Pakostane, Croatia: An Expert Travel Guide!
Enchanting Pakostane in Croatia is a beautiful resort town in Dalmatia. Every year, visitors from all over the world are drawn to this pretty coastal town, as Pakostane attracts visitors with many highlights. There is an absolutely charming old town with winding streets, many amazing beaches and a vacation feeling at its best. In the mornings, people meet for coffee at the romantic harbor, and in the evenings, the small, quaint restaurants in the center fill up to spoil their guests with Croatian specialties. But it is not only Pakostane that you will fall in love with, the surrounding area is also unique with its many places to see and possibilities for excursions. There is a picturesque archipelago off the coast and numerous natural treasures in the interior. In the end, the excellent range of accommodation in Pakostane will make your holiday a fully enjoyable experience.
In this travel guide, you will find all the important information and tips about Pakostane in Croatia. We will show you wonderful pictures, the best things to see and do in Pakostane, and the most beautiful places to stay.
Good to know!
If you are still looking for a special place to stay in Pakostane, we can recommend the stunning Boutique Hotel Bora & Villas Garamm with pool.
Pakostane is a true paradise for those looking to relax and sunbathe. Here you will find a summary of the most beautiful beaches in Pakostane at a glance.
Pakostane is also known for Lake Vrana, a beautiful nature reserve where you can find biking and hiking trails as well as the spectacular viewpoint Vidikovac Kamenjak.
In Pakostane there are also some great small campsites with a good selection of mobile homes for rent. We can recommend Rasin Mobile Homes right by the sea.
General Information about Pakostane
The small town of Pakostane, also spelled Pakoštane, with a population of about 4,100, is a popular seaside resort in the northern part of Dalmatia. It is located only 8 kilometers north of Biograd Na Moru, and the famous coastal city of Zadar is only 34 kilometers away. Just behind the town stretches Lake Vrana, the largest natural freshwater lake in Croatia, which offers a fairytale natural landscape with many opportunities for activities. However, the most important attraction of Pakostane is the wonderful historical old town with its romantic harbor, Dalmatian stone houses and narrow streets. In front of the town are 3 small islands, Sveta Juština, Školj and Babuljaš, which give the place an additional fairy-tale atmosphere.
A real highlight and one of the reasons why Pakostane is so popular as a tourist destination in Croatia are the numerous beautiful beaches. They stretch along the 9 km long coastline and are ideal for an unforgettable beach vacation. Among the most special bays is the famous Pine Beach, a dreamy white sandy beach surrounded by dense pine forests. But also the surrounding area is worth a visit, with great excursion destinations and sights such as Vrana castle, Vrgada island, Vransko jezero Nature Park and Kornati National Park.
The Best Things to Do in Pakostane
A vacation in Pakostane is worthwhile because you can look forward to a number of attractions worth seeing. Some of them are located in the old town, which you can explore on foot. But there are also many highlights to discover nearby. So that you don’t lose the overview, we have summarized the best things to do in Pakostane at a glance:
Center & Old Town
The Old Town of Pakostane is certainly one of the most charming places in the resort. Together with the picturesque port and the romantic promenade, it forms the fascinating tourist center and is a popular meeting place for locals and tourists. Walking through the narrow streets, you will be amazed by traditional Dalmatian stone houses, historic churches and hidden squares. Absolutely worth seeing is the over 100-year-old church of Užašće Gospodinovo with its magnificent altarpiece and imposing bell tower, which can be seen from afar. Another gem is the small church of St. Justina from 1794, located on a small island opposite the historical center.
In the picturesque old town and along the beautiful promenade, there are numerous excellent restaurants, cafés and bars where you can enjoy the hustle and bustle with a view of the sea. Only a few steps away are also the first lovely beaches, which are ideal if you want to combine a vacation at the beach with the wonderful flair of the old town.
Tip: If you would like to stay right in the center, you can also find great apartments there, like the Luxury Apartment RougeMarin right next to the church!
Drage Pakostane
The beautiful village of Drage is located on the wonderful Pakostane Riviera, about 4 kilometers from the old town, and is a real insider tip for a quiet vacation in this region. With only about 950 inhabitants, the former fishing village is absolutely idyllic and inspires with a quiet atmosphere as well as numerous fantastic beaches. The harbor in Drage is also beautiful, with numerous sailboats and yachts bobbing in the sea and good restaurants offering culinary delights. Also worth a visit is the Vidikovac Čelinka viewing platform. It is only a 25-minute walk from Drage and offers a magnificent panorama of the Pakostane coast from the top!
Tip: There are also some great accommodations for a vacation in the village of Drage. A very special tip is the brand-new apartments Apartmani Kiara with pool.
Beaches in Pakostane
Not only the attractions, but also the beaches in Pakostane and its surroundings are impressive! Along the roughly 9-kilometer-long Riviera, there are many great swimming options that are perfect for a beach vacation in Croatia. Most of them are fine pebble coves surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation and with gorgeous turquoise sea colors. But you can also find fantastic sandy beaches such as Pine Beach Pakostane, which is especially popular with families with children. Many of the most beautiful bays are even centrally located right next to the town center, including the main beaches of Plaza Pakostane and Plaza Janice. Furthermore, from Pakostane you can visit the island of Vrgada, which has one of the most beautiful sandy beaches in Croatia.
