Dugi Otok Island - Veli Rat Lighthouse
The Veli Rat Lighthouse is an exceptional destination in the Zadar archipelago due to its geographical location on the northwestern tip of Dugi Otok, its beauty, its height of 42 meters, making it the tallest Adriatic lighthouse, and the stunning landscape where it is situated, including a tourist camp with a restaurant and café, and other accompanying accommodations.
It was built in 1849 by the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy and is 35 km west of Zadar. Veli Rat, Verunić, and Polje villages are 3 km away, and the ferry port in Brbinj is 20 km away. The lighthouse is surrounded by pine forests and beautiful coves with beaches featuring unique pebbles and pine trees that provide much-needed shade in the summer, along with the Mediterranean ambience of cicadas. It is considered one of the most beautiful in the Adriatic. From the 40-meter-high lighthouse tower of Veli Rat, there is a unique view of most of the Zadar archipelago and even the entire Velebit mountain range.
This is one of the few lighthouses with a permanent human presence due to its strategic importance, and there is also a chapel in the lighthouse courtyard. The sea around the lighthouse is crystal clear throughout the year, with a rocky bottom covered with Posidonia fields, and at depths exceeding 10 meters, sandy fields are standard. Even at shallow depths, you can encounter a large variety of fish, including small specimens of grouper and dentex. However, it is recommended to stay within the shore while diving due to heavy maritime traffic, with many boats passing too close, so it is recommended to venture only 40 meters away.
Important Facts about the Veli Rat Lighthouse on Dugi Otok:
1. Historical Significance: The Veli Rat Lighthouse, also known as Punta Bjanka, has a rich historical significance dating back to its construction in 1849 by the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy. It served as a crucial navigational aid for ships navigating the Adriatic Sea, helping to ensure safe passage along the coastline.
2. Architectural Features: The lighthouse is an impressive structure, standing at a height of 42 meters, making it the tallest lighthouse on the Adriatic coast. Its distinctive white tower rises majestically above the surrounding landscape, offering a striking visual landmark for sailors and visitors alike.
3. Tourist Destination: Besides its maritime importance, the Veli Rat Lighthouse has recently become a popular tourist destination. Visitors are drawn to its picturesque setting, surrounded by pine forests and overlooking crystal-clear waters. The lighthouse complex includes accommodations for guests, including a tourist camp with facilities such as a restaurant and café, providing a unique opportunity to experience coastal living in a historic setting.
4. Natural Beauty: The location of the Veli Rat Lighthouse on the northwestern tip of Dugi Otok offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can explore the rugged coastline, with its hidden coves and sandy beaches, or venture into the island’s interior to discover its natural beauty, including lush forests, olive groves, and vineyards.
5. Activities: There are plenty of activities to enjoy at the Veli Rat Lighthouse and its surroundings. Visitors can swim and sunbathe on the nearby beaches, go snorkelling or diving to explore the underwater world or take a leisurely hike along the coastal trails. For those interested in history and culture, the nearby villages of Veli Rat, Verunić, and Polje offer a glimpse into traditional island life.
Overall, the Veli Rat Lighthouse on Dugi Otok is a captivating destination that combines history, natural beauty, and modern amenities, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring the Croatian coast.
How to get to Veli Rat Lighthouse?
If you’re travelling by car, you must go to Brbinj on the island of Dugi Otok. You can take a ferry from Gazenica ferry port in Zadar. Once you arrive in Brbinj, you can drive or taxi to the Veli Rat Lighthouse.
If you travel without a car, you can take a passenger ferry from Zadar to Brbinj. From there, you can take a bus or taxi to Veli Rat Lighthouse and then proceed to the lighthouse.
We will dock near Veli Rat Lighthouse if you book our Speed Boat Tour from Zadar or Petrcane to Dugi Otok. Once we arrive, you can enjoy the picturesque surroundings of the lighthouse panorama.
Checking the ferry schedules in advance is essential, as they vary depending on the season.