Dugi Otok Island, Croatia – What To Do, See & Eat!

Dugi Otok introduction

The largest island near Zadar is Dugi Otok, translating in the local tongue as long island. If the name wasn’t enough of a clue, this map below should illustrate the long, thin nature of the island.

The entire island measures 45km in total (but only a few kilometres wide), taking approximately 1 hour to drive from one end to the other. It has a population of just 1,600 people, spread between 12 villages.

I’ve explored many Croatian islands – mainly during day trips from Split – and found few as quiet and untouched. There are popular places on Dugi Otok (mainly Salt Lake Mir) that receive tour groups at certain times of day but, if you explore by car, you’re unlikely to encounter crowds.

Looking for island day trips from Zadar? Pag Island is completely different but fascinating in its own way with regional trades dating back centuries. And cheese… So much cheese!

How to get to Dugi Otok, Croatia

The starting point for Dugi Otok is Zadar, accessible from other locations in Europe by flight, bus or car. The main way to reach Dugi Otok from Zadar is by ferry.

Passenger ferry: In peak season, the daily 8.15am passenger ferry takes 45 minutes to reach Sali (Dugi Otok), giving you the whole day there. It takes 45 minutes costing from 48kn (€6.30) each way (20kn for islanders).

Buy your tickets on the G&V Zadar website. Set the ‘to’ destination as Zaglav (Sali). Zaglav is the name of the port and Sali is the village closeby. Whether you select the Melita or Anamarija ferry company, it will depart from the G&V Line Iadera port close to central Zadar.

Car ferry: take a Jadrolinija ferry to Brbinj (1 hour 20-40 minutes). This departs from Gaženica port.

During peak season and on weekends, it’s recommended to book a few days in advance.

How long to spend on Dugi Otok?

A day trip to Dugi Otok is enough to see the highlights and get a feel for the beautiful island. Your only problem will be how to get around as I’ll discuss next.

A great idea is staying overnight. With countless beaches, towns and natural attractions, you could spend a week on Dugi Otok without getting bored especially if you’re in need of rest and relaxation.

Browse accommodation on Booking.com.

What to do on Dugi Otok, Zadar

Now we’ve covered the basics, let’s dive into the main tourist attractions on Dugi Otok island, Croatia. I’ll share the most famous places and a few hidden gems…

Explore Telašćica Nature Park

The southeastern part of Dugi Otok island is dominated by Telašćica Nature Park, pronounced tel-ash-cheetsa. This beautiful bay area comprises nature, woodland, striking karst cliffs, beaches, viewpoints and clear waters (up to 67 metres deep) home to abundant marine life.

Although it became a protected area in 1980 and a nature park in 1988, it’s been appreciated far longer: the Romans famously used the area for storage.

Thirteen islands make up the nature park which is best explored by boat or kayak.

What to do in Telašćica Nature Park

• Visit salt lake Mir – between Telašćica Bay and the sea can be found a fertile strip of land with a lake named after the Croatian word for peace. Surrounded by forest, this 900m brilliant blue lake has therapeutic properties due to its high salt content and medicinal mud. Better yet, it’s 6 degrees warmer than the sea and perfect for swimming! Reach it by car or boat.
• Grpašćak viewpoint – an old fortress from the Austro-Hungarian empire days sits at 161 metres above sea level, drinking in unbeatable views.
• Take a nature walk – with over 500 species of plants in the park and 300 species of animals, here you can appreciate nature from wild asparagus to bottlenose dolphins and peregrine falcon.

Ways to explore Telašćica Nature Park

Chartering a small boat and exploring the coast is undeniably the more idyllic option but in Croatia you’re always at the mercy of the bora (wind) which can make sailing conditions hazardous.

An easy way to visit from Zadar is by organised Dugi Otok day trips that call at Salt Lake Mir and the Kornati Islands during the same day.

Sightsee & eat in Sali town

Dugi Otok isn’t a destination known for its cities. But if it’s food and amenities you’re after, the village of Sali is a pleasant place to wile away a few hours with attractive harbour views and quality culinary options. As the island’s largest hub, here you can hire boats, scooters and bicycles.

Visit Sali’s tourist information office to pick up brochures including hiking trail maps for exploring Sali’s surrounds on foot.

Due to abundant marine life and olives groves, Sali has over 1,000 years of agricultural history. Despite its small population, it’s known for lively cultural festivities that I’ll mention later.

Food and drink options in Sali

With fresh seafood and quality olive oil sourced from the island, the next thing to do in Dugi Otok is sample the food in Sali…

Konoba Trapula has fantastic reviews and it’s little wonder why: the food is fantastic! This ambient little restaurant is tucked away down a side street in Sali but well worth sniffing out. The friendly staff (who speak perfect English) can offer recommendations if you’re not sure what to order.

Here I had fresh octopus with roasted vegetables and a balsamic glaze. Just perfection!

Other villages on Dugi Otok

• Bozava – this small village in the north-western part of the island is nearby Dugi Otok attractions, Veli Rat and Sakarun Beach. There are a few accommodation options and a tourist train to the beach in peak season.
• Zaglav – close to Sali port, this village is known for its Franciscan monastery and church dedicated to its patron saint, St. Michael. There are two diving schools in the village should you have ticked off the main things to do in Dugi Otok and fancy exploring the underwater world instead.
• Brbinj – with just 76 residents, this tiny settlement has a couple of hotels and restaurants, surrounded by bays and beautiful nature.

