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TOP 10 REASONS
TOP 10 REASONS
TOP 10 REASONS
Why travel to Zadar: Find out the top 10 reasons to visit
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01
A SNEAK PEAK
A SNEAK PEAK
A SNEAK PEAK
A Sneak Peek into Zadar
- The coastal city of Zadar, which is cosmopolitan and artsy, is the largest metropolis in northern Dalmatia but remains largely undiscovered by tourists.
- What is our recommendation? Get here before the tourist crowds find out about it, because this city has a lot to offer.
- Zadar's historic old town, which is situated on a small peninsula and features pedestrian-only cobblestone streets, was designed to be explored on foot.
- Numerous old medieval churches and Roman ruins can be found along its narrow streets and lanes, including the famous Church of St. Donat, which was built on the site of an ancient Roman forum.
- Zadar is also something of an art destination, with the Sea Organ and the Sun Salutation being two of Europe's most unique art installations.
- These must-see sound-and-light extravaganzas give new meaning to the term "hands-on" (or, more accurately, "feet-on") immersive art.
- Zadar also has a number of beautiful beaches within easy reach of the downtown attractions, thanks to its coastal location.
- The water is clear and warm, making it ideal for summer swims.
- Zadar is also a major transportation hub, making it simple to incorporate nearby islands and towns into a fun day trip.
- International Airport: Zadar International Airport (ZAD)
- Population: 75,082
- Currency: Kuna
- Time: UTC+01:00
- Driving side: Right
- Main Electricity: 230 V
- Official Language: Croatian
- Religion: Christianity
02
HIGHLIGHTS
HIGHLIGHTS
HIGHLIGHTS
Top Tourist Attractions in Zadar
- Zadar's Church of St. Donatus (Crkva sv. Donat) is one of the city's top historic attractions and one of the most important examples of Byzantine architecture in Dalmatia.
- The Zadar Cathedral (Katedrala sv. Stoije), also known as the Cathedral of St. Anastasia, incorporates a variety of architectural styles.
- The famed Sea Organ, which was installed on the city's seafront in 2005, is now one of the country's top art installations and a must-see attraction.
- Kolovare Beach is a great place to unwind.
- Kornati National Park is worth visiting.
03
SEASONS TO TRAVEL
SEASONS TO TRAVEL
SEASONS TO TRAVEL
Best Months to Visit Zadar
- April, May, June, July, August, September, October, and November are the best months to visit Zadar because of the pleasant weather.
- July and August are the hottest months on average.
- January and February are the coldest months of the year.
- February and November are the wettest months.
- June, July, August, and September are the best months for swimming.
04
WORTH A VISIT
WORTH A VISIT
WORTH A VISIT
The Best Places to Visit in Zadar
Church of St. Donatus
- Zadar's Church of St. Donatus is one of the city's top historic attractions and one of the most important examples of Byzantine architecture in Dalmatia.
- It was originally known as the Church of the Holy Trinity before being renamed after Bishop Donat in the 9th century.
- Keep in mind that this architectural marvel is known for its unique circular form flanked by three circular apses as you explore it.
- The structure, which was built on top of the old Roman forum, retains many of the original features, including two of the supporting pillars.
- The church floor has been removed to expose the original forum stonework on the ground below, and many of the stones used to construct the church came from the Roman Forum.
Zadar Cathedral
- The Zadar Cathedral (Katedrala sv. Stoije), also known as the Cathedral of St. Anastasia, incorporates a variety of architectural styles.
- The Byzantines started construction in the 9th century, but it was rebuilt in the Romanesque style during the 12th and 13th centuries.
- The cathedral's fine façade, with its three entrances and numerous blind arches, as well as two beautiful rose windows, is particularly interesting.
- The one on top is Gothic, while the one on the bottom is Romanesque.
- The ninth-century remains of St. Anastasia, the stone altars, and the impressive wood-carved choir are among the interior highlights.
- The beautiful bell tower, which dates from the 15th century and was completed in the late 19th century, is a must-see.
- Arrange to climb the bell tower if you want to get some truly spectacular views of the city.
The Sea Organ and Greeting to the Sun
- The famed Sea Organ, which was installed on the city's seafront in 2005, is now one of the country's top art installations and a must-see attraction.
- It is a fascinating device that consists of a series of underwater tubes set beneath marble steps descending into the water.
- It is essentially a giant musical instrument played by the action of the waves.
- Each tube produces a distinct tone, which when combined creates a fascinating, if slightly surreal, soundtrack for the entire experience.
- If the installation looks familiar, it's because it's one of several similar installations in cities such as San Francisco.
- Another must-see in Zadar is the nearby Greeting to the Sun.
- It's a visually stunning circular installation made up of 300 multi-layered glass plates and solar cells that light up at night. We recommend seeing these two attractions together because they complement each other so well.
Relax on Kolovare Beach
- Kolovare Beach, a mix of sand and pebbles backed by clear blue water, is about a 10-minute, very scenic walk from the old town.
- The beach can get crowded in the summer, but if the sun gets too hot, you can take refuge in a shaded green area just above the beach, which is popular for picnics.
