Extend your island weekend
The Zadar Archipelago is one of those places where life moves at a slightly slower pace. Morning coffee by the sea, a walk among the olive groves, a swim in a hidden cove and an evening filled with the scent of freshly grilled fish and a sunset over the open sea. Together, Pašman, Ugljan and Dugi Otok create the perfect setting for an autumn escape by the sea.
If you are coming to the Archipelago Trail Run, take some time to explore Pašman, Ugljan, Dugi Otok and the other hidden corners of the archipelago.
Let’s go exploring!
Must-see spots on Pašman, Dugi Otok and Ugljan
- Ošljak – the smallest inhabited island in the Adriatic, with no roads or cars—only sandy paths winding between pine trees and stone houses.
Best for: exploring
Access: the Zadar–Preko ferry, line 431, also stops at Ošljak – check the timetable at jadrolinija.hr - Galevac, also known as Školjić – a small islet located only around 80 metres from Preko. It is home to a Franciscan monastery and church surrounded by a small pine forest.
- Telašćica and the saltwater Lake Mir – a nature park in the south of Dugi Otok, known for its impressive cliffs rising up to 161 metres above the sea and its peaceful saltwater lake. Part of the Archipelago Trail Run’s Saturday long-distance course passes through the landscapes of Telašćica.
- Ist or Galešnjak – the famous heart-shaped islet in the Pašman Channel. There is no tourist infrastructure on the island, so it is best admired from the sea.
Best for: swimming
Access: by boat or kayak - The Michele shipwreck, Dugi Otok – a cargo ship that ran aground in 1983, around one nautical mile north of the island.
Best for: snorkelling
Access: by boat only
Time needed: approximately half a day
If you are travelling by car, you can also visit Lake Vrana Nature Park or Paklenica National Park. Both are around 45 minutes to one hour’s drive from Zadar.
Hills worth every drop of sweat
The islands’ varied terrain offers climbs to viewpoints that will quickly make you forget about the uphill stretch beneath your feet.
- Preko–St Michael’s Fortress–Željina–Svitla, Ugljan: this 12.9-kilometre circular route has approximately 590 metres of elevation gain. It leads to a medieval fortress offering views of Zadar and the surrounding islands before descending towards the bays of Željina and Svitla. Route details
- Ždrelac–Veliki Bokolj–Banj–Mali Bokolj, Pašman: a 12.9-kilometre circular route with approximately 381 metres of elevation gain. Allow around four and a half hours to complete the entire route. The rocky sections require a little extra care. Route details
- Tkon–Zaklopica–Pustograd, Pašman: the trail passes Zaklopica Bay and continues to the remains of the Byzantine fortress of Pustograd, with views across the Pašman Channel towards Biograd. Route details
The most popular activities on land and at sea
Ugljan has around 20 marked cycling and walking routes, most of which start in Preko.
Pašman: road cycling is only possible along the island’s eastern side—Ždrelac, Banj, Dobropoljana, Neviđane, Mrljane, Barotul, Pašman, Kraj and Tkon. The island’s interior is covered by gravel roads suitable for mountain biking.
Dugi Otok: a paved road runs almost the entire length of the island, connecting the settlements of Sali, Zaglav, Žman, Luka, Savar, Brbinj, Dragove, Božava, Soline and Veli Rat.
You can also explore the coastlines of Ugljan, Pašman and Dugi Otok by kayak. Choose from shorter trips to peaceful coves or longer tours to sea caves, shipwrecks and more remote beaches.
Tripuljak Bay in Telašćica Nature Park features a 200-metre underwater educational trail. You will need a mask and snorkel, and the entire experience takes around 30 minutes. Learn more about the underwater trail
As the event takes place in October, check the availability of kayaks, organised tours and equipment rental in advance.
Dugi Otok
- Sakarun – an 800-metre-long sandy beach in the north of the island, with shallow turquoise water. It is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the Adriatic.
- The bay by the Veli Rat Lighthouse (Čuna) – an uninhabited bay at the island’s northernmost tip. Combine your visit with a trip to the tallest lighthouse in the Adriatic.
Ugljan
- Južna Luka (Muline) – clear water, natural shade and a peaceful beach
- Ceprljanda – a quiet beach with excellent visibility for snorkelling.
Pašman
- OPG Rozalinda Banić, Kraj on Pašman – a family-run olive oil tasting experience available by prior arrangement.
- OPG Nikica Žampera, Žman on Dugi Otok – olive oil and Žman cheese carrying the “Croatian Island Product” label.
- Ugljan island Olive Days – an annual event held in June in the village of Ugljan, featuring a guided tasting and a market of local island products.
Flavours of the Zadar Archipelago
After a demanding run or hike—or simply a day in the sun—treat yourself to a table filled with local delicacies:
- From the sea: grilled fish, brudet fish stew, black risotto, shellfish and scampi buzara
- Authentic Dalmatian flavours: octopus cooked under the bell, pašticada, Pag lamb, local cheese and prosciutto
- For a sweet finish: fritule and kroštule
With dinner, look for wines made from Dalmatian grape varieties such as Maraština, Debit in Plavina. In Zadar, you can also try the traditional Maraschino liqueur.
Where to eat*:
- Ugljan: Konoba Barbara and Konoba Roko (both in Preko)
- Dugi otok: Konoba Trapula and Konoba Roko (Sali/Zaglav), Konoba Regula (Žman)
- Pašman: Konoba Pinkovac (Tkon), San Marko (Pašman)
*Check opening hours before your visit and book a table in advance whenever possible.
The Archipelago Trail Run is the perfect opportunity for an active late-summer weekend in one of the most beautiful corners of the Adriatic. Beyond the start and finish lines lies a world worth exploring at an unhurried pace—from hidden coves and old island villages to views that make time stand still for a moment.
Watch the trailer and start planning your island escape.
Archipelago Trail Run | 2.–4. october 2026 | Registration is open until 24 September 2026.
