The coast of Croatia!
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Zadar is a small but absolutely gorgeous city, and one that we would definitely visit again if the opportunity came up! Although not a big, modern city, Zadar certainly has a lot to offer, from Roman ruins to day trips across the Croatian coastlines. Whether you want to lay on the beach or go hiking in a national park, this area of Croatia will definitely have something for you. Keep reading to hear about what Zadar is really like, and all the information you'll need, especially if you're visiting for the first time.
The old town / central area of Zadar itself where most tourists stay isn’t huge, and could easily be explored in one or two days. A unique and unmissable sight in Zadar is their famous “sea organ”. It’s a tourist attraction / art installation and we’ve never heard of anything like it!
On the promenade, there are steps down to the sea that you can sit on, and there are pipes into them. As the waves crash, air is pushed into the pipes creating different notes. They change dramatically or become louder when a boat (especially if it’s a cruise ship) passes by. You can even swim off the steps into the sea, if you like.
Although Zadar is coastal, and you can walk along the promenade by the ocean, there isn’t a beach in the old town. If you walk out of the old town a little, you’ll find Kolovare beach, which is quite small, so it does get busy in the hot weather.
However, if you’re staying for a while and willing to rent a car or take day trips out of Zadar, you’ll find some absolutely gorgeous spots for sunbathing and swimming that beat Kolovare beach by miles.
Right in the centre of the old town, you’ll find the Cathedral of Saint Anastasia and the bell tower. Entry to the Cathedral is free, but be aware that women do need to have their shoulders and legs covered to enter, which you may not have thought about in summer when the temperatures skyrocket!! The bell tower costs three euros to climb up and is over 150 steps. However, the view is amazing, and we thought it was completely worth it.
A few steps away are the Roman ruins. These are easily accessible, you’ll even find people sat on them, there’s no entry fee or fenced areas. This area used to be a Roman Forum. You’ll find other small areas of Roman ruins scattered across the old town too.
Of course, as a popular tourist destination, Zadar’s old town is packed full of amazing restaurants and bars. Italian cuisine is particularly good in Croatia - we loved Konoba Dalmacija.
There are also a couple of local dishes that we found to be popular in Zadar. In most restaurants you’ll find ćevapi and pljeskavica served with fries and red pepper dip. Ćevapi is similar to a sausage, made of minced meat. Pljeskavica is similar but it’s in more of the shape of a burger, served in a pitta bread, often with pockets of cheese inside. For a sweet treat, try fritule, they’re Croatian mini doughnuts.
Don’t leave Zadar without paying a visit to Bob Rock’s gelato shop, it’s absolutely delicious and there are so many flavours to choose from!
If you see an establishment called a Konoba, this means it’s a tavern that serves drinks and often food. A great one in the centre is Konoba Tovar, there’s a great atmosphere if you just want to stop for drinks and it is highly recommended for seafood.
If you’re staying in Zadar for a while, you might be interested in taking a day trip out of the city centre. One of the most popular day trips is taking a boat to Telašćica nature park from Zadar, including the stunning Kornati islands and often also including a stop at a beautiful salt lake.
This was our favourite day of the trip, the boat trip is so relaxing and perfect in the hot weather. The trip we took allowed for a stop at the Salt Lake which was stunning, included a meal and wine, then toured the Kornati islands before stopping on one of them for a relaxing break at the beach.
We rented a car during our trip to Zadar and would urge you to do the same if you’re staying for more than a couple of days. There are many beautiful beaches within half an hour’s drive, and lots of small villages close by to be explored. We’ll be writing a post all about the nearby villages soon, so keep an eye on our socials or sign up to The Passport Press to be the first to hear!
Overall, Zadar is quaint, coastal and such a relaxing city to visit. But if you’re in search of adventure, there are plenty of opportunities nearby to explore!
Additional information:
How do I get to Zadar?
Zadar is easily accessible by air, as it has it's own airport with direct flights from many major cities around the UK and Europe. It's only a short bus or taxi away from the city centre. The flight time from the UK varies, but is normally within the region of 2 and a half hours. Zadar is also easily accessible by train or coach from major cities in Croatia or surrounding countries!
Where should I stay in Zadar?
We stayed in this apartment and had a really good experience. It's really modern and spacious, big enough for a family. It is a bit of a walk out of the old town though, and doesn't have a lot on the doorstep.
If you don't fancy this one, don't worry, there are plenty of other options for accommodation in Zadar. Have a look for something that will suit your group size and budget below:
Do I need a visa to visit Zadar?
Citizens of most countries do not need a visa to visit Croatia for a stay of up to 90 days. Read our Schengen Agreement post to find out more details about this rule.
The rules of entering Europe are changing. Take a read of our handy European travel rules post for more information.
What's the currency in Zadar?
The currency of Croatia is the Euro. You can change money when you arrive or withdraw from ATMs, but be aware of high conversion fees! Some ATMs may charge you to withdraw money, even if your bank doesn't. It's always best to pay in local currency when you can. We had no issues paying by card in Zadar.
What languages are spoken in Zadar?
The official language of Croatia is Croatian, but English is widely spoken in Zadar as it is a major tourist destination. It's always polite to learn a few phrases, though!
What's the weather like in Zadar?
Zadar has a warm climate, and can get very hot in summer. Particularly within the walls of the old town, you really feel the heat. It has more rain in winter and spring but still a few days per month in the summer.
Here's the average high / low temperatures for each season in Zadar:
Spring: 19°C / 12°C
Summer: 29°C / 21°C
Autumn: 20°C / 14°C
Winter: 12°C / 6°C
Here's the current weather in Zadar:
What's the time zone in Zadar?
Croatia is in the Central European Time Zone. The time is usually the same as most of mainland Europe, but an hour ahead of the UK.
What are the best things to do in Zadar?
We always try and give you a few great recommendations of things to do on our Sightseekr Inspiration posts. If you're looking to fill your itinerary, have a look for the best activities, excursions and other things to do in Zadar on GetYourGuide
