The “Vrata Ravnih kotara” cycling route starts in Kakma and passes through Donja Jagodnja, Gornja Jagodnja and Polača. Its 20 kilometres form a circular route, with ten rest stops along the way. Cycling thus offers a tangible way to explore the different places in the Municipality of Polača, while historical traces and local offerings open up further discoveries.
Cycling route with notable stopping points
Jezero Novak is the route’s fourth point and also a rest stop east of the centre of Polača. Štrkovača is the fifth point and is likewise east of the centre. From Štrkovača, you can look out over the Polača field and the surrounding villages. The two points reveal different aspects of the route: Jezero Novak is designated as a rest stop, while Štrkovača combines its position on the route with views across the landscape.
The route’s length and shape also help with planning: it is a 20-kilometre circular route, not simply a connection between two endpoints.
Churches, memorial sites and history
Polača is home to several distinct reminders of its history. The Old Church of Saints Kuzma and Damjan was built in 1836 southeast of the centre, beside the local cemetery. Its restoration began after 1995 at the original site. The Parish Church of Saints Kuzma and Damjan marks a different point in time: it was consecrated on 26 February 2006. Local artist Ratko Peraić created its main altar, tabernacle, Višeslav baptismal font and crucifix.
Another historical trace leads to the old Gradina in Polača. It was a 14th-century fortification built by the Krbava princes for defence. The “Sv. Kuzma i Damjan” monument preserves the ruins of a church as a reminder of the suffering of Polača. These places give history different forms: fortification, church architecture and remembrance.
The Chapel of Saint Martin is located in the hamlet of Prtenjača, within the settlement of Polača. Historically, it was used for catechism classes and Mass on the feast day of Saint Martin. Remains of a prehistoric settlement are preserved on Glavica Bićina. Glavica is not developed for visitors; before planning a visit, check the current situation, as access status may change.
Folklore is also part of the area’s cultural history. KUD “Gradina” from Polača took part in numerous folklore programmes in Croatia and abroad. Fourteen showcases of traditional folklore groups from Zadar County have also been held in Polača. The Municipality of Polača’s municipal day is set for 26 September, which is also the feast of Saints Kuzma and Damjan.
Tastings and guided activities
At Kakma 189, Kotari is the winery, olive mill and wine bar of the Maslina i vino agricultural cooperative. It offers wine and olive oil tastings as well as guided cellar tours. Arrangements for a cellar tour may need to be made in advance. This offering differs from the historical stops: the focus here is on wine and olive oil, as well as a look inside the cellar.
Agro turizam Prtenjača is located in the hamlet of Prtenjača in the northern part of the municipality. Prior arrangements are required for details about the offering, opening hours and reservations. If you plan to visit, make sure to check these points in advance.
Ražnjevića Dvori A.D. 1307 is a restored stone estate in the old part of Polača and is now a heritage hotel with a tavern. It also organises excursions and cycling tours; reservations may be required. As another guided activity, Quad Adventure Ravni kotari organises quad tours departing from Polača. Advance booking is required for these tours.
Discover more destinations: Polača, Kakma, Municipality of Stankovci, Municipality of Novigrad, Municipality of Starigrad, Municipality of Poličnik, Municipality of Ražanac, Municipality of Škabrnja.
Go to the regional travel overview: Zadar County.
