Ošljak (island) Island
Small Adriatic island near Zadar, residential
Tiny Adriatic island near Zadar with a small village, pebble beaches and moorings for private boats; common as a day-trip destination for swimming and snorkeling.
Ošljak (island) at a Glance#
About Ošljak (island)#
Ošljak is a very small inhabited island in Zadar County in the Adriatic Sea, off the Dalmatian coast of Croatia. It is commonly cited as Croatia’s smallest permanently inhabited island.
A single coastal settlement and a compact shoreline are the main features; the island is used for fishing, small-scale agriculture and short recreational visits by boat. Visitors typically come by private boat or local taxi-boat to swim, walk along the shore and see traditional stone houses.
The island has been inhabited for centuries and has been part of the maritime economy of the Zadar archipelago, with settlement patterns shaped by fishing and coastal trade. Over time it has remained a small community rather than developing into a larger port or resort.
Ošljak sits in the Zadar archipelago of the central Adriatic Sea, within Zadar County and close to larger islands and the city of Zadar on the mainland. Access is by water from nearby ports and villages on the mainland and neighbouring islands.
- Small size: Often described as Croatia’s smallest permanently inhabited island; population is very small and fluctuates seasonally.
- Practical access: No regular vehicle traffic and limited services mean visitors should bring supplies and plan transport in advance.
How to Get to Ošljak (island)#
Ošljak is a short ferry or boat ride from Zadar’s waterfront-local passenger boats and private transfers operate during the summer season. The trip is typically under 20 minutes from Zadar’s ports; check local schedules (Zadar ferry services) for times.
Tips for Visiting Ošljak (island)#
- The island is small-best explored on foot with a picnic rather than expecting services.
- Watch for low tides when approaching by small boat-some moorings are shallow.
- Respect private moorings and local residents; Ošljak has a close-knit community during summer.
Best Time to Visit Ošljak (island)#
Best in summer for services and regular boat connections; shoulder months offer peace with fair weather.
Weather & Climate near Ošljak (island)#
Temperate climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 3°C to 29°C. Moderate rainfall (851 mm/year).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Acceptable | 3° - 10° | 4° | 73 mm | overcast | 76% | 3.0 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.1h |
| February | Acceptable | 3° - 11° | 4° | 61 mm | overcast | 76% | 3.1 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.3h |
| March | Acceptable | 5° - 13° | 7° | 63 mm | overcast | 76% | 3.3 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Good | 8° - 16° | 12° | 67 mm | partly cloudy | 75% | 3.1 m/s | 1.0 moderate | 13.3h |
| May | Good | 12° - 21° | 17° | 62 mm | partly cloudy | 73% | 2.7 m/s | 1.4 high | 14.6h |
| June | Excellent | 16° - 25° | 20° | 52 mm | partly cloudy | 69% | 2.5 m/s | 1.8 very high | 15.3h |
| July | Excellent | 18° - 29° | 24° | 30 mm | some cloud | 63% | 2.5 m/s | 1.9 very high | 15.0h |
| August | Excellent | 18° - 28° | 23° | 49 mm | some cloud | 64% | 2.4 m/s | 1.6 very high | 13.8h |
| September | Very Good | 14° - 24° | 19° | 96 mm | partly cloudy | 68% | 2.7 m/s | 1.0 moderate | 12.4h |
| October | Good | 11° - 20° | 15° | 104 mm | partly cloudy | 74% | 2.8 m/s | 0.5 moderate | 10.8h |
| November | Acceptable | 6° - 14° | 10° | 102 mm | overcast | 77% | 3.4 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.5h |
| December | Acceptable | 4° - 11° | 5° | 92 mm | overcast | 76% | 3.3 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.7h |
