Island
of DUGI OTOK
Geographical
position and characteristics
Dugi
Otok is located in the middle of Adriatic Sea, on the
outter side of the Zadar archipelago. On the northwest
side the Maknare canal separates it from the Molat island
group, on southeast the canal of Vela Proversa separates
it from the islands of Kornati National Park, and between
Dugi Otok and Island of Iz is the Canal of Iz. The closest
city is Zadar.
Dugi
Otok is the largest in the group of North Dalmatian
islands and one of the biggest in Adriatic Sea. It is
52km long. The width varies from 4.5km at Sali to only
1.25km in the middle of it. The highest peak is Vela
straza (338m) which is surrounded by fertile land. Southwest
shore of Dugi Otok is very steap breathtaking cliffs.
The rest of the island's shore is very mild and full
of big and small bays. Part of the island is covered
with many olive groves, vineyards and gardens. The other
part is covered by trees and other mediterranean flora.
Climate
is typical Mediterranean with long warm summers and
mild winters with an average temperature in January
of 6.4C and 24.1C in August. The number of sunny hours
is around 2700 annually, and the average number of rainy
days is only 90.
A
little history lesson
Byzantine
Czar Constantin Porfirogenet first mentioned Dugi Otok
in the middle of the X century under the name of Pizuh.
In the XI century the island is known as Insula Tilagus
and in XIII as Veliki Otok (Large Island). The current
name of Dugi Otok dates back to 1460. The
oldest archaeological remains are from the early stone
age and remains of Illirian habitats. The Croats arrived
very early and a lot of old Christian churches date
from this period
As
a proof of island's rich history there are plenty of
old 'sterne' and other remains, dating since 'paleolit',
Roman era, mid-evil architecture and very valuable examples
of 'sakralne' art which can be seen all around the island...
Dugi
Otok Today...
Today's
Dugi Otok population includes approximately 1800 people
who live in 11 small towns. These are located on the
north-east side which faces Zadar. All towns are connected
with asphalt road. If you happen to take this road you
will see breathtaking views of Adriatic. In addition
to the traditional ways of Making living, like fishing
and agriculture, nowadays more and more people rely
on tourism. All towns on Dugi Otok have small grocery
stores and most places have post offices. There are
doctor's offices in Sali, Zman and Bozava. Dugi Otok
is very well connected with the mainland by ferries
and speed boats.
We
should especially mention natural ''wonders'' of Dugi
Otok, from extremely steep to mild shore and a whole
number of smaller islands which surround Dugi Otok.
This Island is an absolute paradise for anyone who finds
him or herself there. Untouched nature, olive groves,
many deserted and stunning bays, the most famous one
being Telascica - natural park, many islands which belong
to Kornati archipelago, and crystal clear sea, all guarantee
that your stay on Dugi Otok will be unforgettable! The
people of Zman, known for their hospitality, will offer
you freshly caught fish, which was just grilled and
sprinkled with homemade olive oil and red wine. Your
impression of the island will be complete with the beautiful
scenery of islands and we hope you take the opportunities
to discover island traditions and customs or establish
your own!.
®MAN
Zman
is a small town situated in and above small bay called
Zmancica. First mention of Zman is recorded in the XIII
century under the name Mezano. There are remains that
date from stone age and Roman era (rock ax, cemetery,
etc.). The Church of St. Ivan dates from the same period.
Zman is a place of hardworking and resourceful farmers.
There
are very fertile fields, called Velo and Malo Jezero
which have their own water resource. In addition to
agriculture, people have vineyards and gardens. The
town has a general doctor's office and a post office,
two grocery stores and several restaurants. Right in
front of the bay
are two smaller islands, Krknata and Vaka. These are
very peaceful, not yet discovered by the tourists. Krknata
and Vaka are ideal for those people who want to spend
their vacation in nature, surrounded by sea and its
rhythm.
