Drage: Pebble coves, coastal paths and island views

Drage has a deeply indented coastline with coves surrounded by pine trees, Mediterranean vegetation and pebble beaches. At the edge of the village, Bukež pebble beach lies on a quiet stretch of coast; the clear, transparent sea and views of Velika Arta and Mala Arta define this spot. At Porat beach, the pebbles provide an easy entry into the sea; pedal boat rides and a water park are available there.

Walking and cycling between the coast and the lake

The Bedemska trail follows Poškaljina Bay from Drage to Pakoštane, passing through olive groves and pine forest. By contrast, a cycling route in Vransko jezero Nature Park leads through the hinterland of Drage and Pakoštane toward Crkvine. The routes therefore differ in their courses: one follows the bay and its vegetation, while the other leads through the hinterland toward Crkvine.

The Put jezera trail is 7.3 kilometres long and rated moderate. Its length and rating provide two concrete points of reference for planning your outing. Čelinka is within walking distance of Drage. Above the village, the viewpoint offers views of Lake Vrana, the islands of the Pakoštane archipelago and the Kornati Islands. Lake Vrana is about one kilometre from Drage; newly built cycling paths around the lake are available for active visitors. Trail conditions can change, so it is worth checking them before setting out.

Views, history and local tradition

At Čelinka, views meet archaeological history: archaeological remains of a Liburnian hillfort bear witness to the site's strategic importance. The viewpoint also opens up views of the lake, islands and Kornati Islands.

The traditional summer festival Dragarske bumbete takes place in Drage amid the glow of the fishing lamps known as “bumbete.” The fishing lights used on boats in Drage are called “dragarske bumbete”; fishers who use light fishing are called “svićari” and are widely known. At the 2025 edition, fish with homemade olive oil, local wine, Prošek and rakija, as well as traditional dishes prepared according to time-honoured recipes and desserts, were offered. If you include the festival in your travel plans, check the specific dates in advance.

The nautical marina in Drage serves as a starting point for excursions and visits to nearby national parks. Check which excursions are available before your trip.

More routes in Općina Pakoštane

In the wider destination of Općina Pakoštane, the 9-kilometre Pakoštane–Drage–Čelinka MTB route runs through the area. It starts in front of the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on the main square in Pakoštane, follows the coast via Drage and Čelinka to Lake Vrana, and returns to Pakoštane through olive groves and pine forest. The ratings distinguish physical exertion from technical difficulty: the route is physically easy and technically moderate.

A longer option in the wider destination of Općina Pakoštane is the 40.4-kilometre Pakoštane–Prosika–Crkvine–Maškovića Han trekking route. It starts in front of the main church in Pakoštane, passes through Vransko jezero Nature Park, Prosika, Crkvine and Maškovića Han, and returns to the main square in Pakoštane. Compared with the MTB route, both the distance and the course, with its named stops, provide different concrete points of reference.

Discover more destinations: Pakostane, Vrgada, Pakoštane.

Go to the wider travel overview: Općina Pakoštane.