Holidays in Zadar

Start your journey along the Croatian coast with us – here you’ll find all the essential information to plan your accommodation with ease.

What to do in Zadar?

We suggest some of the most important sights you should definitely visit during your holiday in Zadar.

About Zadar

Zadar, a port town with 75,000 inhabitants, a fascinating history, a lively old city center, modern architecture and regional specialties, such as Pasticada, annually attracts many tourists to the Croatian Adriatic coast in Northern Dalmatia. The winding streets of the historic center and the lively harbor promenade create the typical Mediterranean flair and form a welcoming contrast to the glittering blue of the Adriatic and the rich in natural beauty, surrounding areas which promise peace and relaxation.

Zadar is the largest city on the coast of Northern Dalmatia and offers, therefore, not only a variety of leisure activities and beautiful beaches, but also a colorful nightlife. In the evenings, many locals and tourists come to Zadar from the surrounding villages to let loose in the bars and clubs of Zadar. In addition, particularly in the summer, Zadar is host to many music events, concerts and theater performances that promise a lively evening. At the same time, those visitors at the folklore festivals who experience the traditions and customs leave with a greater understanding of the locals. Zadar is also home to the major ferry port in northern Dalmatia which operates to all the islands of the archipelago, goes to Split, Dubrovnik, Rijeka and even to Italy. Zadar International Airport connects the region with all the major cities in Europe. Since some low-cost airlines fly to this city, tourism has also risen sharply amongst the young people. Here guests from Scandinavia, Ireland and the UK are particularly well represented but there are also many tourists from Germany, Italy, Poland, France and other European countries.

In the old town complex of Zadar, which lies on an easily seen peninsula off the mainland, you can roam through the alleys and experience over 3000 years of this city’s history. Peaking out between the typical Dalmatian stone buildings are the old and new attractions of the city, such as the Roman Forum, the former church of the Holy Trinity or the now world-famous Sea Organ. The latter is a piece of work from the architect Nikola Basic done in 2005. This Sea Organ produces magical sounds by means of waves and is located right on the waterfront promenade, which is easily accessible and whose staircase-like structure invites you to linger. Three years later, the same architect who created the Sea Organ, created a new highlight for the city: the so-called salute to the sun which sits directly adjacent his previous work. Here you can watch the 300 multi-layered glass plates, which have been shaped into a circle on the ground, unfold after dark to create a colorful light show reconstructing the orbits of the planets in the solar system. The two works of art interact with each: the sounds of the sea organ transfer over without hesitation to the visual circle of light. Historical buildings like the Country Gate of Porta Terraferma with the Venetian Lion of St. Mark as well as the Church of St. Donatus bring many visitors under their spell.

The marina in Zadar attracts sailors and boaters who are either starting here and plan to go further to the surrounding islands of Ugljan and Iz or are here to just watch the picturesque boats rocking on the gentle shore as twilight comes. Zadar has a wide selection of gastronomic variety in the restaurants and taverns in the old town, which varies between regional specialties and modern kitchen. Visitors should definitely try the local specialty, Pasticada: a delicious dalmatian roast beef which is usually served with gnocchi. A walk through the city will be dotted with numerous shops, blacksmith works and handmade crafts and cafés where you can spend many pleasant hours.

The city and the areas surrounding the city offer all kinds of recreational possibilities from wellness to hiking in the Paklenica National Park; from cycling around the Vransko Jezero to horse-riding in the hinterlands of Zadar. In addition, several of the numerous islands off the coast of Zadar make for ideal destinations – including the Kornati archipelago where the same named national park lies or the Telascica Nature Park with the saltwater Lake of Mir and its magnificent cliffs. The islands and their underwater world is a paradise for boaters and divers in particular.

In addition to the larger and more well-visited beaches in and around Zadar there are numerous coves where romantic moments are bountiful. Among the most popular beaches include Borik, Kolovare and Sjever.

Beaches in Zadar

Discover the most beautiful white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters in Zadar.

Where is Zadar?

Find your location here, navigate using the map, and discover the hidden corners of this beautiful Croatian place.

4 visual reasons to visit Zadar

Zadar Highlights

Hotspots Zadar

Sea Organ: An architectural installation that uses sea waves to create music through pipes under marble steps.
Greeting to the Sun: A circle of solar panels that collects solar energy during the day and creates a light show at night.
Roman Forum: One of the largest Roman forums on the eastern Adriatic, featuring ancient columns and pavements.
Church of St. Donatus: A 9th-century Byzantine-style church built atop the Roman Forum, known for its circular shape.
Cathedral of St. Anastasia: The largest cathedral in Dalmatia, with a bell tower offering panoramic city views.
People’s Square (Narodni trg): A lively square surrounded by historic buildings, cafes, and shops.
Five Wells Square (Trg 5 Bunara): A historic square with five stone wells, surrounded by Venetian-era architecture.
Museum of Ancient Glass: A museum showcasing Roman glass artifacts and glassblowing demonstrations.

Where to go in Zadar

Zadar City Walls: Impressive defensive walls built by the Venetians, offering scenic views of the sea and surrounding area.
Kornati National Park: A stunning group of islands known for its crystal-clear waters and perfect for sailing and exploring.
Vransko Lake: A large freshwater lake, great for birdwatching, hiking, and cycling.
The Land Gate: An impressive Venetian-style gate that marks the entrance to Zadar’s old town.
Bablja Kula (Old Guard Tower): A 13th-century tower offering panoramic views of the city.
Zadar Archaeological Museum: Home to a wide range of artifacts, showcasing the city’s rich history from Roman to medieval times.
Kolovare Beach: A popular city beach ideal for sunbathing and swimming, with clear waters and good facilities.
Lukoran Village: A charming village near Zadar, perfect for exploring traditional Dalmatian life and enjoying peaceful coastal views.

Events in Zadar

Musical Evenings at St. Donatus (July – August): A classical music festival featuring performances by Croatian and international artists.
Zadar Summer Festival (June – July): A month-long event with theater, dance, and music performances by local and national artists.
Selected Festival (July): A popular open-air house music festival with international DJs.
Zadar Summer School of Neurosonology and Stroke Management (April): A medical event focusing on neurosonology and stroke management.
European Table Tennis Team Championships (October): A major sporting event with top table tennis teams from across Europe.

Gastronomy in Zadar

The gastronomy of Zadar, influenced by Mediterranean and Venetian traditions, is known for its use of fresh, local ingredients. Some typical dishes include:

Crni rižot: Black risotto with squid ink, garlic, and red wine.
Gregada: Fish stew with potatoes, onions, and olive oil.
Brudet: Fish stew with tomatoes, wine, and spices, usually served with polenta.
Soparnik: Savory pie filled with chard and garlic.
Pasticada: Marinated beef cooked with red wine, served with gnocchi.

Local products include Paški sir cheese, extra virgin olive oil, and wines such as Plavina and Debit.

To enjoy Zadar’s gastronomy, you can visit restaurants in the old town, explore the local markets, or take part in wine tastings to experience the region’s flavors.