Oaza Mira Beach in Drage, Croatia – A Natural Cove with Family-Friendly Appeal
Beach character
The beach spans 290 meters in length and 20 meters in width, forming a narrow cove protected by a raised hill and nearby campsite. The shoreline is composed of small beige pebbles, with no sand or coarse gravel present. Natural shade from surrounding mountains provides relief during the day, though sun protection is still recommended. The seabed slopes smoothly into the water, with a gradual depth increase that is ideal for children and non-swimmers. Depth reaches 3 meters within a short distance from shore, and the water is noted for its clarity and lack of waves, even in windy conditions.Swimming and shore
Swimming conditions at Oaza Mira are consistently calm, with no significant waves reported by visitors. The smooth seabed and gentle slope make it a safe option for families with young children. The beach’s sheltered position behind a hill and adjacent campsite reduces exposure to open sea currents. Some reviewers noted the presence of fish near the shore, adding to the area’s appeal for water-based activities like snorkeling or casual exploration.Facilities and activities
There are no formal amenities such as showers, restrooms, or changing rooms on the beach itself. However, visitors staying at the adjacent campsite have access to facilities there. The beach supports activities including stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), surfing, and general water entertainment. A bar and free Wi-Fi are available on-site, as reported by visitors, making it a convenient spot for relaxation.Access and location
Oaza Mira Beach is located at Put Malenice 12, Drage, with coordinates 43.88706° N, 15.53243° E. Access is via the upper road leading from the harbor, not through the adjacent campsite. The beach is part of the broader Zadar region, which is a well-known sailing destination. Nearby, the Drage area offers a mix of coastal landscapes and small settlements, with the larger town of Zadar approximately 15 kilometers to the northeast.What visitors say
Reviewers consistently highlight the beach’s calm waters and family-friendly environment. One visitor described it as 'the most beautiful bay for swimming in Croatia,' with 'crystal-clear water and above all calm, suitable for children.' Another noted the presence of a bar and free Wi-Fi, while a 2019 review mentioned that showers are only available to campsite guests. A 2022 review praised the beach as 'empty and super for kids,' though the high season crowd index indicates it can become busy during peak times.Practical tips
Arrive via the upper road from the harbor, as the beach is not accessible through the campsite. Sunscreen and water are recommended, especially for extended stays. Campsite guests should note that showers are available there but not on the beach itself.Exploring the coast by yacht
The sheltered nature of Oaza Mira Beach makes it a favorable spot for sailors exploring the Zadar coastline. Charter guests navigating the northern Adriatic may find the area appealing for short anchorages or as a stop during longer voyages. Nearby, the Drage and Zadar regions host several marinas and anchorages, including those in Zadar itself, which are accessible via the same coastal routes.Natural Shade and Landscape
The beach’s mountainous surroundings provide natural shade, a rare feature on many Croatian coasts. This makes it a cooler option during midday, though the pebble surface can retain heat. The landscape is characterized by rocky outcrops and low vegetation, typical of the region’s coastal geography.Camping and Community
The adjacent campsite is a key feature of the area, with some visitors noting that beach access is restricted to campers during certain times. The campsite likely contributes to the beach’s popularity with naturists and families, as indicated in the beach’s audience profile.Anchorages in the surrounding area
Anchorages near Drage and Vrgada offer nearby mooring options.
- Anchorage — drage — 0.1 NM from beach
- Anchorage — drage — 1.8 NM from beach
- Anchorage — vrgada — 2.0 NM from beach
- Anchorage — vrgada — 2.0 NM from beach
- Anchorage — drage — 2.3 NM from beach
- Anchorage — vrgada — 2.3 NM from beach
- Anchorage — mala rava — 2.3 NM from beach
- Kranj — vrgada — 2.5 NM from beach
Distances are straight-line geographic distances, not sailing routes.
Mooring buoys in the surrounding area
- Island Vrgada A — 2.0 NM from beach
- Island Vrgada B — 2.0 NM from beach
- Mole restaurant Bracera — vrgada — 2.1 NM from beach
- Jetty — drage — 2.3 NM from beach
- Jetty — vrgada — 2.3 NM from beach
Distances are straight-line geographic distances, not sailing routes.
Marine fuel stations
Marine fuel stations in Murter and Biograd ensure refueling convenience for vessels.
