On the crescent of the Adriatic Sea, Ugljan glows with a mix of old stone lanes, olive groves, and turquoise coves that feel like a well-kept secret just off the coast of Zadar. From the moment the ferry slips into the harbor at Preko, the island breathes a rhythm of sunlit days and evenings perfumed with pine and grilled fish. This is a place where vacation rentals feel like home the moment you walk through the door, where a townhouse can become your base for a sun-kissed week with friends or a longer escape that combines active adventures with easy, authentically Croatian afternoons. If you’re planning a trip to Općina Preko in Zadar County, Croatia, you’ll discover a destination that blends relaxed island life with plenty of chances to move, explore, and connect with locals. And for finding the best accommodations in the area, you can explore options on searchandstay.com, a convenient resource for vacation rentals and holiday rentals across the region.
Why Ugljan and Općina Preko deserve a place on your travel radar
Ugljan is a photographer’s palette of deep blue water, sun-drenched stone houses, and quiet villages that invite spontaneous adventures. The island’s geography makes it ideal for both active days and lazy afternoons. When you step off the ferry into Preko’s waterfront streets, you’re greeted by the scent of salt air and the cheerful banter of locals deciding what to cook for the evening. The island’s landscape, with rolling olive groves and pine forests, is perfect for nature lovers who crave outdoor activity but don’t want to sacrifice charm or comfort. In Općina Preko, you’ll find a blend of traditional Croatian culture with modern touches—cafés with sea views, boutique shops, and family-run konobas where recipes have been handed down for generations. This is a place where vacation rentals range from cozy studios to sophisticated townhouse accommodations that sleep groups of friends with ease, making it a top pick for holiday rentals in Croatia.
Destinations and neighborhoods on Ugljan you shouldn’t miss
Ugljan feels like a tapestry of villages, each with its own personality yet all connected by ferry lines, winding lanes, and scenic viewpoints. In Preko town, a stroll along the waterfront leads you to small beaches tucked between rocky points, perfect for a quick swim or a sunset photo. The island’s interior is a patchwork of olive groves, wild herb patches, and fields that bloom with seasonal color. Near Kukljica, you’ll find white-sand–soft beaches and coves that are ideal for a day of snorkeling and beach games with friends. Sutomišćica, a charming village on the western coast, offers a peaceful base for exploring inland paths and salty sea breezes. Each neighborhood has its own rhythm, inviting visitors to switch from cycling along seaside lanes to discovering a quiet konoba where the owner shares stories as easily as recipes. For travelers seeking townhouses or townhouse accommodation, several well-appointed properties sit at convenient distances from harbors, beaches, and markets, providing both privacy and easy access to the island’s best experiences.
Where to stay: Townhouse accommodation and vacation rentals
When you’re organizing a trip with friends, a townhouse on Ugljan offers shared living spaces with the feel of a private villa and the ease of a vacation rental. Imagine a sunlit living room with a panoramic sea view, a fully equipped kitchen ready for group cooking sessions, and terraces where you can sip morning coffee or toast with sunset cocktails after a day on the water. Townhouse accommodation typically features multiple bedrooms, a generous living area, and outdoor spaces such as balconies or courtyards that are ideal for al fresco dinners. For travelers who want a balance of privacy and social space, townhouse rentals on Ugljan and in Općina Preko are especially appealing for holiday rentals in Croatia, because they cater to different itineraries—some days you might split into teams for a paddleboard race, and other days you’ll join the whole crew for a coastal hike followed by a shared feast at a konoba near the harbor.
Choosing the right property matters for your vacation experience. Look for features that enhance your island life: sea views, direct beach access, a courtyard for games, a modern kitchen for group meals, reliable Wi-Fi if you’re working a little while you travel, and thoughtful touches like shade structures for hot afternoons and outdoor showers for post-swim rinses. Townhouse accommodation can also offer flexible layouts for families or friends traveling together, with options like two living rooms or a master suite that doubles as a retreat after a long day of island adventures. When planning a multi-day escape with friends, a townhouse in Preko or nearby villages is a strategic choice, letting you minimize daily travel while maximizing time on the water, on the road, or in the city’s charming streets. If you’re comparing vacation rentals across destinations in the region, remember that Ugljan’s mix of public transport links, ferry routes, and bike-friendly paths makes a townhouse a smart hub for day trips and spontaneous plans.
