Island in Dalmatia – Zadar
Ugljan
- Best time to go
- May, June, Sept
- Part of
- Dalmatia – Zadar
Ugljan is the green island right across the channel from Zadar, close enough that many islanders work in the city and commute by ferry.
Its villages, Preko, Kali, Kukljica and Ugljan, line the sheltered coast facing Zadar, among olive groves that have been tended for centuries. It makes an easy, relaxed base, with small beaches, fishing harbours, a hilltop fortress with views over the archipelago, and Zadar's old town a short ferry ride away. A bridge in the south joins it to Pašman.
Things to do
Don't miss in Ugljan
- Walk or drive up to St Michael's Fortress above Preko for views over Zadar and the islands.
- Take a taxi boat or swim out from Preko to Galovac, a tiny islet with a Franciscan monastery among the trees.
- Swim in the pine-shaded bays around Kukljica, at the southern end of the island.
- Watch the fishing boats in Kali, one of the island's busiest working harbours.
- Taste local olive oil at a family mill or on a farm along the coast.
- Cycle the quiet coast road and cross the bridge at Ždrelac to explore Pašman.
- Hop over to Zadar for the day to see its old town, Sea Organ and sunsets.
Where to stay
Pick your neighbourhood
Preko
the main village by the ferry, with beaches, cafés and Galovac islet just offshore
Kukljica
a quiet village in the south with sheltered bays and pine shade
Kali
a working fishing village with a local feel and a busy harbour
Ugljan village
peace in the north of the island, among olive groves and small coves
Tours and getting around
Day trips from Ugljan
Boat trips to the Kornati islands and Telašćica leave from Zadar and from the island's harbours in summer. Zadar is an easy day trip by ferry, and Nin and Paklenica National Park are within reach by car on the mainland. Kayaking along the sheltered coast is also popular.
The villages are small and walkable, and bikes suit the gentle coast road. A car is handy for moving between villages and for Pašman, and you can bring one on the ferry from Zadar. Small boats can be rented in Preko and Kukljica for the islets offshore.
Getting there
How to get to Ugljan
Jadrolinija car ferries cross from Zadar to Preko in about 25 minutes, and a foot-passenger ferry also runs from Zadar to Preko. In the south, a short bridge at Ždrelac joins Ugljan to Pašman, so you can drive across both islands. Zadar Airport is the nearest. Times are on jadrolinija.hr; ferries run often, as many islanders commute to Zadar.