Excursion tips
Old town of Zadar
Travel time: 30 minutesA visit to the old town of Zadar is a must on any holiday to Croatia. Nestled within historic city walls, you will find plenty of sights, restaurants, weekly markets, historic churches, buildings, and more. Be sure to visit the so-called sea organ, which invites you to linger and enjoy the view of the open sea and the island of Ugljan opposite.
You can find the sea organ here:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/tTNYV2b78HuefWw36
Parking (only a 5-minute walk from the entrance gates to the old town):
https://maps.app.goo.gl/NpsjFpN6LB6FjK2x5
Novigrad viewpoint
Travel time: 15 minutes
The platform offers an outstanding view of the town of Novigrad, its small marina, Novigrad Fortress and the sea estuary. A visit to the viewpoint can be perfectly combined with a hike to the fortress and a visit to a restaurant in Novigrad.
Click here for the viewpoint:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/CTcFzc8FmtfMyicF7
Zrmanja River: Winnetou filming location
Travel time: 10 minutes
The Zrmanja River gorge is one of our absolute favourite places. Just 10 minutes from Villa Simon, you will reach the car park, from where it is a 5-10 minute walk to the magnificent viewpoints over the gorge and the river.
If you want to visit Zrmanja from the water, you can charter a boat in the harbour of Maslenica or book a guided tour. It's no coincidence that Zrmanja was one of the locations for the Winnetou films – you'll be amazed!
Link to the car park:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/bzMhwpZChLBrbNzn7
Link to the port of Maslenica:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/UuiPwLExSxteGYvaA
Otok Zecevo: Rabbit Island
Travel time: 40 minutes
Although we have never seen rabbits on this uninhabited island, it is undoubtedly one of our favourite places. You can park your car at the end of the headland near Vrsi. From the mainland, you walk about 10 metres through water that is no more than 30 cm deep (depending on the tide) to Otok Zecevo. From there, a path/trail leads to a completely isolated church. Walking time approx. 1 hour.
The island is completely uninhabited and, apart from the (locked) church, undeveloped. The boat mooring in front of it is ideal for a picnic or collecting shells in the sea. A true place of power with wonderful views of the surrounding islands! You can also go swimming in the very quiet and secluded bays on the way to the car park.
Link to the car park:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/bfZ8P1jGd97N5PZT8
Vinjerac
Travel time: 10 minutes
Just a few minutes' drive from Villa Simon lies the picturesque coastal village of Vinjerac. The promenade in Vinjerac is ideal for strolling, eating ice cream or simply relaxing. We regularly combine a visit to Vinjerac with a trip to our favourite restaurant, Konoba Pece.
Link to Vinjerac:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/3jJrkcv8KhppUYKc8
Trogir (old town)
Travel time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
One of our highlights in Dalmatia is the town of Trogir. During a 1-2 hour walk through the old town, you will pass the Cathedral of St. Lawrence, the Cipiko Palace, the Tower of St. Mark, the Kamerlengo Fortress and many other historical buildings. There are also a variety of good restaurants and bars in the old town. Our favourite is the Kamerlengo restaurant (see restaurant tips).
Link to a conveniently located car park:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/PaqK3uvxb6HTECUbA
