Last updated August 12, 2026

Sailboats and motor yachts moored at Marina Borik at dusk, with Zadar's coastline in the background

Toksave / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

Zadar

Where to Stay in Borik, Zadar

Borik is a pine-shaded stretch of coast about 3 km north of Zadar's Old Town peninsula, built up through the 1970s and 80s as the city's main package-resort district and still functioning that way today. It's home to Marina Borik, one of the larger marinas on this stretch of the Adriatic, and to most of Zadar's bigger hotels, including several run by the Falkensteiner group. The coastline here is a mix of concrete sunbathing terraces, rocky outcrops, and pebble, rather than sand, running for close to two kilometers and backed by pine woods that keep much of the area shaded and quieter than the exposed waterfront downtown.

What it's actually like to stay here

Low-key and resort-oriented rather than urban — most activity centers on hotel pools, the beach promenade, and the marina rather than on streets or squares, since Borik was built as a hotel district rather than a neighborhood. It's busiest in July and August with hotel guests and families, and considerably quieter in shoulder season, when several restaurants and beach bars scale back or close. The pine woods running through the area give it a shadier, greener feel than the stone streets of the Old Town.

Stay here if

Stay here if you want a beach and pool at your hotel rather than a short walk away, and you don't mind being a bus ride or a longer walk from the historic sights — it suits families who want kids' clubs and all-inclusive options, and budget-to-mid-range travelers, since resort hotels here often run cheaper per night than Old Town boutique properties in peak season.

Stay elsewhere if

If seeing the Roman Forum, the cathedral, or the Sea Organ on foot without planning around bus schedules matters to you, or you want a lively old-town atmosphere in the evening, base yourself on the peninsula instead — Borik is a legitimate but separate trip from the historic center.

Walkability
Walkable within itself — the marina, beach, and hotels are all connected by flat coastal paths — but it's not realistic to walk to the Old Town and back regularly; that's roughly a 35-45 minute walk each way along the coast, doable once as a scenic route but not a daily commute for most people.
Noise at night
Quiet to moderate. Away from the handful of restaurant and bar strips near the marina, the pine woods and hotel grounds muffle most noise, and there's no through car traffic to speak of. Family resort hotels can carry some daytime noise from pools and children's activities.

Best Hotels in Borik, Zadar

Falkensteiner Club Funimation Borik

★★★★
  • 👨‍👩‍👧 Best for families
  • 🏖️ Best for beach access

Our take A beachfront all-inclusive on Borik's waterfront with a dedicated kids' club, built to take the daily planning out of a beach trip.

Highlights

  • Direct access to Borik's beach, with the resort's own stretch of waterfront
  • A dedicated children's world and kids' club with organised, supervised activities
  • An all-inclusive plus package runs during the summer season, covering meals and drinks

What to know

  • It's built and run as a family resort, so guests wanting an adults-focused stay should look elsewhere
  • Rooms and public areas can feel busy during peak family season, particularly around the pools and kids' club hours
Check availability on Booking.com

Falkensteiner Hotel Adriana

★★★★
  • ❤️ Best for couples
  • 🤫 Best for a quiet stay

Our take One of the few adults-only hotels in Zadar with direct beach access and a full spa programme rather than a token gym.

Highlights

  • Adults-only, so the pool deck and common areas stay free of children
  • A dedicated spa and wellness area with a full treatment menu
  • Steps from Borik's beach and Marina Borik, on the same waterfront strip

What to know

  • The adults-only pool is on site, but the indoor spa is in the neighbouring Funimation Borik building
  • The adults-only policy means it isn't a fit for anyone traveling with children
Check availability on Booking.com

Transportation & practical information

Local buses run from Borik into central Zadar and the Old Town in about 10-15 minutes, and taxis or rideshare cover the same distance a bit faster. Zadar Airport is a roughly 20-25 minute drive. A rental car isn't necessary for Borik itself but makes day trips to nearby beaches or inland sights considerably easier.

You won't need a car for the Old Town peninsula itself — it's pedestrian-only and small enough to cross on foot in 15-20 minutes. A car becomes useful if you're staying in Borik and want easy access to nearby beaches, or if you're planning day trips to Plitvice Lakes or inland Zadar County, since public transport to those spots is limited and slower.

Frequently asked questions

How far is Borik from Zadar's Old Town?
About 3 km, which is roughly a 10-15 minute bus ride or a 35-45 minute walk along the coast. Most visitors staying in Borik take the bus or a taxi into the Old Town rather than walking each way.
Is Borik beach sandy?
No — like most of the Zadar area, the shoreline in Borik is a mix of pebble, rock, and paved sunbathing terraces rather than sand.

Related areas

The Roman Forum and the round bell tower of St. Donatus's Church in Zadar's Old Town

Palauenc05 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Poluotok (Old Town Peninsula)

Best for: First-time visitors, Couples, Architecture lovers

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