#dugiotok

[eyhier]

Dugi Otok Island Croatia

Escape to paradise on Dugi Otok Island in Croatia, where every corner is a picture-perfect moment waiting to happen.

#IslandLife #ExploreCroatia #DugiOtok #DugiOtokCroatia

[hiemallily]

Dugi Otok Island Croatia

Discover the hidden gem of Dugi Otok Island, Croatia - where breathtaking landscapes meet pure fun.

#DugiOtok #IslandLife #IslandVibes #ExploreCroatia

[corbeaucreations]

Dugi Otok Island Croatia Calling all adventure seekers. Get ready to explore the enchanting Dugi Otok Island in Croatia, where endless fun and unforgettable memories await.

#DugiOtokCroatia #DugiOtok #IslandVibes #IslandParadise #ExploreDugiOtok

[hobbyfamilie]

Der Naturpark #telašćica in #Kroatien ist auf jeden Fall einen Ausflug wert. Der Naturpark befindet sich auf der Insel #dugiotok, angrenzend an den #kornatinationalpark. Also nur mit dem Boot oder Schiff zu erreichen. Wir haben eine #bootstour dort hin gemacht. Es war großartig, bis auf eine Sache... Das alles und mehr gibt's in unserem neuen #youtubevideo 👉 Link wie immer in Bio 👈 #Hobbyfamilie #kornati #kornatiislands #croatia #kroatienurlaub #telascica #adria #familienzeit #Natur #Naturpark #Nationalpark #familyvlog #familytime #ausflug #urlaubmitkindern #abenteuerurlaub #erlebnis (hier: Telascica Nature Park) https://www.instagram.com/p/CkIY2oyI-Wi/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#telašćica #kroatien #dugiotok #kornatinationalpark #bootstour #youtubevideo #hobbyfamilie #kornati #kornatiislands #croatia #kroatienurlaub #telascica #adria #familienzeit #natur #naturpark #nationalpark #familyvlog #familytime #ausflug #urlaubmitkindern #abenteuerurlaub #erlebnis

[nevidljiva-gljiva]

#sea #adriaticsea #dugiotok #croatia #seaside #vacation #friends #goodtimes #fun #dream

[enjoyincroatia]

Golubinka cave on Dugi otok 🥰 Golubinka is the playground of the sea and land, a place where you can step into Had's lobby and go down to the underwater beach under the lights that break through the cracks in salt and limestone layers. Blue and copper, gold and silver, fireworks on the rocks that are concealed by the narrow and mysterious entrance to the cave - this is the most beautiful secret of Dugi otok. #golubinkacave #dugiotok #croatia #visitcroatia #explorecroatia #enjoyincroatia (at Golubinka Cave) https://www.instagram.com/p/CMb8XLsLTEf/?igshid=tk56z3kqmuxk

#golubinkacave #dugiotok #croatia #visitcroatia #explorecroatia #enjoyincroatia

[grgop]

Welcome to Dugi otok

It's been my wish for quiet some time to visit Dugi otok (Long Island), the long and the most distant of the Croatian islands located in the center of Croatian part of the Adriatic sea. Actually, I visited one part of it – the Nature Park Telašćica, when I was a kid more than 15 years ago…but never other places and with the new purpose. However, my wish had been granted surpassing all the expectation I had about this trip. 

The main reason why I wanted to travel there was to find and record the locals who speak the local idioms. For those of you who've been following me for the last couple of years and especially my YouTube channel you know that this was a super exciting trip for me. These native speakers represent a national and cultural treasure in terms of lingusitic heritage and a history of the litoral and maritime people living here for centuries, with some of them being isolated or with little touch to the land (terraferma). Thus the excitement to hear the living past and a nice blend of the Croatian Slavic culture and the Mediterranean Latin influence.

Apart from finding the native speakers I was excited to find out more about being and living as an islander. So I had to chance to record, hear and take photos of stories and experiences of the local people from several villages including both youth and seniors.

