Ugljan City
Croatian island and municipality in Zadar County
On the island of Ugljan, visitors arrive for olive groves, quiet coves and cycling between small harbors; ferries from Zadar drop you into stone villages, fresh fish on terraces and bell-tower views over the Adriatic.
Why Visit Ugljan?#
Island life on Ugljan appeals to visitors seeking sunlit beaches, olive groves and a slower Adriatic rhythm. The ferry link to Zadar and the harbors of Preko and Kukljica make island hopping effortless, while konobas focus on local olive oil and freshly grilled fish. Village feasts and centuries-old churches add cultural color, and secluded coves offer relaxed seaside time away from the crowds. Bring an appetite for simple seafood and artisanal olives.
Best Things to Do in Ugljan#
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Ugljan Bucket List#
Preko harbour - Main ferry port to Zadar with waterfront cafés and views across the channel.
Kukljica village - Charming fishing village with sandy beaches, family konobas and relaxed island character.
St. Michael viewpoint (Sv. Mihovil) - Short hike to the hilltop church for sweeping views over Zadar and islands.
Muline inlet - Small sheltered bay with calm swimming coves and traditional stone houses.
Local olive groves near Lukoran - Quiet lanes among centuries-old olive trees, ideal for short country walks.
Family konoba dining - Home-run taverns serving freshly grilled fish and homemade island specialties.
Zadar - Short ferry ride to the Romanesque old town, sea organ and vibrant waterfront.
Pašman Island - Nearby island with quiet beaches, cycling routes and traditional fishing villages.
Best Time to Visit Ugljan#
Best from late spring to early autumn (May-September) for beach weather, swimming and island hopping. Winters are mild and quiet but several services run reduced hours or close.
June - August
22°C to 30°C (72°F to 86°F)
Hot, sunny days perfect for beaches, snorkeling and ferry trips to Zadar; busy but lively evenings with seaside restaurants and bars.
March - May
12°C to 22°C (54°F to 72°F)
Warm, breezy and pleasantly uncrowded-ideal for cycling, exploring villages, quieter beach days, and early-season sailing before summer crowds arrive.
December - February
6°C to 13°C (43°F to 55°F)
Mild, quiet winters with chilly evenings and reduced ferry timetables; peaceful island atmosphere but many tourist facilities close for the season.
Temperate climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 3°C to 29°C. Moderate rainfall (849 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 17°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (63 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 (53 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 28°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm).
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September
September is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 15°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 12°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (104 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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How to Get to Ugljan#
Ugljan is an island off Zadar and is reached via Zadar Airport and Zadar’s ferry links. After arriving on the mainland most travellers continue to Zadar port and take a short ferry or catamaran over to Ugljan (Preko and other island ports).
Zadar Airport (ZAD): Zadar is the closest airport for Ugljan, with seasonal international and domestic flights. From ZAD take the airport shuttle or taxi to Zadar city centre (about 20-30 minutes; shuttle ~HRK 30-50 / €4-7, taxi ~HRK 200-300 / €27-40) and then proceed to the port for the ferry to Ugljan.
Split / Zagreb airports: If you arrive at Split (SPU) or Zagreb (ZAG) you’ll face a longer transfer to Zadar by bus or car (2-4+ hours) before taking the ferry. These are viable when direct Zadar flights are not available, but expect additional travel time and cost.
Train: Mainland rail access to Zadar is limited; the nearest long-distance railhead is Knin or Zadar’s connections via bus are more common. Most visitors use buses rather than trains to reach Zadar.
Bus: Regular buses run to Zadar’s main bus station from across Croatia (operators include Arriva/FlixBus and local carriers). From Zadar bus station it’s a short walk to the ferry terminals; bus fares vary by origin (e.g., Split-Zadar ~HRK 80-120 / €11-16, 2-3 hours). In Zadar the local bus or a short taxi brings you to the port.
How to Get Around Ugljan#
The practical route to Ugljan is by flying into Zadar (ZAD) and taking the short ferry to Preko; from there the island is best explored by foot or short local drives. Public ferries run frequently in summer, so check schedules for shoulder seasons.
- Ferry (Jadrolinija / local lines) (HRK 8-30 (≈€1-4)) - Frequent car ferries and passenger catamarans run between Zadar (various ports) and Preko on Ugljan; crossings are short (about 15-30 minutes for passenger ferries). Jadrolinija and local operators provide regular services year-round, with more frequent summer sailings. Timetables change seasonally, so check current departure times.
- Airport Shuttle / Bus (Zadar Airport) (HRK 30-50 (≈€4-7) / taxi HRK 200-300 (≈€27-40)) - The airport shuttle or local buses link Zadar Airport with Zadar city centre and bus station in about 20-30 minutes. Tickets are cheap and the service aligns with many flight arrivals, but schedules may be limited late at night. Alternatively taxis are faster but notably more expensive.
- Taxi / Private transfer (HRK 200-350 (≈€27-47) from airport to central Zadar) - A taxi or private transfer from Zadar Airport or bus station to the ferry terminal gives door-to-door convenience and is useful with luggage or early/late arrivals. Expect fixed taxi fares from the airport and a short ride from the city bus station to the port.
- Car (rental) (€30-€70/day (rental)) - You can drive to one of the vehicle ferry ramps on Ugljan if you bring a car; in summer expect queues at peak times. Car travel gives freedom to explore the island beyond Preko, but parking in small island villages can be limited.
- Walking - Ugljan’s villages are compact and easily explored on foot once you arrive; walking is the best way to reach beaches and narrow streets. Foot traffic is friendly and most ferry landings are within a short walk of village centres.
Where to Stay in Ugljan#
Preko / Ugljan - $30-70/night; Zadar (mainland) often cheaper
I can’t safely list verified budget properties for Ugljan without live lookups. Island has mostly private apartments and few hostels; limited on-island options.
Preko (Ugljan) or Zadar - $70-140/night
Mid-range hotels on Ugljan are scarce; many visitors stay in Zadar across the ferry. I can fetch verified mid-range options if you want.
Zadar coast - $140+/night
There are no large luxury resorts on Ugljan itself. Luxury stays are on the Zadar coast; I can list current verified luxury hotels.
Where to Eat in Ugljan#
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Ugljan’s restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Shopping in Ugljan#
Shopping is basic: small grocery stores, family-run shops and a few stalls selling local olive oils, preserves and souvenirs. For a larger market or more shopping choices, visit Zadar on the mainland.
Nightlife in Ugljan#
Nightlife on Ugljan is quiet for most of the year and peaks in summer when beach bars and seaside konobas stay open later. Most evenings are relaxed - dining and drinks rather than clubbing - with Preko offering the most options.
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