Ugljan

Nicknamed the Olive Island, Ugljan is an idyllic isle in the Zadar archipelago. Most villages are on the east coast, the most charming of which are Preko, Kukljica, Ugljan, and Kali. The fishing village of Preko is known for its monastery in Island Galovac. Kukljica is in the south and boasts the 17th century Church of St. Paul along with a picturesque palm-lined promenade. In the north is the homonymous village of Ugljan, which charms with its sandy Mostir Beach and the picturesque Franciscan Monastery of St. Jerome. Kali is the largest village and is built on a charming hill with stone houses and the Baroque Church of Sveti Lovre towering above the Old Town. 

History

Ugljan has been inhabited since the early stone age. The first known people to live there were the Liburns, an Illyrian tribe mainly engaged in fishing, agriculture, and cattle breeding. The area has witnessed many civilizations including Venetian rule, French and Austrian administrations, and the Ottomans. Today, visitors can explore historic sites such as the picturesque Franciscan Monastery of Saint Jerome founded in 1430. Another interesting historical attraction is Fort St. Michael, which dates back to the 6th century. The castle is a ruin that is definitely worth a visit and a popular destination for excursions and hikes. 

What is Ugljan Island Famous For?

Ugljan is known for its sea and natural attractions. Visitors can enjoy its sandy beaches such as Mostir Beach in Ugljan village, or Port Juzna Beach in the north of the island. The Monastery of St. Jerome in the enchanting Preko, and Fort St. Michael in the village of Ugljan. In addition, the island is perfect for nature lovers who can explore the island by biking or hiking the trails to find the olive groves, secluded bays, and various cultural sites such as churches, castles, and archaeological zones. It makes boating an unforgettable experience, as does the Kornati Islands, a nature reserve consisting of hundreds of islands not far from Ugljan.

Places to Visit in Ugljan Island

Ugljan, also known as Olive Island, is a Croatian isle in the Zadar Archipelago, northwest of the island of Pasman. One of the first things to do on Ugljan Island is hiking and cycling, which is ideal for nature lovers who want to explore the island. Its most famous attractions are the charming coastal villages such as Preko, with its stunning Dalmatian architecture, and Kukljica, with its picturesque palm-lined promenade. In addition, Preko’s monastery island, Galovac, is worth seeing. Visitors can enjoy beautiful beaches such as the stunning sandy Mostir Beach, the picturesque boulders at Juzna Luka Beach, the vibrant Jaz Beach, and Velika Sabusa Bay, known for its idyllic and quiet environment surrounded by nature. There are historic sites such as the Fortress of St. Michael. In addition to these, a short boat ride away are destinations such as the Kornati Islands.

Ugljan is a place where history and nature meet. The most important place to visit is the picturesque Franciscan Monastery of St. Jerome, which offers spiritual beauty. While visiting, guests can admire the cultivated olive groves that have shaped the enchanting landscape. Perched on a hill, the romantic village of Kali enchants its visitors with its Dalmatian charm and a jumble of alleys with stone houses. The island’s clear blue waters offer the best diving experiences in places like Zelina's Cave, as it has a rich underwater life filled with colorful fish, gorgonians, sea sponges, and various archaeological artifacts and shipwrecks. In addition, there is the Ugljan diving center, where visitors can explore the local waters with experts. There are climbing routes on the steep slopes of the island's west coast. Short boat trips take guests to the nearby Islands such as Dugi Otok Island and Telascica Nature Park.

Best Time to Visit Ugljan Island

Ugljan Island, also known as the Green Island, is a true paradise for those who want to have a good time with its ancient remains emerging from the dusty pages of history, pristine coves, and secluded beaches. Due to its mild Mediterranean climate, the district has a warm season between April and October, and the winters are mild and rainy. Popular activities include swimming, hiking, and cycling, so it's a good choice to bring comfortable shoes and sun protection. Visitors can also experience something special during the island's most exciting festivals and events in the summer months, including the Ugljan Blue Night and the Sug Festival.

The most popular time to visit Ugljan Island is during the summer months when visitors can soak up the warm sunshine surrounded by pine trees and enjoy warmer waters for swimming. The period between April and November can be preferred to enjoy cozy bays with diving spots along the coast. For more active holidays including hiking and biking, the spring and autumn months will be the right choice for exploring the numerous paths as the heat is less intense. It is possible to visit Ugljan Island anytime, but the warm season ends in November and the tourist season slowly begins in early April. The peak season when attractions are most crowded is from July to August.

Weather in Ugljan Island

Ugljan experiences a mild Mediterranean climate, where the summers are short and warm, and the winters are wet and cold. In summer, the average temperature ranges from 80°F (26°C) to 66°F (18°C). It's a humid region with the highest relative humidity in August at 67.0% and the lowest humidity in February at around 16%. The most precipitation of the year occurs around November, and the coldest month of the year is January, with an average low of 38°F (3°C) and high of 52°F (11°C).

Before Visiting Ugljan Island

Ugljan Island is a warm place with plenty of sunshine and long days in summer, so bringing lots of sunscreen and seeking shade during the hottest part of the day would be a very good choice. It may be necessary to bring comfortable shoes for walking the hiking and cycling trails or visiting historic ruins. In addition, sea shoes may be required as some beaches may be pebbly, such as Batalaza beach. Ugljan can be rainy in the winter months from November to March, so it is recommended to bring a waterproof coat. However, if anything is forgotten, Ugljan Island has all the necessities that are easily found.

