Dugi Otok is a gorgeous island in the Adriatic Sea, not far from the Croatian city of Zadar. These are the best things to do in Dugi Otok.
About Dugi Otok
Sometimes you visit a place that makes your heart beat faster. I had that when I arrived at Dugi Otok, an island paradise in the Adriatic Sea. The elongated island, whose name means “long island” in Croatian, lies west of Zadar and is known for its crystal-clear waters, hidden coves, breathtaking landscapes and rich history.
I felt so relaxed when I arrived on this lovely island. It is a place where you can forget about the hustle and bustle of cities in mainland Croatia. With about 1,000 inhabitants spread across 13 villages, Dugi Otok is definitely not crowded and you can fully enjoy the silence.
The tranquility doesn’t mean that you will be bored, as Dugi Otok is a true outdoor paradise. You can enjoy plenty of water sports in the crystal clear water, there are numerous hiking trails among the olive trees and you can also check out many beautiful places by mountain bike.
Whether you enjoy sunbathing on quiet beaches, active adventures or authentic charming villages, Dugi Otok has something for everyone. A wonderful destination for a relaxing or active vacation!
The best things to do in Dugi Otok
I guess you’re curious about what to see and what to do in Dugi Otok. These are the most beautiful sights and fun things to do on Dugi Otok, in no particular order.
Park prirode Telašćica
Telašćica is a protected nature reserve in the south of the island. It is known for its impressive cliff coastline, quiet bay (usually full of boats) and rich marine life.
You can easily enjoy a full day here, for example, go for a hike along the cliffs, swim in the crystal clear water, go for a boat ride, or explore the fascinating salt lake.
There are also several restaurants in the bay where you can enjoy a delicious Croatian lunch or dinner. I myself enjoyed the delicious dishes on the terrace of Gospoja konoba, a restaurant in a great waterfront location near the cliffs and salt lake.
Fort Grpašćak
Want to learn more about the origins and flora and fauna of Telašćica? Then it is convenient to Fort Grpašćak. Here is the visitor center and it is housed in a former fort (several of which are still scattered on the nearby islands).
From the fort, you have a beautiful view of the picturesque bay and can listen to the sounds of the special birds that live here. There is also a small playground, making it a suitable place to visit with children.
Lago Mir (salt lake)
One of the highlights of your visit to Telašćica is Lago Mir. This salt lake formed after the last ice age and is filled with seawater through cracks in the ground. The lake has a length of about 900 meters, a width of up to 300 meters and a maximum depth of 6 meters.
The saline connection to the sea creates a unique composition of water, with a higher salinity than the surrounding Adriatic Sea. This saline environment results in an extraordinary biodiversity. It is a wonderful place for sunbathing, swimming and hiking. A stroll around the lake is 2.2 kilometers.
Veli Rat lighthouse
This is perhaps my favorite place on the island: the lighthouse of Veli Rat (Svjetionik Veli Rat). This one is all the way on the northwest side of the island and is truly a picture to behold. You will notice that this 36-meter-high lighthouse from 1849 has a pale yellow color, this is because eggs were incorporated into the cement.
Sometimes the lighthouse is open and you can climb the many stairs for a breathtaking view of Dugi Otok. But even if that is not possible, it is a pleasure to visit this place. It is located in a bay with several beaches, there are swings and there is a campground with a waterfront bar. In addition, it’s probably the best place on the island to enjoy the spectacular sunset.
Sakarun beach
Dugi Otok has numerous beautiful beaches, ranging from sandy beaches to secluded pebbly coves. But the most famous beach is Sakarun and this is also considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Croatia.
Why? It is a beach with gorgeous white rocks and the shallow water in the bay is crystal clear. This gives it a brilliant turquoise color, making it a popular spot for swimming or supping. The perfect place for a day at the beach!
Božava
Besides beautiful natural areas and wonderful beaches, there are also several picturesque villages to visit on Dugi Otok. Božava on the island’s northeast coast is one of them. It is situated around a harbor and has narrow streets that are great for getting lost in.
The little harbor is incredibly beautiful to see and there are also several restaurants where you can eat delicious food. Restaurant Boxavia, for example, is highly recommended. There are also a few churches and a small museum with an olive press that you can walk right in. A great place to stay a little longer when you’re exploring Dugi Otok.
Brbinjšćica Bay
Dugi Otok has many picturesque bays and Brbinjšćica Bay is one of the most beautiful. You get there via a narrow winding road and then you are truly in paradise. There are a few dilapidated buildings, but otherwise there is nothing at all. A white beach, crystal clear water and all you can do here is enjoy nature. It’s a good place to go kayaking or supping; you might even see dolphins!
Good to know: this bay is private property, but there is a small parking lot on the hill (identified by the blue P). From here you can continue on foot.
Golubinka sea cave
One of the places you can visit from Brbinjšćica Bay is a sea cave called Golubinka. You can only enter these by swimming, by sup or kayak. The cave has quite a long entrance and the water reflects on the walls, giving it a special effect. Also, in some places it is bluer than blue, it looks like the water here gives off light!
Dragon’s Eye
The last attraction in Brbinjšćica Bay that I want to share with you is Dragon’s Eye. This is a natural pool in the rocks. If you follow the road up from the bay, at a bend you will see a footpath disappear among the bushes. If you follow these, you will come to Dragon’s Eye.
You can take a dip in the salt water of the lake or follow the hiking trail along the shoreline. Pay attention to the stones on the cliffs, because you might find a fossil.
