Zadar (Croatia) is a resort town where, according to Alfred Hitchcock, you can watch the most beautiful sunsets. The famous director told about this in 1964 after visiting a Croatian city. Since then, a large number of travelers have come to check the truthfulness of his words. Many of them find in Zadar a huge number of attractions, comfortable beaches and a developed tourist infrastructure.
Zadar Health Resort – general information
The city of Zadar is located in Croatia on the peninsula of the same name in the center of the Adriatic coast. This is an ancient settlement, which is included in the list of the most attractive and romantic places on the Balkan Peninsula. The city air is filled with the freshness of the sea, and the streets have preserved ancient architecture that tells about the centuries-old history of Zadar. The city has a calm and friendly atmosphere.
Interesting fact! It is in Zadar that you can taste the most delicious Maraschino cherry liqueur in the world.
Zadar is a city in Croatia, which has a history of about three millennia. Today it is not only a popular resort, but also the administrative, economic, historical and cultural center of northern Dalmatia. The city is home to about 75 thousand people. Every traveler will find here a holiday to their liking.
Interesting fact! Zadar is often called a treasure trove of archaeological and architectural riches, which are surrounded by powerful city walls.
The resort town and its surroundings are a favorite destination for yachtsmen, because the city has a long coastline, cut by bays, islands with unspoilt nature and national parks. In 2016, Zadar received the status of the best destination in Europe.
Beach holidays in Zadar
All the beaches of Zadar are distinguished by a variety of coastline, this is due to the presence of bays and islands that surround the resort in Croatia. Vacationers often choose the beaches of the Zadar Riviera. There are excellent conditions for windsurfing, kitesurfing, and recreation with children. A personal piece of paradise is sure to be found by fans of night clubs. The beaches in Zadar are sandy, pebbly, popular and wild, located in the rocks.
City’s beaches
1. Borik
The main city beach is located in the north of Zadar in the bay. The beach is partly shallow, partly large pebbles, there is also a small sandy strip and a concrete platform where it is convenient to sunbathe. The cart is clean here, but there are often cigarette butts lying on the shore, which is a problem all over Croatia. Amenities include changing cabins, free fresh water showers, and sun beds with umbrellas for rent.
There is a lot of children’s entertainment on the beach, you can rent a boat, catamaran, ride a banana, water parachute or ski, go windsurfing. Cafes, restaurants and bars can be found on the beach.
2. Kolovar Beach
This beach is probably the most visited in Zadar. It is located south of the center.
The coastline is covered with small pebbles, there are concrete slabs. Near the beach there is a pine forest, where you can relax in the hottest hours. The sea here is clear and there are many animals, including sea urchins.
This holiday destination is designed for families and young people. There are sun loungers and umbrellas on the beach, comfortable changing rooms, showers and public toilets. Activities include catamarans, water skiing, inflatable water trampolines, tennis, volleyball and badminton. A diving center is also available.
On a note! The picturesque town of Sibenik is an hour’s drive from Zadar. You can find more information about it on this page.
3. Plaža Uskok Zadar
Uskok is located next to Borik, in the north of the city between two yacht parks. Covered with small white pebbles. The entrance to the sea is gentle and there are specially equipped descents for people with disabilities. The water here is also crystal clear, so sea urchins are not uncommon.
There are not many trees on the beach, so you can only stay in the shade if you are lucky. But renting a chaise longue with an umbrella is not a problem. Toilets, showers and changing rooms are available. On the shore there is a good Playground, several coffee shops, Parking.
Beaches of the Zadar Riviera
1. Pinija
Located next to the hotel of the same name, there is entertainment, the necessary infrastructure for a comfortable stay, you can also swim in the pools.
Parking is available nearby, and families with children can relax in the pine forest.
2. Zlatna luka
It is located 12 km north of kurortaa in Croatia. This is a fairly large bay where people come to surf. Around the bay there are many small coves with their own beaches.
3. Večka Kula
A small pebble beach is located near the Paklenice Nature Park. The coastal strip here is narrow-in some places only about 2 meters. At the same time, there are not many people here. Infrastructure on the beach is not very developed — there is no shower, there is no place to eat. But the ruins of an old Venetian fortress give it a special charm.
