Pakoštane: Beaches, Churches and Nature

Those looking for hotels in Pakoštane can plan their trip around different interests: Janice Beach, churches and historical traces, or cycling and hiking trails. Nearby, Lake Vrana also offers a nature-focused option. Consider which aspects of your stay matter to you, and use the local features as a guide when choosing your destination.

Beach and Nature

Janice Beach is the longest beach in Pakoštane. It is located in the town center and has a sandy seabed. Equipment for sunbathing and sports activities can be rented at the beaches in Pakoštane. Check locally whether it is available during the current season.

Near Pakoštane, the Crkvine Info Center provides access to a 600-meter-long wooden birdwatching trail in an ornithological reserve. A birdwatching tower stands at the end of the trail. More than 260 different bird species have been recorded around Lake Vrana. From Pakoštane, the Info Center is a 2.4-kilometer drive toward Vrana. Check the seasonal visitor guidelines before your visit.

Cycling Routes and Paths to the Islets

The 10.6-kilometer Pakoštane–Vrana–Drage cycling route is a loop designated for families. It starts at the main square in Pakoštane, in front of the Church of the Ascension of the Lord. On the southern shore of Lake Vrana, it passes through pine forest and olive groves.

The Three Island Trail connects Pakoštane with nearby islets. You can reach them by swimming or kayaking and explore them on foot. Water conditions and safety requirements vary by season; check them before setting out. The options on this trail therefore differ considerably from a cycling trip along the lakeshore.

Churches and Historical Traces

The Church of the Ascension of the Lord in Pakoštane has three naves and was built on the remains of an older church. It also serves as a landmark at the start of the Pakoštane–Vrana–Drage cycling route. The Church of St. Justina was built in 1794 on the remains of an older church next to an old cemetery. It is located on the islet of the same name and serves as a setting for cultural events in summer.

The Feast of the Ascension of the Lord is celebrated 40 days after Easter. Another historical trace can be found in Bužak: a Glagolitic inscription by Jure Škiljić, dated 1606, can be seen on the lintel of an old stone house. The churches, feast date and inscription offer different points of interest if you would like to include local history in your travel plans alongside the beach and nature.

More Ways to Explore Općina Pakoštane

The wider destination of Općina Pakoštane offers additional routes and landscapes. The following information relates to this wider destination, not exclusively to the town of Pakoštane. The 9-kilometer Pakoštane–Drage–Čelinka MTB route starts at the main square in front of the Parish Church of the Assumption of Mary. It runs along the sea through Drage and Čelinka to Lake Vrana, then returns to Pakoštane through olive groves and pine forest. It is rated easy for physical difficulty and moderate for technical difficulty. A longer option is the 40.4-kilometer Pakoštane–Prosika–Crkvine–Maškovića Han trekking route. It starts in front of the main church, passes through Vransko jezero Nature Park and the sites of Prosika, Crkvine and Maškovića Han, then returns to the main square in Pakoštane.

The Put Crkvina hiking route is also part of this wider regional area: it follows an old path from the fertile Vrana Field to the sea, linking the lake and the sea as two distinct bodies of water. The ruins of the medieval Church of St. Mary stand along the route near Crkvine. The Parish Church of the Assumption of Mary in Pakoštane was built in 1906 and contains remains of the 16th-century Church of St. Michael.

Within the wider destination, Vrgada is a half-hour boat ride from Pakoštane; there are no cars on the island. Travel time may vary depending on operations, so check the current service before planning your trip. Viewpoints on Vrgada overlook the sea and 13 surrounding islets. Above Drage, the Čelinka viewpoint offers views of Lake Vrana, the islands of the Pakoštane archipelago and the Kornati Islands. Traditional olive varieties are also used to produce olive oil in the Pakoštane region.

Discover more destinations: Drage, Vrgada, Pakostane.

Go to the wider travel overview: Općina Pakoštane.