Olive trees in Saljsko polje are up to 700 years old. This exceptional botanical reserve was placed under protection in 1969. In the Municipality of Sali, protected nature, local history and a distinctive musical tradition come together. When looking for accommodation, you can consider whether nature, cycling, historic churches or the festivities are what matter most to you.
Nature around Sali
Telašćica Bay was declared a nature park in 1988; the park includes quiet beaches and steep cliffs. Sali is the settlement closest to Telašćica Nature Park. In the wider Sali area, marked olive trails pass through centuries-old olive groves that are still productive, as well as carefully cultivated plots. Telašćica and the olive trails offer different nature experiences: protected coastal scenery on one hand, cultivated groves on the other.
Cycling and navigation
Cycling route No. 13 runs from Sali via Vela Ploča and Čuh Polje to Dugonjive and Mala Proversa, and is 7.9 km long. The sequence of named places gives the route a clear course. The route map is older, so check the trail conditions locally.
Churches and history
Two churches in Sali offer different historical perspectives. The Church of St John in Sali (Stivanje polje) is first mentioned in written records in 1064 or 1065. The Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary has a monumental wooden high altar dating from the 17th century. The two details highlight different historical aspects: an early written mention in one case, and a dated high altar in the other.
Saljske užance and Tovareća mužika
Saljske užance is a three-day local festival in Sali and has been held for more than 50 years. Tovareća mužika uses various drums and old iron irons filled with pebbles as rhythm instruments. The Budnica is associated with Sunday morning during Saljske užance. During the festival, Tovareća mužika parades through the entire village, stopping at several places to perform its programme. The 2026 Saljske užance programme lists the preparation of brudet and other seafood dishes. If you plan to attend a later edition, check the programme dates for that year.
Context within the broader destination of Pasman
Within the broader destination of Pasman, Telašćica Nature Park is located on Dugi Otok. Its protected bay is 8 kilometres deep and 2 kilometres wide, and is considered the largest bay in the Adriatic. Within the broader destination of Pasman, Zadar County also includes fertile plains, as well as karst and mountain landscapes.
Berths in Sali
There are equipped berths for boats in Sali, where water and electricity are available.
Discover more destinations: Bozava, Brbinj, Sali, Zaglav, Brgulje, Veli Rat, Zman, Zapuntel, Soline, Luka, Savar, Dragove.
Return to the broader travel overview: Zadar County.