- Flash — murter — 4.5 NM from beach
- Ina — murter — 4.6 NM from beach
- Ina — biograd na moru — 5.1 NM from beach
- Ina — jezera — murter — 7.8 NM from beach
Distances are straight-line geographic distances, not sailing routes.
Harbours in the surrounding area
- Pakoštane — pakostane — 1.5 NM from beach
- Hotel Haven Ilirija — biograd na moru — 4.9 NM from beach
- Betina — murter — 5.0 NM from beach
- Betina — murter — 5.0 NM from beach
- Biograd — biograd na moru — 5.0 NM from beach
- Tkon - ferry dock — pasman — 5.3 NM from beach
Distances are straight-line geographic distances, not sailing routes.
Marinas in the surrounding area
Marinas in Drage, Murter, and Biograd provide nearby mooring options.
- Marina Drage — 0.1 NM from beach
- Marina Hramina — murter — 4.4 NM from beach
- Marina Betina — murter — 4.6 NM from beach
- Marina Šangulin — marina sangulin — biograd na moru — 5.0 NM from beach
- Marina Kornati — biograd na moru — 5.1 NM from beach
Distances are straight-line geographic distances, not sailing routes.
Restaurants near the beach
Restaurants in Drage and Vrgada offer dining options close to the beach.
- Palma — drage — 0.2 NM from beach
- Bracera — vrgada — 2.2 NM from beach
- Adrijana — vrgada — 2.2 NM from beach
- La Spuz — drage — 2.4 NM from beach
- u.o Lagani — uo lagani — vrgada — 2.4 NM from beach
- Restaurant More — crvena luka — 3.0 NM from beach
- Restaurant Zminjak — 3.4 NM from beach
Distances are straight-line geographic distances, not sailing routes.
Navigation guides for the surrounding area
Navigation guides for Pakoštane and surrounding areas assist in local route planning.
- Pakostane — 1.5 NM from beach
- Otocic Arta Mala — 2.5 NM from beach
- Uvala Gnal — 3.4 NM from beach
- Hramina — 4.5 NM from beach
- Betina — 5.1 NM from beach
Distances are straight-line geographic distances, not sailing routes.
Yachts from nearby departure bases
Yachts based in Drage and Murter marinas operate near the beach.
Sailing yachts
- Sun Odyssey 349 (Mia) — Drage Marina — 0.1 NM from departure base to beach
- Sun Odyssey 490 (Ela) — Drage Marina — 0.1 NM from departure base to beach
- Sun Odyssey 440 (Karla) — Drage Marina — 0.1 NM from departure base to beach
- Bavaria Cruiser 41 (Rogac) — Murter Marina Hramina — 4.4 NM from departure base to beach
- First 47.7 (Starigrad) — Murter Marina Hramina — 4.4 NM from departure base to beach
Catamarans
- Lagoon 450 (Tatinja) — Murter Marina Hramina — 4.4 NM from departure base to beach
- Lagoon 400 (Sveta Nedilja) — Murter Marina Hramina — 4.4 NM from departure base to beach
Motor yachts
- Elegance 60 Fly (Premium) — Drage Marina — 0.1 NM from departure base to beach
Motor boats
- Ocqueteau Timonier 715 () — Drage Marina — 0.1 NM from departure base to beach
- FIM 440 Regina (Premiumco) — Murter Marina Hramina — 4.4 NM from departure base to beach
Distances are straight-line geographic distances, not sailing routes.
Frequently asked questions
Is there parking available near the beach?
The beach catalog does not specify parking details. However, given its proximity to Drage and Zadar, nearby road access points may offer parking options, though this is not confirmed in the beach’s structured amenities.Are there facilities for non-campers?
Showers and restrooms are not available on the beach itself. Non-campers may need to rely on facilities in nearby Drage or Zadar.Nearby beaches
Reviews
Good place, bar and free wifi on beach
Great empty and super for kids
No showers on the beach (only if you are camp visitor)
The most beautiful bay for swimming in Croatia that I had the opportunity to discover with crystal-clear water and above all calm, which is suitable for children. The entrance is gentle, but at 3 meters depth already. Occasionally some fish. The main thing is that there are no waves and even when it is windy, not here, because it is hidden behind a raised hill and a camp. Please note, the entrance is only possible from the harbor via the upper road, not through the camp! Translated Show original Zadar