Zapuntel: Harbor, Vranač Trail and Island Culture

Zapuntel on the island of Molat offers several specific points of reference for planning a trip: a fast-ship connection, the Vranač Trail and the parish church, with traces of different centuries. If you are looking for a hotel, you can weigh travel arrangements, time outdoors and an interest in local history as separate considerations.

Getting There and Finding Your Way

A Jadrolinija fast-ship connection links Zadar with the island of Molat and the ports of Brgulje and Zapuntel, and continues to the island of Ist. Check the schedule for your travel date if you are planning to use this connection. On Molat, an asphalt road connects Zapuntel with the island’s other inhabited settlements. For travel from Zadar, the ship is the specified point of reference; the road connection serves the island’s other inhabited settlements.

Zapuntel is connected to Zapuntelska Luka (Porat). The marina is 2 km away, on the coast of the Vir Sea. Zapuntel Bay offers sailors shelter and dining options. As services may change, check what is currently available before visiting.

Trail and Landscape

The Vranač Trail on Molat starts and ends in the harbor of Zapuntel. The easy route is suitable for runners and hikers of all fitness levels; the trail offers views of the sea and nearby islands. Starting and finishing at the same harbor makes the departure and return point clear. Check trail conditions before setting out. For orientation, keep the two harbor references distinct: the Vranač Trail starts and ends in the harbor of Zapuntel; Zapuntelska Luka (Porat) marina is 2 km away, on the coast of the Vir Sea. This makes it possible to distinguish the trailhead from the marina’s location.

Church, Art and Agriculture

The Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Zapuntel dates from the 16th century. It contains statues of angels carrying torches from the 18th century. The painting “Rođenje Kristovo sa svecima” by Agustin Crivelari is associated with the parish church of Rođenja Blažene Djevice Marije in Zapuntel on Molat.

The fertile field where Zapuntel is located covers 22 ha; olive growing is one of the local agricultural activities. Visitors to Molat can buy high-quality homemade olive oil and wine. These references have different scopes: olive growing is part of Zapuntel’s local context, while the option to buy oil and wine applies to the island of Molat as a whole. The Vranač Trail focuses on activity and views; the church’s architectural history, statues and associated painting offer a different way to explore the area. 22 ha is equivalent to 220,000 square metres.

Discover more destinations: Zaglav, Brbinj, Veli Rat, Zman, Soline, Sali, Savar, Bozava.

For the broader travel overview: Općina Sali.