Kukljica: Festival Traditions, Harbor and Beaches

On the island of Ugljan, Kukljica brings together a long festival tradition and folk architecture with a harbor, waterfront promenade and different types of beaches. The Gospe od Sniga festival takes place every year on August 5 and has been celebrated for more than 500 years. Local culture, cycling on Ugljan and a variety of beach options offer different ways to shape your trip.

Festival Traditions and the Townscape

During the Kukljica procession, the statue of Gospe od Sniga is carried by sea from the parish church of Saint Paul to the votive chapel. The parish church stands in the center of Kukljica. Thus, a specific route across the water and two distinct buildings are part of the town’s festival tradition.

The Gospe od Sniga chapel features Baroque stylistic elements from the 17th century and was placed under state protection in 1982. The old town of Kukljica preserves original examples of folk architecture. If you are interested in a place’s history and architectural styles, you will find both the chapel and traditional architecture in the townscape here.

Beaches in the Municipality of Kukljica

The beaches vary in surface and designation: Sabuša is a developed sandy beach, and there is a sandy beach in Kostanj Bay. Jelenica is a sandy and pebbly nudist beach; Mala Sabuša is also a nudist beach. When choosing a beach, you can use features such as sand, a mix of sand and pebbles, or a nudist beach as a guide.

Harbor, Promenade and Activities

Kukljica has a well-equipped harbor in a sheltered natural bay. The waterfront promenade is a good place for a walk. The Zelena Punta tourist resort in Kukljica has tennis courts. These places and activities offer different ways to shape your trip, from spending time by the water to exercise and sports.

Small rowing boats can be rented in Kukljica and at the Zelena Punta tourist resort. Visitors can also rent bicycles at the resort and cycle all over the island of Ugljan. This gives you the option of making cycling on the island a part of your stay in Kukljica, without specifying individual tours or routes.

Sport fishing permits are available from the ŠRD “Uligna.” Diving requires a valid diving permit issued by the Croatian Diving Federation. If you are considering these leisure activities, the relevant permits are among the practical requirements to include in your plans.

Getting There and Getting Around

The official Jadrolinija ferry service runs between Zadar’s central harbor and Preko on the island of Ugljan, near Kukljica. It offers numerous daily departures; the crossing takes 25 minutes. The service goes to Preko, providing a reference point for the area around your destination.

Because it is close to the Ždrelac passage, Kukljica is known as the gateway to Telašćica Nature Park and Kornati National Park. If you want to discover other places, you can also visit Preko, Kali.

For the broader travel overview: Ugljan.