Oštravica

Oštravica is a hill on Dugi Otok rising above the bay where the village of Savar sits. It is one of the recognizable landmarks in the central part of the island — less famous than the neighboring peak of Orljak, but a favorite with hikers looking for a quiet trail with sea views.

How do you get to Oštravica?

The usual starting point is an abandoned stone quarry near Savar, itself worth a look since it's a reminder of the island's long history as a source of building stone. From there the trail climbs to a saddle and continues along the ridge toward Oštravica, before carrying on to the nearby summit of Orljak. The full loop runs about 4.7 km and takes roughly one hour and forty-five minutes, with a combined ascent and descent of around 259 meters. It's rated as moderately demanding (grade T2) — no technical gear is needed, but sturdy trekking shoes are recommended given the rocky ground.

Savar, the practical base for most hikers, sits in a sheltered cove facing the neighboring island of Iž and is well connected by road to the rest of Dugi Otok, including the main town of Sali.

What will you see along the way?

The main draw of the route is the scenery: the path runs high above the sea, opening onto wide views of the coastline and the surrounding islands of the Zadar archipelago. Along the way it passes near the Strašna Peć cave, one of the better-known attractions in this part of the island and reportedly the first organized tourist site in the region — visited by Austro-Hungarian Emperor Franz Joseph in 1904. Oštravica itself isn't the island's highest point (that title belongs to Vela Straža at 338 m), but it rewards hikers with a satisfying view of the landscape: dry stone walls, patches of Mediterranean scrub, and the deep blue of the Adriatic on either side of the land.

It's also worth knowing that stone quarried in the area was historically used to build the Zadar forum as well as palaces and churches in Rome and Venice, and — according to local sources — even the United Nations building in New York. That adds an extra layer of interest to walking past the abandoned, partly overgrown quarries on the way.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring and early autumn are the best seasons for this hike, when temperatures are milder and the largely shadeless trail doesn't turn into a slog through the heat. In summer, an early morning start is recommended, along with plenty of water, since there are no springs or refill points along the route. As one of Dalmatia's less crowded islands, Dugi Otok lets you enjoy the trail in near solitude even in high season.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the hike to Oštravica? The loop from the abandoned quarry over Oštravica to Orljak is about 4.7 km and takes around 1 hour 45 minutes.

Is the trail difficult? It's rated moderate (T2) — it requires reasonable fitness and proper footwear, but no technical climbing skills.

What's worth seeing along the route? Sea and island views, the area around the Strašna Peć cave, and traces of the island's old stone-quarrying industry.

Where's the best place to start? The most convenient starting point is near Savar, from where a road leads to the abandoned quarry at the foot of the trail.