Sveti Filip i Jakov Travel Guide

City Adriatic coastal town and popular tourist spot

Sveti Filip i Jakov occupies a Dalmatian stretch of coast with pebble beaches, a small marina and seafood konobas. Tourists come for boat trips to nearby islands, diving and local festivals, while evening promenades lead to centuries-old chapels.

Main image
Costs
Moderate coastal prices
Plan $80-140 per day on peak-season coastal costs.
Safety
Safe and tourist-friendly
Generally safe; typical coastal caution at night.
Best Time
May to October
Late spring to early autumn for beaches and boat trips.
Local Time
9:41 PM
GMT+2
Weather
Mostly Clear 60°F
Mostly Clear
Population
1,603
Infrastructure & Convenience
Good buses, nearby ferry options, tourist services and English-friendly businesses.
Popularity
Popular with Croatian coast holidaymakers and families seeking quieter beaches.
Known For
Adriatic beaches, marinas, island boat trips, seafood, family resorts, diving, promenades, olive groves, coastal sunsets, local festivals
Sveti Filip i Jakov sits on the Adriatic coast with several small harbors serving island day-trips and charter boats.

Why Visit Sveti Filip i Jakov? #

On the Zadar coast, Sveti Filip i Jakov combines Adriatic beaches, a lively marina and classic Dalmatian seafood. Travelers come for sunbathing and swimming along pebbled coves, fresh grilled fish and octopus salads served in family taverns, and boat trips to nearby islands such as Pašman. A pleasant waterfront promenade and historic parish church anchor the town’s relaxed rhythm, while easy connections to Biograd and Zadar expand options for nightlife and cultural outings.

Best Things to Do in Sveti Filip i Jakov

All Attractions ›

Sveti Filip i Jakov Bucket List

Don't Miss
  • Church of St. Philip and Jacob - Baroque parish church at town center with historic altarpieces and panoramic bell tower views.
  • Sveti Filip i Jakov waterfront promenade - Seafront promenade lined with cafes, boats, and sunset views over Pašman Channel.
  • Drage Beach (Plaža Drage) - Pebble and sandy swimming spots ideal for families and clear Adriatic water.
Hidden Gems
  • Lake Vrana Nature Park - Freshwater lake with birdlife, cycling routes, and an atmospheric nature reserve.
  • Pašman Channel viewpoints - Small coastal viewpoints offering quiet panoramas and local fishing-boat activity watching.
  • Drage Harbor - Tiny working harbor where fishermen land daily catches and locals gather.
Day Trips
  • Biograd na Moru - Maritime town with marina, beaches, and regular ferries to surrounding islands.
  • Pašman Island (Tkon ferry) - Short ferry ride to Pašman for villages, quiet beaches, and coastal cycling.

Best Time to Visit Sveti Filip i Jakov #

Sveti Filip i Jakov shines in late spring and early autumn for warm sea temperatures and fewer crowds; midsummer is hot and busy but great for swimming and boating.

Winter
December - February · 6 - 12°C (43 - 54°F)
Mild, wetter winters-many coastal restaurants remain open but some water-based activities slow down and days can be grey.
Spring
March - May · 12 - 21°C (54 - 70°F)
Lovely, warming weather with fewer tourists-ideal for beach walks, boat trips, and exploring nearby islands before high season.
Summer
June - August · 22 - 31°C (72 - 88°F)
Hot, sunny, and busy-perfect for swimming and sailing but expect crowds and higher prices during peak months.

Best Time to Visit Sveti Filip i Jakov #

Climate

Sveti Filip i Jakov's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Mediterranean - Hot-Summer Mediterranean climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 2°C to 30°C. Moderate rainfall (802 mm/year).

Best Time to Visit
JulyAugustJune
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
38°
Warmest Month
-10°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coolest month with highs of 10°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

58 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
10°
82%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

69 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.2
UV Index
Low
9.2h daylight

February

February is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

60 Good

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°
80%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

59 mm
Rainfall
3.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.3
UV Index
Low
10.3h daylight

March

March is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

64 Good

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
14°
77%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

63 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.7
UV Index
Moderate
11.8h daylight

April

April is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

72 Very Good

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
17°
73%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

66 mm
Rainfall
3.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.1
UV Index
High
13.3h daylight

May

May is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

83 Excellent

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
12° 22°
69%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

59 mm
Rainfall
2.7 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.6
UV Index
Very High
14.5h daylight

June

June is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm) and mostly sunny skies.

