Through the 2024 edition, Kualjske ribarske noći–Tunuara had been held continuously since 2003; the event usually lasted three days. In that edition, the two-hour parade of boats from Kali’s fishing fleet through the Zadar Channel was the main attraction. The fishermen of Kali became known worldwide for catching bluefish in the Srednji Channel and on the open sea of the northern Adriatic. Kali is also known worldwide for its long tradition of tuna fishing. The event programme thus combines a specific parade with a fishing history that extends beyond the festival and forms part of the town’s cultural identity.

Beaches, walking trails and Ugljan

Mala Lamjana and Mul are two beaches in Kali; there are also around twenty walking trails of varying lengths. This gives you a choice between individual coastal destinations and a network of trails of different lengths. When planning your trip, you can focus on beach visits or hiking; the different trail lengths provide a concrete point of comparison. On the island of Ugljan, you can also walk through olive groves or explore them by bicycle. While Mala Lamjana and Mul are beaches in Kali, these activities extend to the island of Ugljan as a wider setting.

Church history and cultural heritage

The chapel of Sv. Pelegrin above Kali dates from the 14th century. During the restoration of the late medieval church, an early medieval stone pluteus was discovered in 2007 and 2008. The building and the find thus bring together two distinct historical periods. The written tradition is also part of the town’s history: in Kali, the tradition of keeping parish registers in Glagolitic script continued into the 19th century. A form of initiation for boys was also among the folk customs passed down through generations. These details offer several ways to explore Kali’s culture—from the chapel and its archaeological find to written and oral traditions.

Fish and local tastings

The 2024 Tunuara programme included a menu consisting entirely of fish and a competition to prepare traditional Kali brudet. If you plan to visit a future edition, check the specific event dates in advance. Ribarski obrt Moćun offers a different culinary experience: guests can fillet fish and prepare dishes such as seafood pâté, tartare or carpaccio. The tasting room at R.O. Mrotine serves olive oil from the family’s own olive groves. It also offers local Plavac wine and homemade specialities such as marinated anchovies, in the traditional atmosphere of a Dalmatian konoba. The two offerings have different focuses: Moćun centres on preparing fish, while R.O. Mrotine focuses on oil, wine and homemade dishes. You can therefore choose the culinary focus of your trip based on the experience you want.

For the broader travel overview: Kali.