Beach Sutomiscica

Olive Garden Restaurant anchors the culinary scene with its focus on Dalmatian specialties like grilled fish and handmade pasta, paired with terrace sea views. Karma Restaurant & Bar in Zadar stands out for exceptional service and creative cocktails, while Famous Beach Bar & Grill draws crowds with live music and globally inspired burgers. Restoran Bruschetta in Zadar’s old town serves artisanal pizzas and seafood risottos, showcasing local ingredients. For a refined experience, Butler Gourmet&Cocktails Garden offers women-owned fine dining with organic wine pairings.

Falkensteiner Hotel & Spa Iadera provides luxury waterfront accommodations with multiple pools and a high-end spa near Petrčane. Closer to Zadar, Falkensteiner Club Funimation Borik offers all-inclusive family stays with tennis courts and beach access. Hotel Pinija features modern rooms and a chic pool bar on its beachfront location. DUNATOVI DVORI Heritage Hotel near Preko delivers rustic charm with stone architecture and garden terraces. While not a traditional hotel, Olive Island Marina provides marina-side amenities and stays ideal for sailors.

The beach area includes restrooms, showers, and rental equipment for water sports like paddleboards and kayaks. Olive Island Marina enhances the experience with a sun deck, playground, and beach bar serving light snacks. Picnic tables and barbecue facilities cater to self-catering visitors, while the marina’s sheltered bay ensures safe swimming conditions. Free Wi-Fi is available at nearby restaurants, and shaded lounging areas provide respite from the sun.

Swimming dominates the agenda, with calm waters protected by the marina’s breakwater. Kayaking, sailing, and snorkeling are popular due to excellent marine visibility, while beach volleyball courts encourage group activities. Olive Island Marina facilitates boat rentals for exploring nearby coves, and fishing trips can be arranged through local vendors. Evening events like live music at nearby bars create a vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere.

Wheelchair-accessible parking and ramps connect key areas of Olive Island Marina to the beach, while select restaurants offer ground-floor seating. The compact pebble beach surface may require mobility aids, though water entry remains challenging without assistance. Accessible restrooms are available at the marina complex.

Free street parking and designated lots are available near the beach, though spaces fill quickly during peak season. Olive Island Marina offers complimentary parking for guests, including wheelchair-accessible spots. Paid parking options exist in busier areas like Zadar (15-minute drive), but most visitors find sufficient unrestricted parking within a 5-minute walk of the shoreline.

Ugljan Island has been cultivating olives for over 2,000 years, with some groves near Sutomiscica dating to Roman times. The beach’s unique microclimate allows rare marine species like the spotted sea hare to thrive in its shallows. Local legend claims pirate ships once used the bay’s natural protection to ambush Venetian trade vessels.

Ugljan Island’s network of hiking trails offers panoramic views of the Zadar archipelago, while the medieval Preko Fortress on nearby hills provides historical intrigue. Day trips to Kornati National Park or Zadar’s Sea Organ and Sun Salutation installations are easily arranged via local boat charters. The island’s olive groves and vineyards invite culinary exploration through organized tastings.