Biograd City Park

Biograd City Park is a small green park in the centre of Biograd na Moru, a coastal town in northern Dalmatia, in Croatia, between Zadar and Šibenik, on the Adriatic coast. It lies between two marinas, close to the waterfront and the promenade, and it is one of the pleasant places in town to sit in the shade, with the sea breeze coming off the water and boats moving in the harbour.

The park is shaded by mature trees and dotted with benches, with paths that invite a stroll between the cafés and the quays. It is a place where locals walk, read and chat, and visitors take a break after a morning on the beach or a walk through the old streets. Families find open, safe spaces for children to play, and in the evening, couples and groups gather as the light fades and the lamps come on. Because the park is between the marinas, you can watch yachts come and go, and in the sailing season the quays are busy with crews and visitors. The pebble beaches of the town, including Soline Beach, are a short walk away.

Biograd has a history far older than its present holiday atmosphere suggests. The town was a major centre of the early Croatian state. It is mentioned in a Byzantine source of the tenth century, and in the eleventh century it became a royal seat, with Croatian kings and bishops residing there and a Benedictine monastery established nearby. In the year 1102, the Hungarian king Coloman was crowned king of Croatia in Biograd, a pivotal event in the union of the two kingdoms. In 1125, Venice destroyed the town, and its inhabitants were scattered, so that for centuries it was a minor place, reviving only in the modern era. The name Biograd, meaning white town, is sometimes explained by the pale stone of its walls.

The history can still be traced in the town. The Parish Church of St. Anastasia, the church of St. Roch and the Biograd Heritage Museum record different periods, and the Biograd Waterfront, or Riva, is the focus of the modern town. Marina Kornati lies close to the park, and from here boats go to the Kornati islands, to Vransko Lake Nature Park, a large freshwater lake nearby, and to the islands of Pašman and Ugljan.

Biograd’s park is the scene of community events, open-air concerts and festivals through the year, which add to the town’s cultural calendar, and in summer it can be lively with music. There are no admission fees or set opening hours, so you can visit at any time. It suits families, couples and solo travellers, and anyone who wants a restful pause between sights. Early morning and evening are the coolest times.