Zadar, Croatia

Zadar blends Roman stones, Venetian flair and playful waterfront art into one compact, easily walkable base. If you’re starting your Zadar travel planning, expect golden-hour strolls by the Sea Organ and Greeting to the Sun, island-hopping ferries on your doorstep, and national parks within a day-trip’s reach.

You’ll find plenty of things to do in Zadar, from glass-blowing demos to cliff-top hikes, plus beaches for a quick dip. Wondering about the best time to visit Zadar or where to stay in Zadar?

Use this guide for getting in and around without stress, crowd-savy itineraries, and price-smart tips that keep plans clear and easy.

Quick planner

• Base: Zadar Old Town (Peninsula) or Borik for seaside stays
• Ideal trip length: 2–4 days (add days for islands/parks)
• Highlights: Sea Organ & Greeting to the Sun; Roman Forum & St. Donatus; sunsets on the Riva; island day trips
• Getting around: Walk + local buses; ferries from Old Port & Gaženica
• Seasonality: May–June & Sept–Oct = best blend of weather/crowds
• Budget bands (per person, per day): €60–€120 (budget), €120–€220 (mid), €220+ (upscale)

Top things to do in Zadar

Zadar’s waterfront is a living gallery – wave-played music at the Sea Organ meets a solar-powered light show at Greeting to the Sun. Use the Old Town as your launchpad for museums, markets and islands within 25–100 minutes by ferry.

1. Hear the Sea Organ at sunset – nature plays the notes.
2. Watch the Greeting to the Sun light show after dark.
3. Roman Forum & Church of St. Donatus – time-travel on the main square.
4. Climb St. Anastasia’s Bell Tower for bay views.
5. Museum of Ancient Glass – live demos & unique collection.
6. Kolovare Beach – easy city swim; cafés nearby.
7. Kod Bunara Market – seasonal fruit, cheese, olive oil.
8. Ferry to Ugljan (Preko) for bike-and-beach day.
9. Day trip: Kornati NP by boat – lunar-like islets & coves.
10. Hike Paklenica NP – karst canyons and shaded trails.
11. Island hop to Dugi Otok (Sakarun Beach, Telašćica).
12. Museum hop: Archaeological Museum & Gold & Silver of Zadar.

Attractions table

Attraction	Why & Time	Access	Why it’s worth it
Sea Organ	Wave-played music Sunset is peak	Peninsula promenade Free, 24/7	Only-in-Zadar sound art Iconic photo spot
Greeting to the Sun	Solar-powered light show Best after dusk	Next to Sea Organ Free, 24/7	Family-friendly spectacle Great night vibes
Museum of Ancient Glass	Live demos, 5,000+ pieces 60–90 mins	Old Town museum zone Tickets on site	Unique in Croatia Hands-on heritage
St. Donatus & Forum	Early medieval gem 30–45 mins	Old Town core Tickets for entry	Architecture & history Atmospheric square

Neighborhoods & where to stay

Zadar has a handful of clear bases to match different travel styles. Browse Zadar hotels, guesthouses, and apartments.

Quick list

• Old Town (Peninsula/Poluotok) – ruins & cafés, sunset promenade, walk-everywhere.
• Borik & Puntamika – seaside hotels, family beaches, pools.
• Diklo – quieter coast, apartments, sunsets.
• Kolovare & Arbanasi – local vibe, city beach, good value.
• Gaženica & outskirts – practical for drivers/ferries, modern stays.

Old Town (peninsula core)

Roman stones, Venetian façades and the Riva on your doorstep. Boutique rooms in historic buildings tend to be compact and up a flight or two, but mornings are magic before day-trippers arrive. Best for: first-timers, photographers, café hopping.

Editor picks: Harvey’s luxury rooms, Apartments Marina

Borik & Puntamika (northwest shore)

Resort cluster with beach zones, pools and kid-friendly facilities. A seafront path and frequent buses connect you to the Old Town in minutes. Best for: families, pool-plus-city breaks, easy swims.

Diklo (north of Borik)

Quieter residential stretch with pebble coves and wide sunsets. Apartments dominate; great if you want space and calm while staying bus- or bike-close to town. Best for: longer stays, sunset chasers, self-caterers.

Kolovare & Arbanasi (south of center)

Local neighborhoods by the city beach and sports promenades. Handy for the bus/train stations and still walkable/short ride to the Peninsula. Best for: value seekers, easy swims, simple logistics.

Gaženica & outskirts (port/driver base)

Modern apartments and hotels with parking, convenient for early ferries and road trips. You’ll ride a short bus/taxi to the Old Town. Best for: drivers, ferry connections, one-night stopovers.

