While on a family vacation in the Mediterranean Village of San Antonio, feel free to enjoy some of the most beautiful, well-kept and facility populated beaches found in Central Dalmatia. These beaches are Dražica, Soline and Slanica and are located in the immediate vicinity from San Antonio. Sand, pebbles, crystal clear sea, shade provided by pine forests and an array of sports facilities and food outlets on the beach are the common attributes of these great family beaches.

Sandy and Well-Kept with Supporting Facilities

Croatian Adriatic has, without a doubt, been recognized for the beauty and purity of its beaches. However, there is more than meets the eye. For instance, the images of turquoise and crystal blue bays with reefs on the hidden islands and islets in Croatia while seductive for its beauty and purity, are often limited to the island hoping travelers only. Unless you are making a stop with a boat, you will find the inaccessible terrain and a lack of facilities, a bit less appealing for your family holiday.

We recommend the beaches of Dražica, Soline and Slanice because, in addition to providing a pleasant terrain through a mixture of sand and gravel, they also posses the appropriate infrastructure such as sports facilities and many food outlets, as well as well-kept public toilet.

Based on the past reviews of San Antonio guests, we have learned how these beaches captivate families, especially parents that are able to relax and create unforgettable memories with their spouses and children during a family holiday.

Water Slide, Aqua Park and Shallow Access for Small Kids

In addition to the common attributes of cleanliness, accessible terrain and the supporting infrastructure, each beach has its own appeal that differentiates them from another. Exceptionally shallow water running for almost 30 m on Slanica Beach is ideal for families with small children, whereas diving lovers may enjoy the scuba diving lessons offered on Dražica beach. School children, especially those in a need for an adrenaline rush may enjoy the Aqua Park located at Soline Beach or the enormous water slide on Dražica Beach.
This is an overview of what to expect on your perfect family beach near the Mediterranean village of San Antonio:

Beach	Distance from San Antonio	Terrain	Shade	Facilities	Special For
Dražice	1-2 min drive10 min walk(500-600 m)	Gravel	Pine trees	Snack and beach bars, water sports and scuba diving club	Blue Flag CertificateWater Slide
Soline	1-2 min drive10 min walk(500-600 m)	Gravel & Sand	Pine trees	Pedal boats, kayak, Aqua Park, beach volleyball court, cafes, restaurants and fast food outlets	Beautiful BayAqua Park
Slanica	40 min drive(Murter Island)	Gravel & Sand	Pine trees	Tennis, beach volleyball, beach bars, pizzerias and traditional Dalmatian restaurants	Shallow beach spreading up to 30 m from the shore; ideal for small children nonswimmers; enjoyed by Picigin players

For more information on the beaches of Dražica and Soline, as well as on other beaches in Biograd, please visit the Tourist Board of the City of Biograd na Moru page, as well as the website of the Tourist Board of Murter for more information on the Slanica Beach.

The Mediterranean Village of San Antonio is close to another natural phenomenon: the Telaščica Nature Park. With its bay, lake and steep cliffs of Dugi otok, the park presents one of the most recognizable aerial panoramic views of the Croatian Adriatic. Located in the north next to the Kornati archipelago, this oasis of beauty is surrounded by 13 islands and islets. Telašćica contains extremely valuable plant and animal species and an interesting archaeological heritage.

For a complete experience of Telašćica during your stay in San Antonio, take a boat trip departing from Biograd.  Excursions are suitable for all age groups such as families, groups of friends, young and mature couples.

Top 3 Natural Attractions

Along the lake in the middle of the island, the Telašćica Nature Park is also recognizable by its landscape contrasts, such as quiet beaches with a laid-back shore on one side and high and steep cliffs on the other side of the island. The aerial view of the forest areas of Aleppo pine and holm oak with bare rocks next to the numerous cultivated fields of vineyards and olive groves is fascinating to say the least.

1. Telašćica Bay: the safest, most beautiful and largest natural harbor in the Adriatic Sea with 25 small beaches
2. Impressive cliffs or so-called “rocks“: they are up to 161 meters high and reach a sea depth of 90 meters
3. Salt Lake “Peace” is beautiful and full of healing properties

Lake in the Middle of the Island

An attractive lake in the narrow part of the mainland between Telašćica Bay and the open sea was formed during the last ice age when the sea level rose to approximately 120 meters. The karst depression was filled with the sea, which was penetrated by numerous underground microcracks. 900 m long, 300 m wide and only 6 m deep, the lake is salty because it is connected to the sea by underground canals.

