Experience Zadar, the fascinating city on the Croatian Adriatic coast. Immerse yourself in the history of the old town, with its ancient ruins and medieval churches, stroll along the waterfront and enjoy breathtaking sunsets. Zadar impresses not only with historical sights, but also with modern art, vibrant city life and beautiful beaches. The historic city of Zadar is the gateway to the Dalmatia region and has almost 80,000 inhabitants. The city offers a perfect mix of sightseeing, culture, beach and leisure. With our travel guide you can put together your perfect holiday in Zadar.
The heart and absolute highlight of the city is the lively old town, which stretches across a peninsula separated from the new town. A walk through the old town is like a fascinating journey through 3000 years of history. From Roman ruins to medieval city walls and city gates to modern attractions on the northern tip of the peninsula such as the Sun Salutation Square and the Sea Organ – you can experience all of this during your “museum visit” in the open air. We would like to introduce you to the five best attractions in more detail.
The Cathedral of Saint Anastasia: This impressive Romanesque cathedral is one of Zadar’s most famous landmarks. Its imposing bell tower not only offers magnificent views over the city, but also the opportunity to explore the cathedral’s history and architecture.
Sea Organ (Morske orgulje): Built in 2005 to a design by architect Nikola Basic and awarded for this project in 2006, the Sea Organ stretches 60 metres long with steps leading down to the sea. 35 pipes laid perpendicular to the shore with so-called labia (pipes) at the end react to the pressure of the waves and create air pressure that makes the natural orchestra sound in seven chords and five tones.
Greeting to the Sun: The “Greeting to the Sun” square should definitely be visited in the evening hours when visiting Zadar. The 22-meter-high main disc, which consists of 300 multi-layered glass panels, lights up in different colors in the evening and offers one of the most beautiful and romantic scenarios in the city at sunset.
Forum in Zadar: The Forum in Zadar, in front of the Church of St. Donatus and the Archbishop’s Palace, is the former main square of the city, which was built during the Roman era between 100 BC and 300 AD. Of the ancient temples of Jupiter, Juno and Minerva, only the so-called Pillory on the southwest side of the Forum has been preserved.
Archaeological Museum Zadar: Anyone interested in history and life in Croatia should definitely visit this museum. There are thousands of exhibits to marvel at that shed light on the history of the country and the city. Old Roman statues line up next to long-forgotten ruins of buildings from distant times.
The excellent beaches and charming bays offer ideal conditions for beach holidaymakers. There are a variety of leisure activities, restaurants and bars around the beaches, which ensure that you neither get bored nor hungry on a day at the beach. We don’t want to withhold five of the best beaches from you.
Kolovare Beach: This is the most famous beach in Zadar and is located near the old town. Kolovare Beach is a large pebble beach with many facilities such as cafes, restaurants, playgrounds and water sports. Its proximity to the city makes it easy to reach and very popular.
Borik Beach: Borik Beach is another popular beach in Zadar, located about 3 km northwest of the Old Town. It is known for its shallow pebble beach and clear waters. It also offers many recreational activities and a relaxed atmosphere.
Podbrig Beach: A small beach area in the south of the city, surrounded by steep cliffs and walls. This gives the beach a certain coziness and is isolated from the rest. The pine trees on top of the cliff provide plenty of shade and a wonderful view.
Kozino Beach: Further north lies the small region of Kozino, which also has a fantastic beach. The beach is relatively rocky, but offers a wonderful view of the surrounding turquoise sea.
Diklo Beach: Not far from Kozino there is also Diklo Beach, which is perfect for relaxing. There is a lot to see here and it is also right near narrow streets, small cafes and cozy restaurants.
Zadar’s coastal landscape is breathtaking. The city stretches along a picturesque coastline with views of the offshore islands that invite you to explore. The proximity to national parks and other exciting attractions makes the city very popular with tourists. Of course, we will also introduce you to some of them.
Krka Waterfalls : Located about an hour’s drive from Zadar, Krka National Park offers stunning waterfalls, hiking trails and beautiful natural scenery. The park is known for its waterfalls, including the spectacular Skradinski Buk, where you can swim. It’s a great place to explore nature and cool off.
Pag Island: Located near Zadar and accessible by bridge, Pag Island is known for its barren, moon-like landscape and famous Pag cheese. You can explore the island’s picturesque villages and try local specialties.
Nin : The historic town of Nin, about 15 km from Zadar, is famous for its well-preserved old town, considered the smallest cathedral in the world, and for its healing mud baths. You can stroll through the narrow streets of the town and enjoy the beaches in the area.
Plitvice Lakes National Park: A little further from Zadar, about 2.5 hours by car, but definitely worth a visit. Famous for its turquoise lakes and waterfalls, which can be explored via beautiful wooden walkways, Plitvice Lakes National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a natural wonder not to be missed.
The Velebit Mountains: The Velebit Mountains stretch along the Adriatic coast and offer great hiking opportunities and impressive scenery.
Paklenica National Park is part of the Velebit Mountains and is a popular hiking and climbing area.
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Weitere InformationenZadar is an incredibly diverse city that you shouldn’t miss when visiting Croatia. With a deep connection to history and nature, there is something for every traveler here. There are also many great restaurants and cafes where you can sample local food and unwind.
