Croatia

Preko

Preko

Preko is a picturesque coastal town located in Croatia. Situated on the island of Ugljan, it is known for its stunning natural beauty and r…

Best for you if…

  • A week-long stay
  • Beach holiday travelers
  • Cultural exploration travelers
  • Visiting in July to August
Recommended stay
7-10 days
Best time
July to August
Walkability
Moderate
Guide depth
Deep guide
More about this guide

Preko is a strong pick for beach holiday & cultural exploration — plan about 7-10 days. Peak season: July to August.

Deep guide guide · about 4 min to read · depth score 93/100 (coverage of intro, tips, and mapped places)

Moderate density — A mix of walkable clusters with some longer hops. (≈28.2 km span)

50 Places to explore
7-10 Recommended days
July to August Best season
8 Nearby places

Find nearby destinations

When to go

High season: July to August

JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC

Best months for lower-cost travel: April · May · September · October

Weather

Autumn

15-25°C

Spring

15-25°C

Summer

25-35°C

Winter

5-15°C

How to get there

How to Reach Preko in Croatia

Located on the beautiful island of Ugljan, Preko is a charming coastal town in Croatia that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. If you're planning a trip to Preko, here are a few ways to reach this picturesque destination:

By Air:

The nearest international airport to Preko is Zadar Airport, which is well-connected to major European cities. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a shuttle bus to the Zadar ferry port. Once you reach the port, you can hop on a ferry that will take you directly to Preko. The ferry ride from Zadar to Preko typically takes around 25 minutes.

By Ferry:

If you're already in Croatia, you can reach Preko by taking a ferry from Zadar. Zadar has regular ferry services to Preko, and the journey is quite short. The ferry ride offers stunning views of the Adriatic Sea, making it a delightful way to reach Preko.

By Car:

If you prefer driving, you can reach Preko by car from Zadar. The distance between Zadar and Preko is approximately 12 kilometers, and the journey takes around 30 minutes. You can take the D110 road from Zadar and cross the bridge that connects the island of Ugljan to the mainland. Once you reach Ugljan, follow the signs to Preko.

By Public Transportation:

If you're looking for a budget-friendly option, you can also reach Preko by public transportation. From Zadar, you can take a bus to the Zadar ferry port and then catch a ferry to Preko. The bus journey from Zadar to the ferry port takes around 15 minutes, and the ferry ride to Preko takes an additional 25 minutes.

Whichever mode of transportation you choose, reaching Preko is relatively easy and convenient. Once you arrive, you'll be greeted by the town's charming atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and traditional Mediterranean architecture. Don't forget to explore the local cuisine and indulge in some fresh seafood during your visit to Preko!

Getting to know Preko

Preko is a picturesque coastal town located in Croatia. Situated on the island of Ugljan, it is known for its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. With its charming narrow streets and traditional stone houses, Preko offers visitors a glimpse into the authentic Mediterranean way of life.

The town is surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise waters, making it a popular destination for beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts. Its numerous sandy and pebble beaches provide the perfect spot for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling. Visitors can also enjoy various water activities such as kayaking, sailing, and windsurfing.

Preko is not only a paradise for nature lovers but also for history buffs. The town is home to several historical landmarks, including the 16th-century St. John the Baptist Church. This beautiful church features a stunning bell tower and intricate stone carvings. The Church of St. Lawrence, another notable religious site, boasts a rich collection of religious art and artifacts.

In addition to its natural and historical attractions, Preko offers a vibrant culinary scene. The town is renowned for its delicious seafood dishes, which can be savored in local restaurants and taverns. Visitors can also explore the weekly open-air market, where they can find fresh local produce, homemade olive oil, and traditional Croatian products.

Pre-trip checklist

Compiled from local tips, stay length, and season notes.

Local tips

  • Visit the stunning Plitvice Lakes National Park
  • Explore the historic city of Dubrovnik
  • Try local seafood delicacies
  • Take a boat trip to the nearby islands

Places worth exploring

50 places mapped for this destination

0–1
1–3
3–8
8–20
20+

Walking loops

Evening strolls, half-days, and fuller day loops — clustered by proximity.

Suggested 7-day outline

Places ordered by proximity into day buckets. Add what you like to your trip.

Frequently asked questions

Answers compiled from stay length, season, and local tips for this guide.

How many days do you need in Preko?

Most travelers spend about 7-10 days in Preko, Croatia.

When is the best time to visit Preko?

High season is typically July to August.

Which months are more budget-friendly in Preko?

Travelers often find better value in April, May, September, October.

What kind of trip is Preko good for?

Preko suits Beach holiday, Cultural exploration, Adventure tourism, Nature retreat.

Is Preko walkable?

A mix of walkable clusters with some longer hops.

Any local tips for Preko?

Visit the stunning Plitvice Lakes National Park

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Multi-city ideas

Nearby combinations sharing travel styles. See all routes

  • Preko → Ugljan, Croatia - Destination Guide → Osljak · ≈13 km
  • Preko → Ugljan, Croatia - Destination Guide → Kali · ≈14 km
  • Preko → Osljak → Ugljan, Croatia - Destination Guide · ≈17 km

Same vibe

Destinations sharing travel styles, stay length, or region.

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