Did You Know?

• The bay of Telašćica Bay is indented and contains 25 bays, capes and 5 islets
• Due to its position, Telašćica is one of the most naturally protected ports from the wind storms, both from the mainland and the open sea.
• The sea overflows into the lake in the southeastern part of Lake Telašćica during „Jugo“, the stormy south wind
• The name Telašćica comes from the Latin name “tre lagus” which means “three lakes”
• Three lakes in the nature park (Tripuljak, Farfarikulac and Telašćica) karst sinkholes reached the sea tens of thousands of years after the last period of thawing
• Over 1,000 plant and animal species on land and in the sea can be found in the park
• The park gets more than 2,500 hours of sunshine a year
• Remains of Roman buildings and numerous pre-Romanesque churches are scattered thorughout the park
• The oldest written record of saltwater fishing in Croatia is stored within the church of Sv. Ivana in Stivanje polje, near Telašćica

Top 3 activities in the nature park

• Scuba diving in attractive areas near the cliffs
• Hikes to the Grpašćak lookout point
• Boat trip visits to the park

Boat Trips

We recommend half-day or full-day excursions to the Telašćica Nature Park by private speedboat. Such trips depart from Biograd na Moru and include a skipper. During the voyage expect to pass by the several pictoresque islands including Pašman, Žižanj and Žuta. The cruise typically includes a swim break in one of the many bay shelters of the crystal clear Adriatic, accompanied by a healthy snack such as bruschetta with tuna, cheese and olive pate.

The excursion to Telašćica is most often offered as part of a wider tour that includes a visit to the Kornati.  During a trip stop over, visitors have about hour and a half of spare time to swim in the salt lake Mir, walk on the top of the 160 m tall rocks in order to be amused by a spectacular view and create memorable photos of the Adriatic horizon. Duringg the break, a light Mediterranean lunch is typically served, such as mussels with pasta and tomato sauce.

Some excursion programs include a stop over on the island of Kornat where you may explore the secret fortifications from the 6th century as well as the history of the whole archipelago.

• Typical duration of the trip: 1 day (6 to 8 hours)
• Availability period: from mid-March to the end of October (depending on weather conditions)
• Typical group size: 4 – 11 people

During your stay in the Mediterranean Village of San Antonio, treat yourself with a day trip to the nearby Krka National Park, a unique natural phenomenon, only 45 minutes away by car. Discover the natural beauty of this unique ecosystem near Šibenik by exploring the hiking and biking trails or taking on a boat trip.

River Submerged by the Sea

Krka National Park is one of the seven national parks in Croatia.  It covers an area of ​​over 100 square meters, and is named after the river springing from foothills of Dinara Mountain chain, flowing all the way into the Adriatic.  The area around the national park abounds in brackish water, an area where river meets the ocean, often described as an estuary where a part of the river is literally submerged by the sea.  This area has seen a 100 meter rise in the sea level due to the continuous process that had began ten thousand years ago.

The national park consists of 7 travertine waterfalls surrounded by karst beauty: Bilušića buk, Brljan, Manojlovac, Rošnjak, Miljacka, Roš and Skradinski buk waterfalls. Manojlovac is the highest waterfall whose travertine barriers reach over 32 meters, while Skradinski buk is the longest containing 17 waterfalls whose cascades consist of travertine barriers, islands and lakes.

Summer is ideal for visiting the national park, especially to take a dip and refresh in the crystal clear water.

What Makes Krka Waterfalls Eye-Catching?  

Krka River is a network of karst rapids, underwater covers, rapids and barriers. Krka is surrounded by hard rocks that once formed the seabed. The entire area of ​​the Dinarides consists of carbonate rocks formed by the deposition of shells. The solubility of carbonate rocks in water has enabled fracturing, a process in which water corrodes carbonate rocks. Cracks would form and water could no longer be retained, thus forming caves and pits. The reverse process had been happening too and it involved the excretion of calcium carbonate created by stalactites and recognizable tufa in the Krka National Park.

Krka waterfalls owe their unique shape to the fast current, uniquely shaped slopes and the specific structure of the riverbed.

Did You Know?

