Zadar, Croatia - a complete travel guide

ZADAR, CROATIA - BEST PLACES TO VISIT, BEST BEACHES, ACCOMMODATIONS AND OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION

While looking for ideas of travel destinations for my summer vacation, I came across some cheap plane tickets to Zadar. Since I had never visited Croatia before, I bought them without thinking twice. I spent only four days in Zadar and the surrounding area, enough to make me love Croatia and want to explore more of it.

In this article, I will present you with the most important tourist attractions in Zadar, some ideas for accommodation, but also suggestions on how you can organize an active vacation in the city and near by.

HOW TO GET TO ZADAR AND RENTING A CAR

Zadar has its own airport to where are operated international flights from most European cities.

From the airport to Zadar, in addition to the most convenient options, such as taxi, or private transfer, there is also the option of public transport, by bus. The ticket costs 5 euros/person and can be purchased from the driver. The bus runs to the peninsula, to Poluotok (the city center), and the journey takes approximately 20 minutes.

Another transportation option, useful for visiting other places near Zadar (and not only) is renting a car. In the airport terminal there are offices of rental companies such as: Sixt, Goldcar, Sicily by car, Alamo, Europe Car, or Surprice. Be careful, though!! These companies operate on a franchise basis, and the fact that you had a pleasant/unpleasant experience with a certain company, in a certain country, does not guarantee that the same situation will be in Croatia. Although the company may have the same name, it does not mean that the rules are the same. You can do price simulations here.

PARKING IN ZADAR

If you have a car and want to visit Zadar, it is good to know that parking is not free and the price differs depending on the area and the time of year, so the parking hour ranges between 0.2 - 2.2 euros. Prices during the summer are higher, so the minimum/hour is 0.6 euros.

Most parking meters accept both cash payment in coins and banknotes, as well as card payment. In certain areas, some meters only accept coin payment. Near the beaches, if you arrive early in the morning, you have a chance to get a parking space in the free zone. I will detail this aspect for each beach.

WHERE ARE YOU ACCOMMODATING IN ZADAR?

Among the options listed on Booking, the ones that caught my attention and also have positive reviews are:

• Hotel Sky - is an accommodation unit with double rooms and suites for families. It is located approximately 2 km from the beach area and has parking, terrace and 24-hour reception;

• Hotel Mediteran - 4-star accommodation unit, which has double or twin rooms. It has an outdoor swimming pool, fitness room, bar, restaurant and parking. The hotel is located 10 minutes walk from the beach;

• Alma Lofts - apartment-type accommodation unit, divided into two levels. It has both one-bedroom + living room and two-bedroom + living room apartments. It is located near the old center and does not have parking;

• Apartments & Rooms Mareta Exclusive - accommodation unit with double rooms, or apartment type with one bedroom + living room. It is located in the central area and has parking.

PLACES TO VISIT AND ACTIVITIES IN ZADAR

• The historic center

If I had to choose one place that I would recommend not to miss, it would definitely be the old town. It is not very big, so you can walk around it and see everything in just two to three hours, maybe even less. Although it is not as vibrant as the old town of Split, and the communist influence is still felt in the appearance of some buildings, it is interesting to explore and discover, either on your own or as part of a guided tour.

What to see in the old center:

The city walls, which you can't miss, as the historic center is surrounded by them and are among the highest defense walls I've seen. They were built in the 11th century, and in the 16th century they were enlarged and strengthened by the Venetians, who ruled the city at that time. Nowadays, they are part of the UNESCO Heritage and there is the possibility to take a walk on the alley on them.

As expected, if we have walls, we also have access areas into the city, so one of the most interesting entrances to the old city is the Land Gate. In addition to this gate, there are others, but not as interesting, including the Sea Gate.

The Roman Forum is located just a few steps from the Adriatic Sea, right next to the Church of St. Donatus, in the heart of Zadar. It was built over several centuries, more precisely from the 1st century BC to the 3rd century AD, and was the place where public gatherings took place. Nowadays, it can be visited completely free of charge.

Zadar Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of Saint Anastasia, is the largest cathedral on the Dalmatian Coast. It was first built in the 4th century and then rebuilt several times, including after the bombings of World War II, when it was severely damaged.

Petar Zoranic Square is the place I discovered in Zadar absolutely by chance and which I liked the most in the whole city. Right in the heart of the square, archaeological discoveries were made, both from the Roman period and the Middle Ages. It is a very complex place, surrounded by buildings of great historical importance, and the terraces set in the shade of tall trees complement the landscape very well.

• Riva Zadar

A walk along the promenade on the Adriatic Sea is also worth a visit. The promenade follows the shape of the peninsula and, implicitly, the outer walls of the old city. In this area you have the opportunity to see one of the most interesting "musical instruments". It is called the Sea Organ and you can listen to the sounds made by the water hitting the steps, specially built to create music.

Here you can also admire the sunset, which was voted the most beautiful in the world, and at nightfall you can enjoy the play of lights created by Greetings to the sun.

