If you’re wondering what city deserves your time more, Zadar or Split, keep reading this blog post!
Many travelers fly into Zagreb and begin their Croatia adventure from the capital. With limited time, they often have to choose wisely which cities to visit and which to skip. One common debate is whether Zadar or Split is better, and is it worth visiting both?
Both cities offer unique experiences, vibrant nightlife, rich history, and stunning scenery, but they also have their differences. Some of them might even be deal-breakers depending on your travel style. As a Croatia native I’ve visited these two cities many times, and this post compares Zadar and Split to help you decide which one is the better fit for your trip.
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ZADAR OR SPLIT: History and the Old Town
Zadar
If you’re looking for a smaller town with a stunning Old Town and a rich history, Zadar is the place for you. With a history spanning over 3 thousand years, Zadar’s Old Town is a fascinating blend of Roman, Byzantine, and Venetian influences, and you’ll love it.
Some of its most significant landmarks include the Roman Forum, the 9th-century Church of St. Donatus, and the city walls, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. History is woven into every corner of the town, you can feel it in every building you pass.
What makes Zadar’s Old Town truly special is its mix of ancient and modern. Alongside its iconic historical landmarks, you’ll find unique modern attractions like the Sea Organ and the Sun Salutation, which are a must visit.
Split
Split’s Old Town is more popular, but not necessarily more beautiful than Zadar’s. The breathtaking Diocletian’s Palace is a very famous attraction many people visit every year, and it’s worth the trip if you enjoy exploring the old Roman structures.
The Diocletian’s Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it’s situated in the heart of Split’s Old Town. Along with the palace, you can enjoy the beautiful buildings and churches of Split’s Old Town, as well as the charming Riva Promenade.
ZADAR OR SPLIT: Beaches and Natural Attractions
Zadar
Zadar has a few beaches near the Old Town, but they can get crowded during peak season. Most are pebbly with crystal-clear waters. The most popular is Kolovare Beach, a favorite among both tourists and locals. While sandy beaches are rare in Zadar, Borik Beach, located a bit farther from the Old Town, is a good option.
Beyond the beaches, Zadar is also a great base for exploring Croatia’s natural wonders. It offers easy access to stunning national parks like Paklenica, Krka, and Plitvice Lakes.
Split
Split has several beaches near the Old Town, so finding a spot to relax by the sea won’t be an issue. The closest options, Bacvice Beach and Ovcice Beach, are just a short 20-minute walk away. For those willing to venture a bit farther, Jezinac Beach lies on one side of town, while Žnjan Beach is on the other. Bacvice Beach is the most popular, thanks to its sandy shore and convenient location.
Apart from the beaches, Split offers plenty of natural attractions. You can hike up Marjan Hill for stunning views, kayak in the crystal-clear waters, or take a short trip to Krka National Park for an unforgettable day in nature.
ZADAR OR SPLIT: Things to Do
Both Zadar and Split offer plenty to see and do, so it’s easy to spend a few days in each. If you’re looking for detailed recommendations, be sure to check out my guide to Zadar and itinerary for Split. But for now, here’s a quick overview of the must-see landmarks and attractions in both towns.
Zadar
- Visit the Sea Organ and Sun Salutation
- Visit the Roman Forum and St. Donatus Church
- Walk along Zadar’s city walls and Land Gate
- Day trip to Plitvice Lakes or Krka National Park
- Sunbathe on Kolovare or Borik Beach
Split
- Walk around Diocletian’s Palace
- Walk up Marjan Hill for panoramic views
- Visit the Cathedral of St. Domnius and Bell Tower
- Spend a relaxing day on the beaches, like Bacvice and Kasjuni
- Boat tour to the nearby islands of Hvar or Brac
ZADAR OR SPLIT: Culinary Scene
Both Zadar and Split offer excellent Mediterranean cuisine, with a focus on fresh seafood, olive oil, and locally grown produce. Markets and konobas (traditional taverns) serve regional specialties like black risotto, octopus salad, and Pag cheese from the nearby island of Pag. You can also enjoy pašticada, a delicious slow-cooked beef stew, along with a variety of fresh Adriatic seafood.