Perfect itineraries, from 1 day to 5+

Essentials: 1–3 Days in Zadar

Old Town essentials, waterfront sunsets, one museum, and a half-day beach or Ugljan hop. Evenings on the Riva with gelato and Sea Organ tunes.

1. Day 1: Forum → St. Donatus → Bell Tower → Riva sunset → Greeting to the Sun
2. Day 2: Museum of Ancient Glass → Kolovare swim → Old Town dinner
3. Day 3: Ferry to Preko (Ugljan): beach + viewpoints → return for sunset

Explorer: 2–5 Days (City + Nearby)

Add a full-day boat trip to Kornati or Dugi Otok, or a hike in Paklenica (early start, bring water/shoes).

1. Day 4: Kornati NP boat tour (weather-dependent) National Park Kornati
2. Day 5: Paklenica NP canyons + cave (Manita peć if open)

Slow Travel: 5+ Days (Deeper Zadar area)

Linger for longer swims, coastal rides, and wine/olive-oil detours inland.

1. Mix island overnights, winery visits north of Zadar, or a run down the coast to Nin/Šibenik.

Timing islands? Use our Ferries & Timetables hub for seasonal schedules and operators.

Itinerary table

Itinerary	Theme	Highlights	Pace	Who it’s for
1–3 days	City & coast	Forum, Sea Organ, Ugljan	Easy	First-timers
2–5 days	Nature & islands	Kornati / Paklenica	Moderate	Active travelers
5+ days	Deeper Dalmatia	Dugi Otok, Šibenik, Nin	Flexible	Slow travelers

Best day trips

Zadar sits in the middle of island-dotted Dalmatia: fast foot-passenger boats leave from the Old Port; car ferries sail from Gaženica. Inland, the Velebit mountains and karst canyons are under 1.5 hours away by road.

• Ugljan (Preko) – beaches, views → 25-min boat from Old Port.
• Dugi Otok (Brbinj/Sali) – Sakarun & cliffs → car ferry from Gaženica.
• Kornati NP – island panoramas → full-day boat tour from Zadar.
• Paklenica NP – canyons & caves → 50–70 min by car/bus. National Park Paklenica
• Nin – sandy lagoons & salt pans → 25 min by car/bus.

Day trips table

Destination	Travel Time	Highlights	Best For
Ugljan (Preko)	~25 min boat	Beaches, bike loops	Families, casual
Dugi Otok	~1h40 ferry	Sakarun, Telašćica views	Beach lovers
Kornati NP	Full-day tour	89 islets, blue coves	Scenery seekers
Paklenica NP	~1–1.5h road	Gorges, Manita peć	Hikers

Getting in & around

Zadar is well connected by air, road and sea, with foot-passenger boats in the Old Port and most car ferries from Gaženica (south of the center).

Quick list

• Plane – growing seasonal network
• Ferry/Boat – islands & Ancona, Italy
• Bus – Liburnija city lines; regional coaches
• Taxi/Rides – apps + stands in center/airport
• Car & Parking – easiest outside the Peninsula
• Bike/Scooter – flat waterfront rides
• On Foot – compact Old Town

By Plane (via Zadar Airport)

Zadar Airport (ZAD) is ~8 km from town. The official airport shuttle is €5 one-way (baggage included), ~20 min to the Peninsula; the ticket is valid 90 min on city buses for onward transfers.

• Airport ↔ Zadar bus station shuttle: €5 (official). Checked: Oct 2025

By Bus (Intercity/Local)

Liburnija Zadar one-way city ticket bought from the driver is €1.59; buying in the Zadar City / SmartCity app is 20% cheaper than the driver price.

Ferries & catamarans

Seasonal catamarans link Zadar with islands; weather can affect schedules.

Examples:

• Zadar ↔ Preko (Ugljan) foot-passenger boat: €4 each way (1 Jan–29 May & 29 Sep–31 Dec) / €5 (30 May–28 Sep). Crossing ~25 min.
• Gaženica (Zadar) ↔ Brbinj (Dugi Otok) car ferry (Line 434): foot passenger €4.20 (low season) / €6.40 (summer). Typical car ≤5 m & ≤2 m high: €20.20 (low) / €28.50 (summer). Sailing ~1h40.
• For islands, check Jadrolinija (Zadar–Preko; Gaženica–Brbinj) and TP Line (fast lines to Sali/Zaglav, Premuda/Silba/Olib, seasonal routes) the week you travel.

(Note: On Zadar–Preko your ticket is valid for any departure on the printed date.)

Driving & parking

Zadar’s Old Town (Peninsula/Poluotok) is heavily pedestrian and close-in spaces have short time limits in season. Plan to use municipal lots just off the peninsula, then walk the bridge or ride a short bus hop.

