Dugi otok

Food

Long Island, located in the northern part of the Adriatic Sea, is known for its rich gastronomic offerings based on traditional Mediterranean cuisine recipes. Here are some food specialties you can try on Long Island:

Grilled Scorpionfish – Scorpionfish is a type of sea fish that can often be found in the waters around Long Island and is prepared on the grill. This fish is often served with aromatic herbs, olive oil, and lemon.

Pasticada – This is a traditional Dalmatian dish consisting of pieces of lamb or beef that are slow-cooked with vegetables, wine, and spices. It is served with homemade pasta, such as gnocchi or šurlice.

Black Risotto – Black risotto is a dish made from rice, onions, garlic, black wine, and cuttlefish (seafood). This dish is characteristic of the entire Dalmatia region, including Long Island.

Octopus Under the Bell – Octopus under the bell is a dish prepared in a traditional way by baking octopus under a bell-shaped lid along with potatoes and other vegetables. This is one of the most popular ways to prepare octopus in Dalmatia.

Octopus Salad – Octopus salad is a simple but delicious meal consisting of cooked octopus, potatoes, onions, and olive oil. This dish is ideal for hot summer days.

Ombolo – Ombolo is a traditional pork dish prepared by marinating the meat in spices and wine and then grilling it. This dish is characteristic of the entire Istria region, including Long Island.

Rakija – Rakija is a traditional fruit brandy, most commonly made from grapes. This beverage is often served with meals or as a digestif after a meal. On Dugi Otok, rakija is frequently homemade, with each household having its own special recipe. These are just some of the specialties you can try on Dugi Otok. We hope this information will be useful to you, and that you will enjoy exploring the rich culinary offerings of this wonderful island!

Climate

On Dugi Otok, there are statues and sculptures that are cultural and artistic monuments attracting visitors interested in exploring the history and culture of the island. One of the most famous monuments on Dugi Otok is the “Lighthouse” monument in Božava.

This monument depicts a lighthouse symbolizing the importance of lighthouses on this island, which were once vital for navigating ships in this part of the Adriatic Sea. The monument is 6 meters high and is made of white marble. Another significant monument on Dugi Otok is the “Seagull” statue in the town of Sali.

This statue represents a seagull, a symbol of maritime, which has been and remains a key element in the history of this island. The statue stands 2 meters tall and is made of bronze. In addition to these monuments, there are several other statues and sculptures on Dugi Otok that are less well-known but still represent valuable artistic and cultural monuments.

In the town of Veli Rat, for example, there is a “Sundial Monument” erected in 1965, which is a significant monument emphasizing the importance of time in this region. This monument is also known as the “Karlobag Clock,” as it was built in Karlobag and placed on Dugi Otok. In summary, although Dugi Otok may not be known for its statues and sculptures, there are monuments that attract visitors and represent important cultural and artistic landmarks of the island.

These monuments are a part of the history and culture of Dugi Otok, and tourists wishing to explore the island can enjoy them along with the natural beauty the island offers.

Settlements

Dugi Otok is one of the longest and largest Croatian islands, known for its untouched nature, beautiful beaches, and bays. There are several settlements on Dugi Otok that are of tourist interest and worth visiting. Here are some of them:

Sali: the largest settlement on Dugi Otok located on the southern coast of the island. This place has everything you need for a pleasant stay – excellent accommodation options, restaurants, shops, and beaches. Sali is also known for its traditional festival held every year in August. Božava: Božava is another popular settlement on Dugi Otok, located in the north of the island. This place is perfect for relaxing in nature, with plenty of walks and landscapes to enjoy. Božava has several beautiful beaches, such as Sakarun and Veli Rat, which are among the most beautiful beaches on Dugi Otok.

Zaglav: Zaglav is a small town located on the southeast coast of Dugi Otok. This place is ideal for those looking for a peaceful and relaxing holiday away from the crowds and noise. Zaglav has several beaches, such as Jaza and Zaglav, which are particularly attractive due to their natural beauty.

Veli Rat: Veli Rat is a small village located on the northeast coast of Dugi Otok, about 20 km from Božava. This place is known for its lighthouse, which is one of the highest in the Adriatic. Veli Rat also has several beautiful beaches and restaurants serving delicious food.

Verunić: Verunić is a small village located on the eastern coast of Dugi Otok, not far from Sali. This place is ideal for a peaceful holiday, known for its beautiful bay and beaches. Verunić is also known for its fishing tradition and tasty food offered by local restaurants. These are some of the most famous settlements on Dugi Otok. The island is full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered, so tourists are recommended to get to know this wonderful place as much as possible.

Nightlife

Dugi Otok is not known for its nightlife like some other tourist centers in Croatia. However, the island has several places where tourists can enjoy an evening out with good food and drinks. One such place is Veli Rat, the largest town on Dugi Otok.

In Veli Rat, there are several cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy traditional Croatian cuisine and local specialties. There are also a few bars and clubs that open during the tourist season, offering a broader nightlife experience. Another place on Dugi Otok where tourists can enjoy nightlife is Sali. Sali is a larger place with several restaurants and bars along the coast, where tourists can enjoy a beautiful sea view with drinks and food.

In Sali, there are also several smaller clubs and bars that operate during the summer season. For those who want to enjoy the evening in a calm and relaxed atmosphere, there are several small places on Dugi Otok, such as Božava and Brbinj, where you can find restaurants and taverns with traditional Croatian cuisine.

As I mentioned earlier, Dugi Otok is not known for its nightlife, but tourists visiting this beautiful place can enjoy delicious food and drinks, and relax on beautiful beaches with crystal clear waters.

Islands

Dugi Otok is located in the Zadar archipelago, in the northern part of the Adriatic Sea. It is surrounded by several islands, and some of the most important ones include:

Molat: This island is located north of Dugi Otok, at a distance of about 9 km. Molat is a peaceful island with beautiful beaches and crystal clear sea that attracts numerous visitors.

Ist: This small island is located east of Dugi Otok, at a distance of about 5 km. Ist is known for its fishing tradition and numerous restaurants offering fresh seafood.

Kornati Islands: The Kornati Islands are the largest and most famous national park in Croatia, located south of Long Island, about 20 km away. The Kornati Islands consist of 89 islands and islets, with beautiful landscapes and rich marine flora and fauna.

Olib: This island is located west of Long Island, about 15 km away. Olib is known for its long sandy beach and crystal-clear sea that attracts numerous visitors.

Silba: This island is located west of Long Island, at a distance of about 25 km. Silba is a peaceful island with beautiful beaches and crystal-clear sea, popular among tourists. All the mentioned islands are accessible to tourists by boat or ferry and make for interesting excursions that can be organized during a stay on Long Island.

Beaches

Long Island has many beautiful beaches that visitors can explore. Some of the most popular beaches include Saharun, Veli Žal, Sakarun, Soline, Brbinjšćica, and Luka.

Saharun Beach is located on the northwest part of the island and is known for its white sand and crystal-clear waters.

Veli Žal is located near Sali and also features beautiful white sand and blue-green waters.

Sakarun Beach is located on the western side of the island and is one of the most popular beaches on Dugi Otok. This beach boasts fine white sand and beautiful blue-green water.

Soline Beach is situated near Božava and features white sand and shallow waters suitable for children.

Brbinjšćica is a small, hidden beach located on the northeastern part of the island.

Luka Beach is located in the town of the same name and is one of the most popular beaches in the south of the island. The prices for renting sun loungers vary depending on the beach and the time of year. Typically, the price for renting sun loungers ranges from 50-70 kuna (around 7-9 euros) for one day. However, some beaches may not offer sun lounger and umbrella rentals, so visitors may need to bring their own equipment or rely on handmade reed loungers found on some beaches.

Accommodation

Dugi Otok is one of the beautiful Croatian islands in the Adriatic Sea, known for its crystal-clear beaches, picturesque landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. When looking for affordable accommodation on Dugi Otok, there are various options to explore.

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

What to Visit

Dugi Otok is a beautiful island in the Adriatic Sea that attracts many tourists due to its natural beauty, crystal-clear sea, beautiful beaches, and interesting history. Here are a few places and attractions that tourists shouldn’t miss when visiting Dugi Otok:

Telašćica – Telašćica is a nature park located on the southern side of the island, consisting of an impressive bay surrounded by cliffs reaching a height of 200 meters. Here, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the sea, and visitors can explore numerous hiking trails, swim in the beautiful bay, or visit the saltwater lake Mir.

Kornati National Park – Kornati is an archipelago consisting of 89 islands and islets located near Dugi Otok. Kornati National Park is a unique natural treasure that tourists can visit during their stay on Dugi Otok. Here, you can enjoy a stunning view of the crystal-clear sea, explore untouched nature, or simply relax on one of the many beaches.

Sakarun – Sakarun is a beautiful sandy beach located on the northwest side of the island, often referred to as one of the most beautiful beaches in the Adriatic. This beach has crystal-clear waters and is surrounded by a pine forest that provides a pleasant shade during hot summer days.

Veli Rat – Veli Rat is a small village located in the north of Dugi Otok, known for its lighthouse. The Veli Rat lighthouse was built in the late 19th century and is the tallest lighthouse in the Adriatic. The village has several restaurants and bars where visitors can try traditional Dalmatian cuisine.

Lubenice – Lubenice is a small village located in the northern part of Dugi Otok, known for its beautiful beach beneath the village. The beach is accessed via rocks, but the view of the sea and nature is worth the effort. The village also has an old town dating back to the 15th century.

Sali – Sali is the largest town on Dugi Otok, known for its rich history and beautiful architectural landmarks.

Temperature

During the summer, temperatures on Dugi Otok in Croatia typically range between 25°C and 35°C. These are just general pieces of information, and the actual temperature can vary depending on specific conditions and weather. I recommend checking the current weather conditions or using weather sources to get more accurate information about summer temperatures on Long Island.