Thanks to its location as well as its rich past and tradition, the island of Ugljan has always attracted people eager for relaxation in nature. Many summerhouses and olive groves that can be seen on Ugljan are a proof of this. The traffic connection between Ugljan and Zadar, as the cultural and administrative centre of the Zadar County is excellent. The island can be reached by private vessels or by the boat/ferry of Jadrolinija, the Croatian maritime liner. This boat ride lasts only 15 minutes. The waters around Ugljan and Pašman and the entire Zadar archipelago are the most ideal area on the Adriatic for sailing and sports boating.
There are seven villages on the island: Kukljica (with the islets: Bisage, Golac, Mišnjak i Karantunić), Kali (with the islet of Veli Školj), Preko (with the islets Galevac and Ošljak), Poljana, Sutomišćica, Lukoran and Ugljan (with the islet of Idula). Administratively, the islands of Rivanj and Sestrunj together with the Municipality of Preko form one administrative unit. Each of the above villages is special and specific. If you want to immerse yourself in the fishing tradition of the island, you will visit Kali. Kukljica is known for its tradition of building ships used for transportation and a small boat marina dominates the centre of the village. Ugljan has a rich cultural heritage with the monastery of St. Jerome. The entire island is full of early Christian and medieval churches that are definitely worth exploring. In the vicinity of Preko, there is the islet of Galevac (Školjić), which is a real cultural jewel because of the heritage it has preserved for centuries. The island of Ošljak is the smallest inhabited island of the Adriatic. It has a rich history and many natural attractions. The undersea world of the islands of Ugljan, Ošljak, Rivanj and Sestrunj offers many magnificent diving locations for professional divers.
Since it is mostly uninhabited, the southern side of the island of Ugljan is particularly interesting to those who want to spend time in nature. It is interwoven with numerous olive groves, dry walls and field houses, and the steep rocks offer unforgettable views. Climbers can climb the rock Željina litica all year round. The southern side of the island is protected from the wind and therefore turned into a long promenade among the olive groves. Numerous cycling and hiking trails on the island are suitable for both experienced cyclists and trail runners as well as amateurs. The highest peak of the island is Šćah (286.1 m) and it is easily accessible to hikers of all ages. The second highest peak is called Sveti Mihovil (St. Michael) (263 m). The medieval castle, Sveti Mihovil, that is situated offers visitors unforgettable view of Preko. However, both peaks offer a panoramic view of the entire Zadar Archipelago. If you want to experience quiet, secluded coves, Ugljan is the right destination for your vacation.
And if you want to visit e.g. Pašman, Telšćica Nature Park or the Kornati National Park, Ugljan is very well connected to all the surrounding destinations. Ugljan and Pašman are separated by the sea passage called Ždrelašćica, which is the most important nautical passage in the Zadar archipelago. The Ždrelac Bridge connects these two neighbouring islands. If you decide to visit the nearby nature parks (Vransko jezero, Velebit and Biokovo) or national parks (Krka, Plitvička jezera, Paklenica, Sjeverni Velebit) the island of Ugljan is a great starting point because it is located in the centre of Dalmatia.
The private accommodation makes the majority of the accommodation resources on Ugljan. However, there are numerous camps and two hotels. There are also two marinas, Olive Island Marina Sutomišćica and Marina Preko.
Ošljak
The island of Ošljak is a real treat. If you want to truly indulge in nature, visit this car-free island. Explore the island on foot. There is a hiking trail around the island that is slightly more than two kilometres long. The entire island is a protected forest park and a habitat of many protected bird species. It is easy to visit the top of the island, which is at the altitude of only 89 meters and offers a wonderful panorama. Although small, Ošljak was inhabited in ancient times and the still visible remains of an ancient villa testify to that. A part of this property is also the early medieval church of St. Jerome from the 5th/6th centuries. The church was rebuilt in the 15th century and today it is dedicated to the Assumption of Mary. In the 17th/ 18th century Ošljak was inhabited by the first members of Valčić family, brothers Mate and Pere Valčić. They settled south from the church. The densely packed houses are still in the same place today, making up a Valčić hamlet. The surname Valčić dominates the island even today. That is why the Valčić family is considered to be the guardian of the island.
The beautiful coves of Ošljak and the unspoilt nature are a source of pleasure both in summer and in winter. The lighthouse, a bunker from the Second World War, an old school building, family houses built in the Mediterranean style are just some of the locations that bear witness to the life of the island. Today, there are about thirty people living on the island and it is the smallest inhabited island in the Adriatic. There is still no grocery store, so it is necessary to keep that in mind when organising a longer stay on Ošljak. In the 18th century, windmills were built on Ošljak for the needs of the population of the surrounding islands. When walking around the island, visit the remains of old mills. In the 20th century, a large water reservoir was built on an elevated part of the island to collect rainwater and supply the entire island with water.
For the additional information go to www.preko.hr; www.kali.hr; www.kukljica.hr