4. Drazica Beach
It is located a five-minute drive south from the center of Zadar in the village of Biograd na Moru. This is a small pebble beach, surrounded by pine trees, its length is about 400 meters. For the convenience of tourists, sun beds, umbrellas, showers are installed, bicycles and scooters can be rented, there are attractions – a trampoline, water slides. The cleanliness of the coastline and beach is marked with a Blue flag.
Islands in Croatia near the city of Zadar, where there are beaches:
- Nin;
- Arcs;
- Pag;
- Loshinj;
- Uglyan.
And what are the best beaches in all of Croatia, you can find out in this article.
Holiday prices
Food
In the resort town of Zadar in Croatia, there are many cafes, restaurants and small establishments where you can eat delicious, satisfying and for different amounts. You can eat in Zadar in restaurants, konobahs where national cuisine is prepared, pubs, pastry shops and numerous fast food outlets. Prices depend on the prestige of the establishment, its location – the further away from the tourist route, the cheaper the food will cost. The highest prices in coastal cafes and restaurants.
Useful to know! All establishments in Croatia, and Zadar is no exception, serve large portions. Often, one dish is enough for two people, so please specify the size and weight before ordering.
- The most affordable prices in chain fast food restaurants – a standard set of dishes will cost 50 kuna.
- A full lunch in the cafe will cost 75-100 kuna per person.
- As for restaurants, in establishments of this level, the cost of lunch will be about 400-500 kuna for two (without alcoholic beverages).
Useful to know! There are stalls in the city where people can buy pastries, sweets, and drinks that cost from 5 to 15 kuna.
Trogir is a charming museum city in Croatia
Accommodation
There are no fewer hotels and apartments in Zadar in Croatia than cafes and restaurants. Prices for accommodation depend on the season and the prestige of the institution. Regardless of the status of the hotel, guests are offered professional service, good nature and a comfortable stay.
To book a room in the apartment during the high season (summer months), it will cost at least 45 euros per day. Accommodation in a three-star hotel in summer costs from 65 euros per night for a double room. Rest in a more respectable hotel costs from 90 euros per day per room.
Attractions in Zadar
Sea organ and singing embankment
The Piotr Krešemir IV embankment is not just a tourist attraction in Zadar, but a symbol of the city. Here is a unique structure-the marine organ, designed and created in 2005 by local architect Nikola Basic.
The system consists of 35 pipes of different diameters and lengths, which are built directly into the embankment and lead to the sea. It is easy to recognize the place where you can listen to the organ – these are stone steps, where locals and visitors to Croatia often relax. The length of the structure is 75 meters, depending on weather conditions, pipes emit different sounds, which are output through special holes made directly in the sidewalk of the embankment.
The sound of the marine organ generally resembles a powerful brass band. However, it is very difficult to predict how the embankment will sound in a particular period of time, because the wind always blows with different strength and the speed of sea waves is never the same.
Interesting fact! Many people say that the place has an amazing energy – it is easy to think and pleasant to meditate here.
The atmosphere of peace is complemented by a beautiful seascape and incredible sunsets, which were written by Alfred Hitchcock.
In 2006, the Zadar Embankment in Croatia received a prize in the category “For urban development”.
Church of St. Donatus
The temple is an example of the architecture of the IX century-the period of the Byzantine Empire. The attraction is located near the Church of St. Anastasia in the historical part of the city.
Earlier, a Roman palace was located on this site, and the church was built on the orders of Bishop Donat of Zadar. After the construction work was completed, the church was named after the Holy Trinity, but in the 15th century it was renamed in honor of the bishop who built the church.
Interesting fact! For half a century – from 1893 to 1954 – the temple was an Archaeological Museum.
Useful information about the attraction:
- There are no church services, but you can attend cultural events.;
- from spring to autumn, concerts of ancient music are held, thanks to the acoustics of the room, each chord penetrates the very soul;
- the temple contains the remains of the Roman Forum;
- there is an exhibition of local metalworkers.
You can see the attraction every day, the time for visiting is from 9-30 to 18-00, the lunch break is from 14-00 to 16-00.
Archaeological Museum
It is known all over the world for its unique collection. The exhibition occupies three floors:
- first floor – archaeological finds from the 7th-12th centuries;
- second floor-here are finds found under water and objects dating back to the period of Ancient Rome;
- third floor-here you can find objects from the prehistoric period, dating back to the Bronze and Stone Ages.
Interesting fact! The museum’s exposition is presented in several buildings – the central one is located in Zadar, and there are also buildings on the islands of Pag and Rab. The total number of exhibits is more than one hundred thousand.
In the 18th century, the scientist Anthony Thomasoni discovered a collection of ancient statues, the most significant part of which is eight statues of Roman emperors. The find was discovered in 1768. In total, the collection included about three hundred stone sculptures, ceramic dishes, coins and a library with unique books. After the death of Anthony Tomasoni, most of the collection was sold off, and the museum bought two dozen statues for its exhibition. The rest of the collection can be seen in the museums of Venice, Copenhagen and Milan.
- You can find out the exact schedule of the museum on the official website https://amzd.hr/, opening hours vary depending on the season of the year. The museum’s opening time remains unchanged-9-00.
- The attraction is located at: Trg opatice Čike, 1.
- Ticket price: 30 kuna.
Central square in the old town
The square in Zadar in Croatia was built in the Middle Ages, it was here that the city life was boiling. The attraction is located near the city gate. In different historical periods, the square changed and was called differently. Here is the town hall, built in the early 20th century, today the building is used for international events. Also on the square is the former building of the Ethnological Museum, but today it is equipped with an exhibition hall. In addition, in the historical part of the city there are other ancient sights-the Church of St. Lawrence, the Girardini Castle (here the local administration is located), dating back to the 15th century, the city Lodge.
People’s Square is small, which is probably why this part of the city has a special, intimate atmosphere, despite the large crowd of tourists. Of course, in addition to the old buildings in the center of Zadar, there are souvenir shops, shops, cafes and restaurants.
St. Anastasia’s Cathedral
The largest church in the northern part of the Balkan Peninsula is located in the historical part of Zadar. The cathedral is Catholic and has the title “small basilica”. The building was built in the 12th century and was named after the great Martyr Anastasia Uzoreshitelnitsa, who helped prisoners.
The church was consecrated in the 9th century, when Emperor I presented part of the relics of the holy church. The landmark is decorated in the Baroque style, inside there are unique frescoes from the 13th century. Construction of the bell tower began later – in the 15th century and ended in the 18th.
A 2-hour drive from Zadar, the beautiful historic city of Split offers many attractions. If you have the time and resources, try to set aside a day to explore this resort in Croatia.
Transport
The city has convenient transport links to neighboring localities and some cities in Europe.
Overland connections are established with almost all localities in Croatia, so you can come to Zadar from anywhere in the country, as well as from Bosnia and Herzegovina. Ferry service connects the resort with islands and archipelagos.
Useful to know! One of the most popular tourist destinations is Ancona-Zadar.
The international airport is 8 km away and accepts flights from European cities, as well as from Zagreb and Pula. A special feature of the airport is that its runway crosses the highway. Near the terminal building there are companies where you can rent a car.
Useful to know! The port in Zadar is located in its historical area, so many travelers come to relax by ferry.
Flights to Zadar depart from Rijeka, Zagreb, Dubrovnik and Split. Some routes pass near Plitvice Park with lakes.
There is also a railway connection. There are four trains from Zagreb, and the journey takes about seven hours.
Useful to know! Taxi is a fairly convenient way to get around the city, but please note that many attractions in Zadar in Croatia can not be reached by car.
The Zadar Riviera (Croatia) is considered one of the most picturesque places in the whole country, and it is definitely worth visiting this corner. A region of thousands of islands, natural parks and a clear sea will capture your heart. It is best to explore the Riviera in Croatia by sea, for this you can book a yachting training.
