Ugljan Summer (Ugljansko ljeto)
Summer programme from mid-June to mid-September on Ugljan island, with folklore, exhibitions, church concerts and gastro events.
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Ugljan
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City
ℹ️Practical info — Ugljan
▾
🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Rent a bicycle to get around; the island is generally flat and very bike-friendly.
- Take the frequent ferry from Zadar to Preko, then use the local bus or cycle to Ugljan town.
- Visit the 15th-century Franciscan monastery located right by the easy on the eye Mostir bay.
- Autumn is a great time to visit if you want to witness the traditional olive harvest.
🍽 Food
🍽
Fresh Grilled Seafood
Try freshly caught fish drizzled with the island's famous olive oil at the konobas around the small harbor.
🍽
Blitva
Swiss chard mixed with boiled potatoes and garlic, the quintessential Dalmatian side dish.
🍽
Island Figs and Travarica
Finish your meal with local dried figs and a shot of herb-infused grappa.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
🛍
Ugljan Olive Oil
The island is known for its centuries-old olive groves; buy a bottle directly from local producers around Muline.
🛍
Lavender and Rosemary
Small stalls near the center often sell essential oils and dried herbs gathered on the island.
🧘
Muline Ancient Oil Mill
Walk among the ruins of this Roman olive oil production site for a quiet, historical experience.
🧘
Mostir Beach at Dawn
The shallow sandy bay near the monastery is incredibly peaceful before the daytime crowds arrive.
Water temperature…
Highlights of 2026
1
Ugljan is located in the northwestern part of the island, which is also known as the 'Garden of Zadar.' The settlement has a long tradition of olive growing; it is estimated that over 200,000 olive trees grow on the island. The settlement consists of several hamlets stretching along the coast. The cultural center is the 15th-century Monastery of Saint Jerome (Samostan sv. Jeronima), located right by the sandy Mostir beach. Visitors find numerous opportunities for an active holiday here. The island is crisscrossed with cycling and hiking trails leading to viewpoints like the Sveti Mihovil fortress, which provides a panoramic view of the Zadar archipelago. Ugljan's coast features diverse beaches, from sandy coves to rocky stretches with crystal-clear water. Architecturally, the old summer houses of the Zadar nobility are interesting, such as the Califfi Castle. The island is connected by a bridge to the neighboring island of Pašman and is very well connected to Zadar by frequent ferry services. Local cuisine is based on fish, shellfish, and of course, the island's first-class olive oil, which is regularly awarded.
- Location: Croatia
- Top sights: Samostan sv. Jeronima · Plaža Mostir · Tvrđava sv. Mihovila
- Nearby: Lukoran (5 km)
- Population: ~1.024
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 9 | 9 | 11 | 14 | 18 | 23 | 26 | 26 | 22 | 18 | 14 | 10 |
| Rain mm | 90 | 100 | 78 | 66 | 65 | 48 | 40 | 47 | 102 | 93 | 129 | 108 |
Geography
Facts
- Ugljan Island
- 200,000 olive trees
- St. Jerome monastery
- Mostir sandy beach
- Califfi Castle
- Near Zadar
- St. Michael viewpoint
- Award-winning olive oil
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
A day in the city
Pick weather + travel mode, get a concrete day plan.
09:00→18:361.1 km walk6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 15–21 €Entries 18€ · Transport 0€
Your day starts in Ugljan village, on the 'green island' opposite Zadar. In the morning, enjoy the peace of St. Jerome Monastery by the sea. Then, head to Mostir beach for a long swim in its shallow sandy waters. After a traditional Dalmatian lunch, explore the Califfi Castle and end your day with a relaxed harbor stroll and a sunset view.
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🚶 8'0.26 km
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09:00→18:361.1 km walk6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 15–21 €Entries 18€ · Transport 0€
Morning finds us seeking shelter in the cloister of St. Jerome monastery. At noon, enjoy a long, cozy lunch in a warm konoba. Afternoon is perfect for exploring the indoor history of Califfi Castle. In the evening, admire the dramatic clouds over the harbor during a quick walk.
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🚶 8'0.26 km
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09:00→18:361.1 km walk6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 15–21 €Entries 18€ · Transport 0€
Morning starts briskly at the monastery, with winter sun warming the stones. At noon, seek the comfort of a fireplace in the restaurant. Afternoon is for a walk through the quiet village of Ugljan. Enjoy the early sunset around 16:30 by the harbor.
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🚶 8'0.26 km
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09:00→20:2823.8 km ride5 places0/5
Day budget: ≈ 26–35 €Entries 18€ · Transport 12€
This bike tour combines culture and adventure. Start in Ugljan with the monastery and castle, then cycle along the coastal road towards Preko. The highlight is the steep climb to St. Michael's Fortress, offering the best view over the Adriatic. After the descent and lunch in Preko, cycle back for a well-deserved swim at Mostir beach.
