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Zadar is a beautiful coastal town. Situated in North Dalmatia, a central part of the Adriatic Sea, it offers a wide range of historical and modern attractions to its visitors.
Here, you’ll find all about Zadar and its attractions, and get locals' advice that’ll help you plan your luxury city break.
Let’s start!
1. Why Is Zadar Famous
Zadar is one of the most architecturally diverse towns in Dalmatia. From Roman ruins to Venetian monuments and modern sights, this coastal city has it all.
The most interesting historical attractions in Zadar include its beautiful Old Town, enclosed by ancient city walls. The Church of St. Donatus is one of its main symbols.
Regarding the modern attractions, you’ve probably heard of the famous sound installation Sea Organ, or “Greeting to the Sun”.
Sunset in Zadar
According to the film director Alfred Hitchhook, Zadar also has the “best sunset in the world”.
What’s more, there are many stunning islands in the Zadar Archipelago with some of the most beautiful beaches in Croatia, like Saharun on Dugi Otok Island.
We’ll go more into the details about each of these topics in the following paragraphs.
2. How to Get to Zadar
Zadar town is situated on the central part of the Adriatic Sea coast in Croatia, in North Dalmatia.
You can arrive in Zadar by road or plane, depending on your preferences and where you’re traveling from.
Driving to Zadar
Most guests from Central Europe, for example, Austria, Germany, or Poland, come to Zadar by car. Croatia has one of the best, most modern highway infrastructures in Europe. Drivers mainly choose the A1 motorway from Zagreb, Croatia’s capital, which is only 4 and a half hours away from Vienna, Austria.
Alternatively, you can travel by Adriatic highway, which is slower, but the scenic sea views during your road trip will make up for it.
Flying to Zadar
On the other hand, if you’re traveling from Western Europe, the UK, or the US, we definitely recommend flying in. International Zadar Airport is well-connected with other parts of Europe during the tourist season, especially between late March and October. However, domestic flights operate all year round.
If you need to get from Zadar airport to Zadar city center, you can hire a taxi using one of the popular apps in Croatia, like Uber, or let your VIP Concierge agents arrange a private transfer that’ll be waiting at your gate. The ride should be about 20 minutes, depending on where your villa in Zadar is situated.
What’s more, you can fly to Split Airport, which is an hour and a half away from Zadar by A1 motorway or 2 hours by Adriatic highway. This is the largest and busiest airport in Dalmatia. It has more international connections, so don’t overlook it when traveling to Zadar.
3. Where to Stay in Zadar
Choosing a place to stay is an important part of holiday planning. In Zadar, you’ll have a few options, from renting an apartment in the old town to choosing a luxury villa close to Zadar. Most of our villas in the Zadar area are about 20 minutes away by car from the city center.
Luxury Villa Novita, Novigrad
Luxury Villa Novita
Luxury Villa Novita, with a heated infinity pool and only steps away from the sea, is one of our best villas in the Zadar area. Up to 8 + 2 guests can sleep in 4 king-size bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms. All bedrooms and the living area have beautiful sea views.
Luxury Villa Novita - Living room with sea views
You can relax in a jacuzzi, sauna, and fitness room, and have fun in the game room with table soccer, table tennis and darts, PlayStation 5, and VR.
Luxury Villa Novita - Pool
Villa Novita is situated in Novigrad, 40 minutes away from Zadar by car. However, the villa is just under 5 minutes by car from the center of Novigrad, a charming coastal town with excellent restaurants, bars, and coffee shops.
Ultraluxury Villa Orbis Vitae, Bibinje
Ultraluxury Villa Orbis Vitae
Ultraluxury Villa Orbis Vitae with a heated pool accommodates up to 6 guests across 3 spacious bedrooms, each featuring a king-size bed, en-suite bathroom, and sea view.