How it all started

I was super lucky to be given the opportunity to stay for four days on the island and meet many people whose help I never expected. I got the accommodation for free at the local monastery of St Michael in Zaglav which was thrilling enough and especially valuable since they allowed me to stay during the festive days around Easter. As soon as I got the confirmation that it's not a hallutination but a reality I looked for help among friends and acquaintaes who could aide me in getting to know the island and the locals. Without them this trip would have looked totally different as I knew practically nobody there. In the end I made lots of friends and had plenty of fun while doing my mission. I spent literally days and hourse right before the trip to get the additional camera equipment, gather as much as valuable information about the locals as possible, creating my own map of the potential people for the intervju and preparing the daily routes.

But before we dive into the adventures here's a some info about the island.

About Dugi otok

What do you need to know about this paradise? Dugi otok is the largest of the North-Dalmatian islands situated in the central part of the Croatian Adriatic. Iti s also the last island before the open sea and Italy on the other side of the Adriatic bay. Just like the majoritiy of our islands it has many hills and small bays with its highest peak of Vela Straža at 338m. The island is around 45 km long (hence the name) but at some points its width ranges between 1 and 4 km. This contrast was especially visible when I was driving a car from the south and at one point I stopped and looked to my right – there you see the islands towards Zadar and Velebit mountain. Then you turn to the left and see the nothing except for the blue sky, horizon and the deep blue Adriatic sea. However, during the crystal day and with a good eye sight one can see the eastern Italian coast, more precisely – the Apenine mountains. After all, Italy is less than 200 km away across the sea.

Its western coastline bordering the open sea characterize the sharp contrasts: the southern part around the Nature Park Telašćica is surrounded with impressive cliffs that go up to 80m in height. Telašćica is one of the most beautiful place sin Zadar county and frequently visited by numerous tourists each year.

On contrary, on the other side of the island you can find more peaceful bays. The two most notable beaches are Sakarun and Veli Žal where Sakarun is the most famous one. However, last years due to growing number of visitors and greediness it no longer looks and is as it was 10 years ago. I also never went there but visited Veli Žal instead. All in all, the nature on this island is incredible and as the locals say – you hardly notice any seasonal change. It always looks as if the time had stopped between spring and early autumn. Always green and no leafs falling. In terms of nature this island will be a perfect place to escape the reality and the stress of the modern lifestyle spent in larger urban areas. Clean sea, peaceful nature and the welcoming locals.

People, customs and history

Speaking of locals the island has a population of roughly 1500 inhabitants spread in around 12 local villages. The largest of them is Sali in the southeastern part of Dugi otok with the population of around 800. On contrary, places such as Dragove or Veli Rat in the north have between 40-70 inhabitants statistically. However, accoridng to the stories, there's far less people who actually live for the whole year. The sad truth and reality is that these places will become ghost towns within 10-20 years as the majority of these locals are seniors over 80 years old. The thing is – apart from them most of the visitors are so called „weekenders“ – the islanders who live on the land (e.g. in Zadar) who come there over the weekend…or the other part that's present during the summer are the diaspora. These are the people whose parents, grandparents or further ancestors emmigrated to the United States, Southern America or Australia and New Zealand at the beginning of the 20th century or around the years of the WW2 in search for better opportunities and life across the sea. There are even some remains left of the WW2 bunkers and ship tunnels that I am going to describe you later (I couldn't resists visiting some of them). And even today one can find near the central part of the island a restricted zone which belongs to the military whose base is on top of the hill. It's said it used to watch over the potential threat that comes from the south or across the Adriatic sea.

The population of the island was thus much larger, actually surprisingly larger. However, the Great War in 1918 and the Second World War had taken the toll with great consequences. Many of the islanders died or were killed during those time, especially the young people, men, who were meant to start new families. Those who survived either stayed or moved to new places. Some places used to have a lot of children attending the schools. Now some say it's „a success“ when they managed to gather up to 10 children of the elementary school in total. And they come from different villages.

Being on the island many of the locals have traditionally been turned towards the sea and what it offers. It's not unusal to find people who have spent their lives sailing around the world. Some have been fishermen. Some are into agricultulre and what it offers. Unlike us who live on the mainland here you can't have super large fields but smaller ones where you take care of goods and cultures such as figs, oranges, lemomns, tomatoes, potatoes, salad and olives. In Sali there is a fish factory which provides employment for good amount of the locals. There is another important factor in the lives of the islanders and that is the Church and religion. It's not unusual to find many of them to be (kinda) devoted Catholics who go to the church every Sunday. After all, as some explained me, it's also a social thing or event, when you think about it. And living there for centuries, relatively isolated and surrounded by nature and vast sea surface, one shouldn't be surprised to see faith and religion rooted deeply in the locals. And being an islander does not mean living an easy life, as you are going to find out. Speaking of religion there is this Franciscan monastery of St Michael in Zaglav with a church that was built in mid-15th century. That's the place I stayed at.

