Zaton

Zaton is a small village located in the southern part of Croatia, on the northwest edge of the Sibenik Bay. Apart from agriculture, tourism is also a major sector in the village. Specifically, it is a known venue for corporate outings and events.

Sights & Activities

The beach is one of the village’s main attractions, with its crystal-clear water and sheltered location in the bay. This means the whole family can spend the whole day frolicking in its calm waters. Sunbathing and snorkeling are also popular activities. Boats can also be hired for fishing or exploring the nearby coastlines. There are also facilities for windsurfing, a water sport ideal with the calm waters of the bay. The bay is also home to a wide diversity of marine creatures, making scuba diving one of the more enjoyable activities in Zaton and in the surrounding areas. There are also several rowing and kayaking competition held in the bay in various times of the year that people from all over the region come to participate and witness.

Zaton also prides itself in the presence of several sporting facilities all around the village. Impressively, there are 16 tennis courts located along its main street. Bicycles can also be rented so visitors can explore the nearby villages while enjoying natural attractions along the way. Among the popular destinations for visitors are the vineyards, fruit orchards, vegetable farms, and other agricultural properties dotting the countryside.

Within Zaton are remnants of its past settlers, such as ruins of Roman structures as well as remains of the Church of St. Andrew. The ruins of the tower that locals call Kastelina are located on the western part of the village. This two-storey structure was constructed in 1593.

Located a short distance outside the village is the Church of St. Nicholas, which was built in the 11th century. This round-shaped structure has a dome decorated with Romanesque details.

Walking along the foreshore, visitors will come upon a strange sight that provides a unique appeal to the village. A large statue of a Mediterranean monk seal had been erected in the shore in 1979, becoming one of the known symbols associated with the town.

One prominent religious structure in the village is the church of St. Juraj, which was built in the 17th century. Also located within Zaton is a much more contemporary church dedicated to St. Rok that was built in 1928 and done in Neo-Gothic style. The feast day of St. Rok is a huge event participated by virtually all its inhabitants. This event commences with a procession and continues with entertainment and revelry enjoyed by guests and locals both.

Eating Out

The Mediterranean climate enjoyed in Zaton has made it possible for visitors to dine al fresco during most part of the year. One popular restaurant is the Gverović, which is located right on the bay. Because of its proximity to the water, this is also the preferred restaurants of visitors who come to Zaton aboard yachts. It serves the freshest seafood done in traditional cooking. Gverović is also recognized as one of the best coastal restaurants in the whole of Croatia. Another eating establishment that offers seafood dishes to its patrons is the Konoba Antika. Visitors can also head out to Šargeto, which serves traditional Dalmatian cuisine.