Zlarin

Food

Zlarin is a small island in the Adriatic Sea, but it has a rich tradition in food and beverages. The island is known for several local specialties that have gained popularity among tourists. One of the most famous specialties from the island of Zlarin is fig brandy.

Figs are very common on the island and are traditionally used to make homemade brandy. Fig brandy has a slightly sweet taste and is very aromatic. Besides brandy, you can also try other homemade liqueurs made from figs, such as fig and orange liqueur.

In addition to figs, the island of Zlarin is known for olive cultivation and olive oil production.

Olive oil from the island of Zlarin is of extremely high quality and is obtained from indigenous olive varieties. If you are a fan of olive oil, be sure to try this richly flavored and scented oil. Also, traditionally prepared on Zlarin is “brudet,” a fish dish prepared with red wine and various spices. You can try this dish in local restaurants that offer homemade cuisine. For sweet specialties, we recommend trying “fritule,” a sweet pastry traditionally served during carnival and other special occasions.

Fritule are very popular throughout Croatia and are especially delicious when served with honey or jam.

On the island of Zlarin, you can also find other seafood specialties, such as freshly caught fish, shellfish, and crabs. In local restaurants like Restaurant Adrijana or Restaurant Punta, you can taste various seafood specialties prepared in a traditional way.

In summary, food specialties on the island of Zlarin include fig brandy, homemade olive oil, brudet, fritule, and other seafood specialties. If you visit the island of Zlarin, be sure to try some of these dishes and beverages to experience the authentic taste of Mediterranean cuisine.

Climate

During the summer, Zlarin, as a beautiful island in the Adriatic Sea, offers a pleasant Mediterranean climate that attracts numerous visitors eager for sun and sea.

Here is a more detailed overview of the climate, temperatures, and weather conditions on Zlarin during the summer:

Climate: Zlarin has a typical Mediterranean climate, which includes warm, dry, and sunny summer days. This is perfect for tourists who want to enjoy the warmth of the sun and the beauty of the Adriatic Sea. The island is surrounded by crystal-clear waters, which further moderates the climate and creates a pleasant atmosphere for relaxation and leisure.

Temperatures: Summer temperatures on Zlarin typically range from 25°C to 32°C on average. In the hottest months, such as July and August, maximum temperatures can reach and exceed 30°C. Nights are mild and pleasant, providing an excellent balance between warm days and refreshing evenings. These temperatures make Zlarin a perfect place for sunbathing on beautiful beaches or exploring the hidden coves of the island.

Weather: During the summer, Zlarin usually experiences clear and sunny weather. Rain is rare, and the sun dominates almost every day. This ideal weather allows you to explore picturesque landscapes, enjoy walks through narrow Mediterranean streets, and visit traditional restaurants and taverns to taste local specialties. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen and stay hydrated regularly to make the most of your summer stay on Zlarin.

Settlements

There are no bridges to Zlarin. The island is connected to the mainland and other islands exclusively by ferry lines, and during the summer months, there is a ferry line that connects Zlarin to Šibenik.

However, near Zlarin, there are two very interesting and important bridges. The first one is the Krka Bridge, located in Šibenik, and the second one is the Tisno Bridge, connecting the island of Murter to the mainland.

Krka Bridge is recognizable by its unique arches and connects Šibenik with the suburban settlement of Podsolarsko. It was built at the beginning of the 20th century and is considered one of the most significant buildings in Croatia.

Tisno Bridge, on the other hand, connects the island of Murter to the mainland through the Tisno Channel. It was built in the 18th century and is now one of the busiest traffic routes in this part of Croatia. Although the bridges are not directly on Zlarin, visitors to this island can visit these two impressive architectural works that are an important part of the cultural and historical heritage of this region.

Nightlife

As for the nightlife on Zlarin, it can be described as fairly calm and relaxed, but there are several places where tourists can spend their time. The island has several bars, cafes, and restaurants that stay open late into the night.

One popular bar on the island is “Božava Bar,” located on Božava Beach, offering various cocktails and refreshing drinks. Additionally, there are traditional Dalmatian taverns on the island serving local food and seafood specialties.

Tavern “Marina” and Tavern “Porat” are two popular places to enjoy local food. If you want to have a bit more fun, in nearby Šibenik, which is only a 10-minute boat ride from Zlarin, there are several clubs and discos. For example, “Aurora” club is one of the most famous clubs in this part of Croatia and offers various music genres and events throughout the summer season.

For those who prefer a quieter time, there are numerous restaurants and cafes on the island serving delicious food and drinks in a relaxed atmosphere.

Restaurant “Festa” is one of the most popular restaurants on the island, offering a wide selection of Dalmatian specialties and wines. Also, in the center of the island, there are several cafes and bars with a beautiful view of the sea, ideal for an evening drink and relaxation.

All in all, although the nightlife on Zlarin is not as developed as in some other tourist destinations, there are enough places where tourists can spend time and enjoy food, drinks, and music.

