The A-Zadar Guide of Croatia’s Oldest City

Top 5 Best Attractions

Often overlooked for its beauty, in favour of Dubrovnik or Split, Zadar has subsequently become a peaceful and affordable option for those travelling to Croatia. With rocky shores and crystal clear waters, cobbled pavements rich with history, endless seafood options and lively markets, Zadar is a lot more beautiful than it is often given credit for.

We spent four days in this wonderful city, staying just outside the city centre in the Kolovare region. This part of Zadar is very peaceful, with coastal walks and secluded bays, perfect for avoiding the crowds, whilst only being a half hour walk from the city. If I were to return to Zadar, I’d probably stay nearer to the Old Town, where the Venetian and Roman influence is still prevalent, with ornate architecture and uneven footpaths; this part of the city is magical!

The city is small and walkable in about a day, however, it is home to beautiful architecture and is closely located to some of Zadar’s breathtaking national parks. I’ve listed my top 5 favourite things to do in this city, to help you make the most of all Zadar has to offer!

1. Sunset from the Sea Organ

Sunsets in Zadar are a spectacular sight. There are a few places that are perfect for watching the sundown, mostly along the coast, such as Kolovare beach and Karma Bay. But even more incredible, is watching the sun go down as the waves conduct a symphony.

The Sea Organ rests on the Southwestern quay of the Old Town, a series of steps that touch the water and have been designed to make make music from the beat of the ocean. Visitors pile high on the steps in time for sunset, watching the last glistening rays touch the horizon.

Once the sun goes down, the Sea Organ transforms into something else entirely, a technicolour vessel of light and dancing visitors. The Sun Salutation Light Show illuminates the quay, with a glistening solar power orb releasing rays of light into the night sky. It’s an extraordinary attraction, highly worth a visit.

2. The Roman Forum

Wandering around the Old Town either in the morning or as the sun turns golden, is one of the most incredible experiences. With every twist and turn there is a magnificent piece of history awaiting! Fiery orange and yellow plaster, quirky structural details, hidden squares and pearly palaces, the city is riddled with signs of the past.

One of the liveliest parts of the city is the Roman Forum, a proud temple occupying the majority of the square. Traditionally, the Forum marked the centre of the city during Roman times, a place of politics and socialising, a pivotal point of public life. The Forum remains largely in tact today, a beautiful stone structure adjoined by a small market that leads down to the waterfront.

3. Evenings in the City

In the evenings, the city is unrecognisable. Restaurants overflow with customers, and there’s a persistent echoing of footfall and chatter through the streets. I loved the Old Town the most at night, entering through the Land City Gates, making my way towards Five Wells Square or Ulica Borelli. There’s a warmth that trickles into the evening from the day, a dry heat that lingers, the perfect temperature to enjoy drinks or dinner in the open air. There are plenty of options around, my favourites being Deja Brew and Lounge & Bar Ledana. As a university city, it’s no surprise that Zadar has a vibrant nightlife, with music and dancing extending into the early hours of the morning.

4. Sensational Seafood

Situated on the Dalmatian Coast of the Adriatic Sea, it won’t come as a surprise that Zadar specialises in seafood. With a daily fish market, sunset-fishing options and local seafood foodie tours, it’s clear that seafood is a staple feature of Zadar’s Croatian culture! Traditional foods include black risotto with cuttlefish, calamari, octopus salad and marinated anchovies, there are plenty of options for the seafoodies like me! We were fortunate enough to gather some local recommendations from a resident walking guide: Konoba Dalmacija, Restoran Fosa & Restaurant Malo Misto. Konoba is a unique and authentic experience, incredibly rustic and secluded. We were lucky to get a table! Fosa sits on the water’s edge with gorgeous views of the sunset and delicious food to go with, whilst Fosa rests within the bustle and buzz of the Old Town!

5. Krka National Park

There’s multiple national parks dotted around Zadar, from famous waterfalls to pristine beaches. We scoured online for a reasonable day-trip, and decided to travel to Krka National Park, home to the Skradinski Buk falls. Whilst it’s possibel to get to the park via public transport fro Zadar, we instead opted to book a tour, which offered pick-up and return.

When you enter the park, there is an option to either walk to the Skradinski Buk falls or take the ferry for an additional fee; I recommend walking at least one way, as it offers a beautiful perspective of the park and the Krka river, winding through towering trees and forests. Before heading towards the falls, there are plenty of options for lunch, as well as supermarkets to pack your own, but don’t worry if you forget, there are options all-around the falls. Whilst swimming has been prohibited since 2021, the falls are by now means less impressive; such an area of astounding beauty should be protected if you ask me!

Water vapour clouds the air around the circumference of the falls, a cooling cloud of fresh water. Crystal blue water crashes into a pristine pool, framed by plush greenery, and walkways allow you to snake through the tree line, discovering tiny coves and winding rivers. It was one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited and I highly recommend making the trip!