Island Pašman
Island Pasman, Travel Guide with travel tips for holidays in Island Pasman, Croatia
Off the coast of Croatia sits a string of small islands known as the Zadar Archipelago. Pasman Island is one of the many islands in that chain. Pasman Island is nestled in the Adriatic Sea.
Its location is unique in that the waters change course four times a day. For this reason, the water and beaches of Pasman Island are immaculate.
Pasman Island is small, a little more than 60 square kilometers in size and around 2,000 residents make this island their home. Portions of the island are no wider than two kilometers making it very easy to travel between coastlines.
History
Historians believe Pasman Island was first settled in prehistoric times. Artifacts dating back to the Romans have been unearthed, including coins and architecture. Official evidence of the island’s existence comes from Constantine Porfirogenet’s writing in 990.
Research dates the main towns on Pasman Island to being as old as 950 (Tkon) and as recent as 1472 (Punta Pasman.) The island fell under French rule in the 1300s and then Austrian. In 1918, the island fell under Croatian control. This is how it remains today.
It seems earliest settlers earned their livings in the same manner that today’s residents do, fishing and agriculture. Medicinal herbs are a key crop. The warm climate, clean waters and fertile soil help ensure that these occupations are profitable.
Culture
Art
Most artistic offerings are found in the island’s many historic churches. The Franciscan Monastery of St. Duje in Kraj features a large mural of Madonna and her child and St. John the Baptist. A 14th century artist painted a large mural of the crucifixion in the Benedictine Monastery of St. Kuzma.
Museums
Tourists will not find many museums on the island. The Franciscan Monastery of St. Duje does have a museum that features artwork by area artists.
Things to do
Nightlife
Fishermen delight in feeding their catch of the day to tourists. Fresh olive oil and vegetables are also served in the area’s many restaurants, wine cellars and pubs. These businesses are open for lunch and dinner. Some of the taverns and pubs are open until later in the evening.
Daytime
There are numerous undersea caves open to certified divers. 
Area beaches provide sunbathers with ample opportunities to enjoy the Mediterranean climate. Many beaches offer canoe and pedal boat rentals for those who want to enjoy the pristine waters.
Pasman Island is covered in paths that wind through the forests. Explore the island on foot or rent a bike for an afternoon. Be sure to stop at the Roman ruins and the area’s many ancient churches and monasteries.
How to reach us
Reaching Pasman Island is relatively easy. After flying in to Croatia, rent a car or take a bus and travel to either Biograd or Zadar. Ferry service brings Biograd’s passengers directly to Tkon, Pasman Island. Zadar’s passengers land in Preko, Ugljan, which connects to Pasman Island via a bridge. Bus service makes frequent trips between Preko and Tkon.