Islands

Zlarin is an island located in the middle of the Adriatic Sea, surrounded by other islands and smaller islets. West of Zlarin is the island of Krapanj, and northwest is the island of Žirje.

North of Zlarin are the islands of Prvić and Smokvica, and south the islands of Kaprije, Šolta, and Vis.

The island of Krapanj is a small island known for traditional sponge production and fishing. There is a small fishing village on the island with several restaurants and accommodation options. Krapanj is also known for its beautiful beach located on the south side of the island.

The island of Žirje is the furthest island from the mainland in the Šibenik archipelago and is known for its beautiful coves and untouched nature. The island is ideal for those who want to enjoy peace and quiet and is also a popular destination for divers and sailors.

The island of Prvić is a small and picturesque island with two villages – Prvić Luka and Šepurine. The island is known for its 16th and 17th-century architecture, and visitors can stroll through narrow streets and enjoy an authentic Mediterranean atmosphere.

The island of Kaprije is a small island with several beautiful bays and beaches, and it is also known for olive oil production. Kaprije is the perfect place for those looking to escape the crowds and noise and enjoy the tranquility and untouched nature.

Šolta Island is a larger island with several settlements and beautiful beaches. The island is known for olive, wine, and honey production, and visitors can explore numerous vineyards and olive groves while enjoying the stunning landscape.

Vis Island is the farthest island from the mainland in the Adriatic Sea and is known for its rich history and beautiful beaches. The island is also famous for its numerous caves and underwater ruins that attract divers from around the world.

Beaches

Zlarin is a beautiful island near Šibenik, Croatia, with many lovely beaches. The island has several main beaches, as well as several smaller ones hidden in coves. One of the most popular beaches on Zlarin is Banj Beach. It is located not far from the town center and has crystal-clear waters.

On the beach, there are cafes and restaurants, and renting a sunbed costs around 50 kuna (about 6.5 euros) per day. Another popular beach on Zlarin is Zlatni Rat Beach, located on the southern side of the island. This beach has both sand and pebbles and is suitable for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxation. Sunbed rentals are available at a similar price to Banj Beach.

Additionally, Zlarin has some smaller beaches and coves, such as Veli Rat Beach and Stara Baška Beach, which are also worth visiting. In general, sunbed rentals on all Zlarin beaches have similar prices, around 50 kuna per day.

Accommodation

You can check out some of the well-known accommodations here.

There are several accommodation options on the island of Zlarin, with the most popular being apartments, rooms, and holiday houses. There is also a small hotel on the island. During the high season (July and August), accommodation prices are usually somewhat higher, while in other months, prices can be significantly reduced.

If you are looking for affordable accommodation on the island of Zlarin, it is best to search websites for renting apartments and rooms, such as Booking.com, Airbnb, Apartmanija.hr, and similar. Prices typically range from 200 to 500 kuna (around 27 to 67 euros) per night for an apartment or room for two people.

The small hotel on Zlarin, located in the city center, has 14 rooms with bathrooms and air conditioning. Room prices range from 500 to 700 kuna (around 67 to 93 euros) per night for two people. Note: Prices may vary depending on the season and length of stay.

Places to Visit

There are many interesting places and attractions to visit on Zlarin. Here are some of them:

Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary – this beautiful church was built in the 18th century and is one of the most important landmarks on the island. It is located on a hilltop and offers a magnificent view of the island and the surrounding islands.

Zlarin Bokuni Museum – this museum is located in a traditional house and showcases the life and culture of the island throughout history. Visitors can see exhibits about fishing, agriculture, textile industry, and other aspects of life on the island.

Old Town – this is the oldest part of the island, dating back to the 15th century. In the old town, tourists can see beautiful stone houses, narrow streets, and squares, feeling like they have traveled back in time.

Zlarin Nature Park – this park is located on the northern side of the island and offers a beautiful view of the sea and the surrounding islands. The park is home to numerous plant species and is an ideal place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty.

Beaches – Zlarin offers several beautiful beaches that are ideal for swimming and sunbathing. Among the most popular beaches are Velika Garma, Mala Garma, and Gradska Beach.

Fishing Harbor – this harbor is the heart of the island and a gathering place for fishermen heading out to sea. Tourists can see traditional fishing boats and buy freshly caught fish.

Entertainment and Nightlife – although Zlarin is not known for its nightlife, the island has places that offer entertainment and relaxation. Tourists can visit some of the bars and cafes and enjoy drinks and music. These are just some of the attractions that tourists can visit on Zlarin. The island offers much to explore and enjoy, and tourists are encouraged to freely wander its narrow streets and discover all its hidden gems.

Temperature

The temperatures on Zlarin depend on the season and can vary. During the summer months, from June to September, the average temperatures range from 25 to 30 degrees Celsius. In spring and autumn, the temperatures are slightly lower, ranging from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius. In winter, from December to February, temperatures are lowest, around 10 degrees Celsius. It’s important to note that Zlarin generally has warm and sunny weather throughout the year, with the highest amount of rainfall in the autumn.