Croatia
Zadar is the Dalmatian city that does not need to shout.
Two thousand years of history sit on a small marble peninsula, a Roman forum beside a round ninth-century church, Venetian gates and walls, and a waterfront where the sea plays music through the Sea Organ and a glass circle lights up at dusk. This guide books the city properly, from old town walks and food tastings to sunset cruises, then opens the door to the coast around it: the bare Kornati islands, Telašćica's cliffs, the waterfalls of Krka, the canyons of Paklenica, Pag cheese and the sandy lagoon at Nin. Then it matches you to a hotel, from a heritage address inside the walls to beach resorts and quiet villages up the coast.
Sea Organ (Morske Orgulje)
A stretch of white marble steps on Zadar's western waterfront that plays music through the sea. Waves push air through 35 pipes hidden beneath the stone, and the sound is different every minute.
Roman Forum and Church of St Donatus
The largest Roman forum on the eastern Adriatic, with a 9th-century round church rising out of its stones. This is the oldest and most atmospheric square in Zadar.
Kornati National Park Boat Trip
A full day among the Kornati islands, a maze of bare limestone islets with dry stone walls, cliffs and some of the clearest water in the Adriatic.
Krka National Park and Skradinski Buk
Seven cascading waterfalls on the Krka River, with boardwalks, a monastery on an island and one of Croatia's most beautiful national parks.
Hand-picked: every experience here has strong traveler reviews and a verified booking link.
A stretch of white marble steps on Zadar's western waterfront that plays music through the sea. Waves push air through 35 pipes hidden beneath the stone, and the sound is different every minute.
A 22-metre circle of glass set into the Zadar waterfront that soaks up sunlight by day and puts on a slow, colourful light show after dusk.
The largest Roman forum on the eastern Adriatic, with a 9th-century round church rising out of its stones. This is the oldest and most atmospheric square in Zadar.
A guided stroll through the marble streets of the walled peninsula, covering the Forum, the churches, the sea gate and the stories behind them.
The Venetian main entrance to Zadar, a stone gate topped with the Lion of St Mark, and the fortified edge of an old town that earned UNESCO recognition.
The largest cathedral in Dalmatia, a Romanesque landmark beside the Forum, with a bell tower you can climb for views over the whole peninsula.
The city's classic swimming spots, a short walk from the old town, with clear water, pebble and concrete platforms and a relaxed local atmosphere.
An electric tuk tuk loop around the old town and waterfront, with a local driver-guide, easy hops between sights and no hills to climb.
A guided walk with tastings of Dalmatian cheese, cured ham, olive oil, local wine and sweets, mixed with the stories of the streets.
A relaxed evening on the water along the Zadar coast, with drinks, golden light on the old town and the islands turning to silhouettes.
A half-day boat trip into the islands off Zadar, with swim stops in clear coves, snorkelling and views back to the city.
A full day among the Kornati islands, a maze of bare limestone islets with dry stone walls, cliffs and some of the clearest water in the Adriatic.
Hotels we would book ourselves, from splurges to good-value bases.
Old Town
A small heritage hotel inside the old town, built into the historic fortifications and steps from the Forum, the Sea Organ and the best restaurants in Zadar.
Check rates →Zadar
A straightforward Zadar hotel for travellers who want a comfortable room, a good base for sightseeing and day trips, and a fair price.
Check rates →Kolovare
A beachside hotel near Kolovare Beach, a short walk from the old town gate, with a park setting and sea views.
Check rates →Zadar
A simple, city-centre style hotel in Zadar, good for short stays, solo travellers and visitors on a budget.
Check rates →Borik
A family-focused resort hotel in Borik, on Zadar's main beach strip, with activities for children, a pebble beach and easy transport into the old town.
Check rates →Borik
An adults-only hotel in Borik with a calm, grown-up atmosphere, close to the sea and a short ride to the old town.
Check rates →Petrcane
A spa hotel in the village of Petrcane, about ten kilometres from Zadar, with sea views, wellness facilities and quiet coastal walking.
Check rates →Petrcane
A seaside hotel in Petrcane with a relaxed resort feel, close to the beach and a short drive from Zadar and Nin.
Check rates →Biograd na Moru
A hotel in the coastal town of Biograd na Moru, about thirty kilometres south of Zadar, a practical base for beaches, Vransko Lake and Kornati boat trips.
Check rates →A practical three-day Zadar itinerary that builds the old town, the Sea Organ sunset, a boat day among the islands and one big day trip into an easy rhythm.
A neighbourhood guide to choosing where to sleep in Zadar, from the old town peninsula to the Borik beach strip, the coastal villages and Biograd.
A guide to the food and drink of Zadar, from Dalmatian seafood and island cheese to olive oil, wine and the city's cherry liqueur.
A seasonal guide to Zadar, covering weather, swimming, boat trips, crowds and what changes between summer, the shoulder months and winter.
How to choose between Zadar's best day trips, from Krka waterfalls and the Kornati islands to Paklenica canyons, Pag cheese and Šibenik.
A family guide to Zadar, covering child-friendly beaches, boat trips, short walks, easy day trips and practical tips for travelling with children.
