Zadar is the oldest inhabited city in Croatia, with a history of Roman and Venetian rule. It is situated on the Adriatic Sea in northern Dalmatia and is a gateway to the islands of the Zadar Archipelago.
Zadar is a must-see travel destination in Croatia.
Zadar can often be overlooked when planning a Croatian itinerary, with travellers opting to visit Dubrovnik or Split. But if you want to escape the large tourist crowds like us, you’ll want to put Zadar on your radar.
We suggest spending at least three days exploring the old city, admiring the splendid architecture, and learning more about Zadar’s history.
And to view its magical sunsets every evening.
Have you considered a Road Trip to Croatia?
Zadar was our second stop on our road trip from Trieste in Italy down the Croatian coast.
It must be one of our best travel experiences, so we highly recommend hiring a car and driving the Croatian coast with a stop at Zadar.
We had already visited the capital of Croatia, Zagreb, on an earlier road trip from Germany to Italy, so we were excited to arrive in Zadar.
If you want to experience what to see in Croatia and need some help planning your trip, check out our guide for the
Best Places to Visit on a Road Trip in Croatia
10 Must-See Places to put Zadar on your Radar
Situated centrally on the Adriatic Coast, Zadar is Croatia’s fifth-largest city and the oldest continuously inhabited city in the country.
The Romans, the Venetians, and the Byzantine Empire ruled the city.
The old town showcases Roman ruins, Venetian gates, medieval churches, and pedestrian-only streets. Walk along the piers for sea views and some of the best sunsets in the world.
With an average of 120 days of sunshine each year, Zadar offers some of Croatia’s best things to do and must-see sights.
1. Land Gate entrance to Zadar
Land Gate is the main entrance into the old city of Zadar and one of four Venetian gates that provide access to the old town.
This gate dates back to 1543 and is the most decorative of the four gates. It allows a central passage for wheeled vehicles and two smaller passages for pedestrians.
The other three gates are the Sea Gate, the Bridge Gate and St Rocco Gate.
2. Five Wells Square (Trg 5 Bunara)
The Venetians built the five wells in this square to withstand a siege by the Turks in the 16th century.
Although the wells are no longer operational, it is a great place to sample some of the nearby cafes.
You can easily access Queen Jelena Madije Park, the oldest park in Zadar. It offers many shade trees and stunning views.
3. Take a walk on Zadar Promenade
No trip to Zadar is complete without a walk along the lovely promenade Paseo Maritimo, which extends the entire length of the Old Town, about 1 km.
We loved this pier with its great views back to the old town and across the water to the islands.
Along the walk, you will find plenty of market stalls on your way to the pier Zalazak Sunca—the best place to view the sunsets of Zadar each evening.
4. Listen to the Sea Organ (Morske Orgulje)
Click for a link to our YouTube channel for Maura’s description and sounds of the Sea Organ.
After sunset, The Greeting to the Sun is a short distance from the Sea Organ (Pozdrav Suncu).
The 22-meter-diameter circle consists of three hundred multi-layered glass plates. At night, the multicoloured lights shine in varying patterns and colours, making it spectacular.
5. Visit Green Square (Zeleni Trg)
Green Square was the site of the Roman Forum, where construction began in the 1st century AD.
We loved this square as everyone can wander amongst Roman and Byzantine monuments.
We even parked our car adjacent to this area, parking the car near some random Roman columns.
6. The Church of St Donatus (Crkva Sv. Donata)
The Church of St Donatus is Croatia’s most famous monumental building and symbolises Zadar.
Donatus of Zadar was a Bishop of Zadar who started the church’s construction in the 9th century on top of the ruins of a Roman Forum.
It’s why some of the Roman Forum can still be seen within the building, now used for musical performances, due to its extraordinary acoustic features.
7. Tower of Saint Anastasia (Tower of Sv. Stosija)
The Tower of Saint Anastasia provides the best views over Zadar
You’ll need to climb the 180 steps to reach the viewing platform at 42m, but the views are worth your effort.
Just spectacular.
