Biograd na Moru Travel Guide

Explore Biograd na Moru, Croatia with our comprehensive travel guide featuring various attractions, things to do, and food and drink scenes.


Biograd na Moru is a charming coastal town situated in Northern Dalmatia, Croatia. Known for its historic landmarks, beautiful natural attractions, and rich cultural heritage, Biograd na Moru has become a popular tourist destination in recent years. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ve put together a list of must-visit attractions, outdoor adventures, hiking/biking routes, accommodation options, local culture, and customs, along with travel logistics.

Introduction to Biograd na Moru

Located on the Adriatic coast and surrounded by the Kornati archipelago, Biograd na Moru offers a perfect blend of historic landmarks, scenic beauty, and modern-day amenities. The town features rich cultural heritage with ancient churches, museums, and galleries.

List of Places to Visit in Biograd na Moru

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Church of St. Anastasia: This ancient church houses impressive Baroque artwork and frescoes.
  • Museum of Biograd na Moru: The museum showcases the town’s rich history, culture, and heritage.
  • Rector’s Palace: A notable example of the town’s 16th-century architecture, now used as a museum.
  • Fun Park Biograd: This amusement park is perfect for a fun-filled day trip for families with kids.

Natural Attractions of Biograd na Moru: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Kornati National Park: The stunning archipelago is best explored through a day trip organized in Biograd na Moru.
  • Biogradsko Lake: This natural phenomenon is surrounded by lush greenery and offers excellent picnic spots.
  • Vransko Lake Nature Park: An excellent destination for bird watchers and hikers, offering stunning views of the countryside.
  • Beaches: Biograd na Moru is home to some of the best beaches on the Adriatic coast, including Crvena Luka, Bosana, Drazica, and Soline.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Biograd na Moru

  • Biograd na Moru-Hir-Gradina Cycle Route: This 34 km route includes coastal paths, forest trails and waterfalls.
  • Gospodska Street to Ilirska Street Walking Route: This 2 km pedestrian walk takes you through the charming old town.
  • Biograd na Moru-Pakostane Walking Route: This walk takes you through the stunning Vrana Lake Reserve.

Best Things to Do in Biograd na Moru: Activities and Tours

  • Boat Tours to the Kornati Islands: Explore the stunning archipelago of Kornati National Park with one of the many boat tours available in the town.
  • Parasailing: Get a bird’s-eye view of the town, surrounded by crystal clear blue waters.
  • Scuba Diving: Explore the underwater world and marine life of the Adriatic sea.
  • Kayaking: Witness the scenic beauty of the coastline on a kayaking tour.

Week-Long Itinerary for Biograd na Moru

Day Activity
Day 1 Explore the old town of Biograd na Moru, visit the Church of St. Anastasia and Rector’s Palace
Day 2 Spend the day soaking up on the sun at Soline Beach and have lunch at one of the beachside cafes
Day 3 Take a day trip to Kornati National Park and stop by at Telascica Nature Park
Day 4 Go parasailing and hire a boat for a sunset tour
Day 5 Visit Biogradsko Lake for a picnic and hiking expedition
Day 6 Explore the Vransko Lake Nature Park on a bike tour
Day 7 Take a day trip to Plitvice Lakes National Park

Food and Drink Scene of Biograd na Moru

Must-Try Dishes

  • Pasticada: A Dalmatian specialty, this slow-cooked beef dish is seasoned with spices and served with gnocchi and red wine.
  • Skampi Buzara: A seafood stew made with shrimps, wine, and garlic, served with polenta.
  • Grilled Fish: Freshly caught fish grilled with olive oil and herbs, served with a side of vegetables.
  • Pašticada: A hearty beef stew cooked with red wine, vegetables, and herbs.

Local Beverages

  • Rakija: A popular regional brandy made from fruit, commonly served as an aperitif.
  • Wine: The town is reputed for its wineries and vineyards, producing a variety of crisp whites and bold reds.
  • Ožujsko Beer: A refreshing, easy-to-drink pilsner, perfect for pairing with local seafood.

Where to Stay in Biograd na Moru: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Biograd na Moru has a range of accommodation options to suit every budget. From beachfront hotels to quaint guesthouses in the old town, there’s something for everyone.

  • Hotel Kornati: A 4-star beachfront hotel with all the amenities you could ask for.
  • Villa Maimare: A charming guesthouse in the old town, perfect for couples and solo travelers.
  • hotel La Villa: A boutique hotel with a rooftop terrace, offering stunning views of the sea and surrounding mountains.

What to Buy in Biograd na Moru: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Olive Oil: The region produces some of the best olive oil in the world, with a variety of flavors and fragrances.
  • Pag Lace: A traditional Croatian handicraft, made from local wool and featuring intricate designs.
  • Croatian Wines: Take home a bottle of wine from one of the many wineries around Biograd na Moru.
  • Sea Salt: The region is known for its high-quality sea salt, harvested from the Adriatic Sea.

Local Culture and Customs of Biograd na Moru

The town prides itself on its rich cultural heritage, preserved through events and traditions such as the Biograd Night Festival, Dalmatian Folklore Festival, and the Biograd Boat Show. The people of Biograd na Moru are friendly and hospitable, and it is customary to greet people with a handshake or a nod in passing.

Best Time to Visit Biograd na Moru

The best time to visit Biograd na Moru is during the summer months from June to September, when the weather is warm and sunny, and the town is bustling with tourists. The shoulder season of May and October is also a great time to visit when the crowds thin, and the weather is still pleasant.

Do’s and Don’ts of Biograd na Moru

Do:

  • Try the local cuisine, including freshly caught seafood, Dalmatian prosciutto, and Pag cheese.
  • Learn a few basic Croatian phrases to communicate with locals.
  • Respect the town’s cultural heritage and religious sites.

Don’t:

  • Swim outside designated areas as it can be dangerous due to changing currents.
  • Wear tight or revealing clothing outside the beaches and clubs.

Safety and Health

Safety in Biograd na Moru

Biograd na Moru is a safe town with low crime rates. Visitors should take basic precautions such as avoiding dark alleys at night and staying aware of their surroundings.

Health in Biograd na Moru

Biograd na Moru has a modern healthcare system with both private and public hospitals. Visitors should ensure that they have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Getting to Biograd na Moru: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Biograd na Moru

  • Zadar Airport: Closest airport, located around 30 km away from Biograd na Moru.
  • Split Airport: Located around 100 km away from the town.

Bus Stations Near Biograd na Moru

  • Biograd na Moru Bus Station: Located in the town center, with regular bus services to Zadar and Split.

Other Options

  • Car rental: Many car rental companies operate in the town, offering rental cars for travel throughout the coastal region.

How to Get Around in Biograd na Moru

Biograd na Moru is a small town, and most of the attractions are within walking distance of each other. Alternatively, visitors can hire bicycles or scooters to explore the surrounding countryside and nearby attractions.

Where to Go Next from Biograd na Moru: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Zadar: A historic city located 27 km north of Biograd na Moru, known for its Roman ruins and medieval architecture.
  • Šibenik: A charming coastal town located 42 km south of Biograd na Moru, featuring UNESCO-listed St. James Cathedral and the Krka National Park.
  • Plitvice Lakes National Park: A stunning park, characterized by its cascading waterfalls and turquoise lakes, located 135 km northeast of Biograd na Moru.

Conclusion

Biograd na Moru offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, historic landmarks, and modern-day amenities, making it an ideal destination for travelers of all tastes. With its wide range of outdoor activities, excellent cuisine, and hospitable locals, Biograd na Moru is undoubtedly a place worth visiting on your next trip to Croatia.