The island of Vrgada is half an hour away by boat from Pakoštane. Nature has blessed Vrgada with a beautiful coastline and 13 magical islets. The gardens of its stone houses are infused with the delightful aromas of lavender, bay leaves, basil, and rosemary. In the summer, the song of cicadas is welcoming visitors to Vrgada. Life on Vrgada is peaceful and relaxed, as the absence of cars makes boats the sole mode of transportation. The crystalline sea engulfs the beaches and coves, the all-encompassing azure of the sky is disrupted only by flocks of seagulls in flight. The centre of the island houses a fertile field, surrounded by hills. One of these hills, by the name of Gradina, offers a cinematic vista of the surroundings. At its foot, one may find the Sveti Andrija Cove, with its namesake church. According to local legends, the statue of St. Andrew has stood on the altar of the church since time immemorial. The place preserves its historical stories and legends about the statue, fortress, castle and miracles.
The island of Vrgada is home to many beautiful beaches. On the southern coast, the broad, shallow shoals of Sveti Andrija Cove lead to the sandy stretch of Pržina. To the northeast, Dražice features three peaceful bays, offering the quintessential Dalmatian coastal experience. The beach at Kranje Bay on the southeastern side provides breathtaking views of the islets of the Vrgada archipelago, with its sandy seabed and surrounding pine forest creating a serene escape. Perhaps the island’s most renowned and striking beach is Podbrizi, also known as Golden Beach, celebrated for its unique red-golden sands.
The summer programme on Vrgada begins with Šetnje Vrgadom (“Vrgada Walks”) and the fun competition of Šjora karijola, where the best island handcart (karijola) – a universal means of transportation on the island – is chosen. The karijola was once used for everything from tending fields and carrying fishing gear to serving as baby carriages and shopping carts. Other events include Vrgadinske užonce, Vrgadinska dičja posla, as well as men’s and women’s bocce tournaments. All these events are held in a typical Mediterranean atmosphere, accompanied by local specialties, good wine and Dalmatian songs.
