Preko Travel Guide
City Island town on Ugljan island opposite Zadar
Accessible by short ferry from Zadar, Preko on Ugljan island draws boaters and cyclists to olive groves, pebble coves and the hilltop St. Michael fortress with views back across the Adriatic.
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Why Visit Preko? #
A compact harbor town on the island of Ugljan, it appeals to travelers who want easy access to Zadar by ferry, quiet pebble bays and olive-grove landscapes. The waterfront cafés and marinas set the tone, while fresh Adriatic seafood prepared buzara-style and local olive oil showcase island flavors. Summer brings a relaxed island rhythm without the crowds of larger Dalmatian resorts.
Best Things to Do in Preko
All Attractions ›
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Preko Bucket List
- Fortica (St. Michael) viewpoint - Hilltop fortress offering sweeping views over Zadar and surrounding islands.
- Preko Harbor and ferry - Active harbor with regular ferries connecting Ugljan to Zadar and island life.
- Preko waterfront and beaches - Seafront promenade with cafés, pebble beaches, and relaxed island atmosphere close to ferry.
- Ošljak Island - Tiny inhabited island opposite Preko, ideal for quiet swims and snorkeling.
- Preko fish market - Small fish market at Preko harbor selling fresh daily catch and local specialties.
- Local olive groves and sea terraces - Hidden groves and terraces producing olive oil, accessible by short rural walks.
- Zadar - Historic city with Roman forum, sea organ, and easy ferry access from Preko.
- Dugi Otok (Telašćica) - Long island with Telašćica Nature Park and rugged cliffs, ideal for boat tours.
Best Time to Visit Preko #
Preko is best from late spring through early autumn when the Adriatic is warm for swimming and island hopping. Shoulder months offer calmer marinas and pleasant temperatures; winters are mild but quieter.
Best Time to Visit Preko #
Temperate climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 3°C to 29°C. Moderate rainfall (843 mm/year).
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 10°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 29°C and lows of 19°C. The driest month with just 29 mm.
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August
August is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm).
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September
September is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 15°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 11°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (103 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 7°C. Regular rainfall (99 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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How to Get to Preko
Preko (on the island of Ugljan) is reached by flying into Zadar Airport or by reaching Zadar by road/rail and taking a short ferry crossing. Zadar is the practical hub - from there the ferry or catamaran to Preko is frequent in summer and straightforward year-round.
Zadar Airport (ZAD): ZAD is the island’s nearest airport, with seasonal international flights and domestic connections. From ZAD a shuttle or bus to Zadar ferry port/centre takes about 20-30 minutes and costs roughly 25-40 HRK (≈3-6 EUR). From Zadar catch the ferry or local boat to Preko (see below) - total door-to-door time to Preko about 45-75 minutes.
Split Airport (SPU): SPU is an alternative, especially outside ZAD’s peak seasons. From Split Airport take the shuttle to Split city (20-30 minutes) then a bus and ferry combination to Preko - expect total travel time 2.5-3.5 hours and higher fares than from Zadar.
Train: There is no direct train to Preko or Ugljan island - the nearest railhead is in Zadar (station Zadar), which sits on Croatia’s coastal rail network. Trains to Zadar from other Croatian cities vary in frequency.
Bus / Ferry: From Zadar Autobusni kolodvor take a short transfer to the ferry port. Jadrolinija and local lines operate passenger ferries or catamarans to Preko; the Zadar-Preko hydrofoil takes around 25-40 minutes and typical fares are in the range 12-30 HRK depending on vessel and season. Buses from Zadar bus station to the ferry pier take 5-15 minutes.
How to Get Around Preko #
Preko is a small island town easily explored on foot; the ferry link to Zadar is the main access point and runs regularly in season. Bikes and scooters are popular for getting around the island, and local buses or seasonal taxi services can take you to villages further afield. If you plan to explore beyond the village, bring or rent a car - island roads are narrow but straightforward. Ferry and bus fares are generally affordable, with higher service levels during the summer months.
Where to Stay in Preko #
Where to Eat in Preko #
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Preko's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Preko #
Nightlife is seasonal and relaxed: konobas and waterfront bars get livelier in summer, while the off-season returns to a quiet, community feel.
Shopping in Preko #
Shopping is focused on essentials and tourism: a couple of grocery stores, summer stalls selling local olive oil and crafts, and small souvenir shops. For more choice look to Zadar on the mainland.
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