Longing for a relaxing beach holiday and magical sunsets? If so, consider visiting Vir, one of the 300 islands in the Zadar archipelago in Croatia. Vir Island, laid only 400 meters from the coast, is very popular among locals and tourists, mostly because of the exceptionally clean sea.
Vir Beaches
The most popular beach on the island of Vir is Jadro Beach, which is located along the promenade of the coastal town of Vir. Here you will find many restaurants, cafes, and shops on the beach. The beach is made of small pebbles, while the seabed is sandy. Therefore, this beach is very popular among families with children.
The next popular beach is Kozjak Beach, located next to the ruin of Kastelina.
Sunset on Vir
On the north side of the island of Vir, there are many hidden bays, some of them are accessible and some are rocky. Beaches with red sand are popular for beautiful photos. Choosing a secluded beach and watching the sunset is one of the experiences you should not miss while on the island of Vir.
We also recommend visiting the unique Queen's Beach in Nin. This sandy beach is popular for its healing mud. It is less than 15 minutes' drive from Vir.
Day trips from Vir
The island of Vir, immersed in the Adriatic Sea in northern Dalmatia, and connected to the mainland by a road bridge, offers many options for day trips by sea or land.
Our favorite destinations for day trips by boat from Vir are the Kornati National Park,the Cliffs of Dugi Otok, and the Telascica Nature Park.
For half-day boat trips from Vir, we recommend visiting the beaches around Vir and exploring hidden coves, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. The neighboring island of Pagis also a must-see.
If you like to spend time in nature, we recommend visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park and Krka Waterfalls National Park. The first is a two-hour drive from Vir, and the second is only an hour's drive, mostly by highway.
One of the most important sights worth visiting in the area around the island of Vir is the old town of Zadarand the town of Nin.
Gastronomy on the Island of Vir
There are numerous restaurants, taverns, and pizzerias on Vir. Here you can enjoy Mediterranean cuisine.
We recommend seafood and traditional dishes prepared from ingredients from the Zadar region. Some of them are lamb and cheese from the nearby island of Pag.
For a taste of local food and authentic ambiance, we recommend the family-run tavern “Kod Spavalice”.
Mediterranean dish from Vir
Where to Stay
The island of Vir is relatively small and has about 3,000 inhabitants who live here all year round. There are only 3 settlements, the largest being the eponymous Vir. The villages of Lozice and Torovi follow.
The southern part of the island, including all three places, has many holiday homes, apartments, and villas, mostly privately owned. There is not a single hotel on the island of Vir for now.
Families with children and groups of friends most often choose holiday villas in Zadar County for their vacation. Further, the cities of Nin and Novigrad and the neighboring island of Pag are excellent choices.
Vir
How to get to Vir
Getting to the island of Vir is very simple and easy. The island is connected to the mainland by a road bridge, so you can reach this holiday haven by car, bus, or taxi.
The nearest airport you can fly to is Zadar Airport (ZAD). The transfer from Zadar Airport to Vir takes less than 1 hour. Split Airport (SPU) is a 2-hour drive away.