In Preko, a short ferry crossing from Zadar, the history of a medieval fortress, churches and a climbing area with more than 40 routes meet the sandy beach of Jaz. This offers different focal points for planning your trip: architectural history, climbing or the beach. The places below give you specific points of reference to choose Preko according to your interests.
Getting there and finding your way
Passenger ferry route 409 connects Zadar’s central port with Preko on the island of Ugljan. It operates numerous departures daily; the crossing takes 25 minutes. Check the current timetable before travelling, as departure times may change. A three-kilometre paved road leads to the Fortress of St. Michael and is suitable for cars, bicycles and pedestrians. The ferry connection and the road answer different planning questions: one connects Zadar with Preko, while the other leads to the fortress.
Fortress and climbing area
The remains of the medieval fortress of the same name are located on Sv. Mihovil Hill in Preko. Historically, it played an important role, particularly during the Venetian siege of Zadar in 1345 and 1346. These dates place the fortress in a specific period of Zadar’s history.
Southwest of Sv. Mihovil, on Željina Hill, there is a climbing area with more than 40 routes. The area is open year-round. Check route availability and climbing conditions locally. The fortress and climbing area offer different points of interest: one is about medieval history, the other about climbing routes. This helps you decide which of these focuses better suits your travel interests.
Churches and architectural history
The small stone Church of St. John the Baptist stands at Preko’s ferry terminal and was built towards the end of the 11th century. It is considered the finest example of early Romanesque architecture. Its dating makes it an early point of reference among the churches described here.
The Old Church of Our Lady of the Rosary offers a different point in time: it was built in 1765 on the foundations of an older church. That earlier church, in turn, stood on the foundations of the even older early Christian Church of St. Andrew. The site thus connects the date 1765 with two earlier building phases. Comparing it with the Church of St. John the Baptist shows two different ways of approaching architectural history: a date towards the end of the 11th century, and a later church whose foundations point to even older predecessors.
Garden, monastery library and beach
The summer residence of the Crnica family and the Crnica Renaissance garden have been preserved. Laurel, holm oaks and pines grow in the garden. The complex also included an olive grove and an olive mill. It is important to distinguish between the preserved summer residence and the other parts of the former complex.
The island of Galevac, also called Školjić, lies opposite Preko. Its monastery houses a library with old and rare books. The collection has been protected as cultural heritage of the Republic of Croatia since 2016. This also provides a clearly identified connection to the island opposite when learning about Preko’s history.
Jaz is the largest sandy beach in Preko and holds the Blue Flag for environmental quality. As certification status can change, check the current designation before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Lukoran, Sutomišćica, Ugljan, Sestrunj, Poljana.
Go to the main travel overview: Preko.
