Vrgada: Holiday Apartments and Holiday Homes

More than two thirds of Vrgada’s surface is covered by dense pine forest. At the same time, the island has a varied coastline, with steeper southwestern shores, flatter northeastern shores, wooded areas and bays such as Sveti Andrija, Luka and Kranje. Kranje is a large bay on the southern side of Vrgada.

Those who choose Vrgada as a holiday destination want to rent a holiday apartment there.

Nature and Coast

Podbrizi Beach has reddish-golden sand formed by soil erosion. The vegetation around the beach provides both sunshine and natural shade. The beach is located on the Saint Andrew Trail and can be reached on foot from the village centre of Vrgada. The Saint Andrew Trail leads to the old Croatian Church of Saint Andrew in the bay of the same name.

Trails and History

The Garma Trail follows a shaded path through fields and olive groves to the Garma fishing harbour. The Kranja Trail leads through a rocky maze with dense pine forest and moss to the picturesque Kranja Bay.

The remains of a Byzantine fortress called Gradina are located at the highest point of Vrgada. From the Church of Saint Andrew, a footpath leads through olive groves to the remains of the Byzantine military fortress on Gradina Hill.

Culture and Tradition

The Church of the Holy Trinity on Vrgada is under preventive cultural heritage protection. It was completed in 1687, stands on Sudujam Hill and offers views of the sea. Vrgada is also home to a pre-Romanesque church from the 9th century dedicated to Saint Andrew. The remains of the 17th-century Damiani Castle can also be found on Vrgada.

The Chapel of Gospe od Zdravlja on Vrgada houses an image of the Madonna and Child in the Byzantine style. It is decorated with a silver repoussé cover and gemstones. On Vrgada, Gospa od Zdravlja is venerated and celebrated every year on 21 November. Events on Vrgada include “Vrgadinske užonce”.

Island Life and Water

There are no cars on Vrgada. The oldest fishing cooperative on the Adriatic coast has existed continuously since 1909. While diving in the turquoise sea around Vrgada, visitors can look for seahorses and yellow sponges.

Free guided tourist walks are offered on Vrgada in summer, sharing stories about the island. The restored old boat “Sv. Andrija” was used for excursions. Vrgada can be reached by boat from Pakoštane.

Additional local information is available for Drage, Pakostane and Općina Pakoštane.