Ultraluxury Villa Orbis Vitae - Gym and sauna
This modern villa has many luxurious amenities, including a fitness centre, a children’s playground, a small football and basketball field, and a trampoline.
Ultraluxury Villa Orbis Vitae - Football and basketball courts
In fact, the villa is in Bibinje, less than a 5-minute walk from the sea, and 15-20 minutes from the city center by car.
Beachfront Villa Blue Melody, Sukosan
Beachfront Villa Blue Melody
Beachfront Villa Blue Melody with a pool and outdoor jacuzzi is a spacious and modern rental for up to 9 guests. It has 4 bedrooms, all with a king-size bed, en-suite bathroom, and a sea view.
Beachfront Villa Blue Melody - Living room
The living space is warm and comfortable. You can stay active in the well-equipped fitness room. What’s more, the villa is pet-friendly upon request, so you can take your dogs on holiday as well.
Beachfront Villa Blue Melody - Pool
Villa Blue Melody is situated right by the beach in Sukosan, only 10-15 minutes from Zadar city center by car.
Luxury Villa Spectre, Starigrad Paklenica
Luxury Villa Spectre
Luxury Villa Spectre with a heated pool is modern and stylish. It’s perfect for up to 8 guests with 4 king-size bedrooms, all with en-suite bathrooms and breathtaking sea views.
Luxury Villa Spectre - Bedroom with bahttub and sea view
The calm atmosphere is perfect for family holidays or a retreat with friends. Two bedrooms have bathtubs, ideal for a spa-like experience, and there’s an outdoor jacuzzi on the balcony and a sauna.
Luxury Villa Spectre - Outdoor jacuzzi
Outside, you can relax in a pool or at the large garden with palm trees, a meadow, and two canopy beach beds. Villa Spectre is in Starigrad Paklenica, just steps away from the sea. The location is perfect for a quiet holiday right next to the National Park Paklenica, and Zadar is less than an hour away by car.
4. What Can You Do in Zadar
Zadar has an interesting and unique mix of attractions. While some are thousands of years old, others have been around for only a few decades. Also, it has a diverse gastronomy, and a few bars and clubs for summer parties.
What’s more, Zadar is an interesting place for sports enthusiasts. Each year, it hosts Wings for Life World Run on the first Sunday of May.
Historical Attractions in Zadar
Roman Forum and Church of St. Donatus, Zadar
The Roman Forum is one of the oldest monuments in Zadar. Its construction began over 2,000 years ago. During the Roman times, it was the center of public life in Zadar. An earthquake destroyed parts of it, but even today, you can see the original temple pavement and stairs, along with two columns.
Zadar has many religious buildings, including the largest church in Dalmatia, St. Anastasia’s Cathedral. It’s over 1,500 years old, but the majority of today’s Romanesque structure is from the 12th and 13th centuries.
Moreover, Zadar’s Church of St. Donatus from the 9th century is the largest Pre-Romanesque Croatian building.
People's Square (Narodni Trg) in Zadar
Of course, when you need to take a break from sightseeing, you have to stop for a coffee at People’s Square (Narodni Trg), a popular place for people of Zadar to socialise.
Another must-visit square is “Five Wells Square” (Trg Pet Bunara). As the name suggests, there are five wellheads that Venetians built, along with a large water drinking cistern. Today, you can find a park over there, too, which is perfect for walking around.
Finally, a 16th-century Land Gate in little Fosa harbour is a wonderful entrance to the Old Town from Venetian times. There are three more entrances, but this is definitely the most memorable one.
Sea Organ and Greeting to the Sun
Zadar promenade with Sea Organ and Greeting to the Sun
On the other hand, some of the best attractions in Zadar include modern monuments. You should definitely visit the Sea Organ and Greeting to the Sun, two unique creations. Nikola Basic is a local architect who designed both.
Sea Organ is a system of pipes and whistles set on stone steps that descend into the sea. The waves push air through it, making calming harmonic sounds. It sounds best when waves are stronger, but avoid visiting during rain because you won’t be able to hear it.
Just steps from the Sea Organ, you’ll find Greeting to the Sun, its stark contrast. Basically, it’s a 22-meter circle filled with 300 multi-layered glass plates that gather the Sun’s energy. It offers a flashy, colorful light show.
To explore more things to see in Zadar, read our blog “Top 6 Attractions in Zadar”.
What to Eat in Zadar
Zadar has Mediterranean cuisine. It’s a delicious combination of fish and meat meals, always paired with top-quality olive oil and fresh vegetables. Of course, you can find other cuisines, too.
When our guests ask for restaurant recommendations in Zadar, we give them this list:
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Providur Restaurant & Wine Bar - You’ll enjoy delicious meals prepared from fresh products and paired with excellent wines on the beautiful Petar Zoranic square.
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Restaurant Bruschetta - Try a mix of Mediterranean and Croatian cuisine with a modern twist. All ingredients are locally sourced, and dish presentation is impeccable.
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Restaurant Niko - It’s a family-run restaurant with traditional Dalmatian cuisine outside the Old Town. The portions are generous, the atmosphere is welcoming, and their specialties include grilled meats and homemade bread.
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Restaurant Kastel - Recommended by the Michelin Guide, this restaurant with panoramic views is set inside a historic castle. It offers traditional Dalmatian dishes with a strong Italian influence. We advise you to make reservations upfront to secure a table on the terrace.
Is Zadar a Party Destination
Zadar is not known for its party life, but you’ll find several open-terrace bars and clubs in the Old Town. They mostly play pop songs, techno, or traditional Croatian music.
The most popular clubs are Opera and GUMA, but you can also party in bars like Svarog, Ledana, RIO, and Deja Brew Pub.
However, if you’re looking for crazy all-night parties, we recommend visiting the Zrce Beach in Novanja on Pag Island. It’s about an hour and 20 minutes away from Zadar, and Pag is connected to the mainland by a bridge.
5. Are There Beaches in Zadar
Zadar is a seafront town great for a beach holiday. Here are some of our favorite beaches for swimming.
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Kolovare Beach - The most popular, oldest, and longest Zadar beach, with a mix of sandy and gravel bottom. Close to the Old Town. There are pine trees that provide shade. It’s great for families with children.
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Puntamika Beach - Pebbly beach, a bit further from the city and the crowds. You’ll find a bar where you can enjoy fresh drinks, a children’s playground, and a nearby lighthouse.
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Punta Bajlo Beach - A beach famous for its white cliffs and rocks that are great for having fun by jumping into the sea. It’s located on a small peninsula covered with pine forest that provides deep shade.
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Children's Paradise Beach - As the name suggests, this beach in Sukosan is perfect for children thanks to its shallow, sandy bottom. The beach also has coffee bars and ice cream stands.
6. How Many Days to Visit Zadar
So, for how many days should you stay in Zadar?
You can visit Zadar only for a day trip, but it definitely won’t be sufficient. Anything between 3 to 7 days is perfect.
Greeting to the Sun at Sunset
If you only have 3 days in Zadar, definitely spend one full day exploring the Old Town, Sea Organ, and Greeting to the Sun. Make sure to drink a coffee on one of the famous squares, shop for souvenirs at Kalelarga Street, and watch the sunset.
Moreover, since Zadar is so close to National Parks, make sure you save your second day to visit one. We recommend a boat trip to Kornati, and you can also visit Telascica Nature Park. On the third day, you could go to the museums and churches in the Old Town, and chill at the beach before your departure.
We know this itinerary seems packed with things to do, so we always suggest at least 5 to 7 days. If you’re in Zadar for 5 days, you can visit Krka Waterfalls National Park, which is less than an hour away, and stop in Sibenik on your way back, visit St. James Cathedral, or one of Sibenik’s fortresses. Here’s a blog about Sibenik to help you plan your visit better: What to Do in Sibenik.
Alternatively, you can enjoy a half-day hiking trip at Paklenica. What’s more, you could take a ferry to nearby islands, Ugljan or Pasma, and explore the hidden beaches, bays, and coves.
For the most relaxed, laid-back holiday, we recommend 7 days in a villa in the Zadar area.
Along with exploring the town and surrounding islands and parks, you could have extra time to sit back, have a spa or wellness experience, and swim in the pool. You’ll have enough time for anything you’d like to do.
7. When Is the Best Time to Go to Zadar
Church of St. Donatus, Zadar
The best time to visit Zadar mainly depends on your preferences. However, some seasons are more popular than others.
Like in other parts of coastal Croatia, summer is the most popular time of the year to visit Zadar. The sea is the best for swimming, the sun shines the brightest, and most premises have longer working hours. The peak season includes months of July and August.
In fact, June and September are still very popular if you want to avoid the highest temperatures and prices, but still enjoy the summer atmosphere, swim, and go out.
The shoulder season includes months April to May and October, which is best if you want to enjoy a quiet holiday with mostly good weather, although the sea is not ideal for swimming.
Our blog “What's the Best Season to Travel in Croatia” provides more info on this topic, so make sure you check it out.
8.What’s the Weather Like in Zadar
Zadar has a mix of Mediterranean and subtropical climates. Winters are mild and wet, while summers are warm and humid.
The summers are very hot. July and August are the hottest months, with average temperatures around 30 °C (86 °F). Even in spring and autumn, temperatures may reach 30 °C.
Winters are very mild. Temperatures below 0 °C (32 °F) are rare and don’t last long. January, the coldest month, has an average temperature of 8 °C (46 °F).
The rainiest months are October and November, while July is the driest. Snow is rare and unlikely.
The sea temperature in Zadar ranges from 10 °C (50 °F) in February to 25 °C (77 °F) in July and August. The Adriatic Sea in Croatia is generally great for swimming. It’s warm, clean, clear, and has calm conditions. It’s also high in salinity, which makes floating easier and swimming is more relaxing, and high in minerals and oligo-elements that have many health benefits.
Generally, Zadar has very good weather, especially in the summer, so pack light clothes and bring your sun protection!
9. General Info About Zadar
Zadar from air
Is there a promenade in Zadar? Yes, Zadar is a coastal town with a beautiful pedestrian promenade, Riva. It’s a great place to walk and watch the sunsets, enjoy the Sea Organ and Greeting to the Sun, and drink coffee.
Is Zadar expensive to visit? It depends on a few factors: time of the year, your travel style, and expectations. While Zadar is a coastal town, it’s not as expensive as Hvar or Dubrovnik, so your money goes a longer way. We have a blog, Is Croatia Expensive to Visit, that’ll give you more info on this topic.
Is Zadar a walkable city? Yes, Zadar is walkable and easy to explore on foot. It should take you about 20 minutes to walk the entire Zadar peninsula, where the Old Town is located. In fact, parts of the Old Town are pedestrian-only zones, so you can walk without worrying about the city traffic.
Which Is Better, Split or Zadar? There’s no correct answer; both cities are great, and which one you enjoy the most depends on your preferences. Split is the biggest city in Dalmatia, and it’s a cultural hub with more flight connections. On the other hand, Zadar is smaller, has a more laid-back vibe, and it’s closer to many national parks. Best of all? They’re less than an hour and a half away by car, so while staying in one city, you can go to another for a day trip.
10. Is It Worth Going to Zadar
Yes, Zadar is a beautiful city that’s definitely worth visiting. The charming mix of history and modernity, great food, and proximity to natural beauties and many islands make it one of the best towns in Dalmatia.
If you’re interested in booking your holidays in Zadar, reach out to us at [email protected] or explore our offer of Luxury Villas in Zadar and fill out the form below.
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