Kali: Island Nature and Glagolitic Heritage

Kali lies in the southern part of the island of Ugljan in the Zadar Archipelago. The town combines a landscape shaped by olive groves and dry-stone walls with a remarkable cultural heritage.

Olive Groves, Dry-Stone Walls and Trails

Kali’s well-preserved Mediterranean landscape includes forests, maquis, olive groves and kilometres of dry-stone walls. These walls enclose trails, fields and groves, making them as much a part of the landscape as its plant life. Olive growing and olive oil production have a centuries-old tradition in Kali. The landscape also tells the story of a local culture connected with cultivation.

There are about twenty hiking trails of varying lengths in the Kali area. As trail conditions can change, it is advisable to check for current information before setting out. The Kali Tourist Board provides a trekking and mountain biking map with detailed information about trails on Ugljan and Pašman; ask locally about its availability. A combined cycling and walking trail through local olive groves offers another way to experience the landscape.

The natural features of Podgora and Podravno in the southwest of the municipality, as well as the hills of Pelegrin, Veli Vrh and Orjak, must not be disturbed. Kobiljak is also a distinctive feature of the island’s natural landscape: its summit is 199 metres high and is among the highest on Ugljan. Vela Pećina in the Mrđine area is a 36-metre-long geological site with two chambers.

Glagolitic Heritage and History

In Kali, the Glagolitic script is part of local history. It was used in the parish registers until 1873, and the parish also preserves eight Glagolitic codices. These include the “Libar godov”, described as one of the oldest codices in the Adriatic islands. The Glagolitic folk sung Mass is still sung in Kali today. The local dialect, Kaljski govor, also known as “kuãļski jazȋk”, is registered as an intangible cultural asset of the Republic of Croatia.

The Parish Church of St. Lawrence is a single-nave Baroque building. Its bell tower dates from the 15th century, and the interior contains five marble altars. The Chapel of St. Pelegrin is another testament to the area’s early history: a pre-Romanesque stone relief dating from the 5th century was discovered during its most recent restoration. The Orjak archaeological site above Kali includes the remains of an Iron Age hillfort, indicating settlement in prehistoric times and in antiquity.

Viewpoints and Coves

At the Orjak viewpoint, a cross and Stations of the Cross stand on a hill. Glavine is another viewpoint, in a well-kept olive grove with a replica olive mill. Both places complement the broader landscape with specific destinations that connect thematically with Kali’s cultural and natural character.

Mala Lamjana and Velika Lamjana are among the particularly deep coves among Kali’s coves and beaches. A rental boat is recommended for exploring the coves on the north and south sides; check in advance what options are available for your travel dates. The coast and coves of Kali are also described as suitable fishing grounds for recreational fishing. The Fishermen’s and Seafarers’ Promenade is also part of the town.

An aqua-lifter for entering the sea for people with disabilities is installed at Tratica public beach. Check the device’s status before your trip. This lets you take this specific facility into account in your planning without assuming the same conditions apply at other beaches.

Tradition and Trip Planning

Olive oil is not the only local tradition connected with food: Europe’s first tuna farm was established in Kali. The Blue Fish Festival takes place every year in June. If you would like to plan your trip around it, check the dates for the relevant year. The festival calendar can be another consideration alongside the landscape, cultural heritage and activities.

Kali thus offers a variety of reasons to choose it as a destination: Glagolitic manuscripts and churches, olive groves and dry-stone walls, hiking trails, as well as coves and viewpoints.

Discover more destinations: Kali, Kukljica, Preko.

Go to the main travel guide: Ugljan.