Island Hopping: Ugljan & Pašman - Explore the Green Route
View of turquoise sea from Ždrelac bridge
Just a short ferry ride from Zadar lies a double-island paradise. Ugljan and Pašman, connected by a bridge, offer surreal turquoise seas and a true Mediterranean soul.
PRO TIP: While they are neighbors, we recommend dedicated time for each. One day for Ugljan, one day for Pašman is the perfect way to truly soak in the "island time" without the rush.
Ugljan: The Green Garden
Best explored on two wheels or by scooter, Ugljan is lush, active, and charming.
· Must-See: Wander through Kali & Preko and hop on a boat to the serene islet of Galevac, just 80m from Preko. While the islet is private and belongs to the 15th-century Franciscan monastery, you can easily reach it using the local barkajoli - traditional boatmen who ferry visitors across the short channel for a small fee.
· The View: Head up to St. Michael’s Fortress for an unreal panorama, dotted with dozens of islands (accessible by car or bike all the way to the top), though keep in mind the road is quite narrow.
· Hidden Spot: Hike down to Svitla Bay for pure solitude. It is a quiet, untouched cove, reachable by car up to a certain point (approx. 400m away / 15 min walk), followed by a marked hiking trail leading down to the sea.
· Beaches: Relax at Zelena Punta in Kukljica or enjoy at Muline Bay, famous for its Roman heritage and incredible sunsets.
Pašman: The Golden Island
Crossing the Ždrelac Bridge brings you to a slower, more rugged, and peaceful island.
· Must-See: Benedictine Monastery Ćokovac. Perched above Tkon, this is Croatia’s only active Benedictine monastery and a cradle of Glagolitic history. Unlike the steep climb to St. Michael’s on Ugljan, this is a gentle, 15-minute walk through pine shade—perfect for families with toddlers.
· The View: Veli Bokolj. Climb to the island’s highest peak for 360-degree views of the Zadar archipelago and Kornati National Park.
· Photo Op: Galešnjak. Spot the world-famous heart-shaped island from the Pašman coastal road.
· Vibe: The Southern Škrape. Get off the beaten path to explore the sharp, salt-sprayed limestone rocks (škrape) that define the wild Dalmatian coast.
· Hidden Spot: Južna Bay (Uvala Južna). A sandy paradise facing the Kornati islands with crystal-clear shallows. Accessible via a 4 km macadam road from Tkon (best by bike or scooter), followed by a short, 5-minute walk (400m) to your own private lagoon.
FAMILY NOTE
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The path to Svitla Bay is manageable for toddlers (tested with our 3-year-old!), but keep them close.
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A total paradise for young kids. Beaches like Matlovac and Tratica have incredibly shallow, sandy bottoms, perfect for safe play.
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Kids love the "Bridge Adventure" connecting the islands, it’s the best spot to wave at passing boats!
INSIDER INFO
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Adventure seekers, families, and cycling enthusiasts.
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To Ugljan: 20 min ferry from Zadar (Gaženica) to Preko.
To Pašman: 20 min ferry from Biograd to Tkon.
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Book Ahead: During July and August, buy your tickets online via the Jadrolinija website or app 1–2 days in advance.
Arrive Early: Be at the port at least 1.5 – 2 hours before departure.
Important: Having a ticket does not guarantee a spot on a specific departure; boarding is strictly first-come, first-served.
Check Your Lane: Lane markings in Gaženica (Zadar) can be confusing. Lines for Ugljan, Dugi Otok, Iž, and other islands are often grouped together.
Always double-check with the staff directing traffic before parking your car to ensure you are in the correct queue for Preko (Ugljan).
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Plenty of water, a hat, and trekking shoes for exploring hidden bays or škrape.
