Croatia
Overview
Zadar is a relaxed old town on a small peninsula, with Roman columns lying around in the streets, marble lanes and the sea on three sides. It is less crowded than Split or Dubrovnik and feels more lived-in. The best moment of the day is sunset on the waterfront, when the Sea Organ plays and the Greeting to the Sun lights up.
Zadar has been inhabited for about 3,000 years. The Illyrian Liburnians had a settlement here, and in the 1st century BC it became the Roman colony of Iader, which explains the forum in the centre. It was a major Byzantine city and later fought Venice for centuries; in 1202 the armies of the Fourth Crusade sacked it on Venice's behalf. Venice ruled from 1409 to 1797 and built the walls and the Land Gate. Between the two world wars Zadar belonged to Italy, and it was heavily bombed in World War II, which is why you see modern buildings next to Roman ruins.
How long to stay: 2 days for the city. Add a day each for Krka, Plitvice or the islands.
Last updated: October 2026
Quick Facts
Location
Northern Dalmatia, on the Adriatic coast, about 3 hours south of Zagreb and 2 hours north of Split. The Kornati islands and Pag are close by.
Budget
Per person, per day.
| Backpacker | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed | €25–35 ($28–40) | €90–150 ($102–170) | €220+ ($249+) |
| Food | €18–25 ($20–28) | €40–55 ($45–62) | €80+ ($90+) |
| Getting around | €2–5 | €10–20 | €40+ |
Daily total €45–65 ($51–73) €140–225 ($158–254) €340+ ($384+)
Things to Do
Designed by the architect Nikola Bašić and opened in 2005, the Sea Organ is a set of 35 pipes built under the marble steps of the waterfront. The waves push air through the pipes and create random, soft musical notes. It won the European Prize for Urban Public Space in 2006.
Price: free · Time needed: as long as you want · Tip: sit on the steps at sunset; it is loudest when a boat passes.
Also by Bašić (2008), it is a 22 m circle of 300 glass panels that collect solar energy during the day and light up in colourful patterns after dark.
Price: free · Tip: stay after sunset to see the lights.
The forum was built between the 1st century BC and the 3rd century AD and was the largest on the eastern Adriatic. Next to it is the round St Donatus Church, built in the 9th century partly with stones and columns from the Roman ruins, the symbol of Zadar.
Price: forum free; St Donatus a few euros · Time needed: 45 minutes · Tip: look for the "shame column" where offenders were once chained.
The largest cathedral in Dalmatia, a Romanesque building consecrated in 1177. Climb the bell tower for a view over the red roofs and the islands.
Price: bell tower a few euros · Time needed: 30 minutes.
The main street of the old town since Roman times, paved in shiny white stone and lined with shops and cafés.
Price: free.
The Venetians built five wells over a large cistern in 1574 to supply the city during sieges. Nearby, the Land Gate (1543) has the winged lion of St Mark, the symbol of Venice.
Price: free · Tip: climb the small Captain's Tower park above the square for a view of the gate.
A collection of Roman glass found in Dalmatia, with perfume bottles, cups and jewellery that are 2,000 years old.
Price: a few euros · Time needed: 1 hour.
A tiny island town 15 km north, the first royal seat of Croatian kings, with the Church of the Holy Cross (9th century), sometimes called the smallest cathedral in the world, salt pans and sandy lagoon beaches.
Getting there: local bus about 30 minutes.
A river canyon with waterfalls and wooden walkways. The main fall, Skradinski buk, has 17 steps of cascades. Swimming has not been allowed there since 2021.
Price: about €40 June to September, €20 in spring and October, €7 in winter · Getting there: about 1 hour by car or tour · Tip: tickets after 15:00 are cheaper in summer.
About 2 hours inland. See the Zagreb guide for prices.
Transit Tips
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Airport: the airport bus goes to the bus station and the old town peninsula for about €5; Uber or Bolt is about €15–20.
By bus: Zagreb about 3.5 hours, Split about 2.5 to 3 hours.
By ferry: Jadrolinija and catamarans connect Zadar with Ugljan, Pag and other islands, and in summer with Ancona in Italy.
Walking: the old town is small and car-free.
Uber and Bolt work in Zadar.
Local buses (Liburnija): buy tickets from the driver or kiosks.
A small boat (barkajoli) has rowed people across the harbour from the old town to the mainland since the Middle Ages. It costs a euro or so and takes two minutes.
Helpful Words
A few basics in Croatian can make everyday conversations much easier.
Where to Stay
Plan & Book
Explore accommodation options and open hotel details directly from the map.
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