Zadar Croatia Travel Guide

On the edge of the Old Town peninsula, the Sea Organ turns wave movement into sound through steps built into the waterfront in 2005.

Neighbourhoods With Kids In The Rain At Night Right Now When To Go

Things To Do In Zadar: The Short List

The core of a Zadar visit fits into a short walk: two waterfront installations by Nikola Bašić, a ninth-century church, a Roman forum and a UNESCO-listed set of walls.

Wide pale stone steps going down into the calm Adriatic on the Zadar seafront at golden hour, a few people sitting at a distance Free Sea OrganNikola Bašić's wave-driven Sea Organ from 2005 plays tones through about 35 pipes along a 70 metre stretch, free, around the clock. A wide circle of glass panels set in the Zadar waterfront paving at sunset, orange sky over the sea and a dark island Free Greeting To The SunNikola Bašić's 22 metre solar-powered light installation from 2008 sits beside the Sea Organ and lights up after dark, free. A massive round pre-Romanesque stone church with a conical roof seen across a paved square in clear morning light Church Of St DonatusEntry costs around 7 EUR on the Archaeological Museum tariff; a roof restoration starting autumn 2026 may bring scaffolding and access limits. Weathered Roman forum paving with a single standing column and carved stone blocks, a round old stone church behind in morning sun Roman ForumRoman ruins in the heart of the peninsula, with free public access at any time of day. Five round stone well-heads in a row on a small shaded square surrounded by old stone buildings Five Wells SquareA free public square on the peninsula, one of the open spaces you can walk through without a ticket. A grand Renaissance stone gateway with a wide central arch and a smaller side arch in the Zadar city wall at midday Land GateThe Land Gate (Kopnena vrata) was built in 1543 to a design by Michele Sanmicheli. The pale stone cathedral and bell tower in Zadar old town Cathedral Of St AnastasiaThe cathedral's bell tower can be climbed; check current access on site, as no official price or hours are published. A pale stone building with arched windows in Zadar old town Museum Of Ancient GlassAdult tickets cost 7 EUR, with 5 EUR for groups of five or more and guided tours from 20 EUR per group.

Zadar Neighbourhoods At A Glance

Four parts of Zadar worth a walk or a longer stay, from the Old Town peninsula outwards.

1Morning
A narrow limestone lane in Zadar old town under a round arch, potted plants on the windowsills and green shutters

Old Town

The Old Town sits on a peninsula and holds the Roman Forum, St Donatus, the Land Gate of 1543 and the waterfront installations, all within walking distance of each other.

2Midday
Kolovare pebble beach edged by pines with calm clear water, a few distant swimmers and a long island on the horizon

Kolovare

Kolovare is a Zadar neighbourhood 1.4 km in a straight line from the Old Town.

3Afternoon
A long pebble beach at Borik lined with pine trees and a wide promenade, calm sea and a few distant swimmers

Borik

Borik lies about 2.0 km from the Old Town, toward the northwest side of the city where the hotel zone sits by the sea.

4Evening
A quiet residential street of low apartment buildings and mature trees in Arbanasi, Zadar

Arbanasi

Arbanasi is a district on the Gaženica port side of the city, which sits about 5.2 km by road from the Old Town.

A guided walking group on Zadar's Old Town peninsula, stopping near the Sea Organ steps on the waterfront.
Sea Organ and Tastings Walk 5 from 474 reviews · from $23
Check availability
36,688 traveller reviewsacross 45 checked tours
From $13cheapest paid tour today
Prices checkedagainst the booking page, refreshed monthly

Zadar Tours Worth Booking

Answer three quick questions and get a shortlist matched from Forty-five tours around Zadar.

1. What kind of day are you after?
2. What can you spend per person?
3. How much time do you have?

Showing six of the best-reviewed tours as a starting point. Pick an answer below and the list rebuilds for you.

