01Can You Island Hop from Nin?

Nin is a historic town of about 2,500 residents built on a small islet in a shallow lagoon, linked to the mainland by two stone bridges. It has no passenger ferry line and no scheduled island service. The sea around it is very shallow, so tour boats do not leave from the town.

The practical approach is to use Nin as a base and reach the islands in three ways:

  1. By road to islands with bridges: Vir and Pag.
  2. By ferry from Zadar: Ugljan, and then Pašman by bridge.
  3. By boat tour or charter from Zadar: Ošljak, Dugi Otok, Telašćica and Kornati.

A rental car or a taxi is needed for the first leg. Nin to Zadar is about 18 km and takes 20–25 minutes by car. Public buses between Nin and Zadar run several times a day, but timetables are thinner on Sundays and outside summer.

02Island 1: Vir (Closest, No Ferry Needed)

Vir is the easiest island to reach from Nin. A road bridge connects it to the mainland near Privlaka, and crossing costs nothing. The drive is roughly 17 km and takes about 20 minutes.

The island is flat, about 22 km², with sandy and pebble beaches, a long summer promenade and a large number of private apartments. It suits families, since the water stays shallow for a long distance from shore. The island's main settlement, Vir, has shops, restaurants and a few small supermarkets. Parking in July and August fills early, so arrive before 10:00.

Opinion: Vir is the best island for a first-day trip from Nin. It needs no timetable, no ticket and no booking, and it can be combined with an afternoon in Nin's lagoon.

03Island 2: Ugljan (Zadar–Preko Ferry)

Ugljan is the standard island day trip from Zadar. The Jadrolinija foot-passenger boat from Zadar's town port to Preko takes about 25 minutes. Foot-passenger tickets cost roughly €3–5 each way, depending on season, so check the current Jadrolinija tariff. In high season there are 25 or more departures a day, so no advance booking is needed for foot passengers.

A car ferry also runs from Zadar's Gaženica port. Cars up to 5 m cost roughly €13–16 each way depending on season, though a car is not necessary for a day trip. The island is well suited to cycling. Bikes travel on the foot-passenger boat for the same fare as a person.

What to do on Ugljan:

Preko
Short waterfront, cafés and a pebble beach.
St. Michael's Fortress
Ruined fortress above Preko, a short uphill walk of about 30–40 minutes for views of Zadar, Pašman and the Kornati direction.
Kali and Kukljica
Fishing villages along the island's coast with calm swimming spots.
Ošljak
A small wooded islet in front of Preko, reached by a short taxi boat in summer or on boat tours.

04Island 3: Pašman (Bridge From Ugljan)

Pašman is joined to Ugljan by a short bridge at Ždrelac. It is quieter than Ugljan and has fewer visitors. Villages such as Tkon and Pašman have small beaches and a more rural feel. A car or bike is needed here, as public transport is limited.

05Island 4: Pag (By Road via Pag Bridge)

Pag is reachable without a ferry from the mainland by the Pag Bridge. The distance from Nin to the bridge is about 45 km and the drive is about 45 minutes. Pag Town has salt pans, lace-making traditions and a well-known sheep cheese. Novalja, further north on the island, is known for Zrće beach and its party scene.

Pag is best done as a full day, with a stop at the Pag cheese producers and a swim at one of the island's quieter coves. Expect a car-rental day rate of roughly €40–70 in summer. This is an extended road trip, not a short hop.

06Island 5: Ošljak, Dugi Otok and Kornati (Boat Tours From Zadar)

For swimming stops and several islands in one day, a boat tour from Zadar is the most efficient option.

Half-day speedboat tours (3–4 hours)

Shared tours cover Ošljak, Preko and a swim stop such as Blue Bay near Otrić. Group tickets start at around €30 per person and often include a drink and snorkelling gear. Private boats for up to 10–12 people start around €300 for four hours. Larger groups make this cheaper per head.

Full-day tours to Dugi Otok and Telašćica

Dugi Otok is the longest island in the Zadar archipelago. Telašćica Nature Park on its southern end has steep cliffs on the open-sea side and the Mir salt lake. A private 8-hour boat from Zadar costs from about €730. Park entry fees are separate on most itineraries. Check the park's current rates when booking.

Public transport to Dugi Otok also exists. A Jadrolinija car ferry runs from Zadar's Gaženica port to Brbinj, and catamaran routes serve Sali and Zaglav. Timetables change each season, so verify them the week of travel.

Kornati islands

Kornati National Park covers 89 islands, islets and reefs, almost all uninhabited. Group day tours cost roughly €70–110 per person and normally include lunch and park entry. This is the longest trip from the Nin area, with a 50–60 km sea route and a full day on board.

07Suggested Island-Hopping Plans From Nin

One-day plan: Vir

Drive to Vir in the morning, swim at a sandy beach, have lunch in Vir village and return to Nin for sunset on Queen's Beach.

Two-day plan: Vir and Ugljan

Day 1 on Vir. Day 2 drive to Zadar, park outside the old town, take the 25-minute boat to Preko, climb to St. Michael's Fortress and return in the late afternoon.

Three-day plan: Add a boat tour

Day 3 is a 4-hour speedboat tour to Ošljak and a swim stop, or a full-day Kornati excursion if the budget allows.

08When to Go

June and September
Best balance of sea temperature, thinner crowds and full ferry timetables. The sea is generally 22–25 °C.
July and August
Most boats and the longest timetables, but also the busiest ferries and parking. Book boat tours several days ahead.
October to April
Reduced ferry frequency and many tour operators closed. Vir and Ugljan remain accessible.

The bora wind can cancel boat services and ferry crossings, mostly in autumn and winter. The jugo wind brings rough water and clouds. Check the forecast and operator messages the night before.

09Insider Tips

  • Park in Nin, not in Zadar: If the destination is Vir or Pag, avoid Zadar's town centre altogether.
  • Take the early ferry to Preko: The first morning boats are quiet, and the beaches are empty before 10:00.
  • Combine Nin's attractions with island days: Nin's salt works (Solana Nin) and lagoon mud are best visited on a day when the weather is not suited to boats.
  • Buy ferry tickets at the quay: Foot-passenger tickets for Zadar–Preko are valid for the day on the printed route, so there is no need to choose a specific sailing in advance.
  • Bring cash and water shoes: Many island beaches are pebble, and small konobas may not accept cards for small bills.
  • Pick a morning boat tour: Mornings have calmer seas and better visibility for snorkelling.

10Costs at a Glance

  • Zadar–Preko ferry: roughly €3–5 per person each way
  • Bicycle on the ferry: same as a passenger fare
  • Shared 4-hour speedboat tour: from €30 per person
  • Private 4-hour boat for a group: from about €300
  • Private 8-hour boat: from about €730
  • Kornati group day tour: €70–110 per person
  • Vir and Pag bridges: free