Club & Entertainment: Professional animation teams run daily programmes, including a full-day kids’ club, mini-disco, and evening live shows in the amphitheatre.
  • Extensive Sports: With 12 tennis courts, mini-golf, archery, and water sports like jet-skiing and parasailing, active families will never be bored.
  • Gastronomy: Multiple on-site restaurants, pizzerias, and beach bars provide plenty of dining variety, ranging from quick snacks to full à la carte meals.

Top 5 Highlights

  • The Sandy Beach: The shallow, clear lagoon is the resort’s biggest draw, perfect for hours of safe paddling and sandcastle building.
  • Aquatic Complexes: The two large pool areas offer something for everyone, from relaxing hydromassage beds for adults to thrilling waterslides for teenagers.
  • Zatonino Kids’ Club: The mascot-led activities provide a safe and engaging environment where children can make friends while parents enjoy some downtime.
  • Evening Amphitheatre: The nightly shows are a highlight of the stay, featuring high-quality professional performances that keep the whole family entertained after dinner.
  • Pine Forest Walks: The resort is set within a fragrant, shaded pine forest, providing a cooling escape from the sun and beautiful paths for a family bike ride.

Facilities

  • Lockers: Available for guest use near pool and beach facilities.
  • Buggy Accessibility: The resort is spacious and largely flat, making it well-suited for strollers and buggies.
  • Food Options: Multiple restaurants (Tinel, Kuzina, Maestral), a pizzeria, and several bars are scattered across the site. A well-stocked supermarket is located at the entrance.
  • Parking: Free private parking is available on-site for guests.
  • Toilets & Changing: Located conveniently near all main pools, beach access points, and restaurant areas.

Pro-Tips for Families

  • Getting Around: The resort is quite large; bringing or renting bikes or scooters is highly recommended for easier navigation between your accommodation and the pools or beach.
  • Poolside Seating: Sunbeds by the pools and beach often carry a fee and can fill up quickly during peak season, so arrive early if you have a specific spot in mind.
  • Airport Transfers: Pre-booking a private transfer from Zadar Airport is the most stress-free way to arrive, especially with children and heavy luggage.

Targeted FAQ

  • Is it worth it for toddlers? Yes, Zaton is highly recommended for toddlers due to the sandy beach with shallow, calm water, the dedicated children’s splash zones in the pools, and the easy, flat layout that is ideal for strollers.
  • How long does a visit take? Most families suggest a stay of 7 to 14 days; this provides enough time to enjoy the extensive on-site amenities while also allowing for 1–2 day trips to nearby Zadar, Nin, or the national parks.
  • Where is the best place to park? Free private parking is provided on-site for all resort guests. You do not need to reserve a space in advance, as the resort has designated parking areas for all accommodation zones.

The Visitor Verdict: What Parents Really Think
What Visitors Love

  • The Beach: Parents frequently highlight the rare combination of sand and shallow, protected water as the best feature for young children.
  • Activity Variety: The sheer number of sports, pools, and organised activities means families find it easy to keep children of all ages occupied.
  • Friendly Atmosphere: The animation team and resort staff are often noted for their professional and welcoming demeanour with children.

What Visitors Don't Like

  • Peak Season Crowds: During the height of summer, some facilities can feel busy, and popular sun loungers can be hard to secure.
  • Resort Size: The scale of the resort is great for variety, but it can be a long walk to the beach from some of the further accommodation units.
  • Additional Fees: While many activities are included, some extras like premium beach equipment or certain sports rentals can add up over a week-long stay.

What to see

Detailed Inventory: Amenities & Activities
On-Site Attractions & Sports:

  • 6 clay tennis courts, basketball courts, and beach volleyball fields.
  • Adventure Golf (newly featured for 2026).
  • Water sports centre: Parasailing, jet-skis, banana boats, pedal boats, and kayaks.
  • Daily fitness classes: Yogilates, Aqua Gym, HIIT, and Pilates.
  • Horse riding and diving centres available on-site.

Beyond the Main Attraction:

  • Nin (1 mile away): Known for its historic old town, salt museum, and the Church of the Holy Cross.
  • Zadar (11 miles away): Famous for the Sea Organ and Sun Salutation, as well as its rich Roman and Venetian history.
  • National Parks: A perfect base for day trips to Paklenica, Kornati Islands, or the stunning Krka Waterfalls.

New for 2026: Glamping Village

  • Opens in July 2026, offering premium villas and tents with private pool options in select units.
  • Includes a dedicated reception and family zones featuring a playground, BBQ area, and outdoor workout space.
  • Guests receive exclusive perks, including direct beach access and complimentary rounds of Adventure Golf.

Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

For family 2 adults & 1 children.

  • Zaton Holiday Resort – Apartments — From €63.00
  • Zaton Holiday Resort – Camping Homes — From €102.69

Pricing URL: https://www.zaton.hr/en/accommodation

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

  • Details: The resort does not list specific "birthday party" packages for external bookings, but can assist with arrangements for guests.
  • Inquiries: Please contact the management team directly for event inquiries via the contact form on their website.

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Address: Zaton Holiday Resort, Dražnikova ulica, Zaton, Croatia

Post Code: 23232

Council: Zadar

County: Dalmatia

  • Transport: Zadar Airport (ZAD) is the closest, approximately 30–40 minutes away. Private transfers are available year-round.
  • Car Parking: Ample free private parking is available on-site for those driving or renting a vehicle.

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