I would also add to the list of things to see, the statue of Špiro Brusina (Spiridon Brusina, who was a scientist) and the building of the Rectorate of the University of Zadar. Both of these sights are in the promenade area.

• Zadar Beaches

I have to admit, the beaches in Zadar are not my favorite. Croatia is an absolutely gorgeous country, but when it comes to the beaches of this city, they leave a lot to be desired. If you are planning to come to Zadar for them, it is best to lower your expectations, so as not to be disappointed.

If we don't list the beaches that can only be reached by boat, or that are far from the city (more than 15 minutes drive), we will find that Zadar has around 6-7 beaches and places for swimming. So, I leave below some of them, from north to south:

Borik Beach (also known as Puntamika Beach, or Borik Sandy Beach) - is located about 10 minutes drive from the city and is a beach that stretches for several km, offering several types of areas for sunbathing and swimming. There are both areas equipped with sun loungers and umbrellas, as well as more wild areas. During the summer season, it can be extremely crowded. It is ideal for admiring the sunset.

Plaža Uskok - is located in the northern part of the city, next to a mini-port (Marina Vitrenjak). It is not made of sand, but of stones, so I recommend water shoes. The sea water is clean and crystal clear, and in the area there are several terraces, where you can have a meal, or buy drinks.

Golden Wave Beach Zadar (Plaža Zlatni Val) - is located near the city, and "beach" means either the concrete or ground area. The rocky area is quite small. If you like to jump into the water, you can enjoy the three-level platform, specially created for that.

Kolovare Beach Zadar - is the most popular and busiest beach in Zadar. It is quite long, and in some areas quite wide. It is made up entirely of pebbles, and the water is clean and crystal clear, despite the crowds during the summer. As part of Kolovare, there is also Plaža Karma, a wilder and larger rocky beach.

There are both paid parking spaces in the area, where you pay only with coins (the machines do not accept banknotes or card payments), and free parking spaces, but you can only get them if you arrive early in the morning.

Punta Bajlo Beach and Plaža Podbrig, which are not beaches, are just places for swimming. You can sit on the rocks on the edge of the coast, or on the ground, among the pine trees. Punta Bajlo is the only swimming area in Zadar that I liked and I recommend not to miss. Parking is free in this area.

PLACES TO VISIT NEAR ZADAR:

• Beaches near Zadar:

The beaches of Laguna Nin - are mostly wild beaches, with fine sand. They are not very crowded, even in full season, and the most famous are: Kraljičina plaža (also known as Queen's Beach Nin, which has sunbathing areas and water sports), Plaža Ždrijac, Ninska Laguna Beach and Plaža Sabunike.

Duboka Draga Beach, Vrsi - it is a kind of cala, with turquoise water and spectacular landscapes, located near the Nin Lagoon.

Zaton Beach - it is a pebble beach, with both areas equipped with sun loungers, umbrellas and showers, as well as areas for towels. The water is clean and crystal clear.

Plaža Ručica and Zrce Beach There are two beaches located an hour and a half drive north of Zadar. Both are located in a small bay. Plaža Ručica is wilder, while Zrce Beach is more organized and much livelier.

• Beaches on the islands near Zadar:

  
  

Sakarun Beach is considered the most beautiful beach near Zadar and is located on the island of Dugi Otok. You can opt for excursions from Zadar, which include snorkeling and island tour, as well as for excursions that include kayaking tours.

The beaches on the island of Ugljan can also be included in the itinerary if you have more time. You can opt for boat trips that include several stops on this island, details here.

The beaches of the Kornati National Park can also be visited on a boat trip from Zadar. If you had to choose only one boat trip from the ones presented here, this would be my first recommendation. Bookings here.

• Plitvice Lakes National Park

  
  

It is the most popular and visited place in the entire country. It is part of the UNESCO Heritage and consists of 16 lakes and dozens of waterfalls. It is located about two hours from Zadar. If you do not have a car, you can visit it as part of an organized tour. Details and reservations here. Read the article about Plitvice Lakes.

CONCLUSIONS ABOUT ZADAR

Although it is not the most popular and touristy city in Croatia, it can be a good idea to spend your summer vacation, if you catch flights at reasonable prices. I would say that it is even an advantage that it is not popular among tourists, because the prices are a little lower, compared to other areas in Croatia. So, whether you are just arriving here for a day, or staying longer, it is a city to consider.

Read about other interesting locations in Europe, such as: Ksamil, Albania, or Zakynthos Island, Greece.

If you liked this article, I would be happy if you supported me by sharing it on social networks.

To stay up to date with the latest posts, I invite you to subscribe to the newsletter, only your email address is required.

For more travel destinations and photos, you can follow me on Instagram.

Thank you for reading!

The photos and text are protected by copyright law.

This article contains affiliate links!

The author of this article is not responsible for the reader's choices, regardless of the negative or positive consequences of the actions taken by the reader after reading any page on this website!