Why you should visit the Croatian island of Pašman

Why you should visit Croatia’s Pašman Island (Photo credit: Marko Lorenzo Blaslov/TZO Pašman)

Peace and Activity: Pašman is a destination you should visit in spring

On the island of Pašman awaits a true spring paradise without the hustle and bustle, allowing for peaceful exploration of picturesque beaches, walks through untouched nature, and enjoyment of an authentic Mediterranean ambiance.

Imagine yourself relaxing in a place where the waves caress you with their soothing sound, the scents of Mediterranean vegetation blend with the refreshing breeze, and time passes in the relaxing rhythm of your breath. 

A vacation in such a place sounds like a dream, doesn’t it? There’s no need to fantasize because we bring you the opportunity to discover such a unique gem – welcome to the Island of Pašman. 

Here, you can experience a blend of natural beauty and active relaxation like nowhere else.

Pašman is located in the Zadar archipelago and is characterized by exceptional natural beauty stretching along its approximately 70 kilometers of coastline. Connected by the Ždrelac Bridge to the nearby island of Ugljan and accessible via ferry lines from Zadar and Biograd na Moru, Pašman attracts those seeking peace, silence, and an escape from everyday worries, with locals whispering that spring is its most beautiful time.

(Photo: Filip Brala, TZO Pašman)

So why not add a spring trip to Pašman to your bucket list because then you can experience an authentic island without crowds, explore its beautiful beaches, picturesque villages, and hidden coves, in peace and quiet.

Highlights – Crystal-clear sea and untouched nature

Arriving on Pašman is easy thanks to good transport connections. Tourists can come by car or bus via the ferry port of Biograd na Moru directly to the port of Tkon on the island, or by ferry from Zadar via the island of Ugljan to Pašman. Arrival by plane is possible via Zemunik Airport in Zadar, providing an additional option for travelers arriving from other parts of the world.

(Photo credit: Marko Lorenzo Blaslov/TZO Pašman)

One of the most important features of this island is its crystal-clear sea, which Pašman can thank to very active and constant sea currents that flow around the island. For nature lovers, Pašman offers the largest green area among the islands in the region, creating a natural paradise, a green oasis of peace and quiet, for relaxing the mind and soul.

The climate on the island of Pašman is perfectly balanced, with the Mediterranean charm of dry summers and mild winters, but what you must not miss is spring – the time when nature awakens.

Spring on Pašman abounds with the scents of flowers and medicinal herbs and provides an opportunity for active relaxation and exploration of untouched nature. Visitors can enjoy various activities such as seaside walks, explore cycling trails, and visit natural and historical landmarks.

Spend your days exploring its beaches, coves, and promenades, feel the freedom cycling along well-maintained cycling paths, enjoy panoramic views of the Kornati Islands and the Pašman Channel, and surrender to the silence and tranquility of the island’s hidden corners.

Island Gems

When it comes to island gems, Pašman stands out for its diversity of natural beauty, offering visitors plenty of attractions to explore. Whether you’re a beach lover, hiking enthusiast, cultural heritage enthusiast, or simply looking for a peaceful corner, you’ll find something to suit your desires on Pašman.

Barotul Beach in the eponymous village and the neighboring beach in Mrljane create a beautiful promenade ideal for leisurely walks and relaxation. The coastline here offers a mixture of sandy and pebble areas and natural shade that provides refuge from the heat.

For those craving activity, Veliki Bokolj, the highest peak of Pašman, offers an unforgettable view from a height of 274 meters. A pleasant ascent to the viewpoint at the top rewards you with spectacular panoramas stretching in all directions.

(Photo credit: Marko Lorenzo Blaslov/TZO Pašman)

And if you’re coming to Pašman by sea, don’t miss visiting Galešnjak Island, known as the “Island of Lovers” or “Love Island” – an uninhabited heart-shaped islet located in the Pašman Channel.

Ždrelac, as the largest town on the island, offers a rich history visible in the old town center. Explore its stone alleys and head to the village of Pašman where you can enjoy local delicacies or take a stroll along the promenade featuring sculptures by Fra Joakim Jakov Gregov even at this time of year.

Visit island churches and monasteries like the Franciscan Monastery of St. Dujam in Kraj or the Benedictine Monastery of St. Cosmas and Damian near Tkon, which testify to the island’s rich history and cultural heritage.

For those who prefer peaceful coves, Soline Beach in Ždrelac provides an ideal atmosphere for relaxation and sunbathing, without crowds and hustle, especially at this time of year.

OPG Matulić – Guardians of the Scent and Taste of Pašman Island

When visiting the island of Pašman, we recommend stopping by OPG Matulić, where you can find handmade cosmetic products and high-quality spices created with special care and dedication. On Pašman, the tradition of ecological and organic production has a long history, and OPG Matulić products have become popular worldwide, with tourists eagerly taking them home as souvenirs. 

(Photo credit: OPG Matulic)

However, thanks to the fact that these are top-quality products, where love is a key ingredient, people continue to order them online via their web shop.

Ana and Krsto Matulić, spouses and owners of OPG Matulić, are true guardians of tradition and creativity, whose handmade cosmetic and food products reflect a commitment to preserving local heritage and quality based on locally grown ingredients.

(Photo credit: OPG Matulic)

Numerous local varieties of aromatic herbs are incorporated into their diverse range of gastronomic and cosmetic products, awarded numerous international recognitions for top quality and excellence. Products, in addition to their store at Pašman 2 and their web shop, can also be purchased at Kantarion and Blush stores (cosmetic products) and at Gligora stores (spices).

(Photo credit: OPG Matulic)

(Photo credit: OPG Matulic)

Visit their website at https://opgmatulic.com/.

Đirada – Active Spring on Pašman

Pašman is a paradise for active tourism and simply invites you to indulge in walks, trekking, or explore the island’s cycling trails. There are two cycling routes – Route 7 offers challenging viewpoints and impressive views, while Route 8 is suitable for recreational cyclists and offers the opportunity to tour island settlements along the coast.

For trekking enthusiasts, but also competitors, there is Škraping Tkon – an international trekking race through island rocks, which is one of the extreme sports and takes place on Pašman during March.

(Photo credit: Marko Lorenzo Blaslov/TZO Pašman)

And if you’re a fan of recreational races or walks, the Tourist Board of the Municipality of Pašman is organizing such a recreational event again this year. Đirada takes place on April 27th this year, and like last year, participants will have the opportunity to choose between two distance categories.

But regardless of whether you’ll ‘đirati’ through Pašman this spring or just take a walk, you’ll create unforgettable memories that will stay with you long after you return home.