Zadar

From: 250 Eur
Location: Zadar, Croatia

Zadar, Croatia: Where History, Music, and the Sea Merge into Harmony

Info

🏰 Historical Heartbeat 🏰
Welcome to Zadar, a city where history reverberates through its Roman Forum, medieval churches, and Venetian-era fortifications. Stroll through the ancient streets and absorb centuries of stories beneath the Adriatic sun.

🌅 Sun Salutation & Sea Organ 🌅

Experience Zadar's iconic Sea Organ and Greeting to the Sun, two modern marvels that harmonize with nature. Listen to the sea's melodic tunes and watch the sun bid farewell in a radiant light show.

🌊 Riviera Retreat 🌊

Zadar's coastline offers idyllic retreats along its beautiful Riviera. Explore the pristine beaches, like Kolovare and Borik, where the crystal-clear waters meet the Mediterranean sun.

🍽️ Culinary Odyssey 🍽️

Savor the flavors of Dalmatia in Zadar's restaurants and konobas. Dive into seafood delights, taste the renowned Maraschino liqueur, and indulge in a unique gastronomic journey.

⛪ Religious Icons ⛪

Visit the St. Donatus Church and St. Anastasia's Cathedral, architectural gems that showcase Zadar's rich religious heritage.

⚓ Nautical Adventures ⚓

Zadar serves as your gateway to the Adriatic. Set sail to explore the Kornati Islands National Park or discover the unspoiled beauty of Dugi Otok.

🌇 Old Town Charms 🌇

Zadar's Old Town is a treasure trove of charming squares and vibrant cafes. Explore the historic streets, including the picturesque Five Wells Square and People's Square.

🌿 Natural Wonders 🌿

Zadar's surroundings are a haven for nature enthusiasts. Explore the enchanting Krka National Park or journey inland to the stunning Plitvice Lakes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

🌟 Hitchcock's Favorite Sunset 🌟

Alfred Hitchcock famously proclaimed Zadar to have "the most beautiful sunset in the world." His love for this Adriatic gem adds a cinematic allure to your Zadar adventure.

Conclusion

Zadar is a city of timeless beauty, where history, culture, and nature converge. Whether you seek history, adventure, or relaxation, Zadar promises an unforgettable experience. Come to Zadar and discover why it's the cherished favorite of Alfred Hitchcock, a destination that captures the heart and imagination. ☀️🏰🌊🌅🍽️🌇🌿🏨

Book Your Accommodation in Zadar Now!

Book your flight

Book a Taxi

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Zadar a walkable city?

Zadar is another of Croatia's cities with two important assets making it perfect for walking, a border along the Adriatic Coastline and a preserved Old Town featuring cobblestone streets and historic shops.

What do you need to know about Zadar?

Zadar is a historical city on the Dalmatian Coast of Croatia. Its Old Town has pedestrian-friendly squares dotted with Roman and Venetian ruins, along with modern shops, restaurants and nightlife spots. Iconic landmarks such as St. Mary’s Convent, Church of St Lawrence, and Church of St. Donatus house religious arts and beautiful frescoes dating back to ancient times.

An outdoor museum...

Zadar's central square is essentially an outdoor museum, where you can find historic buildings like the 11th-century Church of St Lawrence and the 16th-century Clock Tower. Located on the south side of the square, the City Loggia once housed the courthouse and council chambers, but now serves as an exhibition space for international photographers and contemporary Croatian artists.

Sea Organ and Greeting to the Sun...

At first glance, the Sea Organ installation looks like a series of steps leading into the ocean – it’s actually a huge musical instrument designed by Nikola Bašić. There are hollow tubes underneath the marble steps that make music when the waves pass through them, creating a harmonica effect. During sunny weather, locals like to sunbathe on the steps or splash about in the shallow waters.

A few metres up the promenade, you’ll find another work by Bašić called Greeting to the Sun. A huge disc of 300 solar panels set into the floor soaks up the sun's rays during the day. It plays a complicated pattern of coloured lights across the floor at night. There are also smaller discs scattered across the plaza, which represent the solar system.

Museum of Illusions Zadar...

The Museum of Illusions will give your brain a workout with its games, puzzles and mind-bending illusions. The Rotating Room and Vortex Tunnel challenge your balance and physical skills, while the puzzle-solving and logic tasks test your reasoning. There's also a huge mirrored room, an infinity room, holograms and interactive exhibits.

Don't miss the skewed perception rooms, where you appear to hang upside down from the ceiling or walk on the walls. You'll definitely want to have your camera with you to capture some fun and wacky photos.

Watch the sunset at a waterfront bar...

After a day of exploring Zadar’s historical landmarks, you can unwind with a drink at one of the bars along the Riva waterfront, located on the western side of the Old Town. Caffe Bar Riva has a lovely terrace overlooking the harbour. A little further along the promenade, Café Brazil offers a beautiful garden in the embankment with sea views, along with a wide selection of drinks – try their delicious mimosas. For something a little livelier, Rio Bar specialises in craft cocktails, with musicians playing rock, blues and disco every night.

A beef stew recipe passed down through generations...

A classic dish of the Dalmatian coast, pašticada is a traditional beef stew that’s slow-cooked with red wine and served with potato gnocchi. Recipes vary by town, but the meat is usually stuffed with garlic cloves and marinated overnight before being flavoured with rosemary, sage, thyme and dried fruit. The dish has a long history in Croatia – the earliest recorded recipe dates to the 15th century.

The pašticada at Pet Bunara is made with local organic produce and seasonal ingredients. Bon Appetit is a restaurant on the waterfront that also has pašticada on the menu. If you're looking for a cosy restaurant popular with locals, head to Proto Food&More and try their traditional preparation.

5 Best Restaurants in Zadar...

Pet Bunara - Traditional Croatian dishes are given a new lease of life
Foša - Upmarket seafood restaurant with stunning views
Gricko Grill - Cosy bistro serving great Croatian comfort food
Pizzeria Tri Bunara - The oldest pizzeria in Zadar
Art of Raw at The Garden Lounge - Stylish and innovative vegan and raw-food restaurant

5 Best Nightlife in Zadar...

Arsenal Zadar - A unique location with an eclectic events schedule
Caffe Bar Brazil - This seaside bar is the perfect spot to watch the sunset
Zlatni Kutić - Hang out with the locals at this friendly, low-key bar
Podroom - DJs, dancing and live music in Zadar
Rio Bar - One of the oldest bars in Zadar