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December 8, 2025
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December 8, 2025The island of Ugljan is located only 25 minutes by ferry from Zadar. Its wooded coves with crystal-clear sea, sandy beaches, hiking and cycling trails, viewpoints offering magnificent views of the Zadar archipelago, stone fishermen's cottages, and proximity to excursion spots such as Telašćica Nature Park, the island of Pašman, or the city of Zadar make the island of Ugljan a perfect place for a peaceful yet fulfilling family vacation.
Keep reading and check out our selection of the top 4 things you must do on Ugljan, along with other important information related to this island.
How to get to the island of Ugljan?
Catamarans and ferries sail daily from Zadar, specifically from the Gaženica Ferry Port. The journey itself takes 25 minutes, and the ferry or catamaran docks at the ferry port in the town of Preko.
1. Hiking and cycling trails
An excellent way to explore the island of Ugljan is by hiking – of course, as long as it’s not too hot :). For all hiking enthusiasts, as many as twenty walking trails of various lengths are available. If you’re in good shape, climb to the highest peak of Ugljan Island – Šćah, have lunch at the very top while admiring the view of Zadar and the Zadar archipelago; take a walk to the beautiful bay of Željina vala and enjoy a swim there, or simply explore the island by strolling past olive groves, old chapels, or along the sea at sunset.
If you prefer exploring Ugljan on two wheels, rent a bicycle in Preko and ride along one of the five cycling trails. The routes vary in length and difficulty – from easy ones to challenging mountain paths – so everyone can find a trail suited to their cycling abilities.
Don’t forget to dress appropriately considering the occasionally steep and slippery terrain. For hiking and climbing, sports sneakers are the best choice. Also, if you visit Ugljan in the summer, make sure to bring a bottle of water, protect your skin with sunscreen, and cover your head with a hat.
2. Climb the Fortress of St. Michael
A stay on Ugljan Island wouldn’t be complete without visiting the medieval Fort of St. Michael, located on a 265-meter-high hill above the village of Preko. You can climb the hill from several directions, but the best and easiest way is to take the hiking trail Preko – St. Michael, which is 2.5 kilometers long. The climb itself takes about an hour.
For a more complete experience of the view from the fortress, we recommend visiting it at sunset on a clear day. You can also bring a meal with you – it will taste even better while enjoying the magnificent view of the Zadar archipelago that awaits you at the fortress.
3. Visit nearby islands and towns
Many excursion boats offer day trips to nearby islands and destinations such as Plitvice Lakes National Park or Krka National Park. On the other hand, you can also take your own trip to nearby towns like Zadar, which will delight you with its historical heritage. The closest place to Ugljan is the neighboring island of Pašman, separated from Ugljan only by the Ždrelac Bridge, making it easily accessible by car.
Set aside a special day for a trip to the Telašćica Nature Park on the southern side of Dugi Otok, not far from Zadar. From Kali, you can reach Telašćica by an organized excursion boat that departs from there every day. Visit the Telašćica Bay, after which the park was named, the salty, healing, and always warm Lake Mir, and the magnificent Stene cliffs — enormous rock walls reaching up to 160 meters high. You can also take a ferry to the small islet of Sestrunj, whose indented coastline attracts sailors and all those seeking a bit of solitude and peace.
4. Swimming on sandy and pebble beaches
More than 20 kilometers of coastline, the unreal blue and crystal-clear Adriatic Sea, and the green pine forests hugging the shore irresistibly attract all visitors who come to the island of Ugljan in the summer. The island features pebble beaches as well as a few sandy ones (such as Jaz Beach), which are ideal for families with small children who enjoy playing in the sand. The underwater world of Ugljan hides secrets from the past – at several locations, various archaeological sites can be found, making these areas popular among diving enthusiasts. If you’re one of them, visit the Ugljan Diving Center, where you can explore the local seabed with professional guides.
