IS ZADAR WORTH VISITING? GREATEST THINGS TO DO IN ZADAR

We all know that Zadar is one of Croatia’s most popular destinations, but is Zadar worth visiting?

Zadar is a coastal city that attracts visitors from all over the world. Whether you’re planning to stay for a few days or simply visit as a day trip, there’s a good chance it will be on your Croatia itinerary. With so many beautiful coastal towns in Dalmatia, it’s fair to wonder whether Zadar deserves a spot on your list. After all, you can’t fit everything into your itinerary!

In my opinion, the answer is a definite yes and in this guide, I’ll explain exactly why. To help you plan your trip, I’ve put together a list of the best things to do in and around Zadar, along with some local tips and recommendations. As a Croatian local, I’ve visited Zadar many times over the years, and this guide is based on my own experiences and favourite spots. Keep reading to find out why Zadar is worth visiting and what you shouldn’t miss while you’re there!

WHERE IS ZADAR

Zadar is a city located in northern part of Dalmatia in Croatia. It’s situated around 150 kilometers from Split, and 300 kilometers from Zagreb. Zadar is one of the prettiest and most loved towns in Croatia due to its beautiful coastline, historic old town, and unique landmarks. If you ask any Croatian what is a town you must visit, Zadar will surely be in their top 5. I’ve been to Zadar many times and it impresses me every time. This town is perfect for you if you like history, gorgeous old towns, and perfect crystal-clear sea.

HOW TO REACH ZADAR

There are various ways to reach Zadar, depending on why you’re visiting and how long you want to stay there. The easiest way is to fly right into Zadar. It has its own airport making the town well-connected to many cities in Europe. Still, it’s not as connected as Zagreb or Split airports are. If flying into Zadar is not possible from your location, fly into Zagreb or Split and continue by car or public transport!

SPLIT TO ZADAR: BY CAR OR BY BUS

It’s really easy to reach Zadar from Split. Buses operate regularly between Split and Zadar, so you won’t have any problems if you do not have a car or don’t drive. The journey takes approximately 3 to 4 hours, and you can buy tickets online right here. If you do have a car, use great Croatian highways northbound from Split towards Zadar, or the famous D8 scenic road for incredible views. The drive takes around 2.5 to 3 hours and there will be tolls on the highway which you must pay, so keep that in mind.

ZAGREB TO ZADAR: BY CAR OR BY BUS

Zagreb is a bit further away, but still very well connected as it’s the capital city. Buses from Zagreb to Zadar are frequent, with several departures throughout the day.

The journey takes around 3.5 to 4.5 hours, so not much longer than from Split. If you have cheaper plane tickets to Zagreb than to Split, save your money and fly into Zagreb.  You can book tickets online or at the Zagreb bus station. By car you need to take the highway southbound from Zagreb towards Zadar. The drive takes around 3 hours, but it can be quicker if you’re travelling really early or late at night!

IS ZADAR WORTH VISITING?

Zadar is absolutely worthy of a visit. Although you maybe haven’t heard of it because it’s not as hyped up as some other places in Croatia, this is a stunning town with a lot to offer. Here are some of the reasons why you shouldn’t miss out on this lovely town.

HISTORY

If you love history, you’ll have a blast in Zadar. Zadar has a rich history dating back to Roman times, and you can explore its historical sites like the Roman Forum, St. Donatus Church, and the Cathedral of St. Anastasia. The city’s old town is filled with narrow cobblestone streets, ancient churches, and medieval architecture, offering a glimpse into its fascinating past. While the old town might not be as charming as those of Dubrovnik or Korcula, Zadar is still breathtaking.

UNIQUE ATTRACTIONS

Zadar is famous for some of the most unique landmarks you really can’t see anywhere else. These attractions are in itself worthy of a visit, so with all other reasons why visit Zadar, you really have no excuse to skip Zadar.

There are two unique attractions and those are the Sea Organ and the Sun Salutation. The Sea Organ is an architectural sound art installation that produces music by the sea waves, and the Sun Salutation is a solar-powered installation which lights up in a spectacular display of colours at sunset, creating a magical atmosphere. I’m sure you’ve never seen or heard anything like this!

BEAUTIFUL COASTLINE

Along with all the incredible history, attractions, and food, Zadar is a proud home to crystal-clear waters and many picturesque beaches. Some of them will surely sweep you off your feet, so prepare your swimsuits and water shoes even if you’re coming only for a day. Not only is Zadar gorgeous, but the nearby islands like Ugljan, Pag, Pasman, and Dugi Otok are also easily accessible and offer beautiful natural landscapes and secluded coves if you want to escape the people in Zadar.

BEST THINGS TO DO IN ZADAR

Zadar is an incredibly interesting town with many different things to do. The various opportunities offered in Zadar make it a town worthy of a visit, and here’s exactly what you can do to have the best possible holiday in this adorable small town.