  1. Snorkeling, Unlimited Wine 3 - 4 hours from $20 ★ 4.96 6,852 Check availability
  2. Plitvice Guided, Tickets Included 10 hours from $84 ★ 4.9 4,351 Check availability
  3. 4-Hour Snorkeling, Wine Included 2 - 4 hours from $20 ★ 4.9 3,613 Check availability
  4. Half-Day Zrmanja River Kayaking 5 - 7 hours from $62 ★ 4.8 2,278 Check availability
  5. Small Group, Aperol Spritz 3 - 4 hours from $20 ★ 4.9 1,854 Check availability
  6. Sunken Ship and Tunnel Route 4.5 hours from $40 ★ 4.8 1,791 Check availability
  7. Plitvice with Boat and Train 10 hours from $50 ★ 4.9 1,537 Check availability
  8. 4-Hour Speedboat Island Hopping 4 hours from $23 ★ 5 1,382 Check availability
  9. Traditional Boat, 3 Wine Stops 4.5 hours from $33 ★ 4.77 1,375 Check availability
  10. Kornati Full Day, Lunch Included 9 hours from $49 ★ 4.2 1,227 Check availability
  11. Guide Plus Park Boat Ride 10 hours from $50 ★ 4.5 971 Check availability
  12. Gligora Cheese Tasting Walk 1.5 hours from $13 ★ 4.88 923 Check availability
  13. Kornati National Park Day Trip 9 hours from $90 ★ 4.1 779 Check availability
  14. Krka with Boat Ride and Guide 1 day from $50 ★ 4.6 504 Check availability
  15. Transparent LED Glow Kayak 75 minutes from $34 ★ 4.9 494 Check availability
  16. Krka with Skradin Boat Ride from $45 ★ 4.7 480 Check availability
  17. Sea Organ and Tastings Walk 2 hours from $23 ★ 5 474 Check availability
  18. 9-Hour Plitvice Day Trip 9 hours from $51 ★ 4.5 344 Check availability
  19. Sunset Cruise, Aperol Spritz 1 hour 15 minutes from $23 ★ 5 329 Check availability
  20. Plitvice, Pre-Booked Tickets 10 hours from $51 ★ 4.5 284 Check availability
  21. 8.5-Hour Shipwreck and Sea Cave 8.5 hours from $110 ★ 4.7 249 Check availability
  22. Old Town Food and Wine Walk 2 hours from $62 ★ 4.87 214 Check availability
  23. Zrmanja Kayak, Optional Transfer 5 hours from $63 ★ 4.8 191 Check availability
  24. Susur Gastro City Walk 2 hours from $63 ★ 5 162 Check availability
  25. Classic Old Town Walk 1 hour 40 minutes from $17 ★ 4.9 158 Check availability
  26. Dugi Otok Kayak, Optional Cave Swim 8 hours from $95 ★ 4.9 151 Check availability
  27. 4 Stops, Swim and Wine 4 hours 30 minutes from $32 ★ 5 149 Check availability
  28. 3-Hour Local Dishes Tour 3 hours from $102 ★ 5 136 Check availability
  29. Old Town, Forum, Tastings 2 hours from $22 ★ 4.91 103 Check availability
  30. 2-Hour Eco Tuk Tuk Tour 2 hours from $63 ★ 4.75 99 Check availability
  31. 120-Minute City Walk 2.5 hours from $27 ★ 4.92 88 Check availability
  32. Sakarun Lagoon Beach Day 4 hours 30 minutes from $69 ★ 4.2 86 Check availability
  33. Krka with Skradin Swim Stop 9 hours from $51 ★ 4.3 76 Check availability
  34. 90-Minute Tuk Tuk Ride 90 minutes from $52 ★ 4.99 74 Check availability
  35. Eco Tuk Tuk, 1 Hour 40 1 hour 40 minutes from $63 ★ 4.8 73 Check availability
  36. All-Day Telascica and Kornati 9 hours from $40 ★ 4.6 64 Check availability
  37. Guided Highlights Walk 1.5 hours from $27 ★ 4.95 57 Check availability
  38. Cabrio Panoramic Bus Tour 1 hour 30 minutes from $39 ★ 4.9 57 Check availability
  39. Organic Food and Wine Tasting 4 hours from $40 ★ 4.9 49 Check availability
  40. Quad Hidden Trails Ride 3 hours from $108 ★ 5 37 Check availability
  41. 5-Hour Krka with Ticket 5 hours from $100 ★ 4.7 23 Check availability
  42. Maraschino Tasting Walk 1.5 hours from $24 ★ 4.92 14 Check availability
  43. Free Spirit Free Tour 1 hour 30 minutes Free Spirit Tours Free, tip what you wish ★ 4.85 1,587 See this free tour on GuruWalk
  44. Pay What You Want Walk 2 hours 30 minutes Dejan Free, tip what you wish ★ 4.72 804 See this free tour on GuruWalk
  45. Free History and Sunset Walk 1 hour 30 minutes Lidija Free, tip what you wish ★ 4.7 145 See this free tour on GuruWalk
People sitting on the stone steps by the sea at sunset in Zadar Roman forum ruins in Zadar with a few visitors in late sun

Free Things To Do In Zadar

Zadar's best known sights cost nothing. Listen to the Sea Organ, watch the Greeting to the Sun light up, walk the Roman Forum, then join a free walking tour.

