Marlin beach Lungo Mare 100, Mandre
Beach character
The beach's defining feature is its cove shape, with a width of 30 meters and a gently sloping seabed of pebbles that transitions to deeper water. The natural landscape provides intermittent shade, particularly in the afternoon when sunlight shifts to the right side of the beach. The sea floor remains mostly pebbly, with depth increasing moderately as one moves away from the shore. This creates a swimming environment that is generally shallow and calm near the beach but transitions to more open water further out.Swimming and shore
Swimmers will find the central section of the beach offers a gentle, shallow entrance ideal for families and less experienced swimmers. However, the beach's rocky character becomes more pronounced toward the edges, with some sections featuring harsher sea entrances that may be challenging for older visitors or those with mobility limitations. The clear, turquoise water is consistently praised by visitors, though the pebbly shore requires water shoes for comfort.Facilities and activities
There are no structured amenities or facilities at Marlin Beach. The lack of formal infrastructure means visitors should plan for self-sufficiency, though the beach's natural setting offers a unique alternative to commercialized coastal areas. The absence of marked activities or rentals does not detract from its appeal as a destination for those seeking unspoiled natural environments.Access and location
Access to Marlin Beach requires navigating a stony road that winds through the Mandre area. Visitors should drive slowly and cautiously, as the route features thorny bushes that may damage vehicles. Parking is available near the beach entrance, though spaces are limited. The beach is situated near the town of Kolan, with Šimuni serving as a nearby reference point for those traveling by car. The journey from Šimuni takes approximately 7-10 minutes by vehicle.What visitors say
Reviewers consistently highlight the beach's natural beauty and tranquility, despite its 'busy' seasonal designation. Multiple visitors reported encountering turtles on the approach road, with one reviewer noting a tortoise sighting 300 meters from the beach. While the central section is described as 'magical' with 'soft, light sand,' others emphasize the need for caution due to the rocky terrain. One visitor described the beach as 'perfectly secluded,' while another noted the 'difficult access' as a minor downside that contributes to its low visitor numbers.Practical tips
Drive slowly on the stony access road to avoid damaging your vehicle or disturbing wildlife. Carry water shoes for comfort on the pebbly shore. Be prepared for limited parking near the beach. Explore beyond the central section for more secluded areas, though be mindful of the rocky terrain. Turtle sightings are common on the approach road, so exercise caution during your journey.Exploring the coast by yacht
For sailors and yacht charter guests, Marlin Beach represents one of many hidden gems along the Dalmatian coast. Its proximity to Mandre and Kolan places it within reach of several sailing routes in the Adriatic. While the beach itself is not a marina or anchorage, the surrounding area offers opportunities for coastal exploration. Charter guests may consider nearby ports in the region for refueling or extended stays, though specific marina details are best confirmed through the Euro-Agent Yacht Search page.Wildlife Encounters
Marlin Beach is uniquely known for its turtle population, with multiple visitors reporting sightings on the access road. These encounters, while rare in many coastal areas, are a recurring theme in guest reviews. The presence of tortoises adds an element of natural wonder to the journey to the beach, though drivers are advised to remain vigilant.Seasonal Considerations
While the beach is marked as 'busy' in high season, visitor accounts suggest that the central section remains relatively uncrowded. The 'moderate' cleanliness rating indicates that visitors should expect a natural, unspoiled environment rather than a highly maintained facility. The beach's character is best experienced outside peak months when the crowds are more dispersed.Frequently asked questions
Is Marlin Beach suitable for families with young children?
The central section of the beach offers a gentle, shallow entrance suitable for families. However, the pebbly shore requires water shoes, and the rocky edges may be challenging for very young children or those with mobility limitations.Are there parking facilities at the beach?
Yes, there are several parking spots available near the beach entrance, though spaces are limited. Visitors are advised to arrive early during peak season.What is the best time to visit Marlin Beach?
While the beach is busy in peak season, visitor reviews suggest that the central section remains tranquil even during high season. Off-peak months offer the advantage of fewer visitors and more opportunities to explore the secluded sections of the beach.Nearby beaches
Reviews
!!! Please drive carefully and slowly to the beach because there are tortoises on the way ( we saw one at around 300 meters from the beach) !!! I went to the beach 2 times and saw tortoises both times. One was in the middle of the street so please drive carefully. Other than that, it's a quiet beach with very clear water, no waves and I recommend visiting. The beach is rocky so take water shoes with you.
A brilliant little beach near the town of Kolan that we returned to after many years. We're still amazed at how few people you can find here in the peak season. The only minor downside, which probably accounts for the low number of visitors, is the difficult access. If you're driving a larger vehicle, you need to be cautious of thorny bushes. We scratched our car a bit, but it was probably worth it. On the way to the beach, you can often encounter turtles; we were lucky both 10 years ago and this year. The beach itself also has the advantage of having soft, light, and very pleasant sand, just beyond the rocks at the water's entrance. Absolutely magical.
Perfect secluded beach with fine sand in the water. Afternoon there is small place with shadow on the right side of the beach. Access by stony road but if you go slowly your car will survive.
Very scenic beach with brilliantly clear water and beautiful nature that is usually not overly crowded! It doesn't offer very much in terms of facilities and more importantly, there's no much of natural shade unless you walk further left or right from the main pebble stone beach where you're mostly gonna end up on natural rocky beaches with much harsher sea entrances not really suitable for older people, those with impaired mobility and children. But, there's much more privacy and tranquility outside central part of the beach. Main (central) part of the beach, which is relatively small, has very good entrance with relatively shallow water. Beach is reachable by car via partially unpaved road and there's several parking spots. It takes only several minutes by car from nearby Šimuni to get there. Zadar