87 Excellent

Comfort

21°
Feels Like Mild
21°C
Temperature
16° 26°
63%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

51 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.0
UV Index
Very High
15.2h daylight

July

July is the warmest month with highs of 30°C and lows of 18°C. The driest month with just 29 mm and mostly sunny skies.

95 Ideal

Comfort

24°
Feels Like Warm
24°C
Temperature
18° 30°
55%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

29 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.1
UV Index
Extreme
14.9h daylight

August

August is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm) and mostly sunny skies.

91 Ideal

Comfort

23°
Feels Like Mild
23°C
Temperature
18° 29°
54%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

46 mm
Rainfall
2.4 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.7
UV Index
Very High
13.8h daylight

September

September is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 14°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm).

81 Excellent

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
15° 25°
65%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

87 mm
Rainfall
2.6 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.1
UV Index
High
12.4h daylight

October

October is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 11°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

71 Very Good

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
11° 20°
74%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

94 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.6
UV Index
Moderate
10.9h daylight

November

November is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. The wettest month with 95 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.

58 Acceptable

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cool
10°C
Temperature
15°
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

95 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.3
UV Index
Low
9.5h daylight

December

December is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

56 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°
82%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

84 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.1
UV Index
Low
8.8h daylight

How to Get to Sveti Filip i Jakov

Sveti Filip i Jakov is a coastal town best reached via Zadar Airport and Zadar bus station. In summer there are more frequent buses and shuttles; for convenience and island-hopping, a car or taxi can save time.

By Air

Zadar Airport (ZAD): Zadar is the nearest airport to Sveti Filip i Jakov. From ZAD to the town centre is about 25-35 km and takes roughly 30-40 minutes by taxi or shuttle-expect taxi fares around €30-45. During the summer there are direct shuttle and transfer services from the airport to coastal towns.

Split Airport (SPU): Split is further away but an alternative for some routes; travel time to Sveti Filip i Jakov is around 1.5-2 hours by car or bus (costs higher than from Zadar).

By Train & Bus

Train: There is no direct rail access to Sveti Filip i Jakov; the nearest railhead is Zadar or Biograd na Moru regionally, but most long-distance travel is by bus.

Bus: Intercity buses run from Zadar bus station to towns along the coast including Sveti Filip i Jakov (via Biograd/Starigrad). Journey times from Zadar are about 30-50 minutes and fares typically range €3-6. Seasonal services increase in summer.

How to Get Around Sveti Filip i Jakov #

Sveti Filip i Jakov is compact and easy to explore on foot, particularly along the seaside and main square. Regular bus connections link the town with larger coastal centres; driving or biking gives extra flexibility to visit nearby beaches. Taxis are available seasonally; during summer demand increases so book ahead. Local ferries are not typical-most coastal travel is by road.

Where to Stay in Sveti Filip i Jakov #

Budget
Town center / waterfront - €25-60/night
Sveti Filip i Jakov has several private rooms and small pensions aimed at budget travelers; summer is busy so book ahead.
Mid-Range
Seafront & Baštica area - €70-150/night
Mid-range villas and family-run hotels offer sea views and easy beach access. Choice is reasonable but seasonal.
Luxury
Biograd / Zadar area - €150+/night
Limited true luxury in the town; for resorts and premium amenities, look to nearby Zadar or Biograd na Moru.

Where to Eat in Sveti Filip i Jakov #

Breakdown of cuisine types found across Sveti Filip i Jakov's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.

Regional
Pizza
Burger
Seafood
Barbecue
Croatian
Sandwich
Fish
Kebab
Pasta
Balkan
Italian
Mediterranean

Nightlife in Sveti Filip i Jakov #

Nightlife is relaxed and seasonal-summer brings more activity with beach bars, cafés and occasional live music. Outside peak season evenings are much quieter and many places close earlier. For clubs or a livelier nightlife scene, visit larger coastal towns or Zadar.

Shopping in Sveti Filip i Jakov #

Shopping is aimed largely at local residents and summer visitors: expect souvenir stalls, small food shops and a handful of boutiques during the tourist season. Fresh fish and local produce are commonly sold. For supermarkets and a wider choice of shops head to larger nearby towns along the coast.

Nearby Cities #