Zadar Travel guide
Zadar is where the modern and the ancient collide in happy confusion to create one of Dalmatia’s most dynamic and exciting towns. Its central location and an international airport have made Zadar a popular gateway to Croatia but it’s more than just a place to pass through. Zadar is a place to explore Roman ruins and Venetian architecture, marvel at a solar-powered light show, enjoy fine dining and watch a spectacular sunset to the soothing sounds of the sea.
Recommended stay: 2 days
Day trips: Plitvice, Krka national park
Brief Overview
Zadar’s historical centre is crammed on to a narrow peninsula. It’s fascinating to explore. Wandering the streets is like peeling back layers of time until you end up in the 9th century BC in ancient Illyria which is where Zadar’s story started. The old town is paved with gleaming white stone and the straight streets were first laid out by the Romans.
Long part of the Republic of Venice, Zadar’s Venetian built defensive walls are now a world heritage site. More recently, the Sea Organ and Greeting to the Sun are highly original art installations that have gained worldwide renown.
Get out of town for a day trip and you’ll find an array of national parks within easy reach, including Plitvice Lakes, the Kornati Islands and Krka Waterfalls.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Zadar is between June and September. The low rainfall and the pleasant temperatures of up to 28 °C create a great holiday atmosphere. Both cultural travellers and seaside holidaymakers get their money’s worth here. Water temperatures of up to 25 °C offer the best conditions for the jump into the sea or also for extensive diving tours.
In the spring months, city travellers can already find good conditions. Unfortunately, a bathing holiday is not yet possible here with a water temperature of less than 18 °C. The winter months are rather unsuitable for travelling, the increased precipitation values and also the sinking temperatures cloud the holiday feeling strongly.
Getting around Zadar
Walk, walk, walk! Zadar is a small and very walkable city!
Public transport: City bus services are run by Liburnija, and connect the Old Town with the main coach and train stations and all surrounding suburbs and beach areas. There is a ticket office outside the train and coach stations, Open 07:00 – 14:00, Sat 08:00 – 12:00. There you can buy a ticket valid for two journeys for 16kn. Alternatively, buy tickets inside the bus (10kn for one trip).
Car: Zadar’s historic centre is mostly closed to cars but there’s parking just outside the walls and at either entrance. Although the Old Town is self-contained and easy to stroll, many hotels and much private accommodation are located in Borik or Diklo, the two suburbs that lie about 3km northwest of the town centre.
Bike: Biking is a popular and convenient way to get around Zadar, particularly for getting back and forth to the Borik and Diklo neighbourhoods. Marked bike paths are on the sidewalks, not on the busy roads, which makes the experience more relaxing. For even more relaxation, take a bike on a ferry to the islands of Dugi Otok or Ugljan. Try Zadar-Bike to arrange a rental and get advice on biking routes.
Car Rental: A number of car rental agencies have offices in Zadar. Here are some reliable companies:
Autoeurope.com
This company works with local operators so you’ll get the lowest possible rates and a choice of pickup locations.
Things to see and do
Zadar Cathedral
Zadar Cathedral (Katedrala sv. Stošije), which is also known as the Cathedral of St. Anastasia, blends a number of architectural periods into its fabric. Construction initially began with the Byzantines back in the 9th century, but it was rebuilt again during the 12th and 13th centuries in Romanesque style.
Of particular interest is the cathedral’s fine façade with its three entrances and numerous blind arches, as well as two beautiful rose windows. The top one is in Gothic style, while the lower one is Romanesque. Interior highlights include the ninth-century remains of St. Anastasia, the stone altars, and the impressive wood-carved choir.
Be sure to check out the lovely bell tower dating from the 15th-century, with the upper levels being completed in the late 19th-century. If you want really awesome views across the city, arrange to climb the bell tower.
Address: Trg Svete Stošije, 23000, Zadar, Croatia
The Sea Organ and Greeting to the Sun
Zadar’s famed Sea Organ was installed on the seafront back in 2005 and is now one of the top art installations in the country and a must-see thing to do in the city.