• The hard rocks surrounding Krka River used to form the seabed.
• Krka is home to the Jaruga hydroelectric power plant, built in 1895. As such, it was the first hydroelectric power plant built in Europe and the second oldest in the world, the first one being the  hydroelectric power plant at Niagara Falls, being finished only 3 days earlier.
• Along with Plitvice Lakes, the Krka National Park is the only national park in Croatia with lakes and waterfalls.
• Skradinski buk on the River is the longest travertine barrier in Europe.
• Krka earned its national park status in 1985 and became the seventh national park in Croatia.
• Krka National Park belongs to one of the sunniest areas in Croatia with an average of 2,647 hours of sunshine a year

Educational and Bike Trails

During a day trip to the Krka National Park, discover the rich flora and fauna while exploring cultural and historical sights on some of the educational trails that include: Skradinski buk (1,900 m), Roš Waterfall (1,360 m) and the Krka Monastery (2,100 m). Most trails contain lookouts located on the top of stone fortifications, such as the ones found at Bilušić buk, Brljan waterfall and in Krnići Gornji.

Take advantage of Krka Bike, a network of cycling paths with a total length of 388 kilometers. The trails are circularly designed to avoid using the same trail on a return leg used on the outgoing leg from the starting point. The park contains a total of 12 bike trails, of which 3 are classified as Mountain Bike, 3 as the Road and 6 labelled as Track, which are best suited for the recreational, family type of ride. The trails are marked with quality cyclo-tourist signage, while the materials with photos, maps and GPS coordinates are provided as well.

Boat Trips

A special attraction included by all boat trip excursion packages is the island of Visovac, a unique site in the Krka National Park and of vital significance to Croatia’s natural and cultural heritage. The island contains a monastery and a church built by Franciscan monks in the 15th and 16th centuries, remarkable for rich collection of historical books, archaeological collections of historical church vestments and utensils.  Collections of sacral artifacts were systematically delivered to Visovac from the war-torn areas during the Turkish invasions. Hence, Visovac was attributed as one the key contributors in preserving the Croatian national identity throughout history.

• Excursion duration: from 1.5h to 4h
• Locations: Visovac, Roš Waterfall, Krka Monastery, Torka and fortifications Trošenj and Nečven.
• Itinerary: in addition to the Franciscan monastery, church and museum on the island of Visovac, the trip also includes a tour of Skradinski buk and Roš waterfall. Some tours include a visit to the monasteries of Krka and the fortifications of Trošenj and Nečven, the spiritual centers of Orthodox believers located at the extension of the river Krka called Carigradska Draga

Etno Presentation

At the premises of the renovated mills within the Krka National Park, step back in time and witness the way of life in the old rural world through crafts such as grinding cereals, washing and tucking cloths, weaving bags and floor mats, forging horseshoes, plowing, sowing, screwing and traditional preparing of food. The mills in the Krka National Park present the plants from the pre-industrial era on Krka River and as such are an important part of the history of rural architecture.

Mediterranean Village San Antonio is your ticket to a holiday paradise, whether arriving as a couple, with a family or group of friends.

When picking a destination and booking an accommodation, it helps to know what you can expect in terms of your desired level of accommodation comfort and a preferred choice of activities.  A holiday is a chance to unwind and you shouldn’t be struggling to experience anything less from your vision of a perfect get away.  Given its central position within Central Dalmatia, the Mediterranean Village of San Antonio has been providing a balanced out set of holiday experiences that cater to the needs of many families, couples or groups of friends for many years.

Here are the top 3 ideas for spending your holiday:

1. Nature Lovers’ Paradise:

As a passionate excursionist or someone who enjoys pristine beaches and national parks, you have a chance to enjoy the irresistible beaches of Soline and Dražica located only a few hundred meters away from the Mediterranean village of San Antonio. For couples we recommend staying during late spring or early autumn so as to enjoy the beaches with no crowds.  Unsurpassed view of the sunsets over the Pašman Canele and the enchanting Kornati Islands and the sight worth experiencing.  This time of the season is also perfect for taking a diving course from a local diving club and explore the vast beauty of the sea underworld.

Only a 15-minute drive separates San Antonio from the Vrana Lake Nature Park, an oasis of peace and tranquility located at the crossroads of three different landscapes: sea shore, mediterranean swamp and pittoresque village settlements.  The park is a unique ecosystem and a fascinating crypto depressive natural wonder. Vrana Lake offers an ideal mixture of active and educational type of holiday experiences that include educational trail tours accompanied by bird watching of the protected species, adrenaline park for children, kayaking on the lake, bike trails along the lake and series of culinary specialties.

The most distinctive natural attraction within a close vicinity to San Antonio is the Kornati National Park, an archipelago of almost 90 islands, islets and sea cliffs of a stunning landscape, often compared to the kind seen on Mars. Whether being viewed from the air, sea or the island lookouts, archipelago delights visitors from all over the world.  Organized boat trips from the nearby Biograd are available from the early Spring season all the way throughout the Fall.  Summer is the ideal time to indulge into swimming and diving.

2. Dynamic Family Holiday:

An ideal family holiday at the Mediterranean village of San Antonio is made possible by the animation program within the resort, vicinity of family beaches and Fun Park Biograd, the largest theme park in this part of Europe.

Hidden by the thick pine forest, comfortable stone bungalows within the village provide the necessary intimacy, while the centrally positioned pool inside the resort serves as a gathering place for the adults having their favorite drinks at the cocktail bar and for the children playing in the water.

The nearby beaches of Soline and Dražica are another great spots to spend a quality family time. Due to its cleanliness and infrastructural quality, Dražica gained the status of the Blue Flag in 2006.

For a more dynamic activity during the evening, take a 10 minutes walk to the center of vivacious town of Biograd, a historic city that frequently organizes special events and performances, including Gastro Biograd, Biograd Night, Biograd Street Music Festival and Slovenian Weekend.

Just a 5-minute drive from San Antonio is the Fun Park Biograd, a thematic adrenalin based site containing 26 permanent attractions and 4 food and beverage outlets. Attractions are divided into exploratory, adrenaline and virtual groups, and special charm is provided by themed daily and weekend programs in the form of activities such as concerts, disco foam parties, fireworks, raffle and bull riding competitions, and archery.

3. Group Fun with Friends

Good road infrastructure and connectivity to the surrounding cities is an important prerequisite if you plan your trip with a group of friends. Comfortable accommodation in a form of stone bungalows in of San Antonio is a wise choice, as it provides the necessary dose of intimacy. When and if you wish to spice up your stay, take the quick and easy ride to Zadar which is only 30 km away.  Zadar is one of the key city break destinations in Croatia known for innovative cuisine and a rich night live. Zadar also serves as a perfect day excursion point and is full of attractions such as the famous sea organ, the Roman Forum and the historically renown church of St. Donat.

Apart from Zadar, the nearby island of Pag is also accessible by a car.  Zrće Beach in located in a town of Pag and has got a reputation for being a clubbing hub of Croatia.  Moreover, it had been a nickname of “Croatian Ibitza” by the international media. Vodice and Primošten are also attractive towns as they too offer a vast choice of restaurants and night clubs.

The Mediterranean Village of San Antonio offers a special holiday experience in stone bungalows close to beautiful beaches, historic town Biograd na Moru and picturesque villages, as well as to the Kornati National Park and Vrana Lake Nature Park.

Plan your vacation on time.  Do you usually opt for hotels or apartments? Let’s say that you like vibrant hustle and bustle of urban towns while at the same time appreciating the relaxing ambience during the night.  What if you like to spend time in nature, yet dislike the discomfort of camping ? Imagine if you could have a balanced out mix ? Be original and surprise your family, friends or your partner with a slightly different type of holiday in 2022. If you have never stayed in stone bungalows, hidden in a pine forest near a beautiful beach, the year of 2022 may be ideal to try it out!

Intimate Accommodation

Combining an active day with a peaceful sleep at night often presents a challenge for holidaymakers.   One often has to choose between holiday resort hustle and bustle, town setting and a complete isolation in nature, such as camping.   Imagine being able to have the best of all three options? Staying in stone bungalows in the Mediterranean village of San Antonio is intimate, while providing the opportunity to explore nearby attractions such as the Vrana Lake Nature Park, the historic Biograd na Moru and the Biograd Adrenalin Fun theme park.

The Mediterranean Village of San Antonio is made up of a lovely collection of cozy stone bungalows hidden among century-old pine trees providing soothing scents accompanied by the chirping of birds and crickets.

• 69 bungalows spread out on an area of ​​17,000 square meters
• The beautiful Dražica Beach is only 300 m away
• Amenities include: spacious bedroom, bathroom with shower or bathtub and terrace
• Family units consist of two bedrooms that share a bathroom and a terrace
• Beautiful landscaping

The attractive outdoor pool is located in the central part of the Mediterranean Village next to the restaurant and is a gathering place where adults have their favorite drinks at the cocktail bar while children have fun in the water.

Culinary Delights

Simple, accessible, yet authentic & delightful are the attributes that best describe the culinary  specialties within San Antonio. Located in the center of the mediterranean village, the restaurant uses organically grown ingredients within a wide range of Croatian and international seafood and meat variant specialties.

Nearby Attractions

Historic towns – the medieval town of Biograd na Moru is within walking distance of the Mediterranean Village of San Antonio. Stroll through the historic center of the city, once the capital of the Croatian Kingdom from the 11th century, enjoy the fascinating cathedrals and basilicas built by King Peter Krešimir IV.

Only 30 km from San Antonio and a half hour drive separates you from Zadar, one of the most distinctive city break destinations on the Croatian Adriatic where you may check out the famous sea organ, explore the Roman Forum and many historical attractions from the Middle Ages, such as the Church of St. Donat.

Kornati National Park is an archipelago of almost 90 islands, islets and sea cliffs and as such it is the most densely populated group of islands within the Mediterranean. For a complete experience of this oasis of beauty during your stay in the Mediterranean village of San Antonio, a boat trip departing from Biograd is recommended, suitable for all age groups such as families, groups of friends, young and elderly couples.

Locations for going out and having fun – if you are in the mood for an evening of crazy fun, in addition to Zadar, we recommend visiting a nearby island of Pag, known as a major party scene clustered within series of clubs and bars on Zrće Beach, often referred to as “Croatian Ibiza” by series of international media. We also recommend towns of Vodice and Primošten due to their track record for being great clubing and night parties hotspots.

From the coast of Dražica Beach near the Mediterranean Village of San Antonio, one may spot a breath taking view of the Kornati National Park , a stone labyrinth of the most populated cluster of islands in the Mediterranean.  A boat trip to Kornati departing Biograd is ideal for getting a full taste of this natural paradise during your stay in San Antonio.  The trip is suitable for all age groups including families, groups of friends, young and elderly couples.

Landscape from Mars

The Kornati archipelago consists of almost 90 islands, islets and sea cliffs forming a fascinating landscape, often described as having a terrain similar to the one found on Mars. Whether being viewed from the air, sea or the island lookouts, the islands provide a unique insight into the 216.78 square meter area of this land of fancy.

The Kornati archipelago is unique for its dotted dry stone walls built by Murter farmers who had bought out the island land around the end of the 19th century. The stone walls served as a fence for private plots and as such present one of the several forms of human intervention which had an impacto on the original landscape on the islands. Couple of thousands of years ago, the Kornati islands were full of pine vegetation, but had since been deforested and turned into rock-strewn terrain.

Contrary to first impression, the Kornati islands are full of life: more than 650 plant varieties, including nine species of orchids, as well as a number of birds, insects, reptiles and butterflies had found home among this rugged and sparse rocky area.

Boat Trips

We recommend full-day boat excursions to the Kornati National Park and the Telaščica Nature Park by a private speedboat.  Such trips depart from Biograd na Moru and include a skipper. During the voyage expect to pass by the several pictoresque islands including Pašman, Žižanj and Žuta. The cruise typically includes a swim break in one of the many bay shelters of the crystal clear Adriatic, accompanied by a healthy snack such as bruschetta with tuna, cheese and olive pate.

The biggest attraction during the trip is a stop over in Nature Park Telašćica during which visitors have about hour and a half of spare time to swim in the salt lake Mir, walk on the top of the 160 m tall rocks in order to be amused by a spectacular view and create memorable photos of the Adriatic horizon. Duringg the break, a light Mediterranean lunch is typically served, such as mussels with pasta and tomato sauce.

Some excursion programs include a stop over on the island of Kornat where you may explore the secret fortifications from the 6th century as well as the history of the whole archipelago.

