In Kukljica, a special procession takes place over the water: the statue of Our Lady of the Snows is carried from the Parish Church of St. Paul to the votive chapel. The festival takes place every year on August 5 and has been celebrated for more than 500 years. This means that a church starting point in the centre of town and a journey by water are part of the same tradition.
Our Lady of the Snows: Tradition and Architectural History
The Parish Church of St. Paul stands in the centre of Kukljica. The Chapel of Our Lady of the Snows, the destination of the procession, features Baroque architectural elements from the 17th century and was placed under state protection in 1982. The festival's long tradition and the chapel's architectural history represent two distinct timelines: architecturally, the chapel dates to the Baroque period, while the festival has been celebrated for more than five centuries.
The old town also preserves original examples of vernacular architecture. Together with the procession and the two religious buildings, this gives the town a cultural and historical character that is not limited to a single building.
Harbour, Waterfront Promenade and Beaches
Kukljica has a well-equipped harbour in a naturally sheltered bay. For a more peaceful view of the town, take a walk along the waterfront promenade. The harbour and promenade offer different perspectives on the waterfront: a sheltered harbour on the one hand, and a path for visitors to walk along the water on the other.
The designated beach types also vary within the Municipality of Kukljica. Sabuša is a developed sandy beach; there is also a sandy beach in Kostanj Bay. Jelenica is described as a sandy and pebbly naturist beach, while Mala Sabuša is a naturist beach. Those choosing beaches by their surface or designation will therefore find several clearly distinct options within the municipality.
Activities around Zelena Punta
The Zelena Punta tourist resort in Kukljica has tennis courts. Small rowing boats are available for hire in both Kukljica and Zelena Punta. Visitors can also hire bicycles at the resort, from where they can cycle across the entire island of Ugljan. These options offer different ideas for spending time in the town and on the island: playing tennis, taking a rowing boat out or cycling around Ugljan. Before your visit, check the condition of the tennis courts and the current availability of rental services.
Diving is also listed as a leisure activity in Kukljica. A valid diving permit issued by the Croatian Diving Federation is required. In 2020, municipal information named ŠRD “Uligna” as a place where permits for recreational fishing could be obtained. Before diving, check the permit requirements, and before sport fishing, check the current arrangements for obtaining a permit.
Regional Orientation
Kukljica is described as a gateway to Telašćica Nature Park and Kornati National Park because it lies near the Ždrelac passage. This description situates Kukljica in the area around the passage without implying that the two protected areas are part of the town.
A Jadrolinija ferry runs from Zadar's central harbour to Preko on the island of Ugljan. There are numerous daily departures, and the crossing takes 25 minutes. Check the current timetable before travelling. The ferry provides a practical point of reference for getting around the region, while the sights and activities described here relate to Kukljica itself.
Discover more destinations: Kukljica, Kali, Preko.
Back to the main travel guide: Ugljan.