The places on the island are connected with one main road from which you have amazing views over the surrounding islands and area. The island has also got quiet good connection with the mainland via trajects and speedboats (catamaran). There are four catamaran lines that go daily from Zadar to Dugi otok. If you are planning a trip on Dugi otok by car you will arrive by traject to Brbinj in the northern part of the island. The same goes if you want to leave the island by car. Speaking of cars the only gas station on the whole island is located in Zaglav in the south. That's also the place I arrived to and stayed at for four days.

What else to add? During the summer season many are some festivals related to religious events, local music and traditional kitchen. Those who prefer to spend their time actively they can go exploring the area, follow many hiking roads, visit the caves, Park Telašćica or National Park Kornati. If you are more into sports then I suggest finding some diving locations or courses, try running, trekking, biking, trail, sailing etc. At the northernmost point of the island at Veli Rat there is another landmark of Dugi otok - the lighthouse of Veli Rat.

I forgot to mention some of the older history of the island. Here are a few interesting things to know. The island was already inhabited with settlers in the early ages in paleolithic and mesolythic. Several years ago scients discovered the human skelleton that date back to 11 000 years BC. This discovered male Dalmatian known as „Šime“ died unnatural death at the peak of his retirement age of 40. 

One can find the remains of the settlements and stuff of the ancient Illryians. There are also several caves on the island and around Telašćica park one can find tomb hills dating back to Iron age 800-400 BC. The last thing I'd add here is the Grpašćak Fortress on the western coast above the cliffs of Telašćica. It was built in 1911 by the Austro Hungarian Monarchy which served as a military patrol base. I came close by my first evening on the island but more about it in the next post..

Time for a break

Alright! I hope you have some idea about Dugi otok. More in details on specific topis as we surf through the days. Grgo

#dugi otok #dugiotok #croatia #dalmatia #travelling #long island croatia #adriatic sea #local people croatia #locals on islands #potepuh #zaglav #sali #božava #veli rat #lighthouse #nature #landscape #dragove #savar #telašćica #telascica #cliffs #adriaticsea

[lananowart]

Making of

#dugiotok #paintings #etsy #etsyshop #canvas #beach #summer #lady #bikini #hot #sand #boats #lananow #croatia #art #artist #acrylic

[and-det78]

Miss u #sali #dugiotok https://www.instagram.com/p/Bs76OfWh1i-8moeuuYkxPAsvwga8sMaYbaKCVo0/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=dcwv0pf4cfa

#sali #dugiotok

[krihorvat3]

#gif #summer2018 #dugiotok

[photos-made-around]

A color of the sea like the one you find in the Maldives ☀️🌊 🌍📍Sakarun Beach, Dugi Otok, Croatia #sakarun #sakarunbeach #sakarundugiotok #dugiotok #dugiotokisland #sea #sealife #seapeople #croatia #croatiafulloflife #travelincroatia #travel #travelphotography #seaphotography #photography #sunnyday #mustdotravels #summer #summervibes #summerincroatia #picoftheday #instasummer #instasea #instabeach #relax #photo #photooftheday #vacation #holiday #ljetoincroatia (presso Adventure Island - Sakarun, Dugi otok) https://www.instagram.com/p/CU-ignnoUsH/?utm_medium=tumblr

#sakarun #sakarunbeach #sakarundugiotok #dugiotok #dugiotokisland #sea #sealife #seapeople #croatia #croatiafulloflife #travelincroatia #travel #travelphotography #seaphotography #photography #sunnyday #mustdotravels #summer #summervibes #summerincroatia #picoftheday #instasummer #instasea #instabeach #relax #photo #photooftheday #vacation #holiday #ljetoincroatia

[itsmowgliii]

