{"id":49383,"date":"2020-05-19T01:18:33","date_gmt":"2020-05-19T00:18:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/magic-croatia.hr\/?p=49383"},"modified":"2025-12-16T12:59:05","modified_gmt":"2025-12-16T10:59:05","slug":"top-5-islands-to-visit-in-zadar","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/magic-croatia.hr\/en\/top-5-islands-to-visit-in-zadar\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 5 islands to visit in Zadar"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Feel the breeze of Adriatic sea,\u00a0have a wonderful time and discover the beauties of\u00a05 best islands in Zadar. Check our guide to get all information you need for Zadar island hopping: where to go, how to get there, best beaches, things to do and more!<\/em><\/p>\n

Zadar Archipelago\u00a0consist of hundreds of smaller and larger islands and islets, stretching along the coast over the area of about 400 square kilometres.\u00a0Only few of them are populated. For that reason it doesn’t surprise that Zadar archipelago is\u00a0one of the most amazing spots in Croatia for exploring by boat.
\nNeedless to say that the islands have amazing landscape, hidden coves\u00a0that can be reached only by sea and crystal clear waters.<\/p>\n

Check out our list of top 5 islands that you\u00a0shouldn’t miss to visit while staying in Zadar.<\/p>\n

1. Pag – Moonlike island<\/strong><\/h5>\n

\"PAG-best-island-to-visit-zadar-magic-croatia\"<\/p>\n

Pag<\/a><\/span><\/span> is the fifth-largest\u00a0island\u00a0in Croatia, and the one with the longest coastline.\u00a0It is around 60 kilometres (37 miles) long, connected to the mainland by the bridge\u00a0and about 1-hour drive far from Zadar.\u00a0Pag stands out, for its\u00a0rocky landscape and exceptional beauty. It is the island of lace, cheese, salt, lamb and parties.
\nPag lace is a unique product of skilful hands of the women from the town of Pag.\u00a0Lace-making is a very old tradition and\u00a0in 2009, Pag lace was registered in the list of intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO.
\nTempt your taste buds and taste\u00a0world-renowned\u00a0cheese from island Pag, made from sheep’s milk with unique flavor due to salted herbs that sheep eat. Except for cheese, Pag is well known for its salt, which is considered one of the best salts in Croatia. You can even visit saltern to find out more about the process of salt making. Pag’s lamb is another delicacy you should treat yourself while visiting Pag that is being offered on many restaurants.
\nIf you like dancing and listening to music, then Zr\u0107e is the place for you. However, if you are looking for peaceful oasis for your family and friends, do not worry, Pag has that too. It is full of peaceful locations and beaches perfect for families and you should go to \u0160imuni, Povljana\u00a0or city center\u00a0Pag.
\nYou should definitely visit\u00a0thousand year old olive grove to see magnificent olive trees at Lun. You can walk through ancient grove and find out more about olive oil production.<\/p>\n

Interested in visiting Pag? Check our private tour to island of Pag with cheese tasting<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/strong> included starting from Zadar!<\/p>\n

2. Ugljan – the Olive island<\/strong><\/h5>\n

\"ugljan-best-island-zadar-magic-croatia\"<\/p>\n

The Island of Ugljan is situated opposite to Zadar and it is easily approachable from Zadar as it requires only a 20 minute ferry ride. You can check the ferry timetable\u00a0and take a ferry boat from Zadar port to Preko, the port town on the island. The island is\u00a0covered with lush vegetation – evergreen pine forests and over 200 thousand olive trees. You will be amazed to discover old Croatian churches, traditional stone architecture and\u00a0beautiful beaches.
\nIn Ugljan town you can see interesting old monuments, including a 2000-year-old olive oil factory and a peaceful Franciscan monastery. Visit Preko, Europe’s hidden gem<\/span><\/a> and climb the fortress of St. Michael from the 13th century to enjoy the unforgettable panorama of the island, surrounding\u00a0islands and Zadar. You can’t miss picturesque\u00a0islet situated only 80 m from Preko, with Franciscan monastery dating from 15th century.
\nDiscover Kali, a small fishing port famous for its long tradition of fishermen.\u00a0Pretty Kukljica is\u00a0famous for its sandy\u00a0and pebble beaches, perfect for a swim or to relax in a shady spot.
\nThe best way to feel the\u00a0island atmosphere is by walking along the\u00a0sea or sipping a favorite drink on one of the terraces with a view of the Zadar Channel.<\/p>\n