Tip: Very popular with families is the holiday village Pine Beach Pakostane – All Inclusive. The cool Polynesian thatched huts create a very special vacation feeling.
Nature Park Vransko jezero (Lake Vrana)
The Nature Park Vransko jezero, often referred to simply as Lake Vrana, is the largest freshwater lake in Croatia with a size of 30.2 square kilometers, and it is also one of the most famous attractions in Pakostane. Located in the immediate vicinity of the old town, this jewel is a true paradise for nature lovers and active vacationers. The nature park is home to a wide variety of species and is also considered one of the best places for bird watching. The beautifully designed footbridges and walkways along the lake shore are worth a visit, from where you can enjoy the magnificent surroundings. In addition, there are many beautiful cycling and hiking routes around Lake Vrana, where you can admire the unique karst and lakeshore vegetation. If you wish, you will also have the opportunity to rent a kayak.
Tip: A great recommendation for a camping vacation in nature is Camping Vransko jezero – Crkvine, located directly on the lake and surrounded by beautiful Mediterranean vegetation.
Vrgada Island
The Vrgada Island is a real jewel in the surroundings of Pakostane and a popular destination for boat trips and excursions. This small, car-free island pearl still belongs to the municipality of Pakostane and can be reached by ferry several times a day from the port. Its history dates back to the 10th century, and on the Gradina hill above the cemetery you can still discover the remains of the walls of the early medieval castrum. However, the most important sight of this charming mini-island is the beautiful sandy beach of Vrgada, a magnificent natural beach with imposing golden-yellow cliffs and unique turquoise blue sea colors.
Maškovića Han & Vranje Gradina Ruin
The Maškovića Han fortress and the Vranje Gradina ruins are located only a few kilometers in the Pakostane hinterland. They belong to the most important historical attractions of this region and are definitely worth a visit. The medieval fortress of Vranje Gradina Ruin dates back to the 11th-14th centuries, and a knights’ festival is still held there once a year, on the last weekend in August. Nearby is another interesting place, the beautifully renovated Maskovica Han fortress, which once served as the residence and domicile of the Turkish army commander. Today, this magnificent Ottoman structure houses a hotel, restaurant and small museum.
Tip: The beautiful Heritage Hotel Maskovica Han is located right inside the fortress and delights its guests with a storybook ambience.
Vidikovac Kamenjak
Vidikovac Kamenjak is one of the best kept secrets surrounding Pakostane and one of the most spectacular viewpoints in Croatia. It is part of the Vransko Jezero Nature Park and can be reached on foot, by bike or even by car. Once at the top, a beautiful nature trail leads across the imposing stone plateau, and you will be amazed by the magnificent view of the green Vrana Lake with the Pakostane coast in the background. On a clear day, you can even see the Kornati Islands and the island of Pasman. There is also a small church on the hill and a small restaurant serving Dalmatian specialties and cool drinks.
Dalmaland
The Dalmaland, formerly known as Fun Park Biograd, is one of the most popular attractions near Pakostane and a real must on any trip, especially for families, but also for adrenaline junkies. In this well-designed amusement park you can expect really exciting rides, suitable for young and old. A ride on the Big Blue roller coaster, the fast-paced Tornado or the Adriatic Eye Ferris wheel are among the best attractions in the park. Dalmaland also has a new AQUA park with many exciting slides. All in all, Dalmaland offers a great alternative to the beach and sea and is worth visiting even when the weather is not so nice.
Tip: You can also book tickets for Dalmaland online at GetYourGuide. They also offer combination tickets that include admission to both the amusement park and the aqua park.
Best Day Trips from Pakostane
There is a real variety of wonderful attractions in the surroundings of Pakostane. We have compiled the absolute best excursions and activities for you at a glance:
Popular destinations for day trips are the cities of Zadar in the north and Sibenik in the south. Both have many historical sights and a beautiful old town.
From Pakostane you can visit the coastal town of Biograd na Moru, which is only 8 kilometers away. Also the island of Murter is easily accessible by car.
About 53 kilometers away are the famous Krka waterfalls near Skradin, where you can hike through a unique ecosystem and experience a unique landscape.
A beautiful and highly recommended excursion is a boat trip to the Kornati Islands off the coast and to the Telascica Nature Park.
Where to Stay in Pakostane
In Pakostane you will find a wide range of fabulous accommodation options. From cheap vacation rentals and superb campsites to B&Bs and hotels with pools, you’ll find it all. If you are looking for recommended places to stay in Pakostane, we can give you these tips along the way… It’s worth a look!
- Chic Boutique Hotel: The Boutique Hotel Bora & Villas Garamm is one of the best hotels in Pakostane. Guests love the pool and the delicious breakfast.
- Holiday Village with straw huts: The Pine Beach Pakostane Vacation Village is a great choice for families! Polynesian straw huts provide a special vacation experience.
- Mobile Homes by the Sea: The Rasin Mobile Homes are perfectly located right by the sea and the center with restaurants is just a stone’s throw away.
- Apartments by the Sea: The fabulous Luxury Apartment Sea is located directly on the beach and comes equipped with all the best features!
Find the best accommodation in Pakostane:
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