Bibinje Zadar Croatia 10 Best Travel Tips
October 16, 2023
Want Croatia's stunning Dalmatian coast and spectacular sunsets without the sunseeking crowds? Head north to beautiful Bibinje near Zadar! It is a quirky seaside region rich in history and natural beauty and still relatively undiscovered.
When we visited the Best Ocean View Vineyard in Europe, we were staying in Bibinje. This lovely village is blessed with lush, natural landscapes and decorated with the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic Sea. Bibinje is located on the north coast of Dalmatia, just 8 kilometers south of the city of Zadar. It is quieter and cheaper than Zadar, but close enough to enjoy everything in this area.
If you're looking for the best travel tips for a trip to Croatia, here are 10 great tips for visiting Bibinje:
1) VISIT IN THE FALL
As I have often said, autumn is the best time to travel to Europe as one can skip the heat and crowds of the summer high season! Additionally you can enjoy much better prices during the falll or spring shoulder seasons. Bibinje was included in my " Europe in Autumn: 10 Best Fall Destinations!" post. In October the weather was like summer, but crowds and prices like winter.
2) WATCH WORLD'S BEST SUNSETS
“Zadar has the most beautiful sunset in the world, more beautiful than the one in Key West, in Florida, applauded at every evening.” - Alfred Hitchcock
Bibinje is right next to Zardar, so one enjoys the same stupendous sunsets. Only in Bibinje you have them all to yourself without crowds. Like Hitchcock, I have seen amazing sunsets around the world, ( including Key West many times) but I agree with him that they are the best in the world in this area.
3) SWING ON THE BIBINJE OCEAN SWING
During the day or at sunset ( like me above) don't miss the opportunity to take a selfie on Bibinje’s iconic swing. Kids and adults both love it. We adored this charming wooden swing right on the beach with a perfect view of the sea and the opposite island Ugljan.
4) STROLL THE BEACH PROMENADE AT NIGHT
Strolling on the beach promenade is inviting at any time of the day, but a special treat at night. We could not help but linger long after sunset as the glow of the night continued with the relaxing waves lapping the shore. The smell of the sea and warm meals served in Mediterranean-style restaurants fills the air.
5) SUNBATHE/SWIM AT THE BEACHES
Love the sun, sea and sunbathing & swimming? Bibinje beaches mesmerize with a stunning palette of turquoise, azure and cobalt backed by a soaring landscape of green mountains. The water is clear and not too cold. This is a slow-paced, laid-back sunny getaway and what many beachgoers dreams are made of. On a coast length of about 5 kilometers, there are 7 beaches to enjoy. Each one has something a little different to savor.
6) ENJOY THE FLOWERS
Wondering around lovely Bibinje and it's beaches, we loved the flowers. Lots of Bougainvillea plants that thrive in this Med weather, roses and even lovely wild flowers close to the sea.
7) LET THE LAPPING WAVES RELAX YOU WITH ASMR
Bibinje is a very relaxing place and the gentle waves along the shore add to this ambiance. Many listen to ASMR laping waves online to calm down and refresh. Here one can do it daily effortlessly.
8) TAKE A BOAT RIDE
Boating (in all shapes and sizes) is a popular adventure in Bibinje. The largest marina on the Croatian coast is located here - D-Marina Dalmacija. With one of these motor boats ( in various sizes), your excursion options are endless. With boats available for day rentals, weekend getaways, week long excursions or longer, boat rental companies provide flexibility to suit your preferences.
9) ENJOY DINNER AL FRESCO AT SUNSET
From fantastic street food to endless restaurants serving authentic Dalmatian and Mediterranean cuisines, foodies will love Bibinje. Many taverns and restaurants have sunset views and outdoor dining. There is always a rich selection of locals specialties like shellfish, seafood, grilled meat, roasted lamb, and fritters. Dalmatian cuisine is considered to be one of the healthiest cuisines and live music makes it all an experience to remember.
10) SLIDE ON THE BIBINJE OCEAN SLIDE
Like the charming, unique wooden swing above in number 3, this adorable wooden slide structure going into the Adriatic sea is unique to Bibinje. This is definitely a place that knows how to have fun in sweet ways and make the most of it's assets.
There are many more than 10 travel tips, so I will include a few more photos and ideas to add to your itinerary for your next visit to Bibinje. Like this view of one of the many outdoor restaurants on the beach promenade.
More beach play
and more sunsets!
VISIT ZADAR
Remember, that the famous Old Town Zadar is just 8 kilometers away from Bibinje. When you visit this 3,000-year-old city, you will find countless more attractions, like cool beaches, views, Lions Gate, the Roman forum and the famous sea organ!
Zadar is a different way to enjoy the sunsets, but wonderful in it's own way, celebrating with locals and many tourists. It reminded me of the nightly sunset celebrations in Key West and the excitement and crowd grows waiting for nature to awe us.