Festivals & Special Days in Ugljan Island

Although Ugljan is not famous as a party destination, it hosts many thrilling festivals and events especially in the summer months. In June, Ugljan Blue Night is a folklore event where locals wear authentic Croatian attire, sing Dalmatian a cappella songs, and dance the kolo, a traditional Slavic circle dance. Ceprljanda Festival is a three-day event where visitors can enjoy a rich assortment of Dalmatian dishes in July and the night ends with fireworks covering the midnight sky. In August, there is the Sug Festival, where many of the homemade island products are presented, such as olive oil, jams, liquors, souvenirs, and jewelry. There are many other events that further highlight the local foods and culture. 

Nightlife in Ugljan Island

Ugljan is not famous for being a party destination, but the beach bars are great options for guests desiring a cozy atmosphere, great music, and a beautiful view. These venues are ideal places to experience the laid-back island atmosphere, some with various pub games, like air hockey and billiards, some with a wide range of music, and an excellent selection of spirits.

- Beach Bar Popeye

Beach Bar Popeye is located on Batalaza Beach in Kali village. This small wooden bar has a perfect view of the endless clear sea and a laid-back atmosphere for visitors to enjoy. There are many food options such as fish and meat burgers in the venue. In addition, it has a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Even though it is not a very glamorous location, visitors flock here every evening in the summer for the fun atmosphere.

- Ritam Bar

Ritam is a lively beach bar and a nightclub overlooking Ugljan Beach beloved for its party-like ambiance and wide range of beverages. It has a private pier with canopy umbrellas, soft lighting, wooden waterfront seating, and modern music. The stunning views of the water at sunset are unforgettable and can strike a romantic atmosphere over the waterside seats. Loud music and frequent musical performances are the highlights of the establishment as well as billiards. While the bar serves nearly every beverage, they are best known for mixed cocktails.

- Beach Bar Mavra

Beach Bar Mavra is located right on the promenade of Kali Port. This laid-back and lively bar is known for its charming beach house interior, which even has steps to enter directly into the water. In the evenings, street parties are popular when they expand the bar with stunning sea views. The venue has many food options such as burgers in addition to a vast bar menu that specializes in a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

- Beach Bar Bicikleta

One of the more unique bars of Ugljan Island, Beach Bar Bicikleta is next to Preko's Tratica Beach with a beachy and laid-back ambiance. This quiet establishment is a place where visitors can chat and drink with gentle music while enjoying stunning panoramic sea views in the shade of centuries-old pine trees. Evenings here are never dull with small concerts and other entertainment. It often promotes artistic works by young local artists by displaying their work on the premises. The bar also offers a wide selection of cocktails and spirits.

- Beach Bar Balloon

Located right next to the beach, not far from Preko, Beach Bar Balloon is a relaxing and laid-back bar with a stunning sea view. During the summer, the venue features live music, entertainment, and an atmosphere of fun. The bar offers a fair selection of familiar snacks and meals, accompanied by a wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

Luxury / Fine Dining Restaurants of Ugljan Island

Located in the beautiful Dalmatian region, directly opposite Zadar, Ugljan Island offers a few restaurants serving local delicacies and specialty meat and seafood dishes. All of the best eateries are on the beachside, in city centers, or marinas with authentic and modern styles and have panoramic views of the sea. In these restaurants, visitors can eat Croatian and Dalmatian cuisine as well as international dishes.

- Konoba Udica

Located on the shores of the Kukljica Marina, with stunning views overlooking the harbor, Konoba Udica is a traditional restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere and outstanding Mediterranean dishes. It offers a terrace where visitors can dine with a lovely sea view. The decor is simple, with a homey atmosphere showcasing a typical island tavern accentuated by wooden details. Specializing in fresh seasonal dishes, the menu is traditionally Dalmatian-Mediterranean with menu items such as octopus salad, homemade pljukanci with shrimp and zucchini, shrimp risotto, and traditional buzara. In addition to the meals, the wide selection of wines contains many top Croatian and foreign labels.

- Restaurant Apollo

Restaurant Apollo features a laid-back ambiance with a mixed interior of modern tables, antique fishing equipment, and ancient amphorae accompanied by soft lighting. Situated very close to the center of the village of Ugljan, the terrace boasts a perfect setting among the greenery of its garden. The atmosphere can be quite cozy and pleasant. The rich menu of the kitchen includes special recipes such as roasted squid, tuna and white fish steaks, and baked and grilled meat dishes, bringing together unique examples from gourmet Dalmatian and European specialties. 

  - The Olive Island Marina

Located by the marina, the Olive Island restaurant has an elegant atmosphere. The terrace has stunning views of the surrounding harbor and sea, with unforgettable sunsets. The indoor area creates a modern and spacious environment with low lighting and wooden and metal details accompanied by live piano music. The menu revolves around deluxe dishes such as octopus with potato, grilled squid, fresh fish, and perfectly cooked steaks.

 - Taverna Joso

With its beautiful location next to the Preko harbor, Taverna Joso has a relaxed atmosphere combined with traditional Mediterranean decor. It has a laid-back atmosphere with low lighting, red tartan tablecloths, and wood details. Visitors can choose to sit on the terrace with a lovely view of the sea. The Mediterranean kitchen specializes in fresh local dishes such as octopus salad, tuna steak, green shrimp pasta, and pork filet.