Zadar Destination Guide (2024): What You Need to Know

Zadar is a beautiful Croatian port city conveniently located between Zagreb and Split. It has a charming old town area filled with historical buildings as well as a great selection of restaurants and cafes. The city is also extremely walkable and has a relaxed atmosphere. Additionally it has scenic water views and a selection of beautiful beaches nearby. Furthermore it is only a short ferry ride from a number of Croatian islands which can also be seen from the coast. This Zadar destination guide has everything you need to plan the perfect trip to Zadar Croatia.

What is Zadar Croatia known for?

A beautiful and historic port city, Zadar is known for its rich heritage and history, its spectacular sunsets and its beautiful architecture. It is the oldest continuously inhabited city in Croatia and is UNESCO listed. The fortified city of Zadar forms part of the UNESCO Venetian Works of Defence between 15th and 17th centuries: Stato da Terra – western Stato da Mar. Another notable Zadar landmark is the sea organ, which uses the movement of the sea to make music.

Why you should visit Zadar Croatia

Zadar is the perfect place for a relaxed seaside getaway. It has a great combination of restaurants as well as attractions. It also has a beautiful old town area, gorgeous coastal walks and lovely beaches. Additionally it has a relaxed pace and is arguably more scenic than its more popular neighbour Split. Zadar is perfect for young families as well as couples and solo travellers looking for a place to unwind. Furthermore, its convenient location between Zagreb, Split and the Croatian Islands makes it a convenient stop when travelling around Croatia.

Zadar Destination Guide: Know before you go

Basic info about Zadar Croatia

• Language – Standard Croatian. English is widely spoken, but not everyone you meet will be able to speak English.
• Currency – euro (EUR). This has been the official currency of Croatia since 1 January 2023. Prior to 2023, the currency of Croatia was the Croatian Kuna (HKR). Currency exchanges can be found in most cities and ATMs are also available widely throughout the country.
• Population – 75,000 (2011)
• Area – 194 km²
• County – Zada. Zadar is the administrative centre of this county.
• Region – Dalmatia
• Emergency number – 112
• Police number – 192

Utilities in Zadar Croatia

• Electricity – Croatia uses Type C as well as Type F power plugs. The country operates on a 230v supply voltage at 50Hz. Power outages are not common in Croatia and typically do not last for long.
• Water – the tap water in Croatia is safe to drink almost everywhere in the country.
• Toilets – sit-down flushing toilets are the most common type of toilet in Croatia. Additionally, you can flush your toilet paper directly into the bin. Public toilets are common in the larger cities in Croatia. However public toilets along the coast often have a charge for use. This can range anywhere from 25 cents to 1 euro.
• Telephone country code: +385

Where is Zadar Croatia?

Zadar is in the central Dalmatia county of Zadar in the Dalmatia region of Croatia. It is a port city on the Adriatic Sea.

The closest major Croatian cities to Zadar are Split as well as Zagreb. Zadar is 3 hours by bus from Split and also 3.5 hours by bus from Zagreb. The islands of Ugljan, Dugi Otok, Pašman and also Silba are off the coast of Croatia near Zadar.

How to get to Zadar Croatia

Zadar destination guide: Arriving by land

Zadar Croatia intercity land transport

The main transport options for travelling overland to Zadar Croatia are:

• Private vehicle
• Private transport operator
• Airport Bus – there is an airport bus service between Zadar Airport and the main bus station, ferry port and also the city centre. A one way ticket costs 25 kuna (prices as at 2022). The journey time is 20-25 minutes.
• Train – this is currently not in operation
• Bus
• Bike

Driving to Zadar from within Croatia

If you are driving to Zadar from within Croatia, here are the travel times and also the distances:

• Split – 1 hour 36 minutes (157km) with tolls or 2 hours 13 minutes (143km) without tolls
• Zagreb – 2 hours 55 minutes (288km) with tolls or 4 hours 32 minutes (285km) without tolls
• Rijeka – 2 hours 54 minutes (290km) with tolls or 3 hours 35 minutes (221km) without tolls
• Dubrovnik – 3 hours 53 minutes (349km) with tolls or 5 hours 40 minutes (350km) without tolls

Intercity trains to Zadar Croatia

There are train lines running from Zagreb to Zadar as well as to Split. Both train lines run via the city of Knin. However these routes has fallen into disuse. Since 2014, all trains between Zadar train station and Knin train station have been cancelled and replaced by buses until further notice.

The Zadