Municipality of Sukošan: Beaches, History and Active Days

In Sukošan, you can visit the Parish Church of St. Cassian, the remains of Gornja vrata and Marina Dalmacija. Experiences described here include sandy and pebble beaches, a fitness trail across Tustica, cultural events and local traditions. The municipality also offers marked cycling routes and a section of the Camino Zadar.

The Parish Church of St. Cassian has been mentioned since 1396 and probably already existed in the 9th or 10th century. It acquired its present appearance in 1642. The church features pre-Romanesque sculptural fragments and an imposing gable from an altar screen, probably dating to the mid-11th century or slightly earlier.

Palac and Gornja vrata also tell the story of Sukošan’s past. Palac was designed and built as an archbishop’s summer residence on an artificially raised island in Sukošan Bay. It later served as a fortress; in 1646, it provided refuge to people fleeing the Turks during the Candian War. Gornja vrata are visible remains of the defensive walls built by the Venetian authorities between 1468 and 1470.

Traditional boatbuilding is another chapter in local history: the Filipi boatyard has been in operation since 1932. Today, the fifth generation of kalafati (traditional boatbuilders) runs the business and preserves the boatbuilding tradition, which is recognised as intangible cultural heritage. Remains of a complex ancient harbour, once part of a villa rustica, also lie in Barbir Bay at a depth of 1 to 3.5 metres.

Dječji raj is a sandy beach with shallow water. If you’re interested in a pebble beach area, D-Marin Dalmacija Beach has a beach club zone with pontoons, as well as areas for relaxation and children’s play. Makarska Beach is part of a newly built promenade; nearby, there are spaces for beach volleyball, basketball, children’s play and bocce. The three beach descriptions therefore differ in terms of their surfaces and the facilities mentioned.

Marina Dalmacija in Sukošan is a good starting point for exploring the 300 islands of the Zadar Archipelago. You can combine this maritime focus with other aspects of the municipality, such as a beach stay or an interest in culture and history.

The fitness trail across Tustica includes a 6.6-kilometre circular route and a 2-kilometre route along the Tustica ridge. There are two rest areas along the trail. The two stated distances and the rest areas provide practical points of reference for planning, but do not indicate how long the routes take to walk. The municipality also has three marked cycling routes by Zadar Bike Magic. A section of the Camino Zadar passes through the Sukošan destination and forms part of the European Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route network.

The Magunja Trail features races over 25, 12 and 6 kilometres. The routes pass through the Municipality of Sukošan, across Tustica, and through fields, vineyards and olive groves. The Feast of St. Cassian is celebrated on 13 August in Sukošan and Debeljak. In Sukošan, the Mass is followed by a procession around the old town centre and fireworks over the sea.

Other cultural events include Ispod Kampanela, a klapa singing gathering in Sukošan: renowned klapa groups perform not only klapa songs but also poems in the local dialect. Traditional folk evenings in Sukošan and Gorica offer insights into local folklore and traditions from Slavonia, Prigorje and other regions of Croatia. The two-day Sukošan Jazz Festival offers residents and visitors jazz concerts by renowned artists. Maškare, meanwhile, features a carnival procession every Shrove Sunday, with masked groups of different generations, allegorical floats and refreshment stations along the route.

If you’d also like to compare other municipalities, you can explore the Municipality of Gračac, the Municipality of Polača, the Municipality of Lišane Ostrovičke, the Municipality of Zadar and the Municipality of Pirovac.

When is the Feast of St. Cassian celebrated?

It is celebrated on 13 August in Sukošan and Debeljak. In Sukošan, the Mass is followed by a procession around the old town centre and fireworks over the sea.

What routes does the fitness trail across Tustica offer?

The routes listed are a 6.6-kilometre circular route and a 2-kilometre route along the Tustica ridge. There are two rest areas along the trail.

What types of beaches can you find in the municipality?

Dječji raj is a sandy beach with shallow water. D-Marin Dalmacija is a pebble beach and beach club zone with pontoons, as well as areas for relaxation and children’s play.

For the broader travel overview: Zadar County.