Dugi Otok is also known as the Long Island (it is 45 km long by 5 km wide with an area of 114 km2) and it is also the largest of the North Dalmatian islands. It is located to the west of the city of Zadar, which is also well worth the visit.
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| Dugi Otok Croatia |
The only way to get to Dugi Otok is by ferry (in Croatia all ferries allow cars on board). We can leave from Zadar; the journey to our island takes an hour and a half more or less and costs just over € 5 per person.
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| Dugi Otok Croatia |
Dugi Otok is fortunate to host one of the most impressive beaches in Croatia - Sakarun, to the north. Its white sand (which is mixed with some areas of stones, yes) and the emerald green water are more reminiscent of a Caribbean beach than a European one. You will find a small area with umbrellas and a couple of beach bars where you can buy something to drink but little else. Although Sakarum is one of the most famous beaches in Croatia, it is not usually crowded like others in the country and remains relatively quiet.
It is also famous and picturesque Veli Rat Lighthouse, which has another small pebble beach and crystal clear waters and is another must-see excursion.
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| Dugi Otok Croatia |
But in addition to beaches and landscapes, Dugi Otok also has ten small towns or villages that concentrate "life" on the island. Sali with approximately 1000 inhabitants, it is one of the largest, and without a doubt the most picturesque, full of cafes and restaurants in its small port, always very quiet but within what is encouraged by the locals and the few tourists there are. Sali is undoubtedly the best accommodation option if we are going to stay on the island. There we will find the few restaurants and ATMs that there are as well as some Airbnb accommodation.
The Talascica Natural Park is one of the must- sees for its beauty. It is located at the southern end of Dugi Otok and being able to see it from above is a real sight. Its views are impressive and the waters that surround it are a spectacular crystal blue. The salt lake is 2 km long and its waters are two or three degrees warmer. If we add to that that it has medicinal properties... What more could you ask for?
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| Dugi Otok Croatia |
In Dugi Otok you can also find some nudist beaches, a good option for those who practice naturism.
It is impossible to get around without a car or motorcycle, so going without transport is not a good option because, although the island is small, it can take more than an hour and a half to go from end to end and the points of interest and beautiful beaches are distant from each other.