"Why is there no one here? Something must be wrong." "We are here." . . . . . #dugiotok #aerialphotography #artofvisuals #beautifuldestinations #dronephotography #agameoftones #uav #island #islandhopping #islandvibes #peoplescreatives #dronesdaily #drone #droneporn #folkgood #croatia_photography #roamtheplanet #privateisland #visualoflife #drones #croatia #dronestagram #fromwhereidrone #dronesaregood #djimavic #dronestagram #drones #croatiafulloflife (at Otočić Mežanj) https://www.instagram.com/p/CSyP6G0IHYa/?utm_medium=tumblr

#dugiotok #aerialphotography #artofvisuals #beautifuldestinations #dronephotography #agameoftones #uav #island #islandhopping #islandvibes #peoplescreatives #dronesdaily #drone #droneporn #folkgood #croatia_photography #roamtheplanet #privateisland #visualoflife #drones #croatia #dronestagram #fromwhereidrone #dronesaregood #djimavic #croatiafulloflife

[krajsekjernej-blog]

🏝️👌 . . #yamaha #superjet #jetski #sea #croatia #dugiotok #fun @yamaharacingcomofficial @yamahamotoreu @dugiotok_cro @superjet_nation @jetskifreestyle @brpseadoo (at Luka, Zagrebačka, Croatia)

#yamaha #fun #superjet #sea #jetski #dugiotok #croatia

[oceansailingse]

VMG flottavitorlázás 2018 tavasz #jószél #perfectwind #vmgyachting #flottavitorlázás #vmg #vitorlástúra #adriavitorlástúra #dugiotok #sali #sailing (helyszín: Vrgada, Šibensko-Kninska, Croatia)

#jószél #dugiotok #flottavitorlázás #vmgyachting #sali #vitorlástúra #adriavitorlástúra #vmg #perfectwind #sailing

[rixarg]

#tbt 📍 Veli Rat, Dugi Otok Hrvatska 🇭🇷 . . . . #veliratlighthouse #velirat #dugiotok #dugiotokisland #croatia #croatiafulloflife #croacia #Hrvatska #zadar #croatia_photography #zadarcroatia #landscape #travel #travelphotography #traveling #beach #beachlife #beachvibes #beachday #playa #bluesky #takemebackthursday #hrvatska🇭🇷 #croacia🇭🇷 #croácia (at Veli Rat Dugi Otok) https://www.instagram.com/p/CEZc__-Aywo/?igshid=1emvwni7twmcf

#tbt #veliratlighthouse #velirat #dugiotok #dugiotokisland #croatia #croatiafulloflife #croacia #hrvatska #zadar #croatia_photography #zadarcroatia #landscape #travel #travelphotography #traveling #beach #beachlife #beachvibes #beachday #playa #bluesky #takemebackthursday #hrvatska🇭🇷 #croacia🇭🇷 #croácia

[spotcroatia]

Long Island or Dugi Otok – Island made for relaxation and enjoym

Long Island or Dugi Otok

Long Island or “Dugi Otok” belongs to the Zadar group of North Dalmatian islands. Its area is 113.3 km, and it is 44.5 km long. It is an island made for relaxation and enjoyment.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/turnmastertim/albums/with/72157652689970428 One of the greatest treasures of this island are the beaches. Everywhere you go there is a clear sea that enchants you with its blue colour. The most famous is Sakarun Beach. The beauty of this beach satisfies all those who want the crystal sea and white sand.Telasica Nature Park extends to the southeast of the island. There are several natural phenomena, and the most famous is the salt lake Mir, about 10 meters deep and there you can find excellent, healing mud. On the south side of the island are magnificent cliffs. The best way to visit it is by boat. From those who like adventures, they can choose diving in the rich underwater world and cycle along the well-maintained trails throughout the island, enjoying the beautiful view of the Zadar waters. The island is rich in cultural heritage so that you can take part in many events during the summer months. The most important part of the cultural heritage is the “saljska Tovareća mužika”, which attracts visitors from all over the world. The festivities on Long Island are known as great live music, and excellent food and the most famous is “Saljske užance”. This beautiful island – on the one hand, a peaceful oasis and on the other an island of good fun, will surely enchant every visitor and make him fall in love. Story by ruralica.comPhoto by Tim Ertl Read the full article

#Croatia #DugiOtok #Zadar