Ugljan suits families and small groups who want an island of olives and figs a short hop from Zadar. The ferry from Zadar to Preko takes about 25 minutes, so expect one extra leg on arrival.
Ugljan is the first island in the Zadar archipelago, about 22 km long and no more than 3.8 km wide, and the village of Ugljan is one of the settlements along its cultivated eastern shore. Olives, figs and vines are the main crops, and that coast slopes gently into the sea with many coves. Homes here are mixed: most have a garden, over half have a private pool, and sizes run from a couple of guests to a big group. The ferry port is Preko, where the ruins of St Michael Fort stand high above the town.
The island's ferry port, with year-round sailings to Zadar and the ruins of St Michael Fort high above the town.
Neighbouring island reached over the Ždrelac Bridge, which crosses the Ždrelac Strait.
The mainland city across the Zadar Channel, reached by the Preko ferry in around 25 minutes.
Zadar Airport lies about 8 km from Zadar's centre and has seasonal Ryanair flights from several UK airports and easyJet from Gatwick. From Zadar, sailings to Preko take about 25 minutes and run year-round; check whether your sailing carries cars if you plan to bring a hire car.
About 25 minutes, from Zadar to Preko, which is Ugljan's ferry port, and the line runs year-round with numerous daily departures. The village of Ugljan is on the same island, so allow time for the onward journey along the coast.
Yes: most homes have a garden and over half have a private pool. The ferry leg from Zadar is the main thing to plan around.
Yes. The Ždrelac Bridge joins Ugljan to Pašman across the Ždrelac Strait, so you can drive between the two islands and explore both from a home on Ugljan.
Olive oil, figs and vines are its main crops, and the island's oil is considered the best in Croatia. Ugljan is also the first island in the Zadar archipelago, 22 km long and narrow.
Yes, in practice. The island is about 22 km long and the settlements lie along the eastern shore, so a car is the easiest way to move between them. Check whether your Zadar sailing takes vehicles before you plan around one.
Written by the TrustedVillas team. Last reviewed October 2026.
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