The parish church of St Cassian in Sukošan was first mentioned in 1396 and is thought to date back to the 9th or 10th century. It took on its present appearance in 1642. Fragments of pre-Romanesque sculpture and an elaborate gable from an altar screen point to even older architecture: the gable is thought to date from the mid-11th century or a somewhat earlier period.
Church, fortress and old walls
Palac, too, tells of different uses over the course of history. Built on an artificially raised island in Sukošan Bay, the building was intended as an archbishop’s summer residence; it was not completed during the lifetime of Matheo Vallaresso. Later, Palac served as a fortress and, in 1646 during the Cretan War, as a refuge for people fleeing the Turks. The Gornja vrata, meanwhile, are visible remains of the defensive walls that surrounded Sukošan and were built by Venetian authorities between 1468 and 1470.
These few named sites bring together different chapters: religious architecture, a planned summer residence that later served a defensive role, and the fortification of the settlement. Those interested in historic architecture will find more than just one era to discover here.
Beaches with different character
Dječji raj is a sandy beach with shallow water. D-Marin Dalmacija Beach, by contrast, is a pebble beach and beach club zone with pontoons and areas for relaxation and children’s play. Makarska Beach is part of a newly built promenade; nearby are facilities for beach volleyball, basketball, children’s play and bocce. The beach areas therefore differ in their specific features, not just in name.
Details of beach club and recreational facilities may change. Check the latest information before your visit if you are planning to use specific amenities.
Trails on Tustica and beyond
The fitness trail across Tustica offers two route lengths: a 6.6-kilometre circular route and a 2-kilometre route along the Tustica ridge. There are two rest areas along the way. The difference in length offers a practical guide when choosing a route, but does not indicate its level of difficulty. The Rupine and Zrakunjača caves are also on Tustica. They are karst formations and remain unexplored and unused.
There are also marked routes for cyclists: three Zadar Bike Magic cycling routes are signposted in the Municipality of Sukošan. Those interested in pilgrimage routes can explore the Camino Zadar. One section runs through the Sukošan destination and forms part of the European Camino de Santiago pilgrimage network.
Maritime heritage above and below the water
Dalmacija Marina in Sukošan is a convenient starting point for exploring the 300 islands of the Zadar Archipelago. Another maritime attraction is the local boatbuilding craft: the Filipi shipyard has been operating since 1932. Today, the fifth generation of kalafati there preserves traditional boatbuilding craftsmanship, which is recognised as intangible cultural heritage.
Another trace of history lies underwater in Barbir Bay. At a depth of 1 to 3.5 metres are the remains of a complex ancient harbour that belonged to an ancient villa rustica. Barbir is also designated as an archaeological protection zone. Its depth and archaeological context give the site a different character from the visible fortifications and architectural heritage on land.
Festivals, music and local customs
The feast of St Cassian is celebrated on 13 August in Sukošan and Debeljak. In Sukošan, the Mass is followed by a procession around the old town centre and fireworks over the sea; details of the annual programme may vary. At the Ispod Kampanela klapa gathering in Sukošan, renowned klapa groups perform klapa songs and also recite poems in the local dialect.
The Sukošan Jazz Festival is a two-day event featuring jazz concerts by renowned artists for residents and visitors. Dates and performers may vary from one edition to the next. Traditional folklore evenings in Sukošan and Gorica offer insights into local folklore and traditions from Slavonia, Prigorje and other regions of Croatia; here, too, the specific dates depend on the edition.
Maškare is also part of the local annual calendar: every last Sunday before Lent, the tradition includes a carnival procession with masked groups of all generations, allegorical floats and refreshment stations along the route. The route and programme may vary from year to year.
Discover more destinations: Sukošan, Debeljak, Gorica, Municipality of Polača, Municipality of Jasenice, Municipality of Ražanac, Municipality of Škabrnja, Municipality of Benkovac.
For the wider travel overview: Zadar County.