• Typical duration of the trip: 1 day (6 to 8 hours)
• Availability period: from mid-March to the end of October (depending on weather conditions)
• Typical group size: 4 – 11 people

Diving and Educational Trails

The Kornati seabed is rich in diverse animal and coral species. Its splendor and beauty had been one of the key attributes propelling Kornati to earn the status of a national park.

While on the boat, we recommend diving in order to explore the beauties of the crystal clear Kornati underwater world, and this is possible with a simple mask and snorkel, while for a more comprehensive experience you need to join the programs of professional diving clubs.

On the Kornati there are educational trails Trtuša and Vela Panitula. While Trtuša offers a geological insight into the archipelago, Vela Panitula illustrates a whole range of geographical, meteorological, biological and traditional features. A walk along these trails tells the story of the Kurnatars, the ancient inhabitants of the islands and their struggle for survival. Some excursion arrangements also offer this form of exploration of the archipelago, ideal for the Robinson Crusoe type of excursion.

The Unknown About the Known

• The largest island is called Kornat, after which the entire national park received its name which had originated from the Latin word “corona” meaning crown, or steep cliff.
• The Kornati archipelago is characterized by crowns – steep cliffs facing the open sea. They were formed as a result of cracking and disintegration of the earth’s crust and the process of corrosion, erosion and abrasion. The highest cliff is 82 meters high and it’s situated on the island of Klobučar, while the longest cliff is 1,350 meters found on the island of Mana.
• The height of the highest peak is 237 meters and is located on the island of Kornat.
• Kornati host the largest stone layered limestone surfaces on the Adriatic, known as Magazin’s slate.
• Fortress of Turret is from the Byzantine period (6th century A.D.) and as such it is the oldest fortress on the Adriatic built for the protection and navigation control of the coast.
• The national park consists of the sea and land areas which are 100% privately owned by the farmers from the nearby island of Murter who had bout out the plots towards the end of 19th century.
• Deep penetration of sunlight has enabled the flourishing sea bottom rich in diverse species of fish, crabs, corals, mollusks and algae.
• The bottlenose dolphin has a habitat on the Kornati islands.
• It is less known that sheep and olive growing are still active on some of the islands- currently there is a total of about 2,000 sheep and 18,000 olive groves.

We bring you an overview of different modes of transportation to reach the Mediterranean village of San Antonio. In addition to its proximity to the A1 motorway, the village has an access to the excellent bus, boat and airline connections within Croatia and the rest of Europe.

Vicinity of Biograd

Biograd na Moru is a key inbound and outbound traffic hub. It only takes a 15-minute walk or a few minutes ride by a car to get to Biograd.

Biograd is accessible easily and quickly – by car, plane, car or a boat. Located in the heart of the Adriatic coast, Biograd is close to Zadar, which offers excellent boat and airline connections. Thanks to its location in the center of Dalmatia and the outstanding road infrastructure through the A1 motorway, Biograd is easily reachable from any area in within Croatia including cities such as Zagreb, Rijeka, Šibenik and Split.

By Road

A1 Motorway: Zagreb – Split

Traveling on croatian highways is a special experience due to the safety, quality service and beauty of the landscape.
The length of the Croatian motorway network exceeds 1,300 km and the roads contain 75 petrol stations, 124 rest areas, 86 coffee bars, 26 restaurants and 10 hotels, with most of the facilities being located on the A1 Zagreb-Split motorway section. Motorway rest areas, in addition to fuel supply, offer a wide range of merchandise, catering services, use of public toilets, accommodation, wi-fi internet, banking services, roadside assistance, the possibility of using showers, pet facilities, and the tourist centers informing about the natural and cultural attractions.

More information on the toll system and services can be found on the Croatian Motorways Ltd. website.

The closest way to exit towards Biograd on the A1 Zagreb-Split highway is the exit E71 (Benkovac) which is only 18 km away from Biograd na Moru and the Mediterranean village of San Antonio. A total length of driving is approximately 20 minutes.

