Cycling Across the Islands of Northern Dalmatia
Experience the untouched bays of north Dalmatia...
Route Description: Zadar Riviera - Island Pag - Island Dugi Otok - Island Murter - Islands Pasman & Ugljan - Island Molat
Itinerary
Day 1, Saturday
Boarding 11 30AM - 1 00PM at the port of Zadar, shortly after we pick our bicycles in order to explore the Zadar Riviera. From Zadar we cycle across Kožin, Petrčane, a small fishermen's village our resting place and from there to Zaton and Nin. Nin, which is situated on one small islet and connected to land with two bridges was the center of Croatian bishops and at one time even the king's home. We specially recommend visiting the church of St. Cross from XI century known for being the smallest cathedral in the world. We reach our day's destination at the harbor of a tourist resort called Zaton. We load the bicycles on board and sail to Mandre on the isle of Pag. Dinner and overnight on board in Mandre (approximately 19 km/12 m bicycle drive away).
Day 2, Sunday
The island of Pag itself enchants by its contrasts - while some places resemble almost a lunar landscape elsewhere we encounter rich meadows of aromatic herbs where numerous sheep herds graze, their milk used as the raw base for the famous Pag cheese. Afterwards we sail to Pag, main town on the Southern part of the island where you can lunch in one of various restaurants or/and taverns. We continue further to Povljane, here our boat will be waiting for us. Dinner and overnight in Povljane (approximately 33,5 km/21 m).
Day 3, Monday
After breakfast we sail to the island Molat, which is part of the city of Zadar. From the fishermen village Molat we cycle to yet another village; Zapuntel. We return by the same route. On our way we will make a stop for lunch in a restaurant. In the afternoon there will be time for a nice swim. Dinner on board and overnight (approximately 21 km/13 m).
Day 4, Tuesday
After breakfast we set for Bozava on the island of Dugi Otok. The island is 44 km/27 m. long and on some spots extremely narrow, only 100 m/328 FT wide. This explains its nickname ‘long island’. We get our bikes and take a trip to the lighthouse of Veli Rat, land mark of the island on the north west end. From there we paddle along the beautiful bay Saharun and via Dragove to Brbinja. Here we overnight and can enjoy dinner in one of the restaurants (approximately 33 km/20 m).
Day 5, Wednesday
Now that we know the north side of the island, today we will explore the south. Via Zman and Zaglav we go to Sali, the capital of the island. During our trip we will enjoy panoramas of pristine bays as well as over the many scattered islands and the mainland coast - on a clear day even Italy can be seen on the horizon. In Sali we load the bikes on board and whilst having lunch we sail to the Kornati islands. We shall experience the pleasure of silence on these 125 mostly deserted islands and little islets which form a National Parkarchipelago. We will take a break for a pleasant refreshing swim. After roughly 4 to 5 hours we will reach the lovely holiday destination Vodice. You may have dinner in one of the local taverns. Overnight on board (approximately 27,5 km/17 m).
Day 6, Thursday
Today we cycle from Vodice via Tribunj and Tisno, get to know its shoreline together with its many neighboring islands. We cross the bridge to Murter and tour over this island: Jezera, Murter, Betina and Plitka Vala, next back to Tisno. By the way, the small town Betina is a center for the construction of traditional wooden ships. Until today this handcraft is still practiced in small private dockyards. We will have lunch in one of the villages on the island. We sail south to Tkon close to Pasman. On our way we will stop to dive into the crystal clear water. Overnight in Tkon (approximately 30 km).
Day 7, Friday
Today we cycle through the two islands Pasman and Ugljan. From Tkon we head to Pasman, Nevidane, Dobropoljana and Zdrelac where we cross the bridge that connects the two islands. At lunchtime we stop at one of Preko’s restaurants. Then we continue to Poljana, Sutomiscica and Lukoran to Ugljan and back to Preko where our boat waits for us. After loading the bikes we set for Zadar. Dinner and overnight on board (approximately 46 km/28.6 m).
Day 8, Saturday
After breakfast debarkation until 9 am.