The best way to experience the island of Ugljan is by bike. Check out\u00a0Island Ugljan self guided bike tour<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Pa\u0161man – with the\u00a0cleanest\u00a0sea in the Adriatic<\/strong><\/h5>\n

\"pasman-top-island.zadar-magic-croatia\"<\/p>\n

The island of Pa\u0161man<\/span><\/span><\/a> is a lovely quiet island connected to the island of Ugljan by the \u017ddrelac bridge, and separated from the mainland by the Pa\u0161man Channel, which is in some places only 2 km wide. You can easily get to Pa\u0161man via ferry from Biograd or by crossing the bridge if arriving from Ugljan.
\nPa\u0161man\u00a0is surrounded by dozens of scattered small islands and interesting fact is that the sea current changes its direction every 6 hours,\u00a0which makes this area one of the cleanest on the Adriatic Sea.\u00a0Preserved island landscape contains many\u00a0aromatic herbs, vineyards, fields and olive groves.\u00a0The island was originally inhabited since the Roman times.
\nMake sure to visit \u0106okovac Benedictine Monastery from 12th century, situated on a hill overlooking the channel and\u00a0well known in\u00a0Croatian history\u00a0as one of the centers of\u00a0Glagolitic<\/span><\/span><\/a>\u00a0literature.<\/p>\n

You can visit Pa\u0161man island by bike. Check more here<\/span><\/a>!<\/p>\n

4. Dugi otok (Long island) –\u00a0peace oasis<\/strong><\/h5>\n

\"long-island-croatia-zadar\"<\/p>\n

Dugi otok<\/span><\/a> or Long island is the largest island in Zadar archipelago.\u00a0Geographically, it is an island of great diversity and contrast: the coast of the island that is facing the open sea is characterized by sharp\u00a0rocks and the highest cliffs in the Adriatic while\u00a0on the other side of the island one can find quiet coves and\u00a0the most beautiful sandy beach Sakarun. On the island are 12 small villages, each with their ow charm and peaceful ambiance.
\nThe island is well known for it\u2019s nature park Tela\u0161\u0107ica<\/span> which is one of the safest natural bays on the Adriatic. Within Tela\u0161\u0107ica is a salt lake Mir (eng. Peace) famous for its high salt content due to underground channels that are connected to the sea. You can swim in the lake and its mud is believed to have medicinal properties.
\nCertainly one of the most famous things to see on the island is Veli rat lighthouse. It is the biggest lantern in the Adriatic and is 42 meters high overlooking the open sea.<\/p>\n

Visit Dugi otok and discover all mentioned above and former military tunnels\u00a0and a secret underground beach in a hidden cave in unforgettable day tour\u00a0by a speed boat starting from Zadar<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n

5. Gale\u0161njak – heart shaped island<\/strong><\/h5>\n

\"heart-island-croatia-zadar\"<\/p>\n

Between Zadar and Pa\u0161man island lies\u00a0mystical and enchanting island of Gale\u0161njak.\u00a0The heart shaped Gale\u0161njak island\u00a0covers an area of 0.132\u00a0km2<\/sup>, with its beach measuring 1.55\u00a0km in length with the highest peak\u00a0of 34 m.\u00a0Gale\u0161njak is privately owned but\u00a0uninhabited and you can not reach the island by a ferry or a boat. However, it is possible to organize private transfer by a boat<\/span><\/a> to visit the island.
\nThe island became real sensation when Google Earth “discovered” it\u00a0in February 2009, which brought the island to worldwide attention.
\nDue to its heart shape it is often referred as\u00a0Island of Love, Lover’s Island or Love Island.<\/p>\n

Take a panoramic flight<\/span><\/span><\/a> as it is the best way to capture island’s unique heart shape.<\/p>\n

Decide which island to visit depending on how much time you have:<\/strong><\/p>\n