December 3, 2025 – One of the very best times and places to enjoy Croatia are the Dalmatian islands, but connectivity and open tourism facilities have traditionally been a hindrance. Until now. Meet Hotel Preko, Curio Collection by Hilton, on the island of Ugljan.
A lesser-known fact about me is that my first-ever website about Croatia was about a sector of Croatian tourism that barely exists more than 20 years later. So enamoured was I with my first winter in Jelsa on the island of Hvar that I decided to try and start a business offering winter tourism on Croatia’s premier island. And while the idea of www.101dalmatianideas.com was as romantic as its name, the realities of connectivity, accommodation and open tourism facilities, ensured that my idea – like the majority in my life – did not make it much further than my head.
Fast forward 22 years and an intriguing invitation – to spend a weekend at the newly opened Hotel Preko, Curio Collection by Hilton, open all year. A signature Hilton brand, open all year, on a Dalmatian island? My interest was piqued. Was my dream of Dalmatian island winter tourism going to come true after all? But more importantly, where in the world was Ugljan? One of those islands that was somewhere near Zadar, and wasn’t it connected to another island by bridge, or something?
And so began a journey of discovery, and a set-up so perfect that if I had had to write the perfect winter tourism scenario, I would not have come close to the perfection of what I discovered in Preko.
Let’s start with logistics. Ugljan is arguably the most connected island on the Adriatic, both by regular car ferry (less than 3 hours from Zagreb, 25-minute crossing), as well as regular catamaran to the old town of Zadar (25 minutes), so you get your winter island retreat with the bonus of a day out in a historic 3,000-year-old city which is absolutely stunning. Want to fly in? Zadar airport has two weekly winter flights from Munich and six from Zagreb, with the ten-minute transfer to the ferry costing 15 euro by Uber. And then to reach the hotel, you can choose between an idyllic 10-minute waterfront walk to the hotel, or pre-arranged collection by golf cart.
Hotel Preko, a tasteful modern design in Mediterranean colours, seduces on a number of levels. The first love affair was with the enormous terrace; apart from the comfortable furnishings and astonishing views across the water to Zadar and the Velebit mountains behind, one completely has the feeling that one is sitting in the living room of an authentic, living Dalmatian village. The ultimate chill spot.
It does not take long to see that the locals have also adopted this new living room, with many coming for their morning coffee on the hotel terrace. The commitment to local is strong, with about 90% of the staff coming from the two islands of Ugljan and Pasman, which is connected to that bridge. As are most of the suppliers, including the world-famous Kali tuna from two villages down the road.
Ah, the food, most of which is sourced locally, including from the chef’s organic garden behind the hotel. But what really surprised me was that the kitchen – in addition to the excellent Mediterranean menu – is also offering a full (and excellent) Asian menu throughout the year. An Asian menu which has proved very popular with tourists and locals alike, who have been queueing up to try, something different for the island.
Hotel Preko has all the trappings you would expect of a 5-star hotel – great wellness, indoor pool (and a large 25m pool adjacent to the hotel currently under construction), and conferencing facilities. Indeed, should one wish to rent the entire hotel for a team building, this is also possible (and has already happened on a couple of occasions).
The pace of life is slow on Ugljan, and it is a popular stop for cyclists and hikers looking to get away from the crowds. The addition of the bridge to Pasman means that you get two islands for the price of one on your winter break, both chill with plenty to explore. Having lived on a much bigger island for years – Hvar – I was astonished to learn how many things are open throughout the year – three restaurants in Preko alone.
If you can’t wait for the catamaran, the hotel also has the option of a speedboat transfer into Zadar Old Town. I have been to Zadar many times, but that November visit in the sun, combined with tapas and wine at the fabulous Pinco Wine and Tapas Bar, was among my favourite. And then back to my Dalmatian island living room for cocktails on THAT terrace.
It is a brave move to open a year-round 5-star hotel on a Dalmatian island, but I think Hilton has got this one absolutely right. And Advent is a great time to visit, with Hotel Preko investing heavily in concerts and weekend events. And with some crazy prices during this off-season period. Just 116 euro a night for a double, including breakfast, sensational value and a very attractive proposition for that winter break.
Ah, Hilton Preko, where were you 22 years ago when I had my 101 crazy Dalmatian ideas. I only needed one – you. You can find out more about Hotel Preko on the official website, or check out my video of our visit below.
