A calm island in the Zadar archipelago with 10,000 meters of coastline, two sandy beaches, and a 16th-century Venetian tower overlooking the Adriatic Sea.
Vir is a 22-square-kilometer island in Croatia's Zadar archipelago, connected to the mainland by a 300-meter bridge. You can swim at 30 different spots along the coast, from busy Jadro Beach to the quiet waters of Duboka Draga cove. Walk up to the 17th-century Kastelina Fortress for views across the Adriatic, stay in a converted 1881 lighthouse, or visit the stone walls of St. George's Chapel. A 40-minute drive takes you to Zadar, where you can walk through ancient Roman streets and listen to the wave-powered Sea Organ.
Getting to Vir
You can reach Vir by car or bus from Zadar, which lies 26 kilometers south of the island. The bridge connecting Vir to the mainland eliminates the need for ferries. Regular buses depart from Zadar's main station to Vir throughout the day, with the journey taking approximately 40 minutes. During summer months, buses run every hour from 6 AM to 10 PM, while winter schedules reduce to every two hours.
Swimming and Beach Activities
The island has a 31-kilometer coastline with numerous swimming spots. At Jadro Beach in Vir town, you can rent jet-skis and boats, or use the beach chairs and umbrellas. The shore has pebbles, and the water gets deeper gradually over a sandy bottom, making it good for families with children. To reach Duboka Draga in the northwest, you'll need a boat - but you'll find calm water and fewer people there.
Where to Stay
Private apartments and holiday homes are scattered across Vir, many within walking distance to beaches. Villa Lanterna, built in an 1881 lighthouse, has modern furniture and appliances inside its original stone walls. The villa sleeps eight people and has its own beach access.
Day Trips to Zadar
A 40-minute drive takes you from Vir to Zadar's old town. Walk through the Roman Forum, where stone streets and temple ruins from the 1st century BCE still remain. At the waterfront, stop at the Sea Organ - 35 underwater pipes that create music when waves push air through them. The sounds change throughout the day depending on the water's movement.
Historical Structures on Vir
The Kastelina Fortress sits on Kozjak hill, built in the early 17th century to defend against Turkish forces. After centuries of decay, workers restored the main tower in the early 2000s. You can now climb it for views of the surrounding area. The parish church of St. George, built in 1845, contains stones from its 12th-century predecessor, with some original wall sections still visible.
