A Travel Guide to Zadar, Croatia’s Coolest City
Disclosure: This blog is reader-supported, and some posts contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase using these links you help me earn a small commission – at no extra cost to you! Your support helps me keep writing and traveling.
Is Zadar the next Mediterranean hotspot? Everything you can’t miss!
Zadar blew me away. I hadn’t heard much about Croatia’s fifth-largest city before, but after hearing about how chill and laidback it was, I decided to add it to my Croatian itinerary, and it did not disappoint! Zadar was the perfect place to kick back and relax halfway through a very intense travel schedule, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t much to do!
When I wasn’t lazing by the beach or watching epic sunsets over the water, I would get my culture and history fix in town, as it’s the oldest continuously inhabited city in Croatia and has belonged, in different moments in history, to both the Romans and the Republic of Venice, amongst others.
In a Rush? Check out my Quick Guide:
Where to Stay:
Downtown Boutique Hostel (Hostel)
Apartments Nina (Budget)
Borelli Palace & Borelli Blue (Mid-Range)
Dedaj Resort – Villa Auri (Luxury)
Activities to Book:
Luxury Island Boat Tour + Unlimited Wine
Food Tasting & Old Town Walking Tour
Guided Pub Crawl & VIP Entry
Island Excursion and Diving Tour
Must-See Spots:
– The Sea Organ & Greeting to the Sun
– Borik Beach
– Roman Forum
– Five Wells Square
Hire a Car here
Stay Connected with a Croatian eSim
Stay Protected with Travel Insurance
10 Things to See and Do in Zadar
Here’s my list of the top 10 things to see and do in Zadar. Whether you’re a history buff or a beach bum, there’s something for everyone!
1. Listen to the Sea Organ
One of the most unique and bizarre things to do anywhere in Croatia, let alone Zadar, is to listen to the hauntingly beautiful tune of the Sea Organ – a unique musical installation by Nikola Bašić that turns wind and waves passing through pipes into music.
Located right at the tip of the peninsula, if you didn’t know it was there, you might not even notice it, but it’s definitely worth a stop to listen to the sea’s soulful melody.
Book a guided walking tour to see this and many other sites. This one is very comprehensive.
2. Relax at the beach
Zadar is situated on a peninsula, which means it is surrounded by beautiful coastline. It’s the perfect place to go for a swim after a day of sightseeing – you’re spoiled for choice!
Borik Beach is one of the most popular in the area, and for good reason! Here you’ll find a 1.5km long stretch of coast, with plenty of perfect swimming spots. Punta Bajlo Beach, on the other hand, is more local and is surrounded by a fragrant pine forest. If you’re looking for something a little more quiet and romantic, head to Puntamika Beach, which also has a charming cafe and lighthouse nearby. Lastly, if you don’t want to leave town, you can head to the Riva, the promenade that has ladders leading straight into the water.
3. Visit the Roman Forum
Dive into Zadar’s ancient Roman past! Did you know that Zadar had its very own Roman Forum? It’s free to enter, quick to tour, and not too crowded, the complete opposite of the Roman Forum in Rome! Super chill, and you get a bit of sightseeing done to boot.
The forum is thought to have once included a temple dedicated to the deities of Minerva, Juno, and Jupiter. Today, what remains is laid out in a pleasant pattern on the ground made for easy viewing.
This eco tuk-tuk tour is a fun way to see the forum and so many other Zadar sites.
4. Grab a coffee at Five Wells Square
Known for its 5 beautiful wells (built in 1574 as a source of safe drinking water during the Ottoman invasion), it’s also one of the prettiest parts of the Old Town. Grab yourself a coffee or a drink in one of the many cafes lining the square and sit back with a good book, or people-watch! If you’re on the go and don’t want to stop, why not eat a packed lunch on one of the many benches instead?
5. Watch the sunset over the sea
There are so many beautiful areas to watch the sunset from in Zadar. Whether you’re in town or by the beach, grab yourself a spot and a drink and sit back and relax.
