Set sail for Dugi Otok, the long and silent island of Croatia

Far from mass tourism , in the heart of a Croatia that seems to have been created specifically for those seeking a quiet holiday - between crystal clear seas, lush greenery and pristine beaches - there is a magical place , far from the beaten track, where time passes slowly and with a rhythm marked by the waves. It is called Dugi Otok , which literally means "Long Island" and is one of the secret pearls of Dalmatia . Breathtaking landscapes, authentic villages and a good dose of uncontaminated nature: this island is the perfect place to spend a regenerating summer between relaxation and discovery . In this guide we will take you to discover what to do and what to see on Long Island in Croatia , with particular attention to its most beautiful beaches. Ready to go?

Before discovering the attractions, experiences and most beautiful beaches of Dugi Otok in Croatia , let's open our map to find out exactly where this splendid island is located . We are talking about a strip of land, long and thin, that winds through the Adriatic like a green comma between the sky and the sea and that is positioned precisely in the north of Dalmatia, west of Zadar. Dugi Otok is the island of slow escape, perfect for those who want to discover a still authentic Croatia and for those who have been longing for a different summer all winter. To reach the island you will have to first arrive in Zadar by plane or train and then proceed by sea. For this final stretch you have two options:

• take the pedestrian catamaran: it leaves from the port near the old town of Zadar (or from Gaženica) and docks in Sali or Zaglav. The journey takes about 45-54 minutes.
• Boarding a car and pedestrian ferry: in this case the departure will be from the main port of Zadar, Gaženica, and the arrival will be at the port of Brbinj or Božava for a total of about an hour and forty minutes. Definitely more uncomfortable than the first option, it is, however, the only solution if you have decided to bring your car with you.

Forty-five kilometers of small treasures and great wonders. Dugi Otok – Long Island – is a succession of landscapes that tell the story of a real Croatia, made of villages suspended in time, romantic lighthouses overlooking boundless horizons, wild nature and wonderful beaches. Below, you will find a list of things to see on Long Island in Croatia; places that will conquer your heart – whether you are a quiet soul in search of total relaxation, or an adventurous traveler who loves to do something different and new every day.

Calling it a city would not be credible but, despite this, it is the main inhabited center of the entire island . Sali – whose name derives from the medieval salt pans – is a small ecosystem that is supported by a life completely dedicated to the sea, genuine traditions and Mediterranean slowness. There are no famous attractions to visit, except for its small Church of Santa Maria, but what is enchanting are its stone houses that overlook a small port where boats with peeling paint sway lightly, and the scent of traditional Croatian dishes emanates from the many restaurants, bars and clubs that dot the port. Take a walk along the shore at sunset and admire fiery pink skies and an atmosphere capable of giving an immediate sensation of peace and serenity. Sali is also the starting point for sailing towards the Kornati islands or for visiting the Telašćica Natural Park which we will tell you about in the next paragraphs.

After Sali, the second village on the island is Božava. Small and discreet , it is located on the northwest coast of the island, immersed in a quiet bay and embraced by the scent of resin that comes from the maritime pines. Similar to Sali, it is made up of stone houses, a small port and a few small and simple accommodation facilities that do not spoil the panorama or the atmosphere suspended in a time gone by. The small village is the perfect place for those seeking authenticity and tranquility. We recommend taking the little train that takes you to Sakarun beach – which we will tell you about at the end of this article – to enjoy a relaxing journey that passes through fragrant groves and incredible views. Finally, treat yourself to a romantic evening stroll on its pier or an outdoor dinner. The satisfaction of feeling part of a slower life is guaranteed!

Without a doubt, the main attraction of Dugi Otok, as well as one of the most extraordinary protected areas in Croatia . Telašćica Nature Park is a corner of the world where nature is the absolute protagonist and where man is a tiny spectator. The bay develops mainly inland and is made up of small coves along the coast and five islands . The landscape is varied, on one side you can find fragrant pine forests , olive groves and flowery meadows while, on the other , large cliffs that plunge straight into the open sea. To say that the area is uninhabited would not be exactly correct given the 250 species of plants and animals that populate it. A true paradise for those who love to lose themselves in the beauty of nature, immortalize it or simply experience it with all their senses. To fully enjoy the experience of this nature reserve, we recommend exploring it by bike or on foot , following panoramic paths that will take your breath away. Don't miss the chance to admire the world from the park's viewpoint : a unique experience that will make you understand how silence can actually be deafening. Here is some useful information if you decide to visit the park:

• how to reach Telašćica Nature Park: the park is about 5 kilometers from Sali, you can reach it by car or bike in just 5-10 minutes; or on foot with a walk of about an hour and a half (with some uphill stretches). Alternatively, you can reach it by sea with a fast boat from Sali or, again, with an organized transfer or taxi that offers round-trip transfers from Sali.
• Tips&Tricks: If you are traveling in high season, we recommend booking a tour or purchasing tickets for the park online. Wear comfortable clothing and bring water, food, and sun protection.

Another unmissable place, hidden among the rolling hills of Telašćica Park, is the salt lake of Mir, one of the most unexpected wonders of the whole island. Separated from the sea only by a strip of rock, the waters of this lake are the warmest in the Adriatic and rich in mineral salts. It is no coincidence that Lake Mir is often indicated as the ideal place to recover the health of your skin and joints. In summer the water is calm and represents the perfect condition for a relaxing bath. Here there are no equipped establishments and not even hordes of people intent on occupying its beaches with rackets and annoying noises. It will be just you and the most pristine nature. To reach the park you have several options:

• by land: you can reach it by car or bike starting from Sali and taking the D109 road towards the south-east. You can't go wrong, the park and the lake are perfectly signposted. The parking lot and the lake are separated by about 3-4 kilometres of low difficulty path suitable for all types of travellers.
• By sea: you can arrive by boat or kayak , docking at Mir Bay and, from the cove, continuing on foot for about 5 minutes.
• On Foot: For a complete experience, consider hiking from Sali to the lake. The walk is easy and will give you great views of the park.

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