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🚲 6'0.53 km
🚲 63'10.04 km
🚲 15'2.06 km
🚲 70'11.17 km
09:00→20:2823.8 km ride5 places0/5
Day budget: ≈ 26–35 €Entries 18€ · Transport 12€
We start carefully from the monastery, avoiding unpaved paths. After Califfi Castle, we cycle on paved side roads. At noon, take a well-deserved break in Preko. Spend the afternoon near the coast, ready for the next shelter.
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🚲 6'0.53 km
🚲 63'10.04 km
🚲 15'2.06 km
🚲 70'11.17 km
09:00→20:2823.8 km ride5 places0/5
Day budget: ≈ 26–35 €Entries 18€ · Transport 12€
A refreshing tour through the wintry island landscape. We cycle up to St. Michael’s fortress to warm up. At noon, refuel in Preko. In the afternoon, follow the flat coastal road back to Ugljan before dusk sets in.
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🚲 6'0.53 km
🚲 63'10.04 km
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12:36 · 84'
Tvrđava sv. Mihovila
Caution at the top: the Bura wind can literally blow cyclists over.
🚲 15'2.06 km
🚲 70'11.17 km
09:00→17:4910.7 km drive5 places0/5
Day budget: ≈ 14–18 €Entries 14€ · Transport 2€
By car, you can effortlessly explore both ends of the island. Spend the morning in Ugljan village for culture and beach time at Mostir. In the afternoon, drive south towards Preko and wind up the mountain road to St. Michael's Fortress. This combination offers both relaxed seaside moments and spectacular island panoramas without the strain.
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🚗 4'0.26 km
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09:00→17:4910.7 km drive5 places0/5
Day budget: ≈ 14–18 €Entries 14€ · Transport 2€
Explore the island comfortably in the dry. After visiting the monastery, drive to Mostir beach to watch the waves from the car. At noon, park right in front of the konoba. In the afternoon, head up to the fortress, enjoying the view with wipers on.
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🚗 4'0.26 km
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15:20 · 84'
Tvrđava sv. Mihovila (Cluster B)
Drive carefully, the serpentines can be slippery.
🚗 3'0.12 km
09:00→17:4910.7 km drive5 places0/5
Day budget: ≈ 14–18 €Entries 14€ · Transport 2€
A pleasant winter tour across the island. We use the car to reach remote spots like St. Michael’s fortress while sheltered from the wind. At noon, enjoy the warmth in Preko. Finish the afternoon relaxed in Ugljan before it gets dark early.
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⛪
09:10 · 53'
Samostan sv. Jeronima (Cluster A)
Preheat the car while you visit the monastery.
🚗 4'0.26 km
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13:20 · 84'
Kaštel Califfi (Cluster A)
Parking spaces are free right in front of the castle in winter.
🚗 36'10.04 km
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15:20 · 84'
Tvrđava sv. Mihovila (Cluster B)
The view is often better in winter than in summer haze.
🚗 3'0.12 km
Sights in the town Ugljan (12)
Plaža Mostir
Placed at the scenic edge of Ugljan, Plaža Mostir is a delightful local hub for enjoying the sun and sea. The beach carries a welcoming, casual charm that suits both families and independent travelers looking to splash in the water. Swimming, laying out on a towel, and watching the coastal life go by are the main activities here. It’s always smart to pack a good sunscreen and plan to stay for a remarkable late-day sunset.
dog beach🎡 recreation
Dedicated entirely to four-legged friends, this dog beach in Ugljan provides a joyful stretch of shore where pets are welcome to swim. The spirited atmosphere is filled with splashing and playing, making it a wonderful meeting spot for dog owners and animal lovers alike. Both humans and pets can wade into the water or walk along the coastal edge for a fun afternoon. Visiting during the early morning is highly recommended to give your dog a cooler environment to run.
Frequently asked questions
How to get from Zadar to Ugljan island?
By regular ferry from Gaženica or passenger boat from the city center to Preko.
What is Ugljan island known for?
It is called the 'green island' and is famous for its thousand-year-old olive oil tradition.
Are there good cycling paths on the island?
Yes, the island gives over 40 km of cycling paths through olive groves and along the coast.
Which historical fortress should one visit?
The fortress of St. Michael (Sveti Mihovil) features a sweeping view of the Zadar archipelago.
Where are the best beaches found?
Popular spots include Mostir bay in Ugljan and the sandy Jaz beach in Preko.
Ugljan: where is it located?
Ugljan is located in Croatia.
Ugljan: what is there to see?
Highlights include Samostan sv. Jeronima, Plaža Mostir, Tvrđava sv. Mihovila.
Ugljan: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
Ugljan: why is it worth visiting?
Ugljan is located in the northwestern part of the island, which is also known as the 'Garden of Zadar.' The settlement has a long tradition of olive growing; it is estimated that over 200,000 olive trees grow on the island.
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