Outdoor activities and local experiences you can’t miss
Active travelers will find Ugljan’s coastlines and inland trails incredibly rewarding. A typical day can begin with a brisk sunrise jog along the waterfront, followed by a paddle along quiet coves where the water is so clear you can count the pebbles on the seabed. If you’re up for it, rent a kayak and explore inlets that are otherwise hidden from view. The island’s coastline also offers snorkeling spots where you can swim among small schools of fish and admire underwater flora in the shallow bays. For hikers, there are scenic routes that wind through olive groves and pine forests, culminating at viewpoints where the entire archipelago unfolds before you like a map in blue and green. Cycling is a popular way to see more of Ugljan in a single day—soft hills, seaside breezes, and villages that invite you to stop for a gelato or a refreshing drink along the way are all part of the experience.
For those who love water-based adventures, the calm summer seas around Ugljan are perfect for stand-up paddleboarding, snorkeling, and even a small sailing excursion if you want to learn or rent a day boat. After a morning of activity, you’ll crave a hearty seaside lunch, where fresh fish, octopus salad, grilled vegetables, and rustic bread come together with a glass of local wine. If you’re traveling with friends, you’ll treasure the moments when everyone crowds onto a townhouse’s terrace to share stories, trade tips on hidden beaches, and plan the next day’s itinerary—whether it’s a ferry ride to a neighboring island or a coastal drive along the island’s edge, stopping at beaches and viewpoints as the day unfolds.
Local experiences and authentic moments you’ll remember
Ugljan and Općina Preko offer authentic Croatian experiences that go beyond typical tourist routes. You might join a local fisherman for a short lesson on traditional net mending and then enjoy the catch of the day at a nearby konoba. Evening markets and small family-owned shops provide a chance to pick up keepsakes, handmade textiles, and the aromatic scent of fresh herbs. Meeting residents and learning a few phrases in Croatian can transform a simple visit into a memorable cultural exchange, especially when you’re staying in a townhouse that becomes a home base for daily wanderings. If you’re celebrating a special occasion with friends, you can arrange a sunset boat trip with a skipper who knows the best secluded coves along the coast, followed by a seafood feast served dockside under string lights and the glow of lanterns reflecting on the water. These are the kinds of local experiences that elevate a vacation rental from a place to sleep to a vibrant part of your Croatian holiday story.
Dining, markets, and the slow food joy of the island
Croatian island dining is a slow, joyful ritual. In Preko and nearby villages you’ll find family-run eateries where the menu changes with the season. Fresh Adriatic fish, octopus salads, grilled sardines, and roasted vegetables from the market dominate the table, complemented by bread baked in wood-fired ovens and olive oil pressed from local groves. The rhythms of the day revolve around the harbor’s bustle and the island’s calmer afternoons, which are perfect for long lunches or unhurried aperitifs as you plan the next day’s adventures. For a well-rounded stay, choose a townhouse with a spacious kitchen and a dining area that makes it easy to host friends for a shared feast—it's the kind of social setup that makes a Croatian holiday rental truly special. And when you want an idea of where to stay, searches on searchandstay.com can help you compare townhouse options that fit your group’s budget, size, and location preferences, whether you want a sea-facing terrace or a private garden where you can unwind after a day of exploration.