Taste the local cuisine
Dugi Otok is known for its fresh fish, seafood and lamb. In almost every restaurant you can enjoy the traditional dishes and the fish is really fresher than fresh.
Just try to imagine a feast of fresh fish and vegetables on your plate, looking out on a bright blue sea with crystal clear water gently tapping against the quay. Eating out on Dugi Otok is an experience in itself.
Sali
Due to lack of time, I had to skip Sali, the “capital” of the island, during my visit, but next time I definitely want to check it out. It is a picturesque village, with narrow streets, stone houses and a harbor full of fishing boats. A great place to visit if you are looking for an authentic Croatian experience.
Panoramic views
A main road (the 109) runs across the island, which you will probably pass a few times during your exploration of Dugi Otok. Along this road there are several viewpoints, from here you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Adriatic Sea and the other islands, such as Rava, Iž, and Ugljan.
Practical tips for Dugi Otok
Now you know all about the most beautiful sights and fun things to do on Dugi Otok. It’s time for some practical tips! Read on quickly to learn how to get to this island, the best travel time and the nicest places to stay.
How to get to Dugi Otok?
The most common way to reach Dugi Otok is by ferry from Zadar. During the high season (June-September), there are several daily sailings from Gaženica, Zadar’s main port. These are the big ferries that also carry cars. From Zadar Old Town, you can also take a pedestrian ferry to Dugi Otok.
The crossing takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the number of stopovers. You can buy tickets at port offices or online through the website of the ferry company Jadrolinija.
Another option is to take a private transfer or water cab from Zadar or one of the surrounding islands. This is a faster but more expensive way to get to Dugi Otok.
How do you get around the island?
On Dugi Otok itself, a car or scooter is the most convenient way to get around and explore the various villages and sights. It is most convenient to rent a car in mainland Croatia (in Zadar, for example) and then travel to Dugi Otok by the big ferry. Keep in mind that many roads on Dugi Otok are narrow and winding, so drive carefully.
If you prefer not to rent a car, you can take advantage of bus connections between the main towns on the island, such as Sali, Zaglav, and Bozava. However, schedules are limited, especially off-season, so plan your trip well. You can find timetables and prices on this page. These are bus line 201 and bus line 202.
For adventurous travelers, cycling is also a fun way to explore Dugi Otok. You can rent bikes in some of the villages and enjoy the spectacular views along the way.
Where to stay in Dugi Otok
To visit the most beautiful places on the island, it is advisable to spend at least a few nights on Dugi Otok. These are some of the most beautiful accommodations on the island.
- Picić Guesthouse (3⭐) – Cozy guesthouse in Luka, from your room you have a nice view of the sea.
- Hotel Maxim (4⭐) – Very nice hotel in Božava. Rooms have stunning sea views and there is an outdoor pool.
- Villa Nai 3.3 (5⭐) – The most luxurious accommodation on the island and the hotel is built into a hillside. This makes the rooms look like cave dwellings, very special! You have an awful lot of privacy, there is a swimming pool and a tennis court. A unique place to spend the night!
Check out Booking.com for more tips, availability, and prices.
Best travel time for Dugi Otok
The best time to visit Dugi Otok is from May to October, when the weather is warm and sunny with little rain. Temperatures are perfect for swimming, sunbathing and being outdoors. The sea is also calm during these months, making it ideal for boating, kayaking and other water sports activities.
I myself visited Dugi Otok at the end of May and I found it really perfect in terms of weather. It was about 20 to 25 degrees during the day, which was a good temperature for doing all sorts of outdoor activities, but not too hot.
Keep in mind that there are also many mosquitoes on the island during this period. Therefore, keep accommodation windows closed as much as possible and bring a good bug spray.
Book your trip to Croatia
Dugi Otok is a must see during a trip to Croatia. Would you like to discover this beautiful island for yourself? You can visit the island during an unforgettable road trip in Croatia or as an additional complement to a city trip in Zadar. Book your trip now!
✈️ Plane tickets – Zadar has a small international airport, in addition, you could fly to Split and then drive to Zadar. Check WayAway to find the best deals and get cashback on plane tickets.
🚍 Bus tickets – You can reach many places in Croatia by bus. I myself used Flixbus a lot when I was traveling in Croatia. But there are certainly more companies, you can find more options on BusBud.
🚘 Rental Car – Croatia is a great country for an epic road trip. Check Rental Cars to find the best deals.
💊 Travel insurance – Having good travel insurance will give you peace of mind. Check Insubuy to find the best travel insurance that fits your needs.
🎡 Tours & activities – Are you looking for fun tours and activities in Croatia? Check Get Your Guide.
Read more about Croatia
Looking for more tips for a trip to Croatia? Get one of these travel guides:
I myself have had the opportunity to visit Croatia several times in recent years and I find it a wonderful destination to explore. That is why you can read more about a trip to Croatia on this website. Check out:
- 10 fun day trips from Zadar: The most beautiful places in the region
- Awesome 3-week Croatia itinerary
- Ugljan island: Croatia’s hidden gem
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I visited Dugi Otok at the invitation of the Croatian National Tourist Board. I always give my honest opinion about a destination. Read more about working with Op reis met Co on this page. In addition, this article also contains some affiliate links. If you book or buy something through these links it won’t cost you more than usual, but I get a small commission. This allows me to improve this website. Support Op reis met Co.
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