Road distances and driving times from and to Biograd na Moru and the Mediterranean village of San Antonio:

• Zadar: 36 km (30 min)
• Split: 139 km (1h + 35 min)
• Zagreb: 308 km (3h + 2 min)
• Ljubljana: 368 km (4h + 5 min)
• Vienna: 664 km (6h + 37 min)
• Munich: 773 km (8h + 13 min)
• Prague: 988 km (9h + 47 min)
• Warsaw: 1326 km (13h + 37 min)
• Klagenfurt: 453 km (5h + 10 min)

By Airplane

Option 1: Zadar Airport

Zadar Airport is located in Zemunik Donji and is only 25 km or 25 minutes away by car from the Mediterranean village of San Antonio. During 2021, 10 airlines connected Zadar with 48 international destinations within Europe, with domestic flights to the capital Zagreb offering connecting flights to distant destinations in the Middle East, North America or Asia. Zadar Airport has recently become one the bases of Ryanair, the largest European airline operator, which has significantly expanded its flight network from Zadar with plans to continue this trend in the upcoming seasons.

A number of other airlines operate at Zadar Airport, such as Croatia Airlines, Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, the Polish national company LOT, easyJet and the Dutch Transavia. See a list of destinations of all airlines that operated to Zadar during 2021 in one of our earlier posts.

Bus connection: Zadar Airport – Biograd na Moru

Besides taxi, there is an alternative mode of transport to Biograd na Moru and San Antonio. There is a regular bus line connecting Zadar Airport with the main bus station located in the center of Zadar. More information on traveling lengths, distances and timetable schedule between the airport and the bus station can be found on the website of Zadar airport.

Option 2: Split Airport

Split Airport is located in Resnik and is 110 km away, requiring an 1 hour and 30 minute drive to get to the Mediterranean village of San Antonio. During the summer season, 60 European airlines connect Split with more than 100 destinations throughout Europe, making Split the best connected airport within in Croatia during the summer.

Split Airport is a host to an abudant collection of airlines that are otherwise not serving Zadar Airport, such as: Air Lingus, Aeroflot, Air France, Air Serbia, Air Baltic, British Airways, Brussels Airlines, Finnair, Iberia, Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), Volotea, Vueling and Windrose Airlines.
In order to check the seasonal timetable, weekly or daily changes to scheduled flights, visit the website of Split Airport.

By Bus

Option 1: The bus station in Biograd
It is located within the city center and is well connected with Šibenik and Zadar with several direct lines to Zagreb and Split.

Option 2: Zadar Bus Station
It is only 28 km from the Mediterranean village of San Antonio and offers a full network of bus lines to destinations throughout Croatia and many European destinations.

By Boat

Zadar is connected by regular ferry lines with Italy and other cities on the Adriatic coast within Croatia by fast ships, catamarans and ferries.
In addition to a number of domestic routes, the major national boat company Jadrolinija during the summer season, also offers several international routes to Italy. Tickets can be purchased online, and it is advisable to check the timetable before planning a trip.

Biograd na Moru is only a 15-minute walk from the San Antonio Mediterranean village and is an inevitable destination for couples looking for a romantic getaway to fervedly grasp the historical and cultural legacy of Biograd while savoring the tastes of its culinary heritage.

Natural Oasis of Beauty

Stretching along its coast and peninsula, Biograd is a home to a series of beautiful beaches offering unique sunset views over the Pašman island and the dazzling National Park of Kornati. In the immediate vicinity to the east of Biograd is Vrana Lake, the unique natural phenomenon.

Protected by a dense pine forest, Biograd’s pebble and sandy beaches, such as Dražica and Soline, are ceaselessly beautiful. Due to their cleanliness and infrastructural quality, Dražica gained the status of the Blue Flag in 2006. Diving courses offering the exploratory overview of the Adriatic underwater are performed by a local diving club located in Dražica are available throughout the period of late summer and early autumn.

The most prominent natural attraction near Biograd is the Kornati National Park, a lush archipelago composed of 150 islands, islets, cliffs and capes, surrounded by the crystal clear Adriatic sea. It is a place of untouched and fascinating nature. One-day excursions to Kornati are organized from Biograd on a daily basis. They include a tour and a meal, whereas during the summer and early autumn period, the tours include several breaks during which you can swim in a fascinatingly blue and clean water.

Excursions during the autumn period are ideal for exploring the inland areas of Kornati, known for powerfully displaying the coexistence of humans with the untamed nature, such as numerous stone forts, churches, salt pans, dry stone walls, olive groves and forts. Those sites are great for taking some stunning photos.

Did you know?
The mainland areas of the Kornati National Park are completely privately owned by the locals of the nearby island of Murter.

