Municipality of Polača: Cycling and Cultural Heritage

The “Vrata Ravnih kotara” cycling route offers a practical introduction to the Municipality of Polača: it starts in Kakma, passes through Donja Jagodnja, Gornja Jagodnja and Polača, and forms a 20-kilometre circular route. If you’re planning a cycling trip, you can follow the route as a complete loop and discover its notable points along the way.

Cycling route and notable points

There are ten rest stops along the route. Jezero Novak is the fourth point and also a rest stop; it lies east of the centre of Polača. Štrkovača is the fifth point on the route and offers a view of the Polača field and the surrounding villages. The two stops therefore have different stated roles: Jezero Novak is a rest stop, while Štrkovača is a viewpoint.

Glavica Bićina is also located in Polača and preserves the remains of walls from a prehistoric settlement. It is not developed for visitors; check current access before planning a visit. The old Gradina in Polača tells another part of the area’s history: the Krbava princes had the 14th-century fortification built for defence.

Churches, history and local culture

The Old Church of Saints Kuzma and Damjan was built in 1836 southeast of the centre of Polača, next to the local cemetery. Its restoration began after 1995 at its original location. The Parish Church of Saints Kuzma and Damjan was consecrated on 26 February 2006. Local artist Ratko Peraić created its main altar, tabernacle, Višeslav baptismal font and crucifix.

The “Sv. Kuzma i Damjan” monument preserves the church ruins as a reminder of the suffering of Polača. A different historical context is represented by the Chapel of Saint Martin in the hamlet of Prtenjača within the settlement of Polača: it was used for catechism classes and Mass on the feast day of Saint Martin. These places and uses offer several perspectives on the area’s cultural heritage, from the history of fortifications to religious life.

Folklore is also part of local culture. KUD “Gradina” from Polača has taken part in numerous folklore programmes in Croatia and abroad. Polača has also hosted fourteen folklore showcases featuring traditional folklore groups from Zadar County. Together, these details reflect folklore’s presence both in exchanges beyond the area and at events in Polača.

Wine, olive oil and accommodation options

Kotari, a winery, olive mill and wine bar run by the Maslina i vino agricultural cooperative, is located at Kakma 189. It offers wine and olive oil tastings as well as guided cellar tours. Arrangements may need to be made in advance for cellar tours. Agro turizam Prtenjača is in the hamlet of Prtenjača, in the northern part of the Municipality of Polača. Advance arrangements are required for its services, opening hours and reservations.

Ražnjevića Dvori A.D. 1307 is a restored stone building in the old part of Polača and is now a heritage hotel with a tavern. The property organises excursions and cycling tours; reservations may be required. It is therefore a local option to consider when choosing a hotel stay, while the cycling route and historic sites shape the character of the destination.

Guided activities

Advance booking is required for guided quad tours with Quad Adventure Ravni kotari, departing from Polača. This gives you a choice of different formats: the 20-kilometre “Vrata Ravnih kotara” circular route and guided quad excursions. When planning your days in the Municipality of Polača, you can combine the cycling route or a guided quad tour with cultural sites and experiences in Kakma or Prtenjača.

Discover more destinations: Polača, Kakma, Municipality of Pirovac, Municipality of Poličnik, Municipality of Lišane Ostrovičke, Municipality of Starigrad, Municipality of Benkovac, Municipality of Zadar.

View the broader travel overview: Zadar County.