Basically a giant musical instrument played by the action of the waves, it is a fascinating device, which consists of a series of underwater tubes set beneath marble steps descending into the water. Each tube creates a different tone, and together they form a fascinating, if somewhat surreal, soundtrack to the whole experience. If the installation seems familiar it is because it’s one of a number of similar installations found in places like San Francisco.
The nearby Greeting to the Sun is another must-experience in Zadar. It is a spectacular circular installation consisting of 300 multi-layered glass plates and solar cells that, come nightfall, light up. These two attractions complement each other so well, we recommend seeing them in one visit.
Address: Obala kralja Petra Krešimira IV, 23000, Zadar, Croatia
The Roman Forum
Constructed between the first century BC and the third century AD, Zadar’s old Roman Forum should be explored as part of a walking tour of the city (you can’t miss it due to its location next to the city’s fine old churches).
Measuring 90 meters long by 45 meters wide, the scale of this impressive ruin in the Zeleni trg Square still impresses (during Roman times, this area was a central market and public area). Highlights include the remains of the foundations of several public buildings, paving stones, and a Corinthian column.
Also of interest is the Pole of Shame, a more recent addition used from the Middle Ages to the 19th-century to chain up criminals for all the town’s people to see.
Tip: Try to plan your visit for nightfall when the ruins are lit up.
Address: 23000, Zadar, Croatia
City Walls and Gates
No visit to Zadar is complete without exploring its magnificent old city walls and gates. The oldest section was built by the Romans and is near the footbridge along the eastern wall, while the remaining sections were built primarily by the Venetians.
The city’s four remaining gates are relatively well preserved, the most important and most impressive being the Land Gate. Built in 1543 by the Venetians in Renaissance style, this splendid structure still provides the best access point when exploring the old part of the city (the other gates are the Gate of St. Rok and Port Gate, as well as one in the Square of the Five Wells).
Also worth visiting is Zadar’s famous Sea Gate (Morska Vrata), known as the Gate of St. Chrysogonus (Vrata Sv Krsevana). Built in 1560 using an existing Roman arch for a base, the gate includes many interesting features, including a relief of the emblem of Venice, the Lion of St. Mark’s; a memorial to sailors; and a commemorative plaque paying tribute to Pope Alexander III’s visit to Zadar.
The Church of St. Mary & Benedictine Monastery
Built in the 11th century, the Church of St. Mary (Benediktinski samostan sv. Marija) and its monastery have undergone a variety of renovations and alterations over the years. The current church boasts a Renaissance façade and a lovely bell tower, known as Koloman’s Tower. This splendid Romanesque structure, a later addition, dates from the 12th century.
Next to the church stands the old Benedictine monastery. Still in use today, the monastery also now houses the Museum of Church Art with its fascinating collection of gold pieces, paintings, and sculptures.
Address: Madijevaca ul. 10, 23000, Zadar, Croatia
The Museum of Ancient Glass
In the splendid 19th-century Cosmacendi Palace near Zadar’s waterfront, the excellent Museum of Ancient Glass is home to one of Europe’s largest collections of antique glass artifacts. Among its many highlights are numerous rare Roman jars, goblets, and vials found during decades of archaeological digs in the Dalmatia region of Croatia.
Also notable are a number of glass vessels used to hold perfumes and oils, glass cups once used in the region’s earliest churches during celebrations of Mass, and tiny flasks designed to store holy water. Afterwards, be sure to wander the palace grounds with their stunning views over Jazine harbor.
Address: Poljana Zemaljskog odbora 1, 23000, Zadar, Croatia
Official site: www.mas-zadar.hr/en
Where to stay
Luxury Hotels:
- Falkensteiner Hotel & Spa Iadara is the only five-star property around Zadar and offers luxe rooms and suites in a beachfront location, about 13 kilometers from the old town. There are a number of restaurants on-site, as well as indoor and outdoor swimming pools.
- Back in Zadar, Hotel Bastion is four-star luxury property with elegant decor in a fabulous old town location. It also has a wonderful spa with saunas.
