Dugi Otok has recently garnered much deserved praise and popularity.
Recently, we’ve covered the less known, small island of Silba, whose uncrowded beaches and untamed nature attracts many sailors looking for a true Robinson-Crusoe-like adventure.
Today, we’re taking you to the stunning island of Dugi Otok. This long island is located in Zadar archipelago and is a must-see destination for every boater sailing through Croatian islands.
The island is conveniently located near one of the most famous sailing destinations in Croatia – National Park Kornati (LINK) and close to the bigger coastal towns of Zadar and Šibenik. The island itself is a thing of beauty; on the southern end of an island, there is a beautiful nature park Telašćica. Moor or anchor your boat in Telašćica Bay, one of the safest and most beautiful bays in the Adriatic, surrounded by numerous small islets and beaches, climb up and enjoy a stunning view of 160 metre-high cliffs (‘stijene’) or take a swim in the salt lake called ‘Mir’ (Peace), which is known for its medicinal properties.
On the northern end of the island, there is one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Croatia – Sakarun, sometimes also called Saharun. Crystal clear turquoise water and white sandy beach, surrounded by pine forest that offers a much-needed shade from the sun, make this beach a real gem of the whole island. The swimming area of the beach is large and shallow, and even suitable for small children. You can take a tourist train to Sakarun from Božava, which goes every two hours.
Near the Sakarun beach, there is a stunning lighthouse located on the on the northwestern tip of Dugi otok, near Veli Rat. You can climb up and enjoy the breathtaking view of the Adriatic sea and nearby islands. The 42-metre-high lighthouse was built in 1849 and is the tallest lighthouse on the Adriatic. In the courtyard of the lighthouse, there is the chapel of St. Nicholas, which is becoming a sought-after place for organizing romantic weddings.
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There are numerous berthing options for yachts visiting the island, all of them located along the E coast. You can moor in Božava on the north part of the island, or Sali on the south end, closer to the Kornati. There is one marina on Dugi Otok – Marina Veli Rat. Read more about the marina here.
Sali (Photo: TZ Dugi Otok)
Božava (Photo: TZ Dugi Otok)
For more information about Telašćica and Kornati islands, click here.
All photos: TZ Dugi Otok
