Zadar, Croatia: Our Favorite Spots and Travel Tips
Nestled along Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, Zadar is a charming city that combines natural beauty with a rich history. Known for its crystal-clear waters, ancient streets, and tranquil atmosphere, Zadar quickly became one of our favorite destinations during our travels. We spent a week exploring this hidden gem, and here’s a breakdown of our experience, including our favorite spots, helpful tips, and what you should know before visiting.
Reaching Zadar in the Off-Season
Zadar’s airport is small, with limited international flights, especially during the off-season. For our trip in early April, we flew from Lisbon via a brief layover in London Stansted before heading to Zadar. If you can’t find direct flights, consider flying into Zagreb or Split, both of which are well-connected. From there, a bus ride of around two and a half to three hours will take you to Zadar’s central bus station, which is only a 20-minute walk from the old town.
Zadar’s airport is conveniently close to the city center, about a 20-minute drive. If you’re traveling with others, using a car-sharing app like Uber or Bolt may be more affordable than taking the bus.
Discovering Zadar’s Old Town
At first glance, Zadar might seem like a quiet, residential city with little to offer. However, once you step into the old town, you’ll understand why it’s worth visiting. The old town sits on a small peninsula surrounded by the coastline, just in front of the city’s harbors.
Zadar’s long history is visible everywhere, with remnants of its ancient walls, medieval streets, and Roman ruins. The Terraferma Gate, a beautiful Venetian entrance, is one of the highlights. Strolling through the old town feels like stepping back in time, with charming alleys and quaint parks offering shade on warmer days.
Our favorite spot in the city was the Obala kralja Petra Krešimira IV (Coast of King Petar Krešimir IV), a picturesque promenade that runs the length of the old town. The waters here are so clear that you can see all the way to the seabed. It’s a great place to relax, take in the views, or even take a dip, as there are ladders along the promenade to make swimming easy and safe.
Must-See Landmarks: Sea Organ and Monument to the Sun
As you continue walking along the promenade, you’ll reach one of Zadar’s most famous attractions: the Sea Organ. This unique installation uses the movement of the sea to create music through a series of pipes hidden beneath marble steps. The sound isn’t perfectly melodic, but it’s calming and fascinating to hear, offering a beautiful example of art meeting nature.
Nearby, the Monument to the Sun adds another layer of intrigue. This large circle of glass panels lights up at night, creating a stunning light show. The main circle represents the sun, and the smaller circles symbolize the planets in a scale model of our solar system.
Dining in Zadar: Budget Tips
Dining in Zadar can be expensive, as it is in much of Croatia, with most dishes costing between €15 to €20. A meal for two, including drinks, can easily set you back €40 to €50.
To save on food costs, we recommend booking an apartment with a kitchen. Preparing your meals can end up being much more affordable than eating out three times a day. Grocery shopping at stores like Lidl can also help keep your budget in check.
If you prefer dining out, there are still affordable options. We loved Richard Gyros and Sweets, a local spot near the harbor serving tasty gyros wraps and fries. Another great choice is Crazy Pizza, located near the waterfront, where you can grab a slice or a whole pizza at reasonable prices.
Island Hopping: A Quick Ferry Ride to Ugljan
Zadar is a fantastic base for exploring nearby islands. Ferries depart from the harbor behind the old town, with the larger Gaženica pier servicing car ferries. Keep in mind that ferry schedules are limited in the off-season, and many boats only run during the summer months.
We took a ferry to Ugljan, the closest island, which is just 25 minutes away. Once we arrived in Preko, we spent the day hiking and exploring the island. One of the highlights was visiting Fort Saint Michael, an old Byzantine stronghold that offers stunning views from the top. The hike to the fort is about 2.3 miles (3.8 km) and can be quite steep, but the views are well worth the effort.
Why We Loved Zadar
Zadar quickly became our favorite Croatian destination, offering a relaxing pace and plenty to explore. Whether it was enjoying breakfast by the waterfront, strolling through the old town’s narrow streets, or visiting unique landmarks like the Sea Organ, we loved every moment spent here.
Zadar is perfect for families, slow travelers, and digital nomads looking for a peaceful hub with easy access to the rest of Croatia. It’s well-connected by bus, and its central location makes it an ideal base for exploring nearby cities like Split, Rijeka, and even Dubrovnik.
The city is also close to nature reserves and national parks. With a rental car, you can easily visit Plitvice Lakes National Park (just an hour and a half away) or Krka National Park (less than an hour’s drive).
However, if you’re looking for vibrant nightlife, Zadar might not be the place for you. The city is quiet at night, and the nightlife scene is limited. For a livelier atmosphere, head to Split, which offers a more energetic party scene.
Overall, we had an unforgettable time in Zadar. Its charm, peaceful vibe, and proximity to stunning natural beauty make it a must-visit destination in Croatia.
