Molat: History, Trails and Coves
Accommodation in Molat
Molat offers plenty of reasons not to focus your holiday on just one theme: its history goes back a long way, trails lead through forests and to coves, and the surrounding waters attract boaters and sailors. When planning your trip, you can bring together different interests, such as historic sites, outdoor activities and time on the water. You can also choose where to stay based on the experiences that interest you most.
A long history rooted in the island
Molat has been inhabited since the Paleolithic. In the Middle Ages, one of Dalmatia’s oldest fishing villages developed here. Its more recent history includes a dark chapter: from 1942, an Italian concentration camp was located on Molat, where members of the Partisan forces were imprisoned. The camp’s former command building is a registered cultural asset of the Republic of Croatia. These different historical layers add another dimension to a stay for those interested in the island’s past.
Some trails also pass by buildings and historic sites. Sights along the Bargamul Trail include the Church of St Andrew the Apostle. The Vranač Trail passes the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. A bunker stands on Mount Straža along the Vapojni Trail. Each of these sites is associated with the trail mentioned and offers a different point of interest for culturally minded travellers.
Cycling and hiking with different focuses
The Bargamul Trail is a cycling route in the central part of Molat and starts in the small village of Brgulje. The Vodomarka cycling trail is 12.3 kilometres long. It passes through picturesque landscapes to the coves of Pržina, Vrulje and Vodomarka. If you prefer to have a specific distance in mind when planning your day, one is provided here; no distance is given for Bargamul.
The Vranač Trail is considered easy for runners and hikers of all fitness levels. The Vapojni Trail is rated differently: it is considered difficult and leads through pine forests and olive groves. This contrast can help you decide which type of trail suits your plans. You can also stroll along forest paths on Molat. The different descriptions invite you to choose trails according to your preferred level of challenge and landscape, rather than combining them into a single outing.
Coves, forest and sea
Molat is covered in maquis and pine forests. Brguljak is also wooded: this uninhabited island lies in Brgulje Bay. Vodomarka Cave shares its name with the cycling trail and is considered worth a visit. The coves of Jaz and Lučina are near the village of Molat; these names give you specific places to consider when choosing where to explore.
Molat’s many coves are popular destinations for boaters and sailors. Brgulje Bay in particular attracts many sailors and is busy during the summer months. It is known for its crystal-clear sea. The beaches near Brgulje are also among the best beach areas on Molat. So if sailing, coves or beach days are your main interests, Brgulje is a distinct point of reference when searching for a holiday apartment. If, on the other hand, you are interested in the trails starting from Brgulje or the coves near the village of Molat, you can use these place names to help choose your preferred location.
Getting there and choosing a location for your accommodation
Two Jadrolinija connections are listed for the journey, with travel times provided. Ferry 433 runs from Gaženica via Rivanj, Sestrunj and Zverinac to Molat; the stated travel time is 3 hours. Catamaran 9403 is listed from Zadar to Molat, Brgulje and Zapuntel, with a stated travel time of 1 hour and 50 minutes.
Historic discoveries, different routes and experiences on the water are all available as distinct focuses, so your choice does not have to depend on just one type of holiday.
For the main travel overview: Molat.
