Preko – Fortress, Heritage and Beach

The remains of the medieval St. Michael’s Fortress lie on Mount Sv. Mihovil in Preko, on the island of Ugljan. From the fortress, the view stretches across more than 200 islands of the Zadar Archipelago and Kornati National Park. A three-kilometre paved road leads to the fortress and is suitable for cars, bicycles and pedestrians.

St. Michael’s Fortress and Climbing Area

Below Mount Sveti Mihovil lies the Željina litica climbing area. Its 40 routes are spread across five sectors and range in difficulty from 4c to 7b. In Preko, both the medieval structure on the mountain and a dedicated climbing area are highlights. These different themes give you two specific starting points for planning: views and history, or climbing.

Heritage in Preko

The stone Church of St. John the Baptist stands by the ferry pier in Preko. It was built towards the end of the 11th century, has been preserved in its original form and has been restored. Another historic site is the Crnica family’s summer residence, with its Renaissance garden. The former complex also included an olive grove and an oil mill. The church, summer residence and garden each tell a different part of the local history; the Crnica complex also includes the former components of the estate.

Jaz: Beach and Seasonal Facilities

Jaz is Preko’s main beach. Sand and shallow water define the beach, where children can play in the shallow area. Facilities and amenities include water slides for children, a restaurant, a pizzeria, toilets and a car park. There is also a children’s playground, a volleyball court and a Lungomare promenade. Beach services may vary by season; check what is available before your visit.

Archaeology, Churches and a Cycling Route on Ugljan

You can find traces of history elsewhere on Ugljan, too. In the bay of Muline are the remains of a Roman villa, a late antique mausoleum and an early Christian basilica. There are also remains of a monumental olive-processing structure dating from the 1st century. 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 and a model for other buildings of that period in the Zadar region.

The Antiquity Trail passes the Church and Monastery of St. Jerome and continues towards Muline. As cycling route 101, it starts in the centre of Ugljan, in Lučino selo. The route is 16.2 kilometres long and takes about one hour and 30 minutes by bicycle.

More Places and Routes

In Sutomišćica is the 17th-century Baroque summer residence of the Zadar noble Lantana family. Southwest of Sutomišćica, Vela Glava offers panoramic views of the city of Zadar and the Zadar Archipelago. The Romanesque Church of St. Peter, dating from the 13th century, stands on the St. Peter peninsula in Poljana. In Lukoran, the marked Strada publica, a cultural and historical route dating from the 1st century, connects Mali Lukoran and Veli Lukoran.

On Ošljak, the entire island is a protected park forest and habitat for many protected bird species. A circular route is just over two kilometres long. There are no motorised vehicles on the island; walking is recommended. On Sestrunj, forests cover 80 percent of the island’s surface. There you’ll find the Saint Peter’s Compass hiking trail and the traditional summer game Šulicada, played by young and old in the water and on land. These routes and activities offer different highlights from Preko’s fortress, churches and beach.

Festivals and Special Activity Conditions

Sestrunjska noć is one of Sestrunj’s most important festivals. Čeprljanda-Fešta dates back to 1979 and takes place on the first Saturday in August; check the programme for the relevant year before your trip. Divers should note an important restriction: the waters around Ugljan, Ošljak, Rivanj and Sestrunj have numerous dive sites for professional divers.

Discover More Destinations

Sutomišćica, Sestrunj, Ugljan, Lukoran, Poljana, Preko, Kali, Kukljica

To the overarching travel overview: Ugljan.