Island Ugljan

The island of Ugljan has always been a pitoresque oasis attracting those seeking rest and relaxation. It boasts excellent transport connections with Zadar, the cultural and administrative centre of Zadar County. The island can be reached by private vessels or by boat/ferry operated by the national ferry company Jadrolinija. The journey takes about 15 minutes, so it should come as no surprise that the island of Ugljan is considered a suburb of Zadar. Spanning 50 square kilometers , Ugljan is made up of seven picturesque villages: Kukljica, Kali, Preko, Poljana, Sutomišćica, Lukoran i Ugljan. Administratively, the island of Rivanj and Sestrunj form a single entity with the municipality of Preko.

This ever-green island, covered with olive groves, with idyllic bays and picturesque small fishing ports, for generations has been tied to the sea, seafaring and fishing, and more than 2000 years of olive cultivation have left thousands of olive trees yielding oil of exceptional quality and aroma. The other side of the island is mostly steep and uninhabited. Due to the accompanying bays, islands and rich undersea, it is a real challenge for divers and sport fishermen. The undulating plateau in the interior of the island is streaked with tens of kilometres of hiking and biking trails, and the colours, scents and panorama are an unforgettable picture for every passer-by.

Most of the inhabitants of the island (around 7500) are mainly engaged in olive cultivation, fishing and, of course, tourism. The mild Mediterranean climate (the averige annual temperature is 15°C, approximately 800 mm of rainfall and 2600 hours of sunshine), the azure sea, the rocky and sandy beaches, the numerous nearby islands and islets and the memories of past times make the fertile island Ugljan increasingly desirable for fans of the sea and the islands. The vegetation of the island Ugljan contains all basic features of Mediterranean flora. The typical vegetation of the island are: Mediterranean holm oak, pine trees, cypresses and high macchia, and mostly grown are Mediterranean cultures, dominated by olives and figs.

Nothing is more characteristic for the landscape of the island Ugljan than the thousands o f olive trees. Olive groves have the function of ecosystems and they attract numerous singing birds with their microcosm. The ecologically clean undersea of the island Ugljan with the ten adjacent islands is a habitat for numerous species of fish, crabs, shellfish and corals, and it is a true revelation for divers.

Active Tourism

Hiking

If you love long walks in the nature with beautiful scenery, then the island Ugljan is the right destination for you! An easy stroll along the coast or on the nearby hills, with mapped hiking trails leading to peaks and beautiful bays, along centennial olive groves. Also very attractive is the Fortress of St. Michael built in the 6th century and rebuilt in the 13th century as a Venetian fort. A three kilometres long paved road suitable for cyclists, pedestrians and cars leads to the fortress. It is special by its view extending over the more than 200 islands of the Zadar archipelago and the National Park Kornati, Zadar, Velebit and Ravni kotari. Walking through Ugljan discover the trails and promenades along the coast, through the olive groves, woods of holm oak, Aleppo pine, along old stone walls to natural watering holes, hidden and secluded bays. Along the way enjoy the scents of Mediterranean plants, lavender, immortelle, rosemary, broom flower, myrtle ... Some of the native plant species are also medicinal and have been use din traditional medicine. The paths will lead you to various cultural sites such as churches, monasteries, castles and archaeological sites. On your way, you can also relax at several rest stops and viewpoints.

Cycling

The island offers approximately 100 km of cycling paths for exploration and enjoyment. The trails vary in difficulty, with the easiest ones suited for families with children. If you are looking for greater challenge and adventure, cross the Ždrelac bridge to the neighbouring island of Pašman for a unique experience of the two islands in the Zadar archipelago.

Sailing

The waters around Ugljan, Pašman, and the entire Zadar archipelago are some of the most ideal in the Adriatic for sailing and recreational boating. With the Zadar archipelago being the most densely packed group of islands in the Adriatic, it offers a variety of winds and minimal extreme weather conditions, which allow for safe and enjoyable sailing throughout the year. For boating enthusiasts, there are two marinas: Olive Island Marina Sutomišćica and Marina Preko.