- The beach also has showers, locker rooms, and restrooms.
- There are also shops and restaurants nearby. Continue east from Kolovare towards the headland if you want to swim with fewer people.
Kornati National Park
- Kornati National Park (Nacionalni Park Kornati) is a day trip destination off the coast of Zadar, consisting of 147 islands in the Zadar Archipelago.
- The largest of these mostly uninhabited islands, Kornat Island, is 25 kilometers long and two and a half kilometers wide.
- It was established in 1980 to protect marine life and preserve natural habitats.
- These once lush islands, riddled with caves, cracks, and cliffs, were once home to many Roman villas and farms, but they became desolate due to a lack of freshwater and exploitation under Venetian rule.
- The ruins of Roman villas and walls that run down the shoreline into the water, thought to have been a holding tank for fresh fish, can still be found on some of the islands.
- Yachters, scuba divers, and sightseers on tour boats or private charters are all drawn to the park by its unique beauty these days.
05
DISCOVER MORE
DISCOVER MORE
DISCOVER MORE
Zadar Off the Beaten Track
Zadar New Town
- To the east of the Old Town, near the main bus station, is Zadar's city center (New Town).
- It's just across Perivoj Vladimira Nazora, halfway between Old Town and Zadar's popular beaches, but close enough to the action if you seek it.
- One advantage of staying in the city center is that you're not in the overly touristy Old Town (which has its own charms!).
- At the end of the day, however, you can retreat to a more tranquil location.
- Another reason it's the best neighborhood to stay in Zadar is the easy access to the beaches.
- You should expect to pay a little more to stay in the city center because it is right in the middle of everything, with all of Zadar's popular sights all around you.
- However, because everything is so close together, you can easily save money on transportation!
City Outskirts
- If you're backpacking Croatia on a budget, stay outside of the Old Town and visit when you need to.
- The countryside is the best place to stay in Zadar because it provides a quieter, more scenic alternative while only being a 15-minute drive from the city center.
- Are you looking for a one-night hotel in Zadar? There are numerous hostels and hotels in the area where you can stay for a low price and easily get to and from the airport.
- When staying in the countryside, you have the option of walking, cycling, or taking the bus into town, depending on how far out you want to go.
- Public transportation is both dependable and cost-effective.
Kolovare Beach
- Because Kolovare Beach is Zadar's main beach, it's no surprise that the majority of the city's buzzing bars and beachfront restaurants are close by.
- The beach is a great place to sunbathe, swim, and build sandcastles during the day.
- When the sun sets, there are a plethora of funky cafes, restaurants, and beach bars for those looking to unwind with a few drinks while watching the sunset – some of the best in the world, to be sure!
- Trying to figure out where to stay for nightlife in Zadar? You'll be close enough to the city center and old town if you're looking for more late-night partying.
- Although there is a main bus station nearby, taxis are inexpensive.
- There are plenty of lively bars and live music venues to visit, but keep in mind that nightclubs are usually only open during the summer.
06
CULTURE & TRADITIONS
CULTURE & TRADITIONS
CULTURE & TRADITIONS
Zadar Culture and Traditions
- Beautiful historical sites, unique architectural complexes, and a large number of unique objects, the likes of which simply cannot be found in any other city in the country, are among Zadar's attractions.
- Morske orgulje is one of these facilities that must be mentioned.
- This is an intriguing structure with numerous massive stone steps.
- Residents and visitors alike enjoy relaxing on the city's massive steps, which are frequently used as benches.
- The complex is unique in one way: the wind creates special sound waves that resemble the sound of an organ, thanks to the complex's unique design.
- The city's heart is Narodni trg, which is surrounded by buildings from various eras.
- This square hosts all of the major social events, festivals, and fairs.
07
FOOD FUN FASHION
FOOD FUN FASHION
FOOD FUN FASHION
Zadar: Food, Fun & Fashion Guide
Dalmatian Pršut (prosciutto) and Šokol from Nin
#Food
- Dalmatian prut (prosciutto) is a cured meat product made from fresh pork ham with bone that is dried on the air during the "bura" North-East wind. It is EU-protected.
- Another cured pork neck product is okol, which is preserved in pure sea salt.
- It's a one-of-a-kind specialty made only in Nin.
- During the month of July, there is a "okol festival" dedicated to this specialty, where various families compete with their handcrafted okol.
- Prut and okol are frequently served as appetizers.
Cheese from island Pag
#Food
- Pag cheese is made entirely of sheep milk and is considered one of the top ten cheeses in the world.
- Pag cheese is distinguished from others by its subtle piquant flavor and aroma, which comes from medicinal Mediterranean herbs that sheep eat on the pastures before being turned into milk.
- The EU's Designation of Origin includes this cheese.
Salted or marinated anchovies
#Food
- Sardines are small fish that are thinner and narrower than anchovies.
- Their bones are removed, and they are marinated for several hours in a simple marinade of oil, lemon juice, vinegar, and typical Mediterranean seasoning.
- Marinated anchovies are served with extra virgin olive oil and are a unique culinary experience.