Sea Organ Greeting To The Sun Roman Forum The Riva
Free walking tour group with a local guide in Zadar Old Town
Pay What You Want Walk 4.72 from 804 reviews · free, pay what you want
See this free tour on GuruWalk

Food And Evening In Zadar

Zadar's food scene leans on the Adriatic: fish, shellfish and local olive oil, with maraschino, the cherry liqueur made here for centuries, as the local pour after dinner.

Grilled fish with chard and potatoes and a glass of white wine on a stone table Zadar Food Expect grilled fish, squid, ham, cheese from Pag, and salt from Nin, all within a short walk. Small glasses of clear cherry liqueur on a stone ledge Maraschino And Drinks Maraschino, the cherry liqueur made in Zadar for centuries, is the local pour; local wines come from nearby vineyards. Restaurant terrace tables with lanterns in a narrow Zadar lane at dusk Zadar Restaurants Most restaurants cluster in the old town, serving seafood, pasta, and grilled meat at prices that vary by street.

Zadar On The Map

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Click the map to zoom with the scroll wheel. Numbers match the list.

  1. Zadar Old Town (Poluotok)the Old Town peninsula, where most walks start
  2. Roman ForumLandmark · 70 m from the Old Town (Poluotok)
  3. Sea OrganLandmark · 440 m from the Old Town (Poluotok)
  4. Greeting to the SunLandmark · 480 m from the Old Town (Poluotok)
  5. Church of St DonatusLandmark · 70 m from the Old Town (Poluotok)
  6. Cathedral of St AnastasiaLandmark · 90 m from the Old Town (Poluotok)
  7. Land GateLandmark · 480 m from the Old Town (Poluotok)
  8. Sea Gate (Gate of St Chrysogonus)Landmark · 150 m from the Old Town (Poluotok)
  9. City Walls (Bedemi promenade)Landmark · 260 m from the Old Town (Poluotok)
  10. Five Wells SquareLandmark · 460 m from the Old Town (Poluotok)
  11. People's SquareNeighbourhood · 250 m from the Old Town (Poluotok)
  12. KalelargaNeighbourhood · 70 m from the Old Town (Poluotok)
  13. Archaeological Museum ZadarMuseum · 40 m from the Old Town (Poluotok)
  14. Museum of Ancient GlassMuseum · 380 m from the Old Town (Poluotok)
  15. Gold and Silver of Zadar (Church of St Mary)Museum · 50 m from the Old Town (Poluotok)
  16. Foša Harbour (Barkajoli Rowboats)Transport · 540 m from the Old Town (Poluotok)
  17. Queen Jelena Madijevka ParkPark · 500 m from the Old Town (Poluotok)
  18. Kolovare BeachNeighbourhood · 1.4 km from the Old Town (Poluotok)
  19. BorikNeighbourhood · 2 km from the Old Town (Poluotok)
  20. Zadar Bus StationTransport · 1.7 km from the Old Town (Poluotok)
  21. Gaženica Ferry and Cruise PortTransport · 4.5 km from the Old Town (Poluotok)

Day Trips From Zadar: Krka, Plitvice, Kornati

Zadar works as a base for day trips by car or boat. Krka is about 91 km away, Plitvice about 145 km, and the Kornati islands sit offshore by sea.

Wide tiered travertine waterfalls dropping through green forest into a turquoise pool at Krka, wooden boardwalks at the edgeWaterfalls

Krka National Park

Skradinski Buk is 91 km / 73 minutes by road from the Old Town; guided day tours with a boat ride also run from Zadar.

4.6 from 504 reviews · from $50Check availability
Turquoise terraced lakes joined by small waterfalls in green beech forest at Plitvice, a wooden boardwalk over the waterLakes

Plitvice Lakes

Plitvice Lakes lie 145 km / 153 minutes by road from the Old Town, and guided day tours from Zadar last around 10 hours.

10-hour tour · 4.9 from 4,351 reviews · from $84Check availability
Bare white limestone islands scattered across deep blue sea in the Kornati, a small boat leaving a thin wakeIslands

Kornati And Telašćica

Boat tours from Zadar cover Kornati and Telašćica in about 9 hours; the Telašćica land entrance at Dolac costs 6-8 EUR depending on season.

9-hour tour · 4.1 from 779 reviews · from $90Check availability
Nin, a tiny old town on a lagoon island joined by short stone bridges, low stone houses and shallow waterOld Salt Town

Nin

Nin is 19.8 km from Zadar, about 28 minutes by road, close enough for a half day of salt flats, shallow beaches, and old churches.

19.8 km, 28 min by carRead The Nin Guide

All Zadar Day Trips

Zadar Right Now: Weather, Sea And Sunset

At the last check, on 12 October, the forecast for the Zadar waterfront was 15°C and partly cloudy. Sunset was at 18:20, so the Sea Organ glowed best from about 17:20.

Forecast, waterfront
15°C
partly cloudy, cloud 99%
Sunrise and sunset
07:09 / 18:20
12 October, Zadar time
Golden hour
from 17:20
about an hour before sunset
Sea, Zadar station
21.4°C
DHMZ reading of 11 October, 17:00

Weather data from MET Norway (Locationforecast 2.0 and Sunrise 3.0, Norwegian Meteorological Institute), under NLOD 2.0 / CC BY 4.0. A forecast-model value for the grid point at the Sea Organ, not a thermometer reading. Sea temperature: DHMZ (Croatian Meteorological and Hydrological Service), Zadar station, as last published.

When To Visit Zadar, Month By Month

The chart below shows monthly temperature and rainfall at the Zadar station of the Croatian meteorological service, based on measurements from 1961 to 2024.

Zadar's wet season is autumn, not winter. September to November brings 340.7 mm of rain at the DHMZ station, against 243 mm from December to February, and November is the wettest month at 123 mm, 3.5 times July's 35.4 mm.

Jan: 7.3℃Feb: 7.8℃Mar: 10℃Apr: 13.4℃May: 17.9℃Jun: 21.9℃Jul: 24.5℃Aug: 24.1℃Sep: 20.2℃Oct: 16.3℃Nov: 12.1℃Dec: 8.6℃ 070140 0°15°30° JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec Rain mm Temp ℃
  • Monthly rainfall (mm)
  • Mean temperature (°C)
DHMZ Zadar station, 1961-2024 monthly averages: July is warmest at 24.5°C average, January coldest at 7.3°C, November wettest at 123 mm and July driest at 35.4 mm, 912.5 mm across the year.
MonthMean tempRainfallRain daysSunshine
January7.3°C76.4 mm10116 h
February7.8°C67 mm9137 h
March10°C66.3 mm9189 h
April13.4°C61.4 mm10217 h
May17.9°C64.4 mm10279 h
June21.9°C48.5 mm8311 h
July24.5°C35.4 mm5359 h
August24.1°C52.8 mm6325 h
September20.2°C110.9 mm9243 h
October16.3°C106.8 mm9190 h
November12.1°C123 mm12119 h
December8.6°C99.6 mm12107 h

Data: DHMZ (Croatian Meteorological and Hydrological Service), Zadar station, monthly means 1961-2024, DHMZ, Zadar station table.

Where To Stay In Zadar

Most visitors pick between three areas: the Old Town itself, the Kolovare side near the bus station, and the beach strip of Borik and Puntamika.

A stone townhouse with green shutters on a narrow lane in Zadar old town

Old Town

Best For A First Visit

Sleep inside the walls among the Forum, Kalelarga and the Sea Organ, from hostels to heritage hotels.

Where To Stay In Zadar
Apartment buildings among pines near the sea at Kolovare

Kolovare And The Bus Station

Best For Ferries And Buses

Practical base 1.7 km out, near the bus station, island boats and Kolovare beach, with hostels and hotels.

Where To Stay In Zadar
A pine-shaded seafront promenade with low hotels at Borik

Borik And Puntamika

Best For Beach Time

Beach hotels and apartments 2.0 km northwest of the Old Town, geared to swimming and resort stays.

Where To Stay In Zadar

Getting To Zadar From The Airport

1

About 8 Km To The City

Zadar Airport's own pages put it about 8 km from the city.

2

Liburnija Airport Shuttle

5.00 EUR one way including luggage, about 20 minutes to the Old Town.

3

The Route

Airport, then Gaženica ferry port, then the bus station, then the Old Town.

4

Ticket Valid 90 Minutes

The shuttle ticket also works on city buses for 90 minutes.

5

Monthly Timetable

Liburnija publishes the timetable a few days before the end of each month.

6

Taxis

A taxi stand sits opposite the arrivals exit; no fixed fare is published on the airport pages.

Zadar Planning Guides

Zadar Airport To City Centre Best Time To Visit Zadar How Many Days In Zadar Zadar Day Trips Krka Vs Plitvice Zadar Ferry
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