Zadar: All destinations, advice & information for your holidays!

Combine a beach holiday with a city break and be enchanted by the historical charm of Zadar. In this city located on a peninsula, history comes alive: remnants from Roman times and Venetian city gates shape the center. The modern sea organ provides musical accompaniment at the harbor.

Table of contents

Zadar - Must-see attractions
Zadar - Secret spots
Zadar - In 3 days
Zadar - Climate

Zadar - Must-see attractions

Zadar - Holiday homes & apartments

Sea Organ Zadar

On the Dalmatian coast, the Sea Organ and the Greeting to the Sun are two of the most spectacular attractions in the cultural metropolis of Zadar. Both art installations were designed by the Croatian architect Nikola Bašić and attract visitors to natural music and light phenomena on Zadar's promenade. The Sea Organ consists of stone steps with small openings and hidden tubes that, in interaction with wind and waves, continuously create experimental sounds below sea level. Also, take a walk to the Greeting to the Sun, whose countless solar lights flicker in the rhythm of the organ.

Port of Zadar

To protect their city from the Ottomans, the Venetians built a powerful fortress, which included the city gate. In the past, the gate, designed in the Renaissance style, formed the main entrance to Zadar. It is located in the harbor of Foša. Its ornate facade was created by the architect Michele Sanmicheli. Among other things, the Lion of Saint Mark, the symbol of Venice, and Saint Chrysogonus, the patron saint of the city, can be seen. The gate is embedded in the mighty city wall, on which visitors can walk around Zadar.

St. Donatus Church

The Church of St. Donatus - Croatian: Crkva sv. Donata - stands out with its architecture as a two-story round church. Since the 9th century, it has shaped the cityscape of the coastal town. It was dedicated to Saint Donatus, a former bishop of Zadar. The Byzantine architectural style characterizes the church's architecture. It is open to the public for visits. Don't miss one of the regularly held classical concerts in the Church of St. Donatus with its fantastic acoustics.

Cathedral of St. Anastasia

On the forum in Zadar, founded under Emperor Augustus, stands the Cathedral of St. Anastasia, the largest Romanesque church in Dalmatia. It was built in the 12th and 13th centuries. With its rosettes and portals, it resembles a Tuscan church. Behind the magnificent facade is a three-nave interior with wall paintings, Gothic choir stalls, and a marble sarcophagus containing the relics of St. Anastasia. From the church's bell tower, you can enjoy a fabulous view over the red rooftops of Zadar's old town to the blue Adriatic Sea.

People's Square

Even in the Middle Ages, the People's Square marked the center of urban life. This remains true today. On the square, lined with historic buildings, both tourists and locals like to sit in one of the numerous cafés to enjoy the atmosphere. Overlooking the square is the bell tower from 1768. The town hall in Neo-Renaissance style, the medieval city guard, and the Romanesque Ghirardini Palace also bear witness to the eventful history of the Dalmatian city. From the People's Square, streets lead in all directions.

National Museum Zadar

The National Museum Zadar is a cultural history-oriented exhibition house. Artifacts from the fields of ethnology and natural history, as well as art-historical exhibits, take you on an interesting journey through the history of the region. Paintings and sculptures, historical furniture, folk art, archaeological finds, and much more invite you to embark on a journey of discovery. Varied special exhibitions complement the National Museum Zadar and make you want to visit the museum more than once.

Zadar - Secret spots

Zadar - Holiday homes & apartments

Cave of Modrič

The Modrič Cave near Zadar is an undiscovered wonder hidden in the depths. It is known for its impressive stalactites and stalagmites, which have grown over thousands of years. A fascinating detail is that this cave is only accessible with a special permit, making it an exclusive experience for adventurers.

The underground city of Paklenica

The underground city of Paklenica, in Croatia's Paklenica National Park, is an impressive, partly secret cave system. Originally planned as a bunker during the Cold War, it now offers a fascinating exploration tour. The facility showcases the architecture and history of military protective construction in a unique natural setting.

Walls of Asseria

Discover a hidden gem - the walls of Asseria. Just an hour's drive from Zadar, this ancient Liburnian settlement and Roman city awaits you. Interesting fact: Asseria was once an important trading center that even minted its own coins. Dive into history!

Sphinx of Zadar

The hidden highlight of Zadar is the Sphinx, an unexpected artwork created by the artist Giovanni Smirich in 1918 for his deceased wife. This unique monument, inspired by Egyptian myths, is the only one of its kind in Croatia and offers a fascinating insight into the local history and culture.

Zadar - In 3 days

Zadar - Holiday homes & apartments

Day 1

On the first day of your trip to Zadar, start with a visit to the old town. Stroll through the narrow streets and admire the well-preserved Roman ruins, including the Forum and the Church of St. Donatus. These impressive structures offer a fascinating insight into the city's history. Afterwards, you can visit the Sea Organ, a unique architectural wonder that creates music through the waves of the sea. Right next to it is the Greeting to the Sun, an impressive light installation that offers a magical experience, especially at sunset. For lunch, we recommend trying local specialties such as fresh fish or seafood. In the afternoon, you can visit the Archaeological Museum to learn more about the region's rich history. End the day with a leisurely walk along the waterfront and enjoy the breathtaking views of the sea and the surrounding islands.

Day 2

First explore the Kornati National Park today. This stunning archipelago consists of over 140 islands and offers a spectacular landscape best explored on a boat tour. Enjoy the crystal-clear waters, ideal for swimming and snorkeling, and be enchanted by the unspoiled nature. Back in Zadar, you can visit the city market in the afternoon, where you can discover fresh fruits, vegetables, and local delicacies. Be sure to try the famous Pag cheese and the olive oil from the region. Afterwards, a visit to the Museum of Ancient Glass is recommended, where you can admire an impressive collection of ancient glassware and even participate in a glassblowing demonstration. End the day with dinner in one of the cozy restaurants in the old town and enjoy authentic Dalmatian cuisine.

Day 3

On the third day in Zadar, you visit the Telašćica Nature Park. This picturesque park is located on the island of Dugi Otok and is known for its breathtaking cliffs, saltwater lagoon, and rich wildlife. Take a boat tour to enjoy the beauty of nature and perhaps see dolphins. After returning to Zadar, you can enjoy a light lunch in the city center. Try traditional Dalmatian dishes like "Pasticada" or fresh seafood. In the afternoon, a visit to the Church of St. Anastasia is on the agenda. This impressive 12th-century cathedral offers a beautiful view from the bell tower over the city and the sea. Afterwards, you can visit the five wells, built in the 16th century, located in a charming small park. For dinner, return to a local restaurant and enjoy the diverse Dalmatian cuisine. End the day with a walk along the illuminated Riva and enjoy the view of the sparkling Adriatic.

Zadar - Climate

A pleasant Mediterranean climate prevails in Zadar. The sun shines here in the coastal region for around 2,500 hours a year. Since the water off the coast is not very deep, it warms up to more than 20 °C as early as June. In July and August, it is even warmer at 24 °C. As early as May, air temperatures rise to 25 °C, and from July to September, they reach 30 °C and more. Even in January and February, temperatures do not drop below 8 °C. Most of the rain falls in November with 165 mm.