March the 26th, 2026 – Zlarin is a car-less island in Dalmatia where life moves at a slower pace, the sun shines almost constantly, and tractors are the main transport.
As Putni kofer/Lana Mindoljevic writes, is there anything better than spending summer on an island? There is. That’s summer on an island where cars are totally banned. The Croatian coast is full of all kinds of incredible islands, some of which are already well-known all over the world for their beauty and uniqueness, some of which have been untouched by humans, and some which are unforgiving.
There are many unsung yet beautiful gems that captivate everyone who visits them with their charm and beauty. One of those that is ideal for all those who want to free themselves from the stress of driving, smog and exhaust fumes is called Zlarin, located in the Šibenik archipelago, and it will take you only 20 minutes by ferry from the mainland.
Zlarin is a small island, only 8 square kilometres in size, but on that modest surface there is a lot of beauty and countless incredible stories just waiting to be discovered. There are no cars on the island, the sea is beautiful, and it is best known for its coral.
Likewise, on Zlarin today there are no chain stores, no traffic noise, no light pollution… Instead, you will be greeted by paved paths, whitewashed houses, small boats rocking on the old stone pier, butterflies feeding on flowers and, almost everywhere, the sound, scents and view of the sea.
zlarin – the car-less island where tractors do the graft
Since Zlarin is car-less, the islanders have adapted to life without classic vehicles over the decades and have found their own solutions. This is precisely why small tractors have become one of the main means of transportation on the island and an indispensable part of its everyday life. They are used to transport groceries, construction materials, fishing equipment, but also everything else needed for life on an island that fosters a slower and more relaxed rhythm.
coral – an indispensible part of zlarin’s history
Coral is extremely deeply woven into the history and life of the island of Zlarin. Coral farming is its most significant cultural heritage and greatest speciality, and the first written traces of the people of Zlarin as the most famous coral hunters date back to the 15th century. Ever since then, red coral branches have been woven through every pore of life, history and tradition of this “coral island”. The story of them is presented in a new and innovative way by the newly opened Zlarin Coral Centre.
In the Coral Centre, the story of coral farming and this gorgeous little island itself is told using modern technology, virtual and augmented reality, audio recordings, educational exhibits, and classic exhibits including amphorae from ships, tools for extracting coral, coral jewellery, etc.
The exhibition is located on three floors of the beautifully renovated stone Kažerma House. In addition to Kažerma House, an integral part of the Coral Centre is the Šare House, a renovated stone house with an apartment and accommodation for 12 people, intended for students, pupils, researchers and scientists.
one of croatia’s sunniest islands
Charming Zlarin will allow all those who visit it to enjoy untouched nature everywhere, from numerous beaches, green promenades to secluded coves. That nature is combined with the crystal clear blue of the Adriatic Sea and the mainland, which receives more than 2,700 hours of sunshine per year, making Zlarin one of the sunniest islands in Croatia.
Although there are only four restaurants on Zlarin, everyone will find something for themselves here. The island’s cuisine is naturally closely linked to sea, so you will enjoy a varied selection of the freshest possible seafood, fish, shellfish and crab dishes prepared in the traditional way the people of Zlarin and their ancestors have always enjoyed it.
