Ugljan: Island history and paths along dry-stone walls

Ugljan brings together a range of travel interests: miles of hiking and cycling paths run along dry-stone walls, while a fortress, a monastery, and archaeological remains offer points of connection to the island’s cultural history. The Fortress of St. Michael dates back to the 6th century and offers sweeping views of the island and the Adriatic. Landscape and history thus stand side by side as distinct areas of interest.

Church art and ancient traces

In the Mostir area of Ugljan, the Church and Monastery of St. Jerome are considered an outstanding example of 15th-century island architecture in Dalmatia. The monastery also houses the Ugljan Polyptych by Ivan Petrov, regarded as the most valuable Gothic painting in Croatian medieval art. Architecture and art thus come together in the same monastery, each offering a distinct way to explore the island’s cultural history.

Muline offers a different historical focus. It is home to the remains of a large ancient oil mill where Liburnian oil was produced. Visitors can also explore the island’s ancient olive-pressing tradition in Muline. Another archaeological landmark is the remains of a rustic villa from the 1st century. The oil mill and villa offer different ways to explore Muline’s past: historic production and ancient architecture.

Paths and experiences on Ugljan

The miles of hiking and cycling paths along the dry-stone walls also give your stay an active focus. If you would like to combine exercise with cultural history, you can consider both as distinct interests when planning your trip: the paths on one hand, and the fortress, monastery, and archaeological traces on the other.

Concerts are held in the cloister of the Monastery of St. Jerome. Before your trip, check the concert dates and seasonal visitor access.

Outside Ugljan, in Vransko jezero Nature Park near Radašinovci, you’ll find the Kamenjak Tasting Room. There, visitors can enjoy local wine, cured meat specialties, cheese, olive oil, and a range of local brandies. This culinary attraction complements Ugljan’s ancient olive-pressing tradition with a different perspective on regional products. As the selection may change, it’s a good idea to check the current offerings before visiting.

Other cultural and scenic places in Croatia

In the broader destination of Croatia, the Episcopal Complex of the Euphrasian Basilica in the Historic Centre of Poreč has been on the World Heritage List since 1997. On the island of Visovac, in the middle of Lake Visovac, the Franciscan Monastery of Our Lady of Mercy and the Church of Our Lady of Visovac have stood since 1445. The Boathouse at the entrance to the harbor of Veli Brijun was built in 1902 in the Secession style of Austro-Hungarian architecture.

The landscape is also part of this broader picture: Plitvice Lakes National Park is Croatia’s largest national park, covers nearly 30,000 hectares, and lies in the central part of the country in the lower elevations of the Dinaric Alps. These examples offer distinct cultural and natural attractions in Croatia; Ugljan’s local focus remains on its paths, monastery sites, and ancient traces.

Discover more destinations

Kali, Preko, Kukljica, Peljesac, Karlovac County, Virovitica-Podravina, Međimurje County, Murter

Go to the main travel overview: Croatia.