Many restaurants have a daily lunch menu, usually starting around 11 a.m. and lasting until 4 p.m. or until sold out. These menus change daily, so be sure to ask what’s available for “marenda” (lunch). Trying this is a great way to eat like the locals!
ZADAR OR SPLIT: Nightlife and Entertainment
Zadar
Zadar is much calmer than Split, even during the high season. The town has plenty of cafes and bars lining the Old Town’s streets, along with a few clubs, each offering its own music genre. While Zadar hosts many festivals and outdoor events during the summer months, the crowds are generally much smaller compared to Split. Some popular spots to check out include the clubs Opera and Guma, as well as Pet Bunara Square.
Split
Split is famous worldwide for its lively nightlife and party scene, largely thanks to the Ultra Europe festival, which draws people from all over the world. The Old Town is filled with lively bars, and Bacvice Beach is home to several beach bars. Split is a city that never truly sleeps, but the energy peaks during the summer months.
Popular activities in Split include Pub Crawls and Boat Parties. Within walking distance of the Old Town, you’ll also find a variety of nightclubs, such as Boiler Club and Central Club, which are favorites among party-goers.
ZADAR OR SPLIT: Transportation
Zadar
Zadar is easy to reach from anywhere in Europe, whether by road or air. The city has an international airport with connections to many European cities, and it’s also well-served by roads and bus routes.
From Zagreb, you can reach Zadar in about 3.5 hours by bus, so if you’re up for it, a day trip is definitely possible. However, staying a few days in Zadar will give you much more time to explore. Once you’re there, the compact size of the city makes it easy to get around on foot, and if you want to visit the islands, Zadar’s ferry port offers multiple connections to nearby islands.
Split
Split is the second-largest city in Croatia, so it’s really easy to get to from other parts of the country and Europe. It has the second-biggest airport in Croatia, a busy ferry port with routes to many islands, and good bus and train connections. Within the city, most things are within walking distance, but if you want to explore beyond the Old Town, public buses are a convenient way to get around.
ZADAR OR SPLIT: Hotels
Zadar and Split are very loved coastal towns, so they offer plenty of accommodation types, from luxury hotels to mid-range apartments and budget-friendly hostels. Here’s a quick list of hotels I’d recommend for each town!
Hotels in Zadar
- Falkensteiner Hotel & Spa Iadera (Luxury)
- Almayer Art & Heritage Hotel (Boutique)
- Hotel Kolovare (Mid-range)
- Downtown Boutique Hostel (Budget)
Hotels in Split
- Hotel Park Split (Luxury)
- Cornaro Hotel (Boutique)
- Hotel Luxe (Mid-range)
- Backpackers Fairytale Hostel (Budget)
ZADAR OR SPLIT: Day Trips
If you love a good day trip, you’ll love both Zadar and Split. Both cities are excellent starting points for exploring nearby attractions, and there’s plenty of them. Here are some of the day trips I would recommend checking out:
Day Trips from Zadar
- Plitvice Lakes National Park
- Krka National Park
- Kornati Islands National Park
- The island of Pag
Day Trips from Split
- Blue Cave & Vis Island
- Hvar and Pakleni Islands
- Trogir, Omiš, or Šibenik
- Cetina River for rafting and canyoning
CONCLUSION
Split and Zadar both offer the best of Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, but in different ways. Zadar is perfect for those who want a mix of historical charm and peaceful natural beauty, while Split draws visitors with its lively urban energy and easy access to islands. Ultimately, it comes down to your personal preference and the kind of holiday experience you’re seeking.
If you want something calm and peaceful but still beautiful, go with Zadar. If you like a good night out and want to island-hop, Split is the better option for you!
