Riviera Zadar

idyllic resorts and coves at the rugged coast

The Riviera Zadar in Northern Dalmatia stretches from Privlaka in the north, onto the ancient royal city of Nin up to Sukosan in the south. The Riviera is rich in cultural and historical towns, dreamy fishing villages, romantic beaches, and a variety of beautiful pebble stone and sandy beaches in front of the rough mountain scnery of Velebit. Zadar, a city that has a history of over 3,000 years including the Roman settlement, is now the touristic and economic center of the Riviera. In spite of all the attacks on Zadar, historical sites like the Roman Forum in the city center are well preserved. A rather recent site is the sea organ, which was created by the architect Nikola Basic at the river promenade in 2005. Due to the motion of the waves the organ plays in different tones. As of 2008 one can marvel at "Greeting to the Sun," a piece by the same architect in close proximity to the sea organ. "Greeting to the Sun" is a circular shaped installation made of 300 glass modules with different colored light elements that are built into the promenade. After sunset, the piece generates a beautiful light and color play.

Via its international airport the Riviera of Zadar can be conveniently accessed all year long from various European cities from. Zadar Airport is located about 7 kilometers outside the city center, near the villages of Donji and Zemunik. From Zadar one can quickly get access to the highways, which lead inland to the national parks of Northern Dalmatia. North of Zadar are the two national parks Paklenica and Lake Plitvice National Park. Going south one arrives to Krka National Park and Kornati National Maritime Park, an island paradise that amazes not just mariners.

Visitors may relax during their vacation in Diklo, a coastal village with a beautiful and family-friendly beach. Here one can swim in calm waves and enjoy seclusion. Diklo has preserved its authentic charm, since big hotels are nowhere to be found. The coastal village Kozino, too, tempts with crystal clear water and a city center, in which shops offer regional products such as wine and liquor. Kozino has quite a few small pebble stone beaches as a concrete bathing platforms as an alternative. This does certainly not spoil the swimming experience, because the water is nice and clean. Adjacent to Kozino is the medieval village Petrcane. Petrcane, which lists only 500 inhabitants, provides a great variety for active vacationers and unspoiled nature that seems perfect for long hikes or bike rides. The Falkensteiner hotel company recognized the beauty of this area and thus built one of the most luxurious hotels in Croatia at the city limit.

Zaton and Privlaka are popular vacation resorts mostly due to their sandy, gently sloping beaches - ideal for a relaxing family stay. The sandy beaches at Sabunike and Nin, too, are perfect for family vacation. Nin is among the oldest cities in Croatia. Nin is interesting and well worth visiting especially for its beautiful old town, which is home to the "oldest cathedral in the world" as well as the healing mud from the "Queen’s Beach." In neighboring Vrsi one finds romantically situated coves with turquoise water and partly sandy beaches just like in Zukve. The sandy beach in Zukve is conveniently accessible and rather small.

The bay on island of Pag lets you swim in a protected atmosphere on the beaches of Ljubac and Rtina. Facing the mainland lies Razanac with its quiet beaches, clean sea, and a stunning view of the National Park Paklenica. Near the mouth of the Adriatic Sea into the Novigrad Sea Vinjerac delights its visitors with tranquility, an interesting view of the Velebit, and a lively local harbor. Those who get excited about larger marinas should travel south to Sukosan. Here, between Sukosan and Bibinje, lies the Marina Dalmacija, which is one of the largest marinas on the Croatian coast. With over 1,200 berths Marina Dalmacija marks a highlight for both interested visitors and boaters.