Rogoznica is a pleasant town located along the Croatian coast, famous for its exclusive marina, called Marina Frapa, but also for its beautiful landscapes and beaches. Rogoznica Old Town is located on a small island connected to the mainland by a causeway, while along the coast there are several small villages and bays overlooking the crystal clear sea.
What you will find in this travel guide to Rogoznica:
- Rogoznica: Things to Know Before You Go
- Best Things to Do in Rogoznica
- Best Restaurants in Rogoznica
- How to Get to Rogoznica
Rogoznica: Things to Know Before You Go
Rogoznica is a pleasant town located halfway between Sibenik (35 km) and Split (50 km), in one of the most scenic corners of the Dalmatian coast, in the Šibenik-Knin Region.
Spread over a maze of islands overlooking a stunning emerald sea, Rogoznica is one of the most amazing summer destinations in Croatia. Its surroundings are filled with beautiful beaches and secluded coves, while within walking distance of the city center is a spectacular salt lake, Dragon’s Eye Lake (Zmajevo Oko), especially popular for cliff jumping.
The singular beauty of Rogoznica and its beaches attracts many travelers, but nevertheless the town maintains a pleasant and peaceful atmosphere. Its beautiful marina (Marina Frapa) welcomes wealthy tourists, owners of stunning yachts and passionate sailors, while the town and its surroundings boast a good choice of beautiful modern villas and resorts.
The marina promenade is sober and quiet, while the real heart of Rogoznica lies on the opposite island, where the old town is located, with a beautiful promenade lined with restaurants and bars, which is also the heart of Rogoznica’s nightlife. The island is connected to the mainland by a bridge.
The coast of Rogoznica is made up of dozens of villages and as many beautiful beaches, the closest being the small fishing village of Kalebova Luka. Continuing along the coast you will find the village of Razanj, another famous seaside destination famous for its beautiful hidden coves, such as the one called Uvala Movar (GPS: 43.50767, 15.95594) and the picturesque Punta Planka, where there is an old church and a lighthouse.
Best Things to Do in Rogoznica
Dragon’s Eye Lake (Zmajevo Oko)
Dragon’s Eye Lake is one of the most beautiful attractions in Rogoznica, and it is a true wonder of nature: it is an elliptical lake which, according to legend, resembles the eye of a dragon. The lake is quite deep and on its seabed there are numerous underground channels that cross the porous rock and connect it to the sea: the particular ecosystem makes the color of the water very particular.
Surrounded by high cliffs (up to 25 meters high) it is probably a lake of volcanic origin. Seen from above, the dark color of its waters contrasts with the shades of turquoise and emerald of the sea. But what is most surprising is that the water in this lake is warm and salty!
Looking closely, it is possible to see different colors, as if there were multiple layers of water. On the surface the color is more blue and turquoise, while in the center it is darker, tending towards yellow and green. The waters are thermal and rich in hydrogen sulphide and the deeper you go, the more the water temperature increases. The lake is easily reachable with a short walk from Marina Frapa.
Marina Frapa
The scenic marina of Rogoznica is called Marina Frapa, and is considered one of the most beautiful in the Adriatic Sea. It is located in a wonderful gulf, in the heart of the town, right in front of the island of Rogoznica Old Town and a stone’s throw from one of the most beautiful beaches, the Blue Bay.
Marina Frapa is a modern marina for yachts, sailboats and catamarans, capable of accommodating up to 500 boats. It offers first-class services, 24-hour surveillance and everything you need. There is also a gas station and an electric charging station.
The quiet and pleasant promenade of Marina Frapa is the ideal place for a stroll and is lined with a few restaurants and bars. Right on the marina is one of the most famous resorts in Rogoznica, the Marina Frapa Resort Rogoznica.
From the marina you can also reach the other best hotels in the town in a few minutes, such as the Hotel Life, which boasts a private beach, a good restaurant and a beautiful spa, and the Perla Resort, located in a beautiful bay just east of the town.
Rogoznica Old Town
Rogoznica Old Town is located on what was once an island accessible only by boat, while today it is easily accessible via the causeway that connects it to the mainland. It looks like a typical, quiet Mediterranean town.
Immediately after the causeway is the fishermen’s harbor, where you can buy the freshest fish from the fishermen. Here there are also some parking lots and two roads that go around the island. Half of the island is characterized by vegetation, while the remaining half is occupied by the Rogoznica Old Town, a maze of alleys and houses. The eastern side of the island is home to a pine forest and the beautiful (public) beach Plaža Art. On the western side, however, there is a beautiful promenade lined with restaurants and bars.