Rock climbing

Take the plunge and make your way to the top of Željina cliff! For rock climbing enthusiasts, Željina Cliff provides excellent climbing opportunities with its varied rock formations and beautiful views of the Zadar archipelago, including the islands of Iž and Dugi Otok. Situated at the base of Mount St. Michael, it features routes for all skill levels, from begginer to advanced, with up to 40 routes graded from 4c to 7b spread across five sectors. The southern exposure of the cliff allows for climbing throughout the year.

Diving sites

Diving around the island of Ugljan and the islets of Rivanj and Sestrunj offers a unique experience. You can dive recreationally along the coast or professionally with equipment. Notable diving sites in the area include Cape Ovčjak, Prcbok, Veliki Paranak, Karantunić, and the southwest side of Bisage Island. The Underwater life is particularly rich in the Rivanj Channel at sites like Sajda (1.5 nautical miles northeast of the islet Mala Sestrica) and Cape Križ. You will find signs with exact locations at various spots on Ugljan, Rivanj and Sestrunj. Take the plunge and dive in! Our underwater environment is home to a diverse array of marine species. Some of these are protected, such as the noble pen shell (Pinna nobilis), Neptune grass (Posidonia oceanica), node seagrass (Cymodocea nodosa), and the common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). The Rivanj Channel is known for sightings of the critically endangered shark species, the angel shark. Coral species like red and yellow finger gorgonians attract numerous divers. The seabed teems with fish, including the common two-banded sea bream, painted comber, tuna, seabream...

Trails

Caves

For speleologists, geologists, palaeontologists, and archaeologists, the caves of Ugljan Island are particularly intriguing due to their great age and formation. The island features the following caves: Željina cave (located at the base of Mount St. Michael), Boškova cave (located above the Svitla Cove), Vela and Mala Cave (located at the food of Mount Kobiljak), Vela Karinja Pit (located near Guduće), Pećina Cave (located near the Prtljug Cove). Regarding the cave above Svitla Cove, legend has it that a hermit named Boško lived there, whereas Željina Cave was used by shepherds as a shelter from storms. The largest cave on the island extends more than 60 meters in length near Prtljug Cove. Caves should be visited exclusively with a guided tour.

Hunting tourism

The Ugljan hunting ground is rich in mouflon, wild boar, snipe, wild rabbit and pheasant. Hunters have at their disposal closed and open hunting observatory, ambushes in the natural environment, arranged automatic feeders with video surveillance and arranged and maintained drinking troughs. We also offer accommodation in a hunting lodge, a professional hunting guide, organization of transport in the hunting ground by off-road vehicles (SUV, quad) as well as the entire logistics that includes food and drink, as well as other specific requirements: Auro lov d.o.o.; web: www.autohunt.com; e-mail: info@aurohunt.com

Ferry and boat timetable

Beaches on Ugljan

Beach Skrača

Landscaped concrete beach with sandy seabed located at the very end of the island with a beautiful view of the Rivanj Channel. Next to the beach there is a small children's playground. The beach is equipped with a changing cabin.

The cove of Batalaža

The cove of Batalaža stretches from Zmorašnji to Južni mule. Both mules (beaches) are equipped with changing cabin and showers. Next to the beach South Mul there is a beach volleyball court.

The cove of Čeprljanda

Concrete beach suitable for children. The seabed is partly sandy and partly rocky. The beach is equipped with a changing cabin and a shower. There is a children's playground near the beach.

The cove of Zmorašnja Luka

The sandy beach located at the beginning of the Ovčjak peninsula is the first choice for a large number of boaters. The outer part of the beach is partly paved and partly naturally wild. The beach is equipped with a changing cabin.

Beach Južna Luka

It is a sandy beach that can be reached following the path from the parking lot in Muline. The cove is surrounded by the pine forest where you can find shadow for pleasant rest in beautiful Mediterranean element. The beach is equipped with a changing cabin.

The cove of Sušica

Pebble beach completely open to the open sea. Next to the beach there is a children's playground. The beach is equipped with a changing cabin and a shower.

The cove of Lučica

Pebble beach located on the south side of the island. Due to the openness of the coast, sea currents are more pronounced than on other beaches. The beach is equipped with a changing cabin.

The cove of Suha

Sandy cove surrounded by beautiful horizontal rocks and Mediterranean greenery which can be reached through the hamlet of Varoš. Here you can enjoy a quiet natural environment with a beautiful view of the neighboring island of Iž. The beach is equipped with a changing cabin.

The cove of Ćinta

The cove is surrounded by cliffs and unusually blue sky, suitable for boat excursions and enjoying the quietness, sea and pine tree odor.

Beach Mostir

Sandy beach in the center suitable for children and non-swimmers. You can play beach volleyball on the beach, and there is a small children’s playground nearby. It is equipped with deck chairs, a shower, a changing cabin and a ramp for peope with disabilities.

The cove of Pavlešina

Landscaped beach on the south side of the island with a beautiful view of the neighboring islands of Iž, Rava, Sestrunj and Dugi otok. The beach is equipped with a changing cabin and a shower.

Beach Centar

Concrete beach in the center of Ugljan. The beach is equipped with deck chairs, shower and changing cabin.

Beach Ritam bar

Landscaped pebble beach in the center. The beach has a children’s playground and is equipped with a changing cabin and a shower.

Beach Bilišće

Pebble beach near the ferry dock. Ideal for parents with small children and the elderly. The beach has a shallow entrance to the sea, and a shower and a changing cabin. There is a restaurant on the beach. Nearby is a shop, a restaurant, cafes, a pharmacy, a bank, ATMs, a butcher shop and a fish market.

Beaches Parapet and Elektra

Right behind Marina Preko, in the centre of the town, behind the breakwater, "parapet", is the beach of the same name. It is a pebble beach, suitable for families with children and the elderly. Right next of it is the beach Elektra. The beach is paved, there are deck chairs, a changing room and a shower, and there is children’s park and playground in the immediate vicinity. The beach is pebbly, the seabed is sandy and rocky.

Beach Magazin – Promenade

The beach Magazin is located opposite the islet Galevac. It is distinguished by the crystal clear sea of beautiful turquoise colour, sandy beaches with concrete slabs, making it easier to enter into the sea. The beach is also close to a cafe. It is ideal for families with children and young people. Deckchairs are positioned along the promenade from Magazine to the Vrulja Monument, and the beach has several easy entrances to the sea, as well as a shower and a changing room.

Beach Jaz

Beach Jaz is the main beach in Preko. It is a sandy beach, the sea is shallow and children can have carefree fun in the shallows. In addition, the beach has slides for children, catering facilities (restaurant, pizzeria), toilets and a parking lot. Next to the beach there is a children’s park, a volleyball court and a promenade for peaceful and romantic walks in the sunset.

Beach Kašun

Beach Kašun is located right behind beach Jaz, on the waterfront to the north. At the foot of the stone fence wall is a small pebble beach suitable both for families with children and for the elderly. It has an easy access to the sea and a shower.

Islet Galevac – Školjić

On the front side of the islet, where boats are docking, there is an easy entrance to the sea with a sandy beach and crystal clear, turquoise sea. Around the entire islet there are mostly rocky entrances to the sea, the seabed is rocky and sandy, and the numerous pines and vegetation create a pleasant shade.

