May the 5th, 2026 – Vrgada is one of many unsung Croatian islands, where there are no cars, just one shop, and the vehicle of choice is a tricycle.
As Putni kofer writes, in Croatia’s stunning Adriatic Sea, there are among more than 1,000 islands, islets and rocks that are scattered like pearls off the heavily indented coastline. Vrgada is one island that has somehow managed to remain somewhat wild, untouched, and far from anything even close to mass tourism.
one of the many jewels of the zadar area
Spanning a total area of 3.32 square kilometres, gorgeous little Vrgada is home to only 209 inhabitants according to the 2021 Census. There are no cars on the island, there is only one shop, and only a hansful of restaurants and cafes. The nature is absolutely beautiful, the beaches are heavenly, and the rhythm of life is truly Mediterranean, relaxed and idyllic. It’s Dalmatia as it once was, all within a tiny surface area.
Vrgada is located in the southeastern part of the expansive Zadar archipelago, across from the towns of Draga and Pakoštane. There are boat lines to the island from Pakoštane and Biograd na moru. Once on the island, you can forget about cars and the stench of exhaust fumes: cars are prohibited there, with the main means of transportation being a tricycle.
The island boasts beautiful pebble and sandy coves and beaches, and is surrounded by crystal clear waters of the Adriatic. As much as two-thirds of the island is covered with dense Mediterranean pine forests, meaning that total relaxation in pristine nature, with the scent of the sea and pine trees, is entirely guaranteed here.
croatia’s golden island
Vrgada is often called the “golden island” because of the coves with rich golden sand that are very rarely seen on the mainland. The most beautiful one on the island is Podbrizi beach. This unusual sandy beach is surrounded by vertical cliffs, and on one of them is one of the most recognisable photographic motifs of Vrgada It’s a simple tree that defies gravity and stands on the very edge of the cliff and has been withstanding the harsh bura wind and all kinds of weather conditions for years. Across from Podbrizi beach is the islet of Artina, which you can literally walk to through the sea itself.
The island of Vrgada in the sprawling Zadar archipelago is ideal for those who want a peaceful break, lots of natural, unspoiled greenery and crystal clear waters. It’s also perfect for those who like to walk, because everything is within reach here. There are several cafes and restaurants across little Vrgada that are open in the summer, and in true Dalmatian style – three old churches. Today’s parish church of the Holy Trinity was completed in 1687, and if you climb up to it you will enjoy a beautiful view of the Kornati National Park, the imposing Velebit mountain range and the mainland’s coastline.
A multitude of wild edible, medicinal and protected plants grow freely and naturally across Vrgada, and the few inhabitants are mainly engaged in tourism and agriculture.
