Sailing Tips for Exploring Dugi Otok Island

A Sailor's Dream: Discover Dugi Otok's Secluded Coves and Bays, which irresistibly resemble the heavenly Croatian version of Maldives with sandy and pebble beaches and turquoise crystal-clear blue sea.

The Magic of Sailing Around Dugi Otok in Croatia - The Ultimate Sailing Experience

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Dugi Otok, a hidden gem that nurtures and values nature. Its picturesque spots, secluded beaches, magnificent cliffs, and lush vegetation will leave you breathless. The island's length and beauty justify its name (Dugi Otok, in Croatian, means Long Island). At about 45 km, it is also the largest island in the group of North Dalmatian islands. It is an ideal place for relaxation and enjoyment, a paradise for sailors and lovers of untouched nature. Every season will leave you speechless and give you a journey through tradition and modern life. Discovering the Charms of Dugi Otok Island in Croatia:

Saharun Beach

If you have always dreamt of taking pictures on a beach surrounded by turquoise blue seas and endless white beaches, we have some excellent news for you. You don't have to travel to the distant Caribbean or Maldives to find such scenes; the Zadar archipelago offers the same breathtaking views.

Saharun, also known as Sakarun Beach, is a breathtakingly beautiful beach in Zadar County. The beach is a true paradise that reminds one of the far-off Caribbean or Maldives islands. With clear turquoise waters and fine white sand, Saharun is a true gem, approximately 300 meters long. The water is shallow and calm, making it an ideal destination for families with young children. Moreover, the beach offers a vast and spacious bathing area that provides ample space for visitors to relax and unwind. The sea is so crystal-clear that one can see the seabed clearly, even from a distance.

The soft and inviting powdery white sand makes it an ideal sunbathing or beach sports spot. Saharun is undoubtedly one of the world's most beautiful beaches and bays, and visiting it is an unforgettable experience.

Veli Zal Beach

If you're looking for a serene and secluded beach, Veli Zal in Dugi Otok is the perfect destination. This hidden gem is located in the central part of the island, which is uninhabited, making it an ideal place for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of tourist crowds and enjoy a peaceful retreat. At Veli Zal, you'll be mesmerised by the stunning pebble and rocky beach surrounded by crystal-clear waters.

The beach is particularly notable for its unique colour palette typical of tropical islands, with hues ranging from turquoise to deep blue. The landscape is rugged and wild, with lush greenery and rocky cliffs rising above the beach. What sets Veli Žal apart from other beaches is its tranquillity. Even during the peak season, you can find a quiet spot to relax and unwind. You can enjoy the sound of waves crashing on the shore, soaking up the sun, or refreshingly swim in the pristine waters.

Dugi Otok's Stunning Coastline is a Paradise for Sailors

One of the most famous bays on Dugi Otok is Telašćica Bay, which was declared a Nature Park in 1988. Here, you will find three natural phenomena. This is one of the safest, most beautiful, and most significant natural harbours in the Adriatic, within which there are six islands and reefs, 25 coves, and 69 kilometres of indented coastline. Dugi Otok cliffs rise to 161 meters above sea level and descend to a depth of 90 meters. There is also Mir saltwater lake, which has healing mud. The lake is located at a narrow point between Telašćica Bay and the open sea. After the last ice age, there was a rise in sea level of about 120 meters, filling the karst depression with seawater, which enters it through numerous underground micro-fissures.

The main attraction for visitors to the Telašćica Nature Park is the Interpretation and Education Center "Grpašćak." A repurposed military fortress on the highest cliff in the Adriatic Sea is surrounded by a unique, peaceful bay and archipelago that will leave you speechless. Nestled among the rocky terrain and numerous caves lies the picturesque bay of Brbinjščica, which captivates sailors and divers alike. The calm waters of the bay and its scenic surroundings make it a perfect spot for diving and exploring the underwater world.

A short distance away, you can discover two other fascinating attractions - Zmajevo Oko (Dragon's Eye) and Golubinka Cave. Zmajevo Oko is a natural rock pool by the sea, connected to the open sea by an underwater passage. Its crystal-clear waters and unique location make it a popular destination for couples. According to a local legend, two lovers who bathe together in Zmajevo Oko will have a happy and fruitful marriage with eternal love and healthy children. You can enter the Golubinka Sea Cave by swimming or kayaking. However, you must be especially careful as the entrance is long and narrow. The cave is unique because of the hole in the ceiling through which sunlight enters.

