Riviera Biograd na moru

Destination for boaters and nature lovers

The Riviera Biograd with its maritime flair has a variety of cultural and natural sites to offer, such as the protected Lake Vransko Jezero, the islands off the coast, a plethora of beautiful beaches like Soline in Biograd, old fishing villages that have grown to be holiday villages without losing their charm, and many more. The Riviera Biograd is quite popular among tourists according to the many hotels and other accommodations. Besides exploring historical sites one may enjoy activities like cycling, swimming, or hiking through surrounding national and nature parks.

Biograd na Moru (White town on the sea) is located 30 km southeast of Zadar which makes it easily accessible from Zadar airport. The former capital of the kingdom has a long tradition in tourism: The list of gastronomic choices is extensive and there are plenty of cultural events and, such as "Biograd Night" and the boat show. The latter is due to the large marina which is considered one of the nautical centers of Croatia. Strictly speaking there are two marinas in Biograd which provide more than 1000 moorings.The lively atmosphere of the promenade that connects both marinas while enclosing the old city of Biograd, which towers on a peninsula, attracts not only sailors and boaters, but also natives and visitors alike. The harbor marks the starting point for excursions to the surrounding islands and the Kornati Archipel that largely belongs to the national park of the same name appears like a paradise not only for boaters.

A ferry departs from Biograd harbor to Tkon on the island of Pasman. Surprisingly, this island is not overrun by mass tourism, so that one finds many, even sandy beaches in an untouched environment – an interesting alternative to the small, often crowded, beach Soline in the South of Biograd. The beach Soline gently shelves into the sea and entices with clean water and a versatile choice of leisure activities. Therefore the beach is very popular and populated, especially with families with children.

Experiencing culture, Tradition, and people along the coast

Going north along the coast, one passes through fascinating towns, such as Sv. Filip I Jakov, Turanj, and Sveti Petar. Sv Filip I Jakov used to be popular among noble families from Zadar that set up their summer residences here, like the Borellis whose impressive villas and parks bestow a unique flair of exuberant vegetation and deep-blue Adriatic Sea onto Sv. Filip I Jakov. Via the sea promenade one reaches the neighboring town of Turanj, which received its name from the forts that once defended the city from attacks. Belonging to Turanj the island Babac is the only inhabited island of the Archipels in the Pasman channel. The island of Babac, rich in idyllic bays that are frequently anchored in, is ideally suited for half day trip. It appears that the beginnings of the cozy coastal town Sveti Petar go back to medieval times, which is evident today from the church and monastery. Sveti Petar provides a quiet, near-natural environment, which that attracts many campers, and offers a spacious promenade with many small and clean pebble stone beaches.

South of Biograd na Moru lies a picturesque area that will enchant lovers of untouched nature and fascinating island landscapes. Not only is the car-free island of Vrgada, located off Pakostane and Drage, a popular destination, mainly due to its many natural finish sand beaches, but also the heartland provides for its visitors a unique panorama along the Vransko Jezero, a lake of about 30 km². The lake is under natural protection due to its landscapes and ornithological diversity. At the same time the Vransko Jezero is but one of many natural wonders in Northern Dalmatia and in all of Croatia. At the river Krka, a bit farther south, lies Krka’s national park, whose beautiful waterfalls, known from the Winnetou Films, amaze visitors from all parts of the world. North of Starigrad in the Velebit Mountains is the national park Paklenica, whose rough karst landscape is not only home to brown bears, lynxes, and griffon vultures, but also features a climbing paradise of international prestige.