Bay Svitla

The bay Svitla is located below the hill Vela straža. In the past it was a safe haven for locals of the island Iž who travelled to Zadar through Preko. The bay was named after the custom of lighting lights, signalizing to the neighbouring island Iž that someone is waiting for a return transport to the island. This was the way of connecting Iž to the mainland until the establishment of ferry and shipping lines with Zadar. Today bay Svitla is an attractive beach and picnic area. It is recommended to take a car or bicycle for the first part of the road, and then you have a fifteen minute walk, descending the rocky terrain down the cliff. This area is an oasis of peace, breath-taking nature and crystal clear sea.

Beach Čerenac

Small pebble beach at the entrance to Poljane. Pine and cypress trees next to the beach create a pleasant shade.

Beach Centar

Beach located in the town centre. Paved, with deck chairs, a changing room and a shower. The seabed is sandy, there are several entrances to the sea, and the beach is adapted for people with special needs.

Saint Peter

On the cape St. Peter, next to the sports field, there is a paved beach with deck chairs, a changing room and a shower. The beach is located near shops and restaurants.

Beach Sutomišćica

Located in the town centre, there is a pebble beach suitable for families with children and the elderly. The beach has a shallow entrance to the sea, deckchairs, a shower and a changing cabin as well as natural shade. In the immediate vicinity there is a parking lot, a sports field and a children's park. Also, the beach is close to a shop and restaurants.

Bay Sutomiška

At the end of Sutomišćica, on St. Gregory cape, there is a paved beach with an easy entrance to the sea. The back of the cape is rocky and surrounded by cypress trees and it is suitable for those looking for adventure and peace.

Frnaža bay (northern and southern Frnaža)

Frnaža bay is a small bay with a predominantly rocky coast. There are several pebble beaches in the bay, the seabed is sandy with numerous underwater rocks and diverse marine life, and therefore it is suitable for diving, fishing and swimming. Anchoring is free of charge and the bay is protected from west and southwest winds.

Beach Centar

The sandy beach with a paved part suitable for sunbathing is located in the town centre and it is ideal for families with children. The seabed is sandy and rocky. Near the beach there is a parking lot, shops and restaurants.

Bay Prtljug

Quiet small port with several houses and a berth for boats of local fishermen. Next to the harbour is a pebble beach suitable for adventurers and fans of peace and quiet.

Mali Lukoran

Paved beach in the centre of Mali Lukoran with several easy entrances to the sea with deck chairs, a changing room and a shower. The beach is located below the summer residence of the De Ponte family, and the great Croatian poet Petar Preradović, when dwelling there, wrote the famous Croatian patriotic poem “Dawn is Breaking, Day will Come” (“Zora puca, bit će dana”).

Ošljak

In the vicinity of the ferry dock is a paved beach with an easy entrance to the sea, suitable both for families with children and the elderly. The islet is surrounded by cliffs and small bays suitable for swimming. Pine and cypress trees create natural shade, and you can walk around the whole islet on a two kilometres long promenade.

Rivanj

The island Rivanj stands out for its beautiful beaches and small bays with crystal clear water, surrounded by the shadow of pines, cypress trees and other vegetation. From sandy beaches for families with children to hidden bays suitable for adventurers and those looking for peace, notably bays Dobrinka and Lokvina. The island is known for its local waters rich in fish and it is the destination of many sport fishermen. Rivanj is the perfect choice for those looking for peace and relaxation away from the city rush.

Bay Kablin – Žalić

The bay Kablin is the main traffic port of the island connecting Sestrunj with Zadar by ferry and boat lines. The bay Kablin is connected with the bay Žalić on the south side of the island, with a promenade with lighting. The bay Žalić is a quiet port with a small village suitable for all fans of peace and unpopulated beaches.

Bay Hrvatinj

Bay Hrvatinj on the north side of the island. Quiet bay with small berths for boats, surrounded by greenery of pines, cypress trees and other vegetation, suitable for fans of peaceful holidays in the nature. Near the beach there is a parking lot, and since 2018 the bay is adorned with a unique mosaic bench, the work of the artist Božica Kliman.