Zaglav

Zaglav is a small port village in the Sali municipality on the island of Dugi Otok in Zadar County, Croatia, close to the neighbouring village of Dragove. The settlement sits on a plateau above the bay of Triluka and has around 170 residents, making it one of the quieter communities on the island. Despite its modest size, Zaglav plays an outsized role as a transport and supply hub for the whole of Dugi Otok.

How do you get to Zaglav?

Zaglav is reached via the D125 road, which links the village to the rest of the island and, through further connections, to the mainland. Ferry services also serve the wider Zadar area, offering an alternative for travellers without a car. Anyone driving should note that Zaglav is home to the only petrol station on the entire island, serving both cars and boats — a good reason to fuel up here before continuing further along Dugi Otok, where roads are modest and distances between settlements tend to be longer than a map suggests.

What is there to see in Zaglav?

The village's main landmark is the Franciscan monastery and the Church of St Michael, the settlement's patron saint, dating back to the 15th century. The monastery complex forms the spiritual and architectural heart of Zaglav, its plain stone structure blending naturally into the island scenery. It is also worth walking down to the bay of Triluka, above which the village is built — a calm, sheltered spot typical of the Dalmatian coast, where small fishing boats moor right against the stone quay. Though tiny, the village has kept the feel of a traditional island settlement: narrow lanes, stone houses and sea views create an atmosphere that is hard to find in Dalmatia's more touristy towns.

What else is worth knowing about the area?

Zaglav neighbours Dragove, a medieval village in the north-eastern part of Dugi Otok known for its 12th-century church and scenic position above a bay. Dugi Otok itself is one of the larger islands of the Zadar archipelago in northern Dalmatia, stretching roughly 50 km in length while never wider than 4.6 km. Around 1,700 people live on the island, spread across a dozen or so small settlements, and Zaglav counts among the more important ones thanks to its port and service functions.

When is the best time to visit Zaglav?

The best months to visit run from May to September, when the weather is warm enough for swimming in the bay of Triluka and exploring the island, and ferry connections run most frequently. July and August bring peak season and the warmest sea, while May, June and September offer a quieter atmosphere and less traffic on the roads — a real advantage on Dugi Otok, where infrastructure remains limited.

Frequently asked questions

Can you refuel a car or a boat in Zaglav? Yes, the village has the only petrol station on Dugi Otok, serving both vehicles and boats.

What is the main landmark in Zaglav? The Franciscan monastery with the Church of St Michael, dating back to the 15th century.

How far is Zaglav from Dragove? The two villages lie close together on Dugi Otok and are connected by the D125 road, with the drive normally taking just a few minutes.

Can you reach Zaglav without a car? Yes, seasonal ferry services connect the wider Zadar region, though having your own transport makes exploring the rest of the island much easier.