It is worth climbing a few steps up to the 17th century Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the heart of the old town. From here you can take a walk towards the southern part of the island: a promontory covered with a beautiful pine forest, with a nice view of the sea. Go there at sunset and enjoy the sea view, the silence and the scent of the flowering lavender shrubs.
Rogoznica’s Beaches
Rogoznica owes much of its fame to the renowned Marina Frapa, but another good reason to go is its beautiful beaches. One of the most popular is Beach Sepurina, located just north of the town. It is a pebbly public beach with a beautiful crystal clear sea, playgrounds for children and even a few bars and restaurants. It is a good choice for families and in the surrounding area are some of the best guesthouses and apartments in Rogoznica, such as Apartments Villa Zrinka, Vila Blanka Apartments and Apartments Rogoznička Oaza, all with wonderful sea views, and the luxurious Villa Jane Inn.
On the eastern side of Rogoznica Old Town there is the thin and long Art Beach (Plaža Art) and the small Racice Beach. Both are a good solution in the morning and late afternoon, while they are a bit too sunny in the central hours. To the east of the town is the Plaza Kopaca, characterized mainly by concrete platforms, and continuing along the coast to the village of Ražanj is the Varoš Beach, a long pebbly and rocky beach.
This is also the area where the most luxurious guesthouses, villas and apartments are located, such as the fabulous Villa Seven Seas, Villa Diomedes, Villa Sena and Villa Sucic Razanj. There are also some great budget accommodations like Apartments Horizont, Apartments Oleandar and Apartments Lanterna. Apartments and villas are usually booked several months before summer!
Punta Planka
The beautiful promontory of Punta Planka is probably the most beautiful place around Rogoznica and is located about 10 km from the city center. You can drive to the southern end of Ražanj village, where you will have to find parking (which is not that easy). From there you can continue on foot or by bicycle on a dirt road.
In about 15 minutes of walking you will arrive at the tip of the Punta Planka peninsula with its remote and desolate rocks, its small lonely lighthouse and a wonderful view of the sea. Here there is also a tiny and picturesque stone church, St. Ivan’s Church (Crkva sv. Ivan) dating back to the mid-1700s. The best time to go is at sunset!
Best Restaurants in Rogoznica
Restaurant Botinero
Located right in front of Marina Frapa, along the modern promenade of Rogoznica, Restaurant Botinero serves good local cuisine made with the freshest ingredients: seafood, grilled meat or fish, pasta and pizza. It also offers a good selection of local wines. The restaurant is quite elegant and also has a nice terrace overlooking the marina.
Atrium
Another good restaurant near Marina Frapa is the popular Atrium Restaurant, open only in summer. Here the atmosphere is more informal, with local seafood specialties, grilled tuna, squid and fried fish. The risottos and local meat specialties are also good.
Ilirija
On the island of Rogoznica Old Town there is a large choice of good seafood restaurants, among them Ilirija is one of the most popular. It is located in a beautiful traditional stone house, right on the promenade, and serves good Dalmatian cuisine, such as fried fish, grilled fish, tuna steaks, pasta and seafood risotto.
Restoran Mario
Another of the most famous restaurants in Rogoznica Old Town is the Restoran Mario, which boasts a beautiful terrace overlooking the sea and serves delicious specialties based on the freshest local seafood: tuna steaks, shrimp, grilled fish, fried fish and crudités.
Konoba Skojic
Located at the end of the Rogoznica Old Town’s seafront, somewhat hidden from the other more famous restaurants, Konoba Skojic is undoubtedly one of the most authentic restaurants in Rogoznica. It is located in a traditional stone house and has a wonderful patio with a few tables and a pleasant relaxed atmosphere. The menu is more limited and simple, but still boasts a good choice of local seafood specialties.
How to Get to Rogoznica
Getting to Rogoznica by Car
Rogoznica is easily accessible by car. It is located right along the Croatian coast, between Sibenik, Trogir and Split, along the Highway 8. Both Sibenik and Split can be reached in less than an hour’s drive.
Getting to Rogoznica by Plane
Split Airport is approximately 30 km away and is connected by some buses to Trogir and Split, from where you can change to Rogoznica.
Getting to Rogoznica by Bus
Several buses to and from the main towns in the surroundings stop near the marina of Rogoznica. From Split there are 3-4 buses per day (1 hour), while from Sibenik there are 4-5 buses per day (45 minutes). There are also 3-4 buses a day connecting Rogoznica with Zadar (2 hours). More info on the Flixbus website.
Tips for your trip to Rogoznica and Croatia:
Planning your trip to Rogoznica? Then here you can find many useful tips:
