Travel Guide of Zadar in Croatia by Influencers and Travelers

Zadar is the oldest continuously-inhabited Croatian city. It is situated on the Adriatic Sea, at the northwestern part of Ravni Kotari region. Zadar serves as the seat of Zadar County and of the wider northern Dalmatian region.

The Best Things to Do and Visit in Zadar

TRAVELERS TOP 10 :

1 - Church of St. Donatus

The Church of St Donatus is a church located in Zadar, Croatia. Its name refers to Donatus of Zadar, who began construction on this church in the 9th century and ended it on the northeastern part of the Roman forum.

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2 - Galešnjak

   20 km away

Galešnjak is located in the Pašman Canal of the Adriatic, between the islands of Pašman and the town of Turanj on mainland Croatia. It is one of the world's few naturally occurring heart-shaped objects. The island has a surface area of 0.132 km², with its beach measuring 1.55 km in length. The island features two peaks, the highest of which is 36 m high above sea level.

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3 - Boat Tours in Zadar

The excursion will start at 09:00 with a short welcome meeting in the marina: “Tankerkomerc Zadar”, Ivana Meštrovića 3. After boarding on our beautiful yacht, we will be cruising across Zadar channel and we will reach the stu...

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4 - Biograd na Moru

   26 km away

Biograd na Moru, commonly shortened to simply Biograd, is a town in northern Dalmatia, Croatia and is significant for being the former capital of the medieval Croatian Kingdom. Biograd is administratively part of the Zadar County.

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5 - Otok Žut

   29 km away

Žut is an uninhabited island in the Croatian part of the Adriatic Sea, in central Dalmatia. With an area of 14.83 km² it is the 28th largest island in Croatia and the second largest island in the Kornati archipelago, after Kornat.

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6 - Sea Kayaking in Zadar

Join this full day kayaking excursion from Zadar and discover the rugged, lush paradise of Dugi Otok along the Adriatic Sea! With its white sands, sheer cliffs, secret bays and diverse wildlife, Dugi Otok is the perfect place to explore, unwind and h...

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7 - Jasenice

   30 km away

Jasenice is a village and a municipality in the Zadar County, Croatia.

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8 - Pakoštane

   32 km away

Pakoštane is a municipality in Croatia in the Zadar County. According to the 2011 census, there are 4,123 inhabitants, 97% of whom are Croats. North of the Vrana Lake, 6 km from Pakoštane, there is historic settlement of Vrana. Croatian general Ante Gotovina grew up in Pakoštane. It is a tourist town with many gravel beaches and pine woods. Not far from the town is the Lake Vrana Nature Park, a favorite picnicking site, abundant in fresh water fish.

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9 - Scenic Flights in Zadar

   10 km away

Zadar, or Zara, is the oldest city in Croatia. Situated on the Adriatic Sea, Zadar is the perfect place for a scenic flight. Thanks to this scenic flight to Galešnjak Island, you'll get panoramic views over the iconic heart-shaped island. Soak ...

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10 - Veli Rat

   33 km away

Veli Rat is a village in Croatia on the island of Dugi Otok, it is connected to other villages on the island by the D109 highway. To the northwest of the village is the Veli Rat lighthouse.

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11 - Košljun

   33 km away

Košljun is a tiny island in Puntarska Draga bay off the coast of Krk, facing Punat, in the Adriatic Sea, Croatia. It is approximately 300 meters in diameter and covers an area of 6.5 hectares and is rich in vegetation.

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12 - Jet Boating in Zadar

Speed Boat Zadar specializes in full day and half day tours, where you have a chance to privately visit places you would almost certainly miss on any other organized cruise! The coast of Zadar and the many beautiful islands in the Adriatic Sea have s...

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13 - Vransko jezero

   33 km away

Lake Vrana in Dalmatia is the largest lake in Croatia. It is a designated nature park, a kind of protected area in Croatia. It is located in Zadar County and Šibenik-Knin County, between the towns and municipalities of Benkovac, Pirovac, Pakoštane, Stankovci and Tisno.

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14 - Kornati

   35 km away

The Kornati archipelago of Croatia, also known as the Stomorski islands, is located in the northern part of Dalmatia, south from Zadar and west from Šibenik, in the Šibenik-Knin county.

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15 - Stand up Paddle in Zadar

In this initial course you will learn the basics of rowing, maintaining balance and how to rotate. You will discover the islands of Zadar archipelago. Enjoy in exceptional natural beauties while paddling through Zadar Canal, a place of exceptional na...

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16 - Pag

   39 km away

Pag is a Croatian island in the northern Adriatic Sea. It is the fifth-largest island of the Croatian coast, and the one with the longest coastline. In the 2011 census, the population of the island was 9,059. There are two towns on the island, Pag and Novalja, as well as many smaller villages and tourist places. Pag is the only Croatian island that is administratively divided between two counties. Its northern part belongs to Lika-Senj County, while the central and southern parts belong to Zadar County.

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Pictures and Stories of Zadar from Influencers

10 pictures of Zadar from Sidharth Bhatia, Bas van den Eijkhof, Maxi am Brunnen and other travelers

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Why should you visit Zadar ?