• Ravnice (large open lot, Zone 4) — Daily ticket: €2.12 (Oct–Apr) / €4.20 (May–Sep). Near the sports hall; a straight walk to the bridge/Old Town.
• Liburnska obala & Obala kralja Tomislava (waterfront, Zone 1) — Closest to sights; pricier and stricter time limits in summer. Day ticket: €6.40 (Oct–Apr) / €11.20 (May 1–Jun 14 & Sep) / €22.40 (Jun 15–Aug 31). Hourly €0.80 / €0.80 / €1.60 respectively.
• Branimirova obala (east bank, Zones 2–3 mix) — Good value and still very central. Zone 2 day: €4.00 (Oct–Apr) / €7.00 (May 1–Jun 14 & Sep) / €18.20 (Jun 15–Aug 31). Hourly €0.50 / €0.50 / €1.30. Zone 3 day: €3.20 (Oct–Apr) / €5.60 (May–Sep); hourly €0.40.

Park Ravnice (Zone 4) for the cheapest all-day rate and an easy walk, or pay more to be right on the waterfront in Zone 1. Bmove makes payment fastest.

Taxi / Rides

Taxis cluster by the Old Town gates, bus station and airport; several ride-hail apps operate seasonally. Useful late nights or with luggage.

• Confirm price before departing.
• Fares rise after midnight.

Bike / Scooter

Flat waterfronts and causeways on Ugljan make easy rides; watch for cobbles in Old Town.

• Use lights after dark.
• Watch slick stones.

On Foot

The Peninsula is blissfully walkable; bring grippy shoes for marble streets. The core is best explored walking. Cobblestones can be slick after rain; good shoes help. Shaded promenades along the Riva ease summer heat.

• Cobblestones and steps; good shoes help.
• Shaded promenades ease summer heat.

Mode	Pros	Cons	Best For
On Foot	Scenic • free	Steps • slick after rain	Old Town explorers
Bus (Liburnija)	Cheap • decent coverage • app discount	Peak crowds • fixed times	Budget day trips
Taxi/Rides	Fast • door-to-door	Pricier at night	Families • luggage
Car	Max flexibility	Parking fees • traffic	Hill towns • remote coves
Bike/Scooter	Fun • coastal paths	Heat • uneven surfaces	Beach hops • park loops
Ferry/Boat	Island access • frequent locals	Weather-dependent • separate operators	Island swims • day cruises

Best time to visit

Late spring and early autumn bring warm seas, long light and calmer streets. Summer (July–August) is party-bright and ferry-busy; winter is quiet with reduced hours but atmospheric stone lanes.

Quick Picks

• May–June: best balance of weather & crowds
• September: warm water, mellow vibe
• July–August: festivals & heat; book ahead
• Winter: short hours; cozy cafés

Month/Season	Temp	Rain	Crowds	Why go
Apr–May	Mild–warm	Low–mod	Rising	Flowers & openings
Jun	Warm	Low	Busy	Beach + city balance
Jul–Aug	Hot	Low	Peak	Events & nightlife
Sep–Oct	Warm	Low–mod	Moderate	Warm sea, sunsets
Nov–Mar	Cool	Mod	Low	Quiet, good rates

Zadar – Food & drink

Expect grilled fish, octopus salad, Pag cheese, marinated anchovies, and hearty peka roasts. Pair with Dalmatian whites (Pošip, Maraština) and local olive oils. Grab coffee on Kalelarga and gelato at sunset on the Riva.

Zadar & North Dalmatia bites highlights:

• Black risotto (cuttlefish)
• Pag cheese & olive oil tastings
• Octopus salad & grilled sardines
• Fritule (sweet bites)

Where we love to eat when in Zadar:

Practical tips

• Hydration: Tap water is safe; carry a refillable bottle.
• Footwear: Smooth marble = slippery when wet; wear grippy soles.
• Sun/sea: Reef shoes help with pebbly entries & urchins.
• Parking: Book lodging with parking if staying off-Peninsula.
• Boats & day trips: Seasonal catamarans and local taxi-boats can sell out or shift with weather; book ahead in summer and always reconfirm departure times the day before.

Money & payments

• Currency: Euro (€). Cards widely accepted; keep small cash for kiosks and buses.
• ATMs & DCC: Decline currency conversion offers (pay in €).
• Tipping: Not required; round up or add ~5–10% for standout service.

Sample daily budget (pp)

• Lodging: budget €35–60 • comfort €80–130 • upscale €180–350+.
• Meals (3): €25–50 depending on cafés vs. sit-downs.
• Coffee/gelato/beer: €6–12.
• Local transport (walk/bus/bike share): €0–10.
• Sights/activities (museum/boat/bike): €5–25 (check official sites).
• Extras (snacks/souvenirs): €5–15.

Category	Budget	Comfort	Upscale
Lodging	€35–60	€80–130	€180–350+
Meals	€20–30	€35–55	€70–120
Drinks	€4–8	€8–15	€15–30
Transport (local)	€0–5	€5–10	€10–25
Activities	€0–10	€10–25	€25–60

Sample Family Budget (per day, total for 4)

Food & drink

• Breakfast at bakery/café: €12–20
  Lunch (pizzeria/konoba, shared dishes): €40–60
  Ice cream/coffee: €10–16
  Dinner (family-friendly restaurant, some wine/soft drinks): €70–100
  Daily total: ~€132–196

Local transport

• Mostly walking in the core
• Local/area bus (4 tickets, 2 rides): ~€10–14
• Occasional taxi/transfer: €12–22
• Daily total: ~€22–36

Sightseeing & activities

• Sea Organ & Greeting to the Sun: free (tower may charge a small fee; check on site)
• Small museum entry (e.g., Museum of Ancient Glass): ~€16–28 (verify current price)
• Optional: half-day bike rental for 4: ~€28–44
• Short boat ride/taxi-boat (seasonal): ~€20–40
• Daily total: ~€30–60

Estimated family daily budget: €184–292 (season and dining choices vary). Check official pages for current ticket prices.

Category	Budget	Comfort	Upscale
Food & drink	€100–140	€160–220	€260–420
Transport (local)	€10–20	€20–35	€35–60
Activities	€0–20	€20–60	€60–160
Daily total (4)	€160–220	€200–315	€355–640

Actual costs vary by season and choice of activities; check ticket prices before you go.

Connectivity

• eSIMs work well; hotels/cafés commonly offer free Wi-Fi. Public Wi-Fi zones are marked on tourist maps.
• Power: EU Type C/F, 230V ~ 50Hz; bring a universal adapter.

Health & safety

• Tap water is generally safe; refill where available.
• Rocky entries and sea urchins: use swim ladders/water shoes.
• Old Town stone gets slick after rain – wear sturdy shoes.
• Limited natural shade on many coves – pack sunscreen and a hat.

Accessibility

• Old Town surface: Polished marble/cobbles and occasional slopes make the Peninsula tricky for wheelchairs and strollers – bring grippy tires and plan slower pacing.
• Step-free promenades: The Riva/waterfront is mostly level and curb-cut; Greeting to the Sun is flat, while the Sea Organ has stepped seating (view from the upper promenade instead).
• Gates & lanes: Some historic gates/alleys have single steps or narrow pinch points; alternative routes usually exist via the bridge and outer paths.
• Buses & taxis: Many city buses are low-floor with ramps, but not every departure – allow buffer time; taxis are easiest for door-to-door at night.
• Ferries/boats: Main ferries use ramps but boarding gaps/angles vary with tide and vessel -request assistance at the pier; small tour boats often have steps only.
• Attractions: Major churches/museums may have thresholds or partial access; smaller venues and guesthouses vary – email ahead to confirm step-free entry and lifts.
• Beaches: City entries are mostly pebbly or stepped; look for handrails/ramps at arranged swim spots and bring water shoes.
• Facilities: Accessible toilets are limited in the core – use museum/café facilities when available.
• Parking: Blue-Badge spaces exist near main approaches; municipal machines and the Bmove app handle payment.
• Quick tip: Map a step-free loop along the Riva and outer streets for smoother surfaces, then dip into the Old Town squares as comfort allows.

Handy phrases

Dobar dan (hello) • Hvala (thank you) • Molim (please/you’re welcome) • Koliko košta? (How much is it?)

FAQ

FAQ table

Question	Short Answer
Best sunset spot?	Sea Organ steps on the Riva
Quick island hop?	Ugljan (Preko) boat, 25 mins
Airport to town?	Airport bus/taxi
Top hike?	Paklenica canyons & Manita peć

Official resources referenced in this guide

Zadar Tourist Board — zadar.travel (Sea Organ & Greeting to the Sun overview). www.zadar.hr

Zadar County Tourist Board — zadar.hr (regional overview). www.zadar.hr

Zadar Airport — zadar-airport.hr (transport page & contacts). Zadar Airport

Liburnija Zadar (city buses) — liburnija-zadar.hr. Liburnija Ferry

Jadrolinija (ferries & catamarans) — jadrolinija.hr (Zadar–Preko; Gaženica–Brbinj; seasonal lines). Jadrolinija

Museum of Ancient Glass — mas-zadar.hr. Museum of Ancient Glass

Paklenica National Park — np-paklenica.hr (trails, prices, visitor centre). National Park Paklenica

Kornati National Park — National Park Kornati.

Read more about other popular destinations in Croatia on our guide.