Pašman between island routes and nature experiences
Accommodation in Pašman
Pašman can be combined with the diverse landscapes of Zadar County: its coastline is the longest among the Adriatic counties, measuring 1,300 kilometres. The region’s character is shaped by a deeply indented coastline, numerous islands, fertile plains, and karst and mountain landscapes. Water and forest resources also define the county. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Pašman, you can first consider whether island and coastal experiences, nature or culture should take centre stage on your trip. These different interests can be given separate priorities when planning, without combining every destination into a single route.
Nature parks and landscapes
Paklenica National Park lies mostly within Zadar County. It covers more than 95 square kilometres and contains extensive, exceptionally well-preserved pine forests. More than 150 kilometres of hiking trails lead through the area, which includes the Velika Paklenica and Mala Paklenica gorges. Velebit Nature Park lies partly within the county; Vransko jezero Nature Park is also part of the region. The ornithological reserve at Vransko jezero has been designated for 251 bird species. Telašćica Nature Park is located on Dugi Otok: its protected bay is 8 kilometres deep and 2 kilometres wide, and is considered the largest bay in the Adriatic. These destinations differ considerably in their landscapes and focus—from forests and gorges to birdwatching and the protected bay.
Islands, water and activities
Throughout Zadar County, visitors can try rowing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, wakeboarding and similar water sports. Kayak trips offer a way to explore the Zadar archipelago and see its inhabited islands from a new perspective. The Zadar area also offers diving among shipwrecks and underwater archaeological sites. When choosing accommodation, it may help to treat your preferred activities as a separate focus: water sports, hiking and diving are different reasons for shaping a trip. In 2019, Zadar County installed signposting on the islands of Ugljan, Pašman and Pag, as well as on all routes in the “Family & Trekking” category.
Culture and regional cuisine
For those who want to include history alongside landscapes, the cultural route “Na ruti liburnskog, rimskog i hrvatskog nasljeđa” links Zadar, Benkovac, Asseria, Nin and Pag. History, culture and tradition are brought together along the route. The “Zadar – Grad utvrda” route explores the historical layers of the city of Zadar and its significant fortification heritage. On Pag, Paška lace is among the centuries-old crafts; today, only a few women still master it. These cultural themes offer a different way to experience the region than nature parks and activities on the water.
The specialities of the island of Pag also give a trip through the county a distinctive flavour. Young lamb and hard sheep’s cheese are among the island’s notable dishes. On a gastronomic tour of Pag, visitors can learn how to prepare peka. A guided tour of the Gligora cheese dairy in Kolan includes a look at the production gallery, a visit to the ageing rooms and a tasting. Along a journey from Ravni Kotari through the coast to the islands, there are also places where olive oil can be tasted in various shades of green.
Getting there and further guidance
Zadar County can be reached by road, by sea and by air; direct connections are available to Zagreb, Rijeka, Split and Dubrovnik. When planning, you can consider how you will travel alongside the nature, culture and water experiences you want. On Pašman, the sub-sections Tkon and Municipality of Mali Pašman provide further guidance within the destination.
For the broader travel overview: Croatia.
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