Visit Lighthouse Veli Rat

It’s worth travelling away from Sali and Telašćica Nature Park to experience the northern part of the island.

Nestled amidst forest and bays, Veli Rat Lighthouse is located a 5-minute drive from tiny Veli Rat village and close to other natural attractions on Dugi Otok including Sakarun Beach. This northern part of the island is only accessed by one road, highway 109.

Built in 1849, the lighthouse sits beside a small church. An old legend says that thousands of egg whites helped to thicken and strengthen the walls. To this day, the watchman still lives with his family inside the lighthouse. Apparently, there’s always a waiting list for the job of watchman and who’s surprised? What a place to call home!

There are spectacular views from the top of the 40m tower but sadly, it’s not usually open to the public (I was lucky to visit as a guest of the tourist board and be invited to climb to the top). Even without the climb, it’s a charming place to visit on Dugi Otok with wonderful natural surrounds including charming pebble beaches with clear water and gentle waves.

Kayaking tours in Dugi Otok

Since a Dugi Otok day trip from Zadar isn’t the easiest given the lack of public transport, a fun option could be a full-day kayaking tour around Dugi Otok. You’ll explore the striking coastline peppered with secret bays and secluded caves. The afternoon’s activities include paddling to a sunken shipwreck in the north of the island.

To begin the tour, simply catch the ferry from Zadar to Dugi Otok’s Brbinj where you’ll be picked up by van and transferred to the starting point of your kayak adventure. Book via GetYourGuide.

Although not technically part of Dugi Otok, it’s impossible to discuss the island without mentioning this striking island cluster. With no less than 140 (!) islands, the Kornatis hold the title of largest archipelago in the Adriatic.

The islands are located just south of Dugi Otok island, clearly visible from viewpoints within Telašćica Nature Park. None of the islands are inhabitable due to the lack of fresh water so the best way to explore is by cruising around them by boat. The craggy, karstic rocks are especially striking against the brilliant blue ocean.

Plenty of tours visit the Kornatis and Dugi Otok from Zadar during the same day. Browse Kornati island tours from Zadar.

Best beaches on Dugi Otok, Croatia

There are several beautiful beaches on Dugi Otok; here are a few of the best…

Sakarun Beach

Although I visited on a windy day in April, Sakarun was stunning. En route back to the harbour from Veli Rat Lighthouse, we had the beach entirely to ourselves and, although this might not be surprising for April, I now notice reviews in June still mentioning the uncrowded nature of the beach.

The beach is around 800m in length with plenty of space to spread out, and shallow waters suitable for all swimming abilities. There are a couple of refreshment stands in summer and a small train that runs between Sakarun and Božava village.

If it’s unspoilt, uncrowded beaches you’re after, I think you’ll love Sakarun Beach!

Veli Rat Beach

Boat hire on Dugi Otok

Although it’s possible to explore the island by car, it’s far more atmospheric to experience the coastline by boat in the summer months (weather-dependent). If you have a license, you can hire a boat in Sali and visit Telašćica Nature Park and other points of interest. The several places to moor including Sali, Brbinj and Božava.

Another option for those without a boat license is a boat trip with a local driver.

Diving in Dugi Otok

Thanks to the island’s rich nature and abundant marine life, it’s a fantastic place to dive. There are several schools on Dugi Otok including Kornati Diving Centre in Sali and Dive-Dugiotok Centre in Zaglav (where the passenger ferry from Zadar arrives).

Islet Mežanj and the underwater cave at Brbinjšćica are two must-see places for divers!

Hiking in Dugi Otok

Although I ran out of time to hike, I learnt about the plentiful trails via the pamphlet on Magic Trails on Dugi Otok by the Zadar tourist board. A few hikes beginning in Sali include:

• Lungo Mare (6km) – this route takes you from Sali to Zaglav along the coast via Bočac Beach and Sascica Bay.
• On the Edge (6.5km) – this circular route starts and ends at Grpašćak viewpoint, journeying around Salt Lake Mir.
• Charms of Telašćica (5.6km) – incorporating the Roman villa and St John’s Church, this hike starting in Sali balances historical elements and beautiful olive grove surrounds.
• North Side (9km) – this mammoth hike departs Veli Rat and explores the northern peninsular before returning to its starting point.

Cultural festivals in Sali

The various villages on Dugi Otok hold annual celebrations, historically honouring their patron saints, although these days I suspect they may be an excuse for music, food and other entertainment. The biggest festivities are held in Sali.

An important festival tradition is tovareća mužika, or in English, ‘donkey music’. The 3-day Sali Fiesta kickstarts on ‘Fisherman’s Night’ (Friday of the first week in August) when boats arrive in the harbour playing the traditional music. It continues with food and performances before wrapping up with a donkey race on the Sunday.

The festivities even attracted a visit from Bradley Cooper when he was relatively unknown and presented travel documentaries in 2001 (see this video at 20 mins)!

FAQs

What to do back in Zadar

I’m guessing you’re visiting Zadar and Dugi Otok so here are a few things to do on the mainland:

• Listen to beautiful music created by the waves at the Sea Organ and stay for sunset at the Greeting to the Sun installation
• Learn about the history at the Roman Forum in the heart of Zadar
• Eat delicious ice cream at Stasticarna Donat
• Take a day trip to captivating, moon-like Pag Island
• Read all my things to do in Zadar here.