Recommended Activities

• Explore diverse underwater world by booking a special diving course
• Embark on a 1-day sailing trip along the Kornati archipelago
• Cycle around or kayak on the nearby Vrana Lake – more on the Nature Park Vrana Lake

Historical and Cultural Heritage

Biograd is a royal city, the seat of croatian kings and bishops during the 11th century. It reached its peak in 1102 during the coronation of the Croatian-Hungarian king Koloman. About hundred years later, the city provided shelter to the refugees fleeing Zadar from the crusades, while in the later periods (15th to late 18th century) it had dealt with destruction during the wars between the Ottoman Empire and the Venetian Republic. Biograd was under venetial territorial jurisdiction at that time.
Recommendation: Visit and explore the Homeland Museum to see the impressive collection of artifacts illustrating turbulent and rich medieval history of Biograd. The sunken Venetian ship from the 16th century is one of the main attractions among the existing exhibits in the museum.

Culinary Delights Among Rural Farms

Specialties such as platter with Dalmatian prosciutto and cheese, fish soup, oven roasted octopus and fritters are some of the signature delicacies typical of central Dalmatia.
Family owned inland farms in the vicinity of Biograd are some of the best places to savor the culinary tradition. Delicious snack, a glass of Dalmatian wine while listening to the family stories of your hosts in an old stone house takes you back in time.
Recommendation for a visit: Mićanovi dvori, OPG Odžaković, Vrata Velebit, Kuća dalmatinskog prosciutto, Vina Vrsaljko and wineries Bačić and Kaštelanac.

A Unique Autumn Event

For the lovers of sailing, there is an event in October with which you can mix business with pleasure. Visit the Biograd Boat Show, the unique and largest Central European nautical fair. For years, the show has captivated passionate lovers of sailing. Biograd na Moru has two marinas and as such is a significant nautical center. The fair annually brings over 600,000 profesionals from the nautical, shipbuilding, hospitality, tourist agency and destination experience industries. Biograd Boat Show is also a member of the International Federation of Boat Show Organisers (IFBSO) with some of the most prominent nautical destinations such as Genoa, Amsterdam, Stockholm, Miami and London, being regularily present at the show.

Plan a day trip to Vrana Lake, a nearby attraction and provide your family with the adventurous and exploratory experience. Take a 10-minute drive from the Mediterranean Village San Antonio to bike or kayak while learning about 260 protected bird species that live in this crypto depressive natural wonder.

Vrana Lake is a renown ornithological reserve and one of the 12 nature parks in Croatia. It is a beautiful oasis of tranquility located at the crossroads of three different landscapes: sea shore, mediterranean swamp and pittoresque village settlements.

This natural site presents an impressive eco system of vast plant and bird species, ideal to stroll along the wooden trail surrounding the lake to watch birds, enjoy the adrenalin park or savour the scents of the locally prepared culinary specialties.

Natural Wonder Below & Above Sea Level

Vrana Lake is the largest natural lake in Croatia with an area of over 30 square kilometers, parallel to the sea, with some parts of the lake only 800 meters away from the sea shore. A special feature of the lake is crypto depression, a natural phenomenon in which the Earth’s surface that is below sea level is filled up by a lake, hence positioning the bottom of the lake below sea level. The park is an extraordinary blend of land and water. The lake is overgrown with rushes, sedges, reeds, and flowers of magnificent colors providing a home to over 256 species of birds, of which 102 are nesting birds.

Thanks to the preservation of a rare wetland system and great biodiversity, the park had been included on the list of important ornithological areas in Europe (Important Bird Areas in Europe) in 1983.

Impressive Facts:

• winter habitat for over 100,000 waterfowls from all parts of Europe
• one of the two large wetlands in coastal Croatia, the other one being Neretva River
• Habitat of four endangered bird species at the European level
• Habitat of seven endangered bird species at the national level

Scenic Bike Trail
Experience the park with an easy ride along the 40 km long cycling path surrounding the lake. Along the trail you will witness a magnificent mix of colors with irresistible scents of wild plants. Some parts of the trail are populated with the thick pine forest providing a nice refuge from the sunrays, and as such are ideal for a stop over to take a break and replenish.

Day-Trip Activities

• Adrenalin park
• Kayaking
• Bird watching
• Educational tour accompanied by a guide
• Sport fishing
• Home made delicacies at the sightseeing point Kamenjak