Ugljan

Ugljan is an island in the Zadar archipelago, in northern Dalmatia, linked to the city of Zadar by a regular ferry crossing of around twenty minutes. Known as the island of olives due to its extensive, centuries-old olive groves, it offers a Mediterranean landscape of pine woods, rocky coves and small fishing villages. Preko, the island's main town, faces Zadar directly and is overlooked by the hilltop fortress of St Michael (Sv. Mihovil), which provides sweeping views over the channel and surrounding islands. Nearby, the islet of Galevac is home to a Franciscan monastery reachable by boat. Further south, the village of Kali retains a tradition of fishing and sponge diving, while Kukljica and Sutomišćica offer quiet beaches suited to swimming. The local economy remains tied to olive oil production and small-scale fishing. The island is well suited to walking, cycling and exploring lesser-visited coves, all within a calm setting well away from the busier tourist stretches of the mainland coast.