EXPERIENCE THE SEA ORGAN

First and foremost, you must experience Zadar’s main and most popular attraction. The Sea Organ is an architectural sound art installation that plays music through sea waves. The waves hit the underwater pipes which then produce gorgeous melodies. The sounds are truly magical and they’re best enjoyed during sunset with the breathtaking view of the Adriatic Sea.

LOOK AT THE SUN SALUTATION

Adjacent to the Sea Organ, you’ll find another one-of-a-kind attraction. It’s the Sun Salutation. This is a solar-powered light installation that creates a mesmerizing light show at sunset. It’s a beautiful place to relax and enjoy the evening ambiance. Make sure you visit it in the evening – the combination of the lights and the Sea Organ will make for a memorable evening.

EXPLORE THE HISTORICAL OLD TOWN

What’s a visit to Croatia if you don’t get to explore stunning old towns? Zadar has a beautiful old town full of history and ancient roman ruins. The old town is a picturesque fusion of Roman, Venetian, and Byzantine influences which you will love.

As you wander through the winding alleys, you’ll stumble upon bustling markets, cozy cafes, and experience a vibrant atmosphere of the town. Some of the main landmarks in the old town you cannot miss are the Roman Forum, St. Donatus Church, and Cathedral of St. Anastasia. On top of all that, Zadar also has well-preserved city walls which you should explore. Moreover, make sure to pass through historic gates like the Land Gate (Kopnena vrata) and the Sea Gate (Morska vrata), which offer great views of the city and the sea.

VISIT SOME OF THE NEARBY ISLANDS

If you like island-hopping, take a ferry or a boat tour to explore the nearby islands like Ugljan, Pasman, and Dugi Otok. These islands are perfect if you love secluded beaches and charming fishing villages. These islands obviously aren’t as well-known as Hvar but they’re still worth a visit. Unfortunately, there aren’t any ferries from Zadar to Hvar, but you can reach Split by bus or car and then take a ferry to Hvar if Hvar is on your bucket list.

VISIT KRKA NATIONAL PARK

One of the best day trips from Zadar you can take is a trip to the gorgeous Krka National Park. Krka National Park is a stunning NP full of cascading waterfalls and gorgeous landscapes. It’s located fairly close to Zadar, only an hour away by car. You’ll need about 2-3 hours to explore the park, so if you’re looking for something to do outside of Zadar, Krka is your best option. The tickets are 40 euros during summer, and cheaper off-season. Read my Krka NP guide for additional information.

GO FOR A SWIM AT SOME OF ZADAR’S BEACHES

Finally, if you just want to relax, check out some of Zadar’s beaches. Zadar and its surrounding areas offer several beautiful beaches and here are some of the best ones:

• Kolovare Beach – this one is located near the city center and is one of the most popular beaches in town. It’s a pebble beach with clear blue waters and various amenities including restaurants, bars, showers, and sports facilities.
• Borik Beach – this beach is located in the Borik area and it’s a sandy and pebble beach with shallow waters. It’s suitable for families with children and has restaurants, cafes, sunbeds, and umbrellas.
• Puntamika Beach – this beach is situated in the Puntamika area, a short distance from the city center. It’s a sandy and pebble beach with crystal-clear waters, surrounded by pine trees. The beach offers various facilities and activities, such as beach volleyball, water sports, and restaurants.
• Diklo Beach – this beach is located in the Diklo area, a few kilometers northwest of Zadar. It’s a pebble beach with calm waters, ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Diklo Beach is relaxed and less crowded compared to some other beaches in Zadar.
• Sakarun Beach – although not directly in town, Sakarun Beach is worth mentioning as it’s one of the most beautiful beaches in the Zadar region. It’s located on Dugi Otok islanda and it’s known for its white sand and turquoise waters. You can reach it by ferry or boat from Zadar and is definitely worth a visit for its stunning natural beauty.

VISIT NIN

Nin is one of the easiest and best places to visit nearby since it’s only 20 minutes from Zadar. This small town is full of history and is known as Croatia’s oldest royal town. You can walk through the charming old town, visit the Church of the Holy Cross, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Nin is also famous for its sandy beaches, which are quite rare in Croatia, and for its healing mud beach. It’s a great place to relax, swim, and watch the sunset. You can get there by car in about 20 minutes or take a local bus from Zadar, which takes around 30 minutes.

CONCLUSION: IS ZADAR WORTH VISITING?

Yes, Zadar is absolutely worth visiting, and there are plenty of things to see and do. While I wouldn’t recommend spending five days there, it’s a great destination for a day trip or a one-night stop while traveling around Croatia. The city has a charming old town that feels different from many other places on the Croatian coast, and it’s a place that most visitors end up loving. Whether you’re interested in history, beautiful views, or simply wandering through old streets, Zadar is well worth adding to your itinerary.