Zadar Islands - Where Time Has Stopped
Embrace the silence. Embrace the peace and quiet. Embrace the pristine nature around you. It truly is Mediterranean as it once was. If you’ve had enough of continuous search for the free WiFi signal, social-network presence bordering on obsession, recharging your mobile phone battery and you feel you need a little adventure of the unknown, simply because everything else is at hand, then go island hopping in the Zadar Archipelago.
The cookie crumbles … in a good way
Imagine kids eating a gigantic cookie and all the crumbs scattered round their feet - the fragments would vary enormously in size and shape. So do hundreds of rocks, islets and islands that form the unique island cluster called the Zadar archipelago. The breathtaking scenery and clear water is what makes these ‘cookie crumbs’ so unique and visit-worthy.
The bigger, not necessarily the better
The majority of population lives on the bigger islands such as Pag, Dugi Otok, Ugljan, Pašman. They are also favourite choice for tourists due to their available accommodation facilities and other popular amenities. A great variety of tourist activities on offer include sightseeing historical attractions, joining in the exciting party-life, getting to know and understand the local festivities and celebrations, enjoying the traditional cuisine, doing all kinds of sports both at sea and on land and, above all, exploring and taking in the beautiful nature. But it’s the smaller islands where the nature truly gets pristine.
Pearls of the Adriatic
Getting lulled by the crickets’ song. And nothing else, but absolute silence. Some of the smaller islands in the Zadar archipelago have archeological evidence of human presence dating back centuries. Nonetheless, the great majority of islands remain unpopulated, deserted or have only smaller settlements. Lack of human influence has resulted in intact surroundings, places where one can really get back to nature. On the islands of Molat, Olib, Silba, Iž, Sestrunj, Rivanj, Premuda you won’t need a car, on some of them it’s even forbidden and you’ll only get one chance a day to get what you need, when the ferry arrives. But, if that’s what you’re into, the idyllic peace and quiet is priceless and the hidden coves and beaches simply breathtaking.
Robinson for a day (or two)
The opportunity to put your scouts skills to the test is to opt for the tiniest islands such as Brušnjak or Lavdara to get the feel of Robinson Crusoe-esque adventure. Even reaching such an island is tricky, because there are no ferries available, so you’d have to rent a boat or arrange your transfer otherwise. Basically, it’s all on you, your skills and your rest. But, with your checklist checked and a group of good friends, you might just have the adventure of a lifetime.
Embrace the adventure
Believe it or not, just a few nautical miles from the hustle and bustle of mass tourism there lies a group of islands, surrounded by the clear blue waters and covered by the cool pine trees. You may prefer the loud buzz of Zadar, but don’t miss out the opportunity to party on a secluded beach with the crickets. You might just like it so much, you won’t be able to resist coming back. And better yet, gather a group of friends for a sailing trip around the islands of the Zadar archipelago for a truly private holiday (party).
Image sources: www.tripadvisor.com
