Above Mount Sv. Mihovil in Preko on the island of Ugljan lie the remains of the medieval St. Michael’s Fortress. From there, the view stretches across more than 200 islands of the Zadar Archipelago and Kornati National Park. History, views and trails give Preko and the places mentioned on Ugljan many different facets.

Fortress and rock on Sv. Mihovil

A three-kilometre paved road leads to the fortress and is suitable for cars, bicycles and pedestrians. Below Mount Sveti Mihovil is the Željina litica climbing area. It has 40 routes across five sectors, with difficulty grades ranging from 4c to 7b. The grades give a clear impression of the variety of routes.

Churches, gardens and historic traces

The stone Church of St. John the Baptist stands by the ferry terminal in Preko. Built towards the end of the 11th century, it has been preserved in its original form and restored. Another historic site in Preko is the Crnica family’s summer residence, with the Crnica Renaissance garden. The former complex also included an olive grove and an oil mill.

In Sutomišćica is the 17th-century Baroque summer residence of the Lantana noble family of Zadar. On the St. Peter peninsula in Poljana stands the Romanesque Church of St. Peter, dating from the 13th century. The two places showcase different chapters in architectural history, without requiring a particular route between them.

In the Mostir area of Ugljan, the Church and Monastery of St. Jerome are considered an outstanding example of 15th-century Dalmatian island architecture and a model for other buildings of the period in the Zadar region. The Antiquity Trail passes the church and monastery and continues towards Muline. In Muline Bay are the remains of a Roman villa, a late antique mausoleum and an early Christian basilica. There is also a monumental structure for olive oil production dating from the 1st century.

Cycling and walking routes

Cycle route 101, the Antiquity Trail, starts in Lučino selo in the centre of Ugljan. The route is 16.2 kilometres long and takes about one hour and 30 minutes by bicycle. It passes the Church and Monastery of St. Jerome and continues towards Muline. In Lukoran, the marked Strada publica connects Mali Lukoran and Veli Lukoran. This cultural and historical trail dates back to the 1st century.

Ošljak has a circular route a little over two kilometres long. The entire island is a protected park forest and a habitat for many protected bird species. There is no motorised traffic there; walking is recommended for getting around the island. Forests cover 80 percent of Sestrunj. Saint Peter’s Compass is also known as a hiking trail there.

On Sestrunj, Šulicada is one of the summer games for all ages; it is played in the water and on land. There are numerous dive sites for professional divers in the waters around Ugljan, Ošljak, Rivanj and Sestrunj. This restriction is important if you are considering diving opportunities.

Jaz Beach in Preko

Jaz is Preko’s main beach. Sand and shallow water define the beach, where children can play carefree in the shallows. Facilities include water slides for children, a restaurant, a pizzeria, toilets and a car park. There is also a playground, a volleyball court and a Lungomare promenade. Beach facilities may vary seasonally.

Discover more destinations: Lukoran, Poljana, Preko, Sutomišćica, Sestrunj, Ugljan, Kali, Kukljica.

Go to the main travel overview: Ugljan.