Travel to Zadar if you like:

  🏖️ Shore     🏖️ Ocean     🏨 Resort     🏞️ Waterway  

How to visit Zadar ?

To get to Zadar, you can fly directly into Zadar International Airport, which serves many European cities. Alternatively, you can fly into Split or Zagreb and then take a bus or rent a car to reach Zadar. Bus services are frequent and relatively affordable, with the journey from Split taking around 3 hours and from Zagreb around 4 hours. Another option is to take a ferry from Italy, which operates during the summer months.

It's advisable to book a few things in advance, such as your accommodations and any tours or excursions you'd like to join. If you plan to visit the nearby Kornati National Park or Plitvice Lakes National Park, booking a guided tour in advance is recommended to ensure a spot.

The costs of traveling in Zadar are generally affordable, particularly when compared to other European destinations. Expect to spend around 70-150 HRK per person for a decent meal, while entrance fees for attractions like the Church of St. Donatus and the Zadar Archaeological Museum range from 20-50 HRK.

Some of the best things to do in Zadar include exploring the historic Old Town, visiting the unique Sea Organ and Greeting to the Sun installations, and taking a stroll along the beautiful Riva promenade. Other popular activities include taking a dip at Kolovare Beach, visiting the Church of St. Donatus, and exploring the city's Roman ruins.

For dining options, Pet Bunara offers traditional Croatian cuisine in a charming atmosphere, while Restaurant Bruschetta is perfect for seafood lovers. For a more laid-back meal, visit Konoba Na Po Ure for delicious local dishes.

When it comes to accommodations, there are several options to suit different budgets. For a luxury stay, consider the Falkensteiner Hotel & Spa Iadera, which offers stunning sea views and top-notch facilities. For mid-range options, consider Art Hotel Kalelarga, located in the heart of the Old Town, or Hotel Niko, just a short walk from the beach.

Off the beaten path:

For an unusual travel experience, consider visiting the small village of Nadin, located about 20 kilometers from Zadar. This village is known for its eco-friendly approach to agriculture and wine production. Take a guided tour of the vineyards, olive groves, and wineries, and sample some of the local products, including wines, olive oils, and cheeses. This unique experience offers a glimpse into the rural life of Croatia and is a great way to explore the beautiful countryside surrounding Zadar.

Learn More about Zadar

Its geographical position, beaches, and attractive surroundings make Zadar in Croatia, an excellent destination for visiting Dalmatia. Zadar is surrounded by the 150 islands of the Kornati archipelago, one of the largest in the Mediterranean. It is built on a peninsula.

Zadar is considered one of the oldest cities of the Adriatic Sea. The core of its Old Town shows architecture inherited from the Romans, and in the Forum there are Roman remains. The Land Gate which is a Renaissance gate is also the main entrance to the walled city. The Five Wells Square is a beautiful esplanade just beyond the Gate of the Land, with five wells that until the 19th century provided water. Petar-Zoranic Square, with its Roman column and the remains of a 1st-century gate from the Forum. And the Palace of the Provost, many other things to see in the heart of the city.

The monastery of St. Donat, from the 9th century, The art gallery of the Municipal Museum and the Church of St. Simeon, and the Museum of Ancient Glass in the Cosmacendi Palace. The region of Zadar has been inhabited for three millennia, so the historical and archaeological remains are rich.

The National Square has been the heart of the Old Town of Zadar since the Middle Ages. In the Lovran café, there are remains of the oldest building in the square, St. Lawrence Church. Admire the building of the Municipal Guard with its clock tower. And the Church of St. Michael, with its Gothic facade. You should take a tour of the Varos Quarter, which is the oldest part of Zadar and still has memories of the Second World War. It is the center of Zadar's student life and nightlife. There are so many historical sites to enjoy in Zadar, it will make you feel dizzy.

For a natural getaway, you should try the beaches of Zadar, rocky or pebble beaches along the Kneza Trpimira quay and around the Puntamika peninsula, and in front of the Borik hotel complex. Along the riviera to Biograd na Moru and Vir you will find beaches for every style.

The city is surrounded by several national parks that you can discover, such as the Vrana Lake Nature Park, the largest lake in Croatia, with opalescent waters. It is a magnificent ornithological reserve. For a walk, bike or horse ride.

Zadar is a city with very rich architecture and history, where it is pleasant to live.

Frequently Asked Questions by Travelers planning a trip to Zadar

Which islands to visit near Zadar?

Zadar is surrounded by islands to discover, Dugi Otok, Islands Pasman, Ugljan, and the Island of Pag are very popular.

Any recommendation of areas to stay in Zadar?

If you want to enjoy Zadar and its charm, staying in the old town is the best solution. Biograd Na Moru is ideal if you want to swim and have restaurants nearby, Diklo which is an area of Zadar with restaurants and bars is great to spend your evenings.

Do I have to rent a car to visit Zadar?

Renting a car is not an obligation, but it is recommended by travelers, you will have more flexibility, and if you want to discover other islands around, some are connected by bridges; consequently, the car will be very convenient.

   Where to Stay in Zadar

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