Preko – Fortress, Beach and Island Culture
Accommodation in Preko
Fortress Ruins and Island Views
In Preko, beach days go hand in hand with impressive reminders of the island’s history. The remains of the medieval St. Michael’s Fortress lie on Mount Sv. Mihovil on Ugljan. A three-kilometre paved road leads up to it and is suitable for cars, bicycles and pedestrians. From the fortress, the view stretches across more than 200 islands of the Zadar Archipelago and Kornati National Park. Those interested in climbing will find the Željina litica climbing area below the mountain: its 40 routes are spread across five sectors and range in difficulty from 4c to 7b.
The different options offer distinct ways to shape your stay: you can consider the views from the fortress, a drive or walk along the access road, and the climbing routes according to your interests. This helps you decide whether to focus on culture and scenery or on an active pursuit when choosing where to stay.
Jaz: Beach and Facilities by the Water
Jaz is Preko’s main beach. Sand and shallow water define the beach, where children can play in the shallows. Facilities include water slides for children, a restaurant, a pizzeria, toilets and a car park. There is also a playground, a volleyball court and a Lungomare promenade at the beach. The playground and volleyball court add to the range of facilities by the water.
Churches, Summer Residences and Traces of Antiquity
The stone Church of St. John the Baptist stands by the ferry terminal in Preko. It was built towards the end of the 11th century, preserved in its original form and restored. Preko is also home to the summer residence of the Crnica family, with the Crnica Renaissance garden. The former complex included an olive grove and an oil mill. In Sutomišćica stands the 17th-century Baroque summer residence of the Zadar noble Lantana family; on the St. Peter peninsula in Poljana is the 13th-century Romanesque Church of St. Peter.
The Bay of Muline on Ugljan also brings together traces from different periods: it is home to the remains of a Roman villa, a Late Antique mausoleum, an early Christian basilica and a monumental 1st-century oil-processing structure. In the Mostir area of Ugljan, the Church and Monastery of St. Jerome are considered an outstanding example of 15th-century Dalmatian island architecture and a model for other buildings of that period in the Zadar region.
Trails, Forest and Views
Cycle Route 101, also known as the Antiquity Trail, starts in the centre of Ugljan at Lučino selo. The route is 16.2 kilometres long and takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes by bicycle. The Antiquity Trail passes the Church and Monastery of St. Jerome and continues towards Muline. The marked Strada publica, dating from the 1st century, provides a cultural and historical route between Mali Lukoran and Veli Lukoran. Sestrunj also has the Saint Peter’s Compass hiking trail.
On Ošljak, a circular trail just over two kilometres long runs around the island. Ošljak is entirely a protected park forest and a habitat for many protected bird species. There are no motor vehicles on the island; walking is recommended for getting around. Another viewpoint is Vela Glava, southwest of Sutomišćica, with panoramic views of the city of Zadar and the Zadar Archipelago. When choosing a holiday apartment in Preko, you can take these different travel interests into account as you weigh up whether to focus on the beach, culture or walking routes.
Island Traditions and Activities
On Sestrunj, Šulicada is played in summer by young and old, in the water and on land. Sestrunjska noć is one of the island’s most important festivals. Čeprljanda-Fešta also has a long history: it dates back to 1979 and takes place on the first Saturday in August. Professional divers will find numerous dive sites in the waters around Ugljan, Ošljak, Rivanj and Sestrunj.
For further orientation around the area: Lukoran, Poljana, Preko, Sutomišćica, Sestrunj and Ugljan. You can also visit Kali and Kukljica.
For the overarching travel overview: Ugljan.
