Beach Poljana

Nearby dining options cater to diverse tastes, blending local flavors with modern cuisine. Konoba Ugljan offers authentic Dalmatian dishes in a rustic setting, praised for its seafood and wine list. Harbor CookHouse & Club serves hearty waterfront meals with nautical decor, ideal for sunset dining. For casual bites, Butler Gourmet&Cocktails Garden impresses with gourmet small plates and craft cocktails. La Famiglia provides relaxed Italian fare, including pasta and grills, while The Botanist focuses on vegan dishes amidst a chic, eco-friendly ambiance.

Most venues emphasize outdoor seating, with offerings ranging from fresh seafood to vegetarian options. Accessibility features like wheelchair-friendly entrances and dog-friendly policies enhance inclusivity. Live music, great coffee, and curated wine lists are recurring highlights in reviews.

Accommodation near Poljana ranges from family-friendly resorts to intimate heritage stays. DUNATOVI DVORI Heritage Hotel combines historical charm with modern comforts, offering a serene base in Preko. Falkensteiner Hotel & Spa Iadera provides upscale amenities, including pools and a posh spa, while Falkensteiner Club Funimation Borik caters to families with all-inclusive services and sports facilities. Hotel Pinija features a beachfront location with a chic buffet restaurant, and Vile Dalmacija offers budget-friendly apartments near local conveniences.

These hotels emphasize proximity to beaches, with many providing free Wi-Fi, breakfast, and wellness options. The Falkensteiner properties stand out for their luxury and comprehensive amenities, while Dunatovi Dvori appeals to those seeking cultural immersion.

Beach Poljana provides essential facilities, including nearby showers and restrooms, though specific on-site amenities are limited. The surrounding area offers mini football courts, ping pong tables, and a small shop for snacks. Preko’s main beach, Jaz, features more comprehensive amenities like showers, disabled access, and a wooden pier, all within a short drive.

Poljana’s simplicity is its strength, focusing on natural beauty rather than developed infrastructure. Visitors can rent basic equipment nearby or enjoy picnics under pine trees. The lack of commercialization ensures a peaceful environment, with local businesses providing casual dining and sports options.

Swimming and snorkeling are prime activities here, thanks to clear waters and rocky seabeds teeming with marine life. Kayaking and paddleboarding are popular in calm bays, while nearby Jaz Beach offers volleyball courts and children’s slides. Hiking trails around St Peter’s peninsula and olive groves provide scenic walks, and boat rentals enable exploration of the Zadar Archipelago.

For cultural enthusiasts, visits to the 15th-century Franciscan monastery on Galevac Islet or St Michael’s Fortress offer historical insights. Fishing and diving are also favored, with local operators providing gear and tours.

While Poljana’s pebble beaches lack formal accessibility features, Preko’s main beach (Jaz) has concrete slabs and ramps for wheelchair users. Nearby restaurants like Taverna Joso and Konoba Ugljan offer wheelchair-accessible seating. The ferry terminal and promenades in Preko are generally navigable, though natural terrain in Poljana may require assistance.

Jaz Beach’s showers and changing rooms are disability-adapted, making it a better option for visitors needing full accessibility. Local hotels like Falkensteiner properties provide accessible rooms and facilities upon request.

Free parking is available near Poljana’s beaches, though spaces are limited due to the area’s small size. Larger lots can be found in Preko, a 5-minute drive away, including Jaz Beach’s free parking. Street parking is generally accessible, with no fees reported in Poljana itself.

Visitors are advised to arrive early during peak season, as the cove’s popularity can lead to congestion. RV parking is not explicitly mentioned, but standard vehicles are accommodated without hassle.

Poljana’s Bay Svitla was historically used as a signaling point for transport between Iž Island and the mainland via light beacons. The mosaic bench in Bay Hrvatinj, crafted by artist Božica Kliman, merges art with coastal leisure. Galevac Islet’s monastery once served as a refuge for Glagolitic scribes, preserving medieval manuscripts.

The poet Petar Preradović wrote his famous work “Dawn is Breaking” while staying near Mali Lukoran’s beach. Preko’s name (“Across”) references its position facing Zadar, a strategic ferry link for centuries.

Key nearby sites include the 13th-century St Peter’s Church on the peninsula and Galevac Islet’s monastery, accessible by short boat rides. St Michael’s Fortress, perched above Preko, offers panoramic views of 200+ islands. The islet’s sandy beaches and Preko’s vibrant seafront promenade are also highlights.

Nature attractions like the Vela Straža hill provide hiking opportunities, while the mosaic bench in Bay Hrvatinj adds artistic flair to scenic walks. The De Ponte family’s summer residence in Mali Lukoran, linked to poet Petar Preradović, offers cultural intrigue.