Between Lake and Sea: Discovering Pakoštane
Why Pakoštane Is Croatia’s Best-Kept Secret
When people think of the Croatian coast, Split and Dubrovnik usually come to mind. But tucked between Zadar and Šibenik lies a place that locals have been quietly enjoying for decades: Pakoštane.
We're biased, of course. This is home. But hear us out.
The Magic of Being Between Two Worlds
Pakoštane sits on a narrow strip of land between the Adriatic Sea and Lake Vrana, Croatia's largest freshwater lake. . This unique location gives the village a special microclimate, with slightly lower rainfall than other parts of the coast, and creates a landscape where sea and freshwater ecosystems meet, supporting a rich variety of flora and fauna.
Small Town, Big Adventures
With just 5,000 residents, Pakoštane maintains its authentic Croatian charm. Lesser crowds, no cruise ship chaos, just genuine konobas serving fresh fish, locals greeting you by name after a few days, and beaches where you can actually find a spot.
But don't mistake "small" for "limited." Within an hour's drive, you have:
- 4 National Parks: Krka waterfalls (45 min), Paklenica mountains (1h), Kornati islands (boat trip), Plitvice Lakes (2h)
- Historic cities: Zadar (30 min) with its famous Sea Organ, Šibenik (30 min) with UNESCO-listed cathedral
- 89 islands in the Kornati archipelago
- Lake Vrana Nature Park (5 min) for birdwatching and cycling
A Small Town with Big Possibilities
One of the biggest advantages of staying in a small place like Pakoštane is having authentic Dalmatia right outside your door—without giving up easy access to everything else. The village is perfectly positioned, making it simple to visit nearby cities, national parks, and islands, experience their energy, and then return to the calm of your home base in the evening.
From Pakoštane, you can explore the full variety of the Dalmatian coast: spend a day in historic cities, take a short ferry to a quiet island to disconnect, enjoy nature parks and beaches, or simply stay local and embrace the slow rhythm of village life. Being based here also means you’re less likely to fall into tourist traps—you discover places that locals actually visit.
Many guests are surprised by how much there is to do. A week can easily be filled exploring the surroundings, even without a car, while two weeks allow for relaxed days, longer excursions, and a deeper experience of the region—whether you prefer taking it slow or seeing as much nature and coastline as possible.
That balance is why people keep coming back to Pakoštane.
Getting Here (It's Easier Than You Think)
By plane: Zadar Airport is 30 km away with daily international flights all summer. Transfer to Pakoštane takes about 30 minutes.
By car: Coastal road (Jadranska magistrala) or modern highway—both scenic options.
By bus: Regular connections from Zadar and Šibenik bus stations.
The Island Escape
Need even more peace? A 15-minute ferry takes you to Vrgada Island (population: 249). No cars, just sandy beaches, pine forests, and the kind of tranquility that feels rare these days. You can see it from our terrace: the island on the left with the small settlement. If you're planning your stay during high season, we can share the secret of our favorite getaway beach.
Our Take
There’s something about Pakoštane’s rhythm that gently invites you to slow down, and it often starts the moment you arrive at Lukenda Rooms.
Life here moves polako (slowly and softly). Not because people rush less, but because they take time, for a coffee, for a chat, for the simple things that make a place feel like home. Days fall into an easy rhythm: mornings on the terrace, unplanned swims, evenings that last a little longer than expected. And even though national parks, islands, and cities are all close by, there’s no pressure to rush or tick boxes.
Maybe it’s the balance between activity and rest. Maybe it’s doing everything a little slower. Whatever it is, guests often tell us the same thing: it’s surprisingly easy to unwind here…
Come find out for yourself.
Ana & Sanja
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Getting to Pakoštane:
- Zadar Airport: 30 km (30 min drive)
- From Zagreb: 3 hours
- Regular bus connections from major cities
- Perfectly positioned between Zadar (30 km north) and Šibenik (30 km south)
