Telašćica Nature Park

Understand
Apart from the island of Dugi Otok the park also includes 13 small islands close to the Dugi Otok and 6 islands within the bay Telašćica. The total area of the park - 70.5 km², of which 25.95 km² on land (Dugi Otok island and small) and 44.55 km² of sea area.

History
Telašćica (pronounced [ telaʃt͡ʃit͡sa ]  or something like tel-ash-cheetsa) in the middle ages called Tilagus as it resembles 3 lakes connected to each other. Since 1980s it has bern a protected area. In 1988 this area became a nature park.

Landscape
Luka Telašćica is a very deep bay, at the south-eastern end of the Dugi Otok. It is one of the largest ones of the Adriatic with a highly indented coastline. In the bay there are 25 smaller inlets, the total length of the coast within 69 km. The bay is bounded by two peninsulas with a sharply different appearance. The eastern coast of the peninsula, as well as inside the bay it is relatively flat, with plenty of smaller bays. While on the west the magnificent bluffs are dropped into the sea. The height of the cliffs reaches 160 metres, vertical sections of rock reach up to 90 meters.

Flora and fauna
The flora and fauna of the park is diverse and is protected. There are up to 300 species of plants on land and in the sea as well. There are bird's breeding grounds on the western part of the park at the rocks. The park has several farms for the breeding of donkeys, so the donkey became a characterful symbol of the park.

By boat
Most of the visitors arrive by boat, often in one of the following ways:
 * By an organised day-trip from Zadar or other local tourist location
 * By a private or chartered boat

By car
See Dugi Otok on how to reach the island.

The land entry is located in from the village of Sali, the largest settlement of Dugi Otok. Cars must be left at the in about  of lake Mir.

The park has a fleet of electric cars. Presumably they could be used for transfers. Inquire the park's authorities if interested.

Fees and permits
Visiting the park is paid, the visit is possible by sea and by land.

Get around
On foot

Do

 * Kayaks and sailing catamarans could be rented at the head of the bay Mir
 * Hike the trails
 * Cycle, but respect the pedestrians
 * Dive, but follow the rules

Buy
In season some snacks, ice cream and refreshments could be bought at the head of the bay Mir.

Eat
All the restaurants there are open only in season.


 * There are a few at the head of the bay Mir
 * The restaurants at the island of Katina are reachable only by sea
 * The restaurants at the island of Katina are reachable only by sea

Drink
Refreshments could be bought at the head of the bay Mir.

Sleep

 * There are a few private accommodations could be found inside the park. For details check the offer page at the park's web side.
 * More options for accommodation and a hotel are available at the town of Sali.

Stay safe

 * Beware of the steep cliffs at the western coast of the park.
 * Hiking could be a challenge if you’re walking beyond the paved paths.
 * Be careful with the donkeys!

Go next

 * Sali and other locations on Dugi Otok
 * Kornati islands – are often combined with Telašćica into the same organised day trip
 * Zadar