World-famous architect Nikola Bašić created the Sea Organ & Greeting the Sun Light construction that adds to the unique fun. The Sea Organ makes music by the movement of the waves and during the day, sunlight is converted into energy and after sunset there is an impressive play of light for all to enjoy!
We were delighted and surprised to visit the best ocean view vineyard in Europe here. I wrote about it last week with lots of tempting photos. It is a "must see" and not far from Bibinje and Zadar.
We loved the street art like this photo on a wall near the beach that captures the essence. If you are looking for a fantastic off season beach bargain, for travel or as a digital nomad, you can't beat Bibinje!
Want Croatia's stunning Dalmatian coast and spectacular sunsets without the sunseeking crowds? Head north to beautiful Bibinje near Zadar! It is a quirky seaside region rich in history and natural beauty and still relatively undiscovered.
When we visited the Best Ocean View Vineyard in Europe, we were staying in Bibinje. This lovely village is blessed with lush, natural landscapes and decorated with the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic Sea. Bibinje is located on the north coast of Dalmatia, just 8 kilometers south of the city of Zadar. It is quieter and cheaper than Zadar, but close enough to enjoy everything in this area.
If you're looking for the best travel tips for a trip to Croatia, here are 10 great tips for visiting Bibinje:
1) VISIT IN THE FALL
As I have often said, autumn is the best time to travel to Europe as one can skip the heat and crowds of the summer high season! Additionally you can enjoy much better prices during the falll or spring shoulder seasons. Bibinje was included in my " Europe in Autumn: 10 Best Fall Destinations!" post. In October the weather was like summer, but crowds and prices like winter.
2) WATCH WORLD'S BEST SUNSETS
“Zadar has the most beautiful sunset in the world, more beautiful than the one in Key West, in Florida, applauded at every evening.” - Alfred Hitchcock
Bibinje is right next to Zardar, so one enjoys the same stupendous sunsets. Only in Bibinje you have them all to yourself without crowds. Like Hitchcock, I have seen amazing sunsets around the world, ( including Key West many times) but I agree with him that they are the best in the world in this area.
3) SWING ON THE BIBINJE OCEAN SWING
During the day or at sunset ( like me above) don't miss the opportunity to take a selfie on Bibinje’s iconic swing. Kids and adults both love it. We adored this charming wooden swing right on the beach with a perfect view of the sea and the opposite island Ugljan.
4) STROLL THE BEACH PROMENADE AT NIGHT
Strolling on the beach promenade is inviting at any time of the day, but a special treat at night. We could not help but linger long after sunset as the glow of the night continued with the relaxing waves lapping the shore. The smell of the sea and warm meals served in Mediterranean-style restaurants fills the air.
5) SUNBATHE/SWIM AT THE BEACHES
Love the sun, sea and sunbathing & swimming? Bibinje beaches mesmerize with a stunning palette of turquoise, azure and cobalt backed by a soaring landscape of green mountains. The water is clear and not too cold. This is a slow-paced, laid-back sunny getaway and what many beachgoers dreams are made of. On a coast length of about 5 kilometers, there are 7 beaches to enjoy. Each one has something a little different to savor.
6) ENJOY THE FLOWERS
Wondering around lovely Bibinje and it's beaches, we loved the flowers. Lots of Bougainvillea plants that thrive in this Med weather, roses and even lovely wild flowers close to the sea.
7) LET THE LAPPING WAVES RELAX YOU WITH ASMR
Bibinje is a very relaxing place and the gentle waves along the shore add to this ambiance. Many listen to ASMR laping waves online to calm down and refresh. Here one can do it daily effortlessly.
8) TAKE A BOAT RIDE
Boating (in all shapes and sizes) is a popular adventure in Bibinje. The largest marina on the Croatian coast is located here - D-Marina Dalmacija. With one of these motor boats ( in various sizes), your excursion options are endless. With boats available for day rentals, weekend getaways, week long excursions or longer, boat rental companies provide flexibility to suit your preferences.
9) ENJOY DINNER AL FRESCO AT SUNSET
From fantastic street food to endless restaurants serving authentic Dalmatian and Mediterranean cuisines, foodies will love Bibinje. Many taverns and restaurants have sunset views and outdoor dining. There is always a rich selection of locals specialties like shellfish, seafood, grilled meat, roasted lamb, and fritters. Dalmatian cuisine is considered to be one of the healthiest cuisines and live music makes it all an experience to remember.
10) SLIDE ON THE BIBINJE OCEAN SLIDE
Like the charming, unique wooden swing above in number 3, this adorable wooden slide structure going into the Adriatic sea is unique to Bibinje. This is definitely a place that knows how to have fun in sweet ways and make the most of it's assets.
