May the 10th, 2026 – There’s a Croatian island with only 3 residents that you can even swim to. Once there, you can spend the night in an absolutely beautiful old monastery.
Hopping abroad a Jadrolinija ferry could take you from Split to Hvar, from Zadar to the incredible Kornati islands… and the list goes on (and on). If you take the ferry from Zadar to Preko (which will take about thirty minutes for just four euros), you can continue on to somewhere very unusual indeed. Once you’ve arrived in Preko you can reach the island of Galevac either by small boat, or even by diving into the sea and swimming there.
It’s no secret that Zadar is one of the most beautiful and oldest cities on the Adriatic coast. Several years ago, major international media outlets named it one of Europe’s most beautiful holiday destinations, and encyclopedias describing Europe’s oldest cities place Zadar alongside the likes of Athens, Lisbon, and Argos.
Zadar is rich in history and cultural heritage that has been remarkably well preserved, in fact, it’s home to the oldest Roman form in the entire eastern Adriatic. As fascinating as Zadar itself is, today it mainly serves as the starting point for trips to the island of Ugljan and the quaint village of Preko.
an island with two names…
Part of Ugljan’s appeal is the small island of Galevac, which locals also often call “Školjić.” It lies directly opposite the village of Preko. The local nickname is actually a literal description, given that in the old Dalmatian dialect, “školj” refers to either rocky outcrop or a small islet, where as školjić means “little island.” Small it is, being only about 300 metres long and 200 metres wide.
What makes this tiny Croatian island so special is not just its tiny size, but the fact that only 3 people are registered as permanent residents, and it has a truly captivating monastery built on it. Historical records show that a small church existed there first, while the monastery was constructed later on. Everything began with the Church of St. Paul, which we know was in existence by 1410. The first ever monk, Friar Vid, later began building the monastery beside the church.
a giant on an unassuming dalmatian island
This old monastery stands almost in the very heart of Galevac and is surrounded by dense Mediterranean pine trees, towering cypresses, and the sound of chirping crickets. It’s true to say that this whole island looks like a green ring rising around a stone monastery complex if observed from a distance. Now, it’s worth noting that despite it looking huge in comparison to the island itself, this impressive complex is no particular size when compared to well known, monumental European monasteries dotted all over the continent. What makes it stand out is that it is surprisingly intricate.
Its architecture is a fascinating and perfectly blended combination of late Gothic and Renaissance styles characteristic of the Dalmatian coast when the Venetian Empire reigned there. The walls are made from typical pale Dalmatian stone which takes on various colours as the light and time of day alters.
Those who do decide to visit, either by boat or by taking a refreshing dip to swim there, can stay overnight in this marvellous old building, and join (at least temporarily) this tiny Croatian island’s 3 residents.
