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Zadar Attractions
Zadar is a city of dichotomies that juxtapose modern construction with ancient architecture, live-and-let-live attitudes with fiercely patriotic conviction, and bustling entrepreneurship with laid-back Mediterranean style. You can visit the city’s historic sites and countless churches, stop for gelato in Old Town, then go on to browse the glitzy shops that line the narrow streets, but it’s much more interesting to seek out Zadar’s less obvious charms.
Built compact on a small peninsula, Zadar’s pedestrian-only Old Town was fortified by the Venetians, and sections of the city walls and four of its gates (the most notable being the impressive Land Gate from 1543) still remain. The perimeter of the peninsula is rimmed by the Riva (seaside promenade), where you can watch ferries sail in and out of port while witnessing some of the world’s most beautiful sunsets. For many people, locals and visitors alike, one of Zadar’s most memorable features is the ingenious Sea Organ, a modern installation which plays eerie melodies powered by the sea, located at the end of the Riva close to the tip of the Old Town peninsula.
Zadar is the point of departure for many other destinations in Upper Dalmatia. From the city, it’s an easy drive to Paklenica National Park, a challenging environment for hikers, rock climbers, and spelunkers. You can also drive over to the nearby island of Pag, joined to the mainland by a bridge close to its southern tip, and travel up the island to the lively little resort of Novalja with its late-night bars lining Zrće beach.
Zadar is also a ferry port for the decidedly undeveloped northern Dalmatian islands of Ugljan, Pašman, Dugi Otok, and Silba. Sometimes known as the islands of the Zadar Archipelago, the first three are the most visited, but none are overrun by tourists. In addition, there are daily excursion boats from Zadar that depart for tours around Kornati National Park, which is really a portion of the southern islands of the Zadar Archipelago.
South of Zadar, on the way to Split in Lower Dalmatia, you’ll pass Šibenik, a charming seaside town which is often overlooked by vacationers, but more than warrants a visit. It is accessible by bus or car.
15 Results
- Museum
Archaeological Museum
Overlooking the Forum Square, this modernist concrete building, erected in the 1970s, houses a museum that traces the region’s history from prehistoric times up to the 12th century. The main emphasis is on the Roman period, with exhibits including ancient marble statues, mosaics, and… - Religious Site
Church of St. Mary
The Romanesque Church of St. Mary dates from the early 11th century, but its present look is a result of a 16th-century renovation. The bell tower, sometimes called Koloman's Tower in honor of the 12th-century Hungarian king of Croatia, was built around 1110. St. Mary's and its bell… - Museum
Church of St. Simeon
This 17th-century church is best known as the home of the mummified body of St. Simeon, one of Zadar’s patron saints. The relic is contained within an ornate silver casket, depicting scenes from the saint’s life, crafted by Zadar silversmiths in 1381. Regarded as one of the finest… - Landmark
City Walls and Gates
At one time, Zadar was the largest fortified city in Venice's portfolio. Today the walls and military facilities once devoted to defense are used as parks and backdrops for walking paths. Some sections of the walls were built by the Romans, and some were built by the Venetians much… - Landmark
Five Wells Square (Trg 5 Bunara)
Zadar survived Turkish attacks during the 16th century, in part by building a huge water tank and five ornate wells. After the Turks retreated, the city built a park over the fortifications and it includes a concrete square built around the wells. The wells no longer provide drinking… - Historic Site
Forum
Dating back to the 1st century B.C., the Roman Forum would once have been the city’s principle public meeting space, where people would trade and barter, discuss politics, and also worship at the temple. The site of the Forum as you see it today, with ancient paving stones and some… - Landmark
Greeting to the Sun
Installed in 2008 on the Riva next to the Sea Organ, which was also designed by local architect Nikola Bašić, the Greeting to the Sun features 300 glass plates set in a large circle within the stone paving. During the day, light-sensitive solar modules below the glass plates absorb… - Museum
Museum of Ancient Glass
Opened in 2009, this impressive museum displays a collection of over 5,000 pieces of Roman glassware, including goblets, jars, and vials, retrieved from archaeological sites across Dalmatia. The artifacts date from the 1st century B.C. to the 5th century A.D. On the top floor, you… - Landmark
Sea Organ
Midway along the south side of the Riva, the much-loved Sea Organ was designed by local architect Nikola Bašić and installed in 2005. Made up of 35 pipes with underwater whistles set inside smooth white-stone steps, it creates constantly changing sounds depending on the movement of… - Cathedral
St. Anastasia Cathedral and Bell Tower
On the northern side of the Forum, Zadar’s Romanesque cathedral dates back to the 12th century. The façade holds three doors and two central rose windows, while inside, a 9th-century stone casket is said to contain the remains of St. Anastasia, after whom the cathedral is named. You… - Religious Site
St. Chrysogonus Church
Notable for its frescoes, high altar, and exterior stonework this 12th-century Romanesque church's facade is very plain, but the sides are adorned with elaborate columns whose shapes resemble Twizzler sticks. The exterior walls of three apses at the back of the church have several… - Historic Site
St. Donatus
On the Roman Forum, this monumental 9th-century Byzantine rotunda started out as the Church of the Holy Trinity, but was later renamed in tribute to Bishop Donatus. Circular in plan, with three apses, it is very bare inside, with no decoration and just a circular stairway leading to… - Religious Site
The Gold and Silver of Zadar
Guarded since World War II by nuns from the neighboring Benedictine convent, this horde of gold and silver reliquaries and sacral art attests to Zadar’s historical wealth. The reliquaries supposedly hold body parts of various saints, including arms and legs, which were encased in… - Park/Garden
The Riva
In most Croatian cities that face the sea, the Riva is usually a public "runway" where people go to see and be seen dressed in their trendiest outfits, always accessorized with an ice-cream cone. In Zadar, the Riva is a path called Petra Kresimira IV through a sort of waterfront park… - Cooking Class
Zlatna Luka Diving Center
Half-day excursions with Zlatna Luka include two dives, full tanks, and weights. Weekend tours are offered to Kornati National Park and other Adriatic locations. The center is about 7km (4 1/2 miles) south of Zadar, at Marina Dalmacija, Bibinje-Sukošan.
Zadar Nightlife
Much of Zadar’s nighttime action is outdoors on the Riva or at other seaside locations.
- Coffee Houses
Café Gallery Đina
In the heart of the Old Town, Đina is popular with 30-somethings and even those a little older, who come here for morning coffee, or a chat over a glass of wine in the evening (note that it’s cash-only). The café also stages temporary exhibitions of paintings and photos by local… - Coffee Houses
Kult
With tables on a leafy terrace shaded by trees and big white parasols, Kult is a favorite spot with local students, who meet here for coffee during the day, or for cold beers after dark. You’ll find it in the Old Town, where it stays open all year (cash only). - Bars & Pubs
Maraschino Bar
This is the largest bar in Zadar, serving as a waterside café during the day, and a club with DJ music after 10pm through the summer. The large front terrace affords views of the Old Town across the sea channel. Along with a full bar, you can find the namesake maraschino in cocktails… - Bars & Pubs
The Garden
Nestled in the Venetian walls above the sea, close to the tip of the Old Town peninsula, this sophisticated open-air summer lounge/bar is laid out on a large stone terrace, with wooden decks and white furniture. Guests come here to see and be seen, while sipping on pricey cocktails…