There are many more than 10 travel tips, so I will include a few more photos and ideas to add to your itinerary for your next visit to Bibinje. Like this view of one of the many outdoor restaurants on the beach promenade.
More beach play
and more sunsets!
VISIT ZADAR
Remember, that the famous Old Town Zadar is just 8 kilometers away from Bibinje. When you visit this 3,000-year-old city, you will find countless more attractions, like cool beaches, views, Lions Gate, the Roman forum and the famous sea organ!
Zadar is a different way to enjoy the sunsets, but wonderful in it's own way, celebrating with locals and many tourists. It reminded me of the nightly sunset celebrations in Key West and the excitement and crowd grows waiting for nature to awe us.
World-famous architect Nikola Bašić created the Sea Organ & Greeting the Sun Light construction that adds to the unique fun. The Sea Organ makes music by the movement of the waves and during the day, sunlight is converted into energy and after sunset there is an impressive play of light for all to enjoy!
We were delighted and surprised to visit the best ocean view vineyard in Europe here. I wrote about it last week with lots of tempting photos. It is a "must see" and not far from Bibinje and Zadar.
We loved the street art like this photo on a wall near the beach that captures the essence. If you are looking for a fantastic off season beach bargain, for travel or as a digital nomad, you can't beat Bibinje!
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I love alfresco dining near the coast in mediterranean Europe. The travel tip to visit in fall is good, especially for Western Europe which gets super crowded. We saw epic sunsets from the remote island of Vis in Croatia.
Posted by: Shweta | October 18, 2023 at 09:29 PM
Thanks Shweta! We've done long stays exploring Croatia in summer one year and in fall recently and found it soooo much better & cheaper in the fall wihtout the crowds, but still summer weather in Sept & Oct.
Posted by: jeanne Dee | October 18, 2023 at 09:38 PM
Nice overview of Bibinje Zadar. Loved the sunsets in Croatia!
Posted by: Simina | October 19, 2023 at 02:10 AM
Thank you for sharing! I have had Croatia on my radar for a long time (even had booked a trip there), but now I am worried about poor value for money since they introduced the Euro. Are prices comparable to Italy?
Posted by: Anja | October 19, 2023 at 02:41 AM
We definitely have plans to visit Croatia for a longer stay. So it was good to check out your travel tips. Since we love to travel in the Fall, this may be a perfect fit for us. Water and sunsets will keep us coming back.
Posted by: Linda (LD Holland) | October 19, 2023 at 07:59 AM
Croatia looks so stunning! I would love to see Zadar especially and take a boat ride.
Posted by: Natalie | October 19, 2023 at 08:39 AM
What a great place to relax! I missed Zadar and Bibinje when I was in Croatia but I'd love to go back (:
Posted by: Taylor | October 19, 2023 at 09:51 AM
Thanks Simina! The sunsets are so spectacular in this area and we loved the "show" every day!
Posted by: jeanne Dee | October 20, 2023 at 04:36 AM
Good question Anja! We're budget travelers, so always find a way for maximum luxury that we love at the lowest possible budget costs. :) Like most places in Europe, high season July and August prices are highest ( but we even found ways to do it cheaper even then). September & October the prices are great, weather like summer and we found much cheaper than Italy.
By basing in a smaller town like Bibinje is one way to save money & much better prices than Dubrovnik. We rented a car for part of our stay, but taking buses or ferrying to different places is another way to save.
Posted by: jeanne Dee | October 20, 2023 at 04:45 AM
Thanks Linda! September & October are ideal times to be in Croatia for best weather& prices, especially Dalmatia. ( Zagreb area is not as good then, already turning rainy, but the south stays great in Dalmatia and the islands nearby). There is so much to do and see long stays help a lot. Every time we go, we discover new places. I'd add on at least a day trip to Kotor Rivera in Montenegro from Dubrovnik. So many gems to explore!!
Posted by: jeanne Dee | October 20, 2023 at 04:55 AM
Thanks Natalie! Croatia truly is stunning and worth visit. Boating ( of all sizes) is super popular because there are so many beautiful islands nearby and it is part of the culture.
Posted by: jeanne Dee | October 20, 2023 at 05:43 AM
So true Taylor! There is so much to see in beautiful Croatia that we missed this area as well on our first long stay. So glad we got another chance to explore this gorgeous area and we will be back! :)
Posted by: jeanne Dee | October 20, 2023 at 05:44 AM
That slide into the water looks absolutely magical! Also I love traveling in the off season as well so it's nice to hear that it's still worth it!
Posted by: Bekah | October 20, 2023 at 10:40 AM
Thanks Bekah! The wooden slide and swing at this beach are adorable! :) We first visited Croatia as a family in our camper van as we pioneered digital nomad life in 2007, so it was a lot of fun to return again & we will be back!
Posted by: jeanne Dee | October 20, 2023 at 12:18 PM