- Also on the beach is the upscale Falkensteiner Hotel Adriano, which is adults-only. It features bright and modern rooms, beach access, and a lovely spa.
Mid-Range Hotels:
- Art Hotel Kalelarga is the top mid-range hotel in the heart of the old town. This boutique property boasts serene decor, cheerful staff, and a complimentary a la carte breakfast.
- Hotel Niko is another popular mid-range option, located across the street from a beach just outside town. It has cozy rooms done up in local style and a seafood restaurant, among other amenities.
- Mediteran is another good-value choice on a quiet residential street with modern and comfortable rooms.
Budget Hotels:
- Pansion Maria is a good budget choice. The rooms are simple but tidy, and some have balconies.
- Rooms Goga is another good budget option, with a convenient old-town location.
Where to Eat
Dining in Zadar’s restaurants is a casual affair, you usually don’t need to dress up even though the food is more than worth it. Zadar cuisine has become quite sophisticated and best of all, it’s most reasonably priced.
Konoba Skoblar
Trg Petra Zoranica
Right on Zadar’s Five Wells Square, this konoba is the oldest in the city. Naturally, the style of cuisine tends to the traditional preparation of grilled fish and seafood.
Fosa
Kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 2
The terrace overlooks the romantic Fosa Harbor. The setting makes it more costly but the seafood and excellent Croatian wine never fails to delight.
Kornat
Liburnska Obala
Modern, classy and spacious, this is a favourite for a business lunch, a romantic dinner or a gentle gastronomic adventure into the heart of Dalmatian cooking. It’s also got a nice location on the harbour.
Bistro Kalelarga
Široka ulica 1
Part of the classy Art-Hotel Kalelargo, this chipper restaurant centers on fresh, seasonal ingredients combined in a modern, light style. And, it’s right in the centre of town.
Dva Ribara
Blaza Jurjeva 1
Simple and casual are the watchwords here. The food is good and reasonably priced and the menu spans pizza to pasta to grilled fish and meat.
Tamaris
Zagrebacka 5
It’s a little out of town but well worth it. Lamb from Pag Island is renowned throughout the region and in Tamaris, it’s spit-roasted to perfection.
Getting to Brussels
By Plane: Zadar airport is well connected to other major Croatian and European cities. Flying to Zadar can be quite budget friendly as well, considering the fact that you can choose to travel with a low cost company such as Ryanair, which offers many flights to Zadar, especially during the summer months.
If you are arriving to Zadar by plane, it is useful to know that there are airport buses approximately every 30 minutes after the arrival of a scheduled flight. The first station of the airport bus is the bus terminal in Zadar, and afterwards the bus continues to the city centre. For more information regarding the airport bus, check here:
DO NOT USE THE TAXIS OUTSIDE THE TERMINAL, THEY WILL OVER CHARGE YOU. IF YOU DO, MAKE SURE YOU PAY NO MORE THAN 300 KUNA!
By Train: As trains in this part of Croatia move very slow, getting to Zadar by train is only an option if you insist on travelling by train. If you do so you will arrive at the railway station which is next to the main bus station.
By Bus: You can easily reach Zadar by bus from other European cities because it is very well connected. There are direct bus lines from Vienna and Munich to Zadar, to mention but a few, and if you are departing from some other European city that does not have a direct bus line to Zadar, you can first travel to Zagreb or Split and then change the bus there.
The main bus station in Zadar is located at 1 Ante Starcevica street; the exact location on the map can be found here. To get to the city centre from the main bus station, you can use the bus lines nr. 2 and 4.
By Ferry: For those who prefer to travel by ferry, the only way to reach Zadar by ferry is from Ancona. The ferry port in Zadar is about 3.5 km away from the city centre. You can reach the old town from Gazenica ferry port by bus line nr. 9.
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Final thoughts
This Essential Zadar Travel Guide has taken you through all you need to start planning a trip to Zadar! You’ve got all the practical info sorted, and have started building a list of things to see and do, and another list of places to eat and drink.
Zadar is a great stepping stone to your adventures in Croatia!
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