Famed director Alfred Hitchcock once declared: “The sunset of Zadar is the world’s most beautiful…” Hey, if it’s good enough for Hitchcock, it’s good enough for me!
6. Salute the Sun
Many people have heard about Nikola Bašić’s Sea Organ installation, but did you know that there is a second installation not too far away from the first? Greeting to the Sun is made up of 300 glass pates in a circular fashion, representing the solar system. Its photovoltaic cells absorb the sun’s rays as it arcs across the sky, then illuminate with shifting patterns and colors at night. It’s quite a pretty sight to behold.
7. See Venetian Zadar
Croatia’s history has long been tied to that of Italy’s. Back in 1409, Zadar once again came under Venetian rule (the first time was in 1202). This time, they left their mark permanently in the form of impressive gateways – entrances to the city.
The Sea Gate, built in 1573, sits beside the ferry port, while the Land Gate stands next to the little harbor outside the historic center. See if you can spot the Shield of St. Mark and the winged lion, both symbols of Venice.
8. Pick up delicacies at a local market
There’s nothing I like better than sampling flavors from a local market, and Zadar’s is no exception. Every day behind St. Chrysogonus Church, right in the heart of Zadar Old Town, Zadar Market comes out in full swing. Take in the vibrant colors of all the fresh produce on display, head inside to the fish market to see the fresh catch of the day, and pick up a bottle of Maraska, Zadar’s signature cherry-flavored liquor, to take home as a souvenir.
This market tour includes five traditional tastings, a morning coffee, and a glass of local wine to finish!
9. Hang out on People’s Square
The People’s Square (Narodni Trg) has been the center of Zadar’s public life since Medieval times. People from all walks of life would come here to meet and socialize before continuing on with their daily lives. And people still do it to this day.
View the 16th-century City Sentinel, with its more modern clock tower attached, the Loggia opposite, which hosts exhibitions, and the oldest-preserved building in town: St. Lawrence church. Or simply hang out and listen to the music from one of the many street performers who like to play on this square.
10. Get your history fix at the Church of St. Donatus
In some ways, even more impressive than the Zadar Cathedral, the peculiar circular and lofty design of the Church of St. Donatus is definitely a site worth seeing. Standing since the 9th century, the church also doubles as a performance space used during the yearly Musical Evenings at St. Donatus, a festival that promotes Medieval and Renaissance music with an emphasis on Croatian heritage.
Even if your visit does not coincide with the event, the Church is still worth visiting for its bizarre architecture alone and as a piece of everlasting history in Zadar.
Best Day Trips From Zadar
From incredible national parks to historic towns to nearby islands, Zadar is a great place to base yourself if you want to explore the Dalmatian region of Croatia. Below is a list of some of the best day trips you can take easily.
Plitvice Lakes National Park
One of Croatia’s most famous natural wonders, the Plitvice Lakes National Park is about a 2-hour drive from Zadar. The park features stunning waterfalls, crystal-clear lakes, and lush forests, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts. This was one of my very favorite spots in Croatia. Period!
Book a guided day tour with tickets included here.
Krka National Park
This park is known for its picturesque waterfalls and emerald-green pools. It’s less than an hour’s drive from Zadar, making it an ideal day trip destination for those who want to see majestic waterfalls and explore nature trails. Read my full guide to Krka here!
This tour offers either a half-day or a full-day trip to the park from Zadar.
Šibenik
Located about an hour from Zadar, Sibenik is a charming coastal city with a rich history. Visit the UNESCO-listed St. James Cathedral, explore the Old Town, and enjoy the local seafood cuisine.
Nin
This historic town, just a short drive from Zadar, is known for its beautiful sandy beaches and salt pans. You can also visit the smallest cathedral in the world, the Church of the Holy Cross.
See all of Zadar and Nin’s highlights with this private tour.
Pag Island
Known for its unique lunar-like landscape, Pag Island is accessible via a bridge from the mainland. Enjoy the local Pag cheese, explore the town of Pag, and relax on its pebble beaches.
