It would be very easy to think the island got its name from gold but there are no obvious facts to prove the origin of Zlarin’s name.
One of the theories has referred to the name, Zlarin, as a golden island since the 15th century, i.e, that the name originated from the Latin words “Insula Aur”,which in translation means the island of gold. Since there is no proof of this, other theories are taken into consideration with equal significance.
According to other explanations, Zlarin is understood to be a golden part of nature. This little island in the Sibenik archipelago offers the most beautiful untouched nature, crystal clear sea, rich underwater world, and natural protection from winds.
All of Zlarin is part of a tradition that is still respected here. Although there areabout300 inhabitants on the island itself, all who have visited Zlarin keep coming back. So the number of people on the island during the summer season usually increases to 3000. This golden gift of nature is also visited by a number of sailors, as the island is naturally protected from all winds.
When you devote yourself to exploration of this beautiful place you may think that the name, Zlarin, came because of the richness of the island. In numerous churches, the treasures collected in this region have been preserved, as this little place has been a feudal property of Sibenik diocese for as long as six and one half centuries. Additionally, numerous archaeological sites were found here, which reveals the rich history of this region.
Some theories about the origin of the name are connected with the great richness that the inhabitants gained through coral. Coral hunted in Sibenik archipelago region has had a high market price for a long time due to the difficult work of hunting and harvesting, lengthy growth period of these animals, and for the enduring life of all things made of coral.
Zlarin people were the only known coral hunters since 1412. Besides hunting in the Adriatic sea, all the way to the cape Ostro, they also hunted out in the Ionian sea and all the way to cape Matapan in Greece. Inhabitants of this little island continue to use age-old knowledge and skill for hunting coral. The biggest performances in Zlarin glorify the very richness of coral. Even today there are performances that show women waving goodbye to their husbands who cast off in search of coral.
Although the origin of the name, Zlarin, is still a mystery, it is clear what Zlarin represents today. It is a place where you can enjoy untouched nature and a place where you can experience the benefits of rest and relaxation. It is a place where you can get acquainted with a new culture and new people whose hospitality will make your visit a completely new adventure. It is a place where you can try new ways of making food and where you can get an impression of what it means to live with nature and the sea.
Zlarin is the place where all visitors return to make memories to be carried throughout one’s whole life.