Discovering Authentic Croatian Charm: Sali Village in Dugi Otok

Nestled on the picturesque island of Dugi Otok in Croatia lies the charming village of Sali, a hidden gem waiting to be explored by travellers seeking an authentic Adriatic experience. Sali offers a captivating glimpse into traditional Croatian island life, with its rich history, stunning natural beauty, and vibrant local culture. Stepping foot in Sali feels like taking a journey back in time, as the village boasts a history dating back centuries, with its roots deeply intertwined with the sea. As you wander through its narrow cobblestone streets, you'll encounter ancient stone houses adorned with colourful shutters, remnants of a bygone era when fishing and maritime trade were the lifeblood of the community.

Sali is a village that takes pride in its maritime heritage, deeply rooted in its identity. The village is still an active fishing port with plenty of hustle and bustle. Stroll along the waterfront promenade and see weathered fishing boats bobbing gently in the harbour. You can also spot fishermen mending their nets or unloading the day's catch. For those who want to experience the thrill of the open sea, Sali provides ample opportunities for sailing. With its sheltered bays and crystal-clear waters, adventurers are tempted to set sail and explore the island's rugged coastline. Sali stands out for its welcoming and hospitable residents.

Whether you start a conversation with a local fisherman at the harbour or enjoy a meal with new friends at a seaside café, you'll be met with genuine warmth and kindness at every turn. In Sali, strangers are friends you haven't yet met, and visitors are embraced as part of the extended island family.

Three-day Fest in Sali

In Sali, during the weekend before the Assumption of Mary, a three-day event called "Saljske užance" has been held since 1958. The event features cultural, gastronomic, sports, and entertainment activities.

PHOTO CREDIT AND MORE INFO: https://www.dugiotok.hr/en/offer-festivities

The program starts with Fishermen's Night when the flag is raised with a "Donkey music" performance. Then, the best brodetto is cooked and selected, and tuna, sardines, and other seafood are grilled. On the second day of the festival, the small town of Sali comes alive with the spirit of friendly competition. The air is filled with excitement as locals and tourists gather to witness and participate in various sports competitions, including thrilling scooter races, classic sack races, and intense tug-of-war battles.

As the sun sets, the festivities continue into the night with a magical "Sali Night." The harbour is illuminated with a dazzling display of lights, and boats of all shapes and sizes are adorned with colourful decorations, creating a mesmerising and unforgettable atmosphere. On the final day of festivities in the charming village of Sali, the morning is marked by the sound of the morning reveille, which wakes up even the most stubborn sleepers. As the afternoon approaches, excitement builds up for the traditional and much-awaited "Donkey Races" that take place on the picturesque Sali waterfront.

This event is a sight to behold and an unforgettable experience for all guests on the island. After the race, the atmosphere is electric as everyone waits in anticipation of the award ceremony. The fastest donkey receives a prize, but the laziest one that came last, known as the "tršćeni" donkey, is also recognised. The ceremony marks the end of the races and paves the way for the event's final performance. The "Donkey Music" performance is a delightful and captivating affair. The musicians play traditional music on their instruments while the crowd sings along and dances to the rhythm. The performance ends on a high note, with the musicians taking a dip in the refreshing waters of the Sali port. This brings the festivities to a close, leaving everyone with memories to treasure for a lifetime.

Donkey music explained

Photo Credit: TOURIST BOARD DUGI OTOK

Every household in the small fishing village owned a horn used to signal the start of bluefish hunting season. However, the younger generations discovered that these horns could be used as musical instruments. Through experimentation and practice, they created a unique style of music that filled the village with joy and wonder. The horns echoed through the streets, adding a new layer to the village's rich culture. The horns had become more than a tool signalling the start of bluefish hunting season. They symbolised the villagers' creativity, innovation, and ability to find beauty in unexpected places. This story is a testament to the power of human ingenuity and the limitless possibilities that can arise from curiosity and experimentation. Step back in time and discover the charming origins of "Donkey music". In 1960, a never-married woman and a widower were planning to tie the knot in secrecy in the picturesque village of Zaglav.

However, the village's younger generation discovered their plan and decided to play a playful prank on the couple. They followed the wedding procession, creating a stir by blowing horns, banging on metal tools, and ironing boards. However, the couple treated the young people with drinks instead of getting irritated. Upon returning to the village, the newlyweds decided to re-enact the jovial concert for their amusement, which gave birth to the "Donkey music". Today, the association celebrates and keeps the memory alive by participating in various events throughout the stunning Zadar County and across beautiful Croatia. Over time, they introduced specific rules to their performances. So, the musicians are dressed in traditional fishing attire with sailor caps on their heads in one part of the performance and more formal attire in another. The music is led by a conductor who directs the musicians, maintains order, and starts the figures that the music performs while playing. After the Donkey Races, the Donkey music enters the sea in the Sali port, and the musicians persistently blow horns as the water rises to their throats, thus concluding their performance at the Sali festivities.