Peka with octopus or meat and potatoes
#Food
- Dalmatian Peka is a baked dish with potatoes and octopus that is placed on a tray, covered with a special bell-shaped lid, and placed on embers in a fireplace.
- Many families have an outdoor oven where they can cook and prepare food over an open fire.
- This is undoubtedly Dalmatia's signature dish, and the Peka's basic concept dates back at least 3000 years to the late Bronze Age, when the bell or lid was made of clay.
City Galleria shopping center
#Fashion
- Zadar's City Galleria shopping center is the city's most popular shopping destination. It's close to the bus station.
- The shopping center caters to customers of various socioeconomic backgrounds.
- It has upscale clothing and footwear boutiques as well as nice budget stores where you can get a new look for a low cost.
- On the ground floor, there is a large cosmetics store as well as the Konzum supermarket, which is known for its low prices.
- Visitors can relax in one of the charming cafes.
Svijet Obuce store
#Fashion
- Svijet Obuce is a store that sells women's shoes.
- It also caters to a wide range of clients.
- Many tourists are turned off by the high prices of some shoe models, but if you look through the store's selection carefully, you'll find many affordable options.
- They sell winter footwear at exorbitant prices; a pair of summer shoes costs between 40 and 50 euros.
M&W shopping pavilion
#Fashion
- M&W shopping pavilion will appeal to ladies who prefer to dress in the most luxurious and upscale stores.
- It is a short distance from the city's bustling shopping streets.
- Every season is represented in the store.
- The prices are significantly higher than in many other Zadar shops, but the high quality of the goods compensates for this.
Aquapark
#Fun
- Croatia's first themed water park is Aquapark.
- It's next to Kids Hotel Andrija and Family Hotel Jakov in the Amadria Park ibenik's family section.
- Slides, nozzles, sprinklers, and waterfalls are just a few of the exciting activities.
- Over 8,000 square meters of activities and attractions, including the extremely popular "lazy river," a large barrel at our rain fortress, and a kid’s zone, are available.
- Aquapark Dalmatia offers a variety of water effects and pools for both children and adults to enjoy.
- At any given time, the Aquapark can accommodate 1,000 people.
- Professional lifeguards keep an eye on all visitors throughout the day and are concerned about their safety in the Aquapark.
- So go ahead and enjoy the water adventures, follow the lazy river, and pass beneath the large barrel that pours water on visitors from the Aqua Park’s highest point (13.5m) every few minutes, much to the delight of all adventurers.
- The children's world features a kid’s zone as well as a new fairy-tale cave with vibrant colors that you can explore.
Amadria Park Šibenik
#Fun
- Sibenik's Amadria Park is a one-of-a-kind tourist complex.
- It's best known for its five themed beaches that stretch along the coast for four kilometers.
- It offers comfortable accommodations in a great location, many attractions, and a modern interior, all surrounded by beautiful Mediterranean vegetation.
- The resort has five hotels with ratings ranging from three to four stars.
- Outdoor pools, luxurious air-conditioned rooms, internet access, parking, souvenir shops, and currency exchange are all available.
- Solaris becomes a place of memorable entertainment and fun experience thanks to its diverse extra services and content-packed attractions, restaurants with excellent cuisine, beach clubs, and bars.
08
NATURE & SAFARI
NATURE & SAFARI
NATURE & SAFARI
Zadar: Natural Beauty & Safari Adventures
- Plitvice Lakes National Park is located in Croatia's mountainous region, approximately 1.5 hours from Zadar. Plitvice Lakes National Park was established in 1949 and is Croatia's first national park.
- Krka National Park is just an hour's drive from Zadar, near the historic town of Ibenik. In 1985, it was designated as a national park and named after the Krka River.
- Paklenica National Park is located 45 minutes from Zadar and covers the most beautiful parts of the southern Velebit Mountain.
- Kornati National Park is a south of Zadar archipelago of 89 islands, islets, and reefs. It is the Mediterranean's most indented island group. In 1980, Kornati was designated as a national park.
- The Telascica Nature Park, located on the southern tip of the Croatian island of Dugi Otok, is a truly enchanting natural jewel. This nature reserve, which is only a short distance from Zadar, is a popular destination for boat trips, as well as travellers and hikers.
- Velebit is one of the Dinarides' largest mountains, stretching 145 kilometers from the Vratnik pass above Senj to the River Zrmanja valley in a northwest-southeast direction.
09
EVENTS & FIESTAS
EVENTS & FIESTAS
EVENTS & FIESTAS
Zadar Must-Attend Festivals and Events
- Zadar Sunset Festival is a brand new two-day event taking place in Zadar, Croatia, which is known for having some of the world's most beautiful sunsets.
- The concept is to create a stage for the world's most renowned artists in unique settings, combining music, people, and the sun's energy to create unforgettable experiences.
- The 1st edition of the Zadar Sunset Festival is set to take you on a journey you will not want to end, taking place at Zadar's most recognizable site, the Monument to the Sun.
FAQs to Plan Your Best Zadar Holiday
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