Kornati National Park
If you’re a fan of sailing and island-hopping, a boat tour to the Kornati Islands (there are 89 islands, islets, and reefs!) is a fantastic day trip. The archipelago is often called a “nautical paradise.” This boat tour includes snorkeling stops, breakfast, and lunch.
Split
Around an hour and a half by car, though a little longer by bus, don’t miss out on a trip to Split, the second largest city in Croatia. Visit top sites like Diocletian’s Palace and the historic Old Town and see famous sites where scenes from Game of Thrones were filmed. Though totally possible to visit in a day, we’d recommend a little longer for this one.
Paklenica National Park
If you’re into hiking and rock climbing, Paklenica National Park, about an hour from Zadar, is an excellent choice. It’s known for its dramatic canyons, stalactited caves, and hiking trails. See it with this private tour of the park.
Vransko Lake Nature Park
Located between Zadar and Šibenik, Vransko Lake is the largest natural lake in Croatia and a great place for bird-watching, fishing, and nature walks.
Telašćica Nature Park
Located on Dugi Otok (Long Island), this nature park offers a unique landscape of cliffs, saltwater lakes, and a protected bay. It’s a great place for boating, swimming, and seeing wildlife. This wooden boat tour includes both Kornati and Telašćica Nature parks.
How to Get to Zadar
Zadar is very easy to get to as it has its own dedicated airport (ZAD) located only 10km away from the city center. It’s well-connected to many major European hubs, though it may be harder to arrive at if coming from further afield. You can book a private transfer from the airport to the town center here.
If coming from other parts of Croatia, Zadar is easily connected by highways and bus routes. You can use the A1 to drive from other big cities, like Zagreb or Split, to Zadar. Otherwise, you can take one of the many buses from various Croatian cities, as there is a big central bus station near town. Some bus routes travel as far afield from places in Italy or Germany. There is also a train network, though I wouldn’t recommend it as it’s not as extensively connected as the bus network. Lastly, if traveling from an island or another nearby coastal city, it’s also possible to arrive by ferry. You can book bus and ferry routes here.
FAQs About Zadar
Below are some frequently asked questions about Zadar. I tried to be as thorough as possible, but you can always drop me a comment or email if you have a question that wasn’t answered here, and I’ll try to get back to you as soon as possible.
What are the must-visit attractions in Zadar?
Some of the must-visit attractions in Zadar include the Sea Organ, Greeting to the Sun, St. Donatus Church, Zadar’s historic Old Town, the Roman Forum, and the Zadar Cathedral, among others. I go into detail in the article above.
Is Zadar safe for tourists?
Yes! I went as a solo female traveler and couldn’t have felt safer. I walked around town both during the day and during the evening, went to various beaches, and never once felt unsafe. As usual, it’s advised to take any precautions you would normally take and, as always, listen to your gut!
What’s the best time to visit Zadar?
The best time to visit Zadar is typically during the spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October) when the weather is pleasant, and there are fewer tourists. Summer is popular but can be crowded, and winter offers a quieter, off-season experience. I went in May and couldn’t have been happier!
What are the best beaches in and around Zadar?
Some popular beaches in and around Zadar include Borik Beach, Punta Bajlo Beach, and Puntamika Beach. I go into more detail in the article above.
What is the history of Zadar?
Zadar has a rich history that dates back to ancient Roman times. It has been influenced by various cultures, including the Romans, Venetians, and Byzantines. The city has a long and storied past with many historical sites and monuments.
What is the Sea Organ and the Sun Salutation in Zadar?
The Sea Organ is a unique musical instrument played by the sea’s waves. The Sun Salutation is a light installation that produces a stunning visual display during sunset. Both were created by Croatian architect Nikola Bašić.
Do people in Zadar speak English?
English is commonly spoken in the tourist areas of Zadar, and you should have no trouble communicating in English.
What is the local currency in Zadar, and where can I exchange money?
The local currency in Croatia since 2023 has been the euro. You can exchange money at banks, currency exchange offices, or ATMs, which are widely available throughout the city.
How long should I stay in Zadar?
This depends entirely on you and your Croatian itinerary schedule. I would recommend at least 2 days to see the city, and add on as many days as you want to do day trips.