8. The Cathedral of St. Anastasia (Sv. Stosija)
The Cathedral St. Anastasia is the Roman Catholic Cathedral of Zadar.
It is the seat of the Archdiocese of Zadar and the largest church in all of Dalmatia.
The original church built on the site was in the 3rd century. However, the cathedral you see today was constructed in the Romanesque style of the 12th and 13th centuries after damage by the Venetians and Crusaders in 1202.
Zardarski Barkajoli (Boat-ride men) of Zadar
If you are looking for a fun activity, why not take a boat ride from the old town to the marina of the new city?
The boat ride is an 800-year-old ‘tradition’ and only takes two minutes for five kune.
Other Places of Interest in Zadar
People’s Square has been the main public centre for centuries; the clock tower is from the 19th century.
Ulika Elizabeth Kotromanic is a vibrant street and the main thoroughfare. Many shops, cafes, and restaurants line the pedestrian area.
The University of Zadar’s lineage dates back to 1396, making it the oldest tertiary institution in Croatia and one of the oldest in Europe.
The Archaeological Museum, founded in 1832, can be found at Forum Square.
The Museum of Ancient Glass has one of the best collections of ancient glass in Europe and is located in the 19th-century Cosmacendi Palace.
Where to Stay in Zadar
When choosing accommodation for your stay, we have a few favourite sites to get you a discount.
Always a favourite of ours is Booking.com.
But for us, we love the lower prices of Hotels.com, where after your 10th night is booked, your next night is discounted by your average stay rate. Click here on Hotels.com to start your discounts.
When we are staying longer and need the use of a kitchen, we use Airbnb.
Where to Eat in Zadar
The Italians occupied Zadar after WWII, so pizza has always been a favourite and can be found on most menus.
We chose some local Croatian food at the restaurant 2Ribara, one of the oldest restaurants in Zadar. The food was good and reasonably priced, and the staff was pleasant.
Siroka Ulica Kalelarga is where you can find delicious pastries and burek (a pastry filled with meat or cheese). Burek’s are always good for breakfast, with a coffee from one of the many cafes.
The first coffee shop in Zadar opened in 1730.
What to Wear in Zadar
September is an excellent time to visit Zadar, but bring a jacket and scarf for the sunsets, as the wind can be brisk.
All you need is shorts and T-shirts for the summer months as it is hot.
Shoes: Wear rubber-soled shoes, as the polished limestone pavements of Zadar can be dangerous in wet weather.
Day Trips from Zadar
If you stay for three days in Zadar, you can visit nearby national parks and towns like Sibenik and Novigrad.
National Parks and Nature Parks surround Zadar and make for great day trips.
Two places of interest would be the Paklenica National Park, which is great for hikers and climbers. The other would be Cerovac Caves in the Velebit Nature Park with one of the most famous caves in Croatia.
We suggest visiting the Zadar Archipelago, which has about 300 islands, including the Kornati Islands. Boat excursions can be booked from the pier Zalazak Sunca and the pier near the Sea Gate.
Here is a guide to help with your planning.
Are you planning to visit Zadar?
If you need more information on Zadar, check the information on the Zadar Tourist Board.
Are you planning to visit Croatia?
Here is a guide to help you plan a road trip or an arrival on a flight to Dubrovnik, Split, or Zadar.
Best Places to Visit in Croatia
If you are planning to visit Split, check out Things to do in Split.
Hi Sylvia – the water was still warm in late September for us and a few locals. So refreshing to swim from the pier or on one of the island tours.
I’d love to visit and this post has so much great info for when we do. I can appreciate the time put into sharing this information for fellow travellers. Really an incredible destination.
Thanks Lea – each day there was always more interesting must see and things to do. Zadar is a great travel destination.
I’m in love with all your pictures. I’ve heard Croatia is a beautiful country to visit, and your post just strengthened that argument. I would love to visit one day. The Green Square looks absolutely stunning, and I could see myself spending some time there. That sunset picture is amazing as well, and I’m so intrigued by The Greeting to the Sun. I need to visit here someday!!
Thanks Larissa – Zadar is one of those travel destinations which has so much to offer. And the sunsets, were amazing.