Preko, on Ugljan facing Zadar across the channel, suits couples and small families wanting island life 25 minutes by ferry from the city. A ruined hilltop fort looks over more than 200 islands. Most homes are small, sleeping around four, and a pool is the exception rather than the rule.
Preko is a village and municipality on Ugljan, and its Italian name, Oltre, means across, since it sits opposite Zadar. About 1,250 people live in the village. The old centre has typical Dalmatian architecture and the summer houses of patrician families, and the Romanesque church of St John the Baptist stands on the eastern side near the ferry port. The islet of Galevac lies about 80 m offshore. On a hill at 265 m above the village are the remains of St Michael's fort, built in the 6th century and rebuilt by Venice in the 13th. The homes are close together in the village, and most have a garden.
The city across the channel, about 25 minutes away on the year-round line 409 ferry from Preko.
The small islet, also called Školjić, lying about 80 metres off Preko.
Fly to Zadar Airport, 8 km from the centre of Zadar, then take line 409 from the city's central port to Preko. It runs all year with numerous daily departures and the crossing takes about 25 minutes. It is a passenger line, so check how you will get a car across before bringing one.
About 25 minutes. Line 409 runs between Zadar and Preko all year with numerous departures each day, so the island works for day trips into the city as well.
If you like views, yes. The fort stands on a hill 265 m above Preko, and its view takes in more than 200 islands of the Zadar archipelago and the Kornati. Only ruins remain, and part of the site now holds a telecoms station.
For small families, yes. Most homes here sleep around four and have a garden, and the village has its ferry port, old centre and an islet just offshore. Larger families should check each listing, as big homes are few.
Written by the TrustedVillas team. Last reviewed November 2026.
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