Getting there, getting around, and planning tips
The most practical route to Ugljan is to take a ferry from Zadar to Preko, the island’s gateway. From there, you can rent a car, hire a scooter, or travel by bicycle to explore the various villages and beaches. The island’s compact size makes it ideal for day trips and easy to navigate, even if you’re traveling with a group. For longer stays, a townhouse or townhouse accommodation near the harbor provides convenient access to the ferry terminal, local groceries, and a handful of cafés where you can meet other travelers and locals alike. If you’re planning a multi-island itinerary, consider pairing Ugljan with its neighbor islands for a longer Croatian holiday rental experience that still centers on comfortable, social living spaces like a townhouse where your group can convene after a day of island adventures. Always check the seasonal schedules for ferries, as times can vary by month and weather, and book your accommodation early during peak seasons to secure a prime townhouse with water views.
Plan your stay with searchandstay.com
As you map out your Croatian getaway, consider using searchandstay.com to find the right vacation rentals and holiday rentals on Ugljan, in Općina Preko, and across Zadar County. The platform aggregates a range of options—from quaint studios to expansive townhouse accommodations with multiple bedrooms—so you can compare features, guest reviews, and location advantages in one place. Whether you’re traveling with a crew of friends or planning a romantic island escape that still feels lively, searchandstay.com can help you discover properties that match your priorities, such as beach access, outdoor spaces for social gatherings, and proximity to the island’s best viewpoints and beaches. By focusing your search on townhouse accommodations and other vacation rental types, you’ll simplify your planning and maximize your time enjoying the island’s destinations, activities, and local experiences. When you’re ready, click through to the listings and book your ideal home away from home for your Ugljan adventure, then use the insights you gain from reviews and property descriptions to tailor your itinerary for an unforgettable Croatian holiday with friends.
Remember that the best island stays balance comfort with local charm. A well-situated townhouse on Ugljan gives you a private space to gather after sunset, while still keeping you close to the day’s best activities—snorkeling in a calm cove, a hike through olive groves, or a lively seafood dinner in a harbor-side konoba. Start by exploring options on searchandstay.com, then refine your selection based on the exact neighborhood you want to be in, the size of your group, and the level of luxury you desire. With the right vacation rental in place, your trip to Ugljan, Općina Preko, Zadar County—Croatia will become a series of joyful moments that you’ll want to re-create year after year.
Sample short itinerary for a group of friends
- Day 1: Arrival in Preko, check into a sea-view townhouse, sunset stroll along the harbor, and a welcome dinner at a family-run konoba.
- Day 2: Morning kayak along the coast, midday swim at a quiet cove, afternoon olive grove walk, and a casual dinner with local wine.
- Day 3: Bike ride across the island to a hillside viewpoint, picnic lunch, late-afternoon beach time, and a group cooking night in your townhouse kitchen.
- Day 4: Day trip to a neighboring island or a sailing mini-cruise if available, returning for a final night in your townhouse with a shared playlist of island memories.
This kind of flexible, activity-rich plan pairs perfectly with a townhouse accommodation, giving your group both energy and space to unwind after adventures. Whether you’re here for a long weekend or a longer Croatian holiday, the island rewards you with days that feel both thrilling and restorative.
In summary: Ugljan, Općina Preko, and your next island escape
Ugljan’s combination of accessible outdoor adventures, charming villages, and welcoming local culture makes it an excellent destination for vacation rentals and holiday rentals in Croatia. A townhouse or townhouse accommodation offers a smart, social home base for exploring the island with friends, while also providing private space to retreat and recharge. The island’s distinctive landscape—olive groves, pine forests, rocky coves, and sparkling Adriatic—creates an irresistible backdrop for a holiday filled with movement, laughter, and memories that last beyond your trip.
For travelers seeking a reliable way to compare options and lock in accommodations near the island’s best beaches and viewpoints, searching on searchandstay.com is a practical first step. The site compiles a variety of properties that suit different group sizes, budgets, and preferences, helping you find the perfect match in Ugljan and throughout Općina Preko. Whether you’re chasing a stylish townhouse with a sun-drenched terrace or a cozy, authentic space steps from the water, this destination offers a compelling blend of vacation rentals, cultural experiences, and natural beauty that makes Croatia feel like a second home.