Plaza Ricina Beach - Vrsi, Croatia

Beach character

The beach features fine brown sand covering most of its 20-meter-wide shoreline, with a smooth gradient into the sea that makes it safe for children and non-swimmers. The seabed is composed of standard-grain sand, and the shallow depth (ideal for young swimmers) is a key attraction. However, the beach is marked as 'busy' during high season, and visitor reviews note that cleanliness can be an issue. The shoreline is straight, lacking natural shelter, though the beach's orientation provides some protection from wind, as noted by one reviewer.

Swimming and shore

Plaza Ricina's shallow, sandy seabed and gradual depth increase make it an ideal spot for families with young children. The water is generally calm, though reviews mention that the beach can become crowded during peak season. Water activities such as snorkeling, surfing, and jet skiing are available through local rentals. The beach's exposure to wind is mitigated by its position in a bay, though this varies with weather conditions. No formal lifeguard services or safety equipment are listed in the beach's features.

Facilities and activities

While the beach itself lacks structured amenities like showers or toilets, nearby facilities include a bar and an aquapark offering water scooters, inflatable islands, and boat rentals. Visitor reviews mention the availability of water bikes and boats for hire, as well as parking spaces. The beach is officially associated with activities such as stand-up paddling (SUP), surfing, snorkeling, beach volleyball, and water entertainment. No formal concessions or kiosks are listed in the beach's data.

Access and location

Access to Plaza Ricina is via an off-road path described by reviewers as 'dusty and stony,' though navigable for standard vehicles. The beach is located in Vrsi, near the towns of Nin and Zadar, both of which are part of the Adriatic's popular sailing routes. Its orientation provides some wind protection, making it a preferable alternative to Nin's more exposed beaches during breezy conditions. The beach is approximately 15 kilometers from Zadar's harbor, a key yacht charter hub in the region.

Practical tips

Travelers should expect a dusty, off-road approach to the beach and consider bringing water for the journey. The lack of formal amenities means visitors should plan for basic needs. The beach's proximity to Zadar and Nin offers opportunities for exploring nearby marinas and yacht charter services. Check with local vendors for rental availability, as reviews mention varying options for water sports equipment.

Nearby Cultural and Natural Context

Vrsi is a small settlement in the Zadar County, known for its connection to the nearby Velebit mountain range, which offers hiking and panoramic views of the Adriatic. The area is part of the broader Zadar region, a historic and cultural hub in Croatia. The beach's proximity to Nin, a town with Roman ruins and a lively nightlife, adds to its appeal for travelers seeking a mix of natural beauty and coastal culture.

Anchorages in the surrounding area

Anchorages in the surrounding area include options near Vrsi and Nin, offering various mooring points within a short distance.

• Anchorage — vrsi — 0.2 NM from beach
• Anchorage — nin — 0.6 NM from beach
• Anchorage — nin — 1.4 NM from beach
• Anchorage — nin — 1.9 NM from beach
• Anchorage — vlasici — pag — 2.2 NM from beach
• Anchorage — smokvica — 2.2 NM from beach
• Anchorage — rtina — 3.8 NM from beach
• Anchorage — rtina — 3.9 NM from beach

Distances are straight-line geographic distances, not sailing routes.

Mooring buoys in the surrounding area

• Jetty — ljubac — 3.9 NM from beach
• Vir — 5.4 NM from beach
• Punta Skala — petrcane — 5.9 NM from beach
• Šibuljina Point — sibuljina point — 6.6 NM from beach
• Jetty — zadar — 9.2 NM from beach

Distances are straight-line geographic distances, not sailing routes.

Marine fuel stations

Marine fuel stations are located in Zadar and other regions, ensuring refueling options for vessels traveling from the vicinity of Plaza Ricina.

• Ina — zadar — 9.8 NM from beach
• Ina — preko — ugljan — 12.3 NM from beach
• Fuel station — sukosan — 14.2 NM from beach
• Ina — zaglav — dugi otok — 20.1 NM from beach

Distances are straight-line geographic distances, not sailing routes.

Harbours in the surrounding area

• Mulo — nin — 1.3 NM from beach
• Nin — 2.4 NM from beach
• Miškovići — miskovici — pag — 3.5 NM from beach
• Privlaka — 4.0 NM from beach
• Povljana — pag — 5.9 NM from beach
• Ražanac — razanac — 6.0 NM from beach

Distances are straight-line geographic distances, not sailing routes.

Marinas in the surrounding area

• Marina Borik — zadar — 9.1 NM from beach
• Vitrenjak Zadar — 9.2 NM from beach
• Marina Zadar — 9.7 NM from beach
• Olive Island Marina — sutomiscica — ugljan — 11.2 NM from beach
• Marina Preko — ugljan — 12.0 NM from beach

Distances are straight-line geographic distances, not sailing routes.

Restaurants near the beach

Restaurants near the beach are located in Nin and Vir, offering dining options at short to moderate distances from Plaza Ricina.

• Tomislav — nin — 2.4 NM from beach
• Branimir — nin — 2.5 NM from beach
• Restaurant — vir — 3.8 NM from beach
• Grill Marion — vir — 4.4 NM from beach
• Restaurant — vir — 4.9 NM from beach

Distances are straight-line geographic distances, not sailing routes.

Navigation guides for the surrounding area

Navigation guides for the surrounding area cover locations such as Privlaka and Ugljan, aiding in route planning from the beach.

• Privlaka — 3.8 NM from beach
• OTOK PAG — 4.5 NM from beach
• KrusCica and Uvala KrusCica Duboka — 6.4 NM from beach
• VELESITSKI KANAL (S) — 6.9 NM from beach
• Ugljan — 9.9 NM from beach

Distances are straight-line geographic distances, not sailing routes.

Yachts from nearby departure bases

Sailing yachts

• Dufour 460 (Proizd) — Zadar Marina Borik — 9.1 NM from departure base to beach
• Dufour 560 (Tara) — Zadar Marina Borik — 9.1 NM from departure base to beach

Catamarans

• Leopard 50 (Solaia) — Zadar Marina Borik — 9.1 NM from departure base to beach
• Sunreef 60 (SINATA) — Zadar Marina Borik — 9.1 NM from departure base to beach

Motor yachts

• Ferretti 780 (TESORO) — Zadar Marina Borik — 9.1 NM from departure base to beach

Motor boats

• Merry Fisher 895 — Povljana Marina — 6.0 NM from departure base to beach
• Rancraft RM21 (Dugi otok) — Zadar Diklo Port — 7.7 NM from departure base to beach
• Rancraft RM19 (Daycruiser) — Zadar Diklo Port — 7.7 NM from departure base to beach
• Rancraft RS Cinque.5 — Zadar Diklo Port — 7.7 NM from departure base to beach
• Axopar 37 T Top TT — Zadar Marina Borik — 9.1 NM from departure base to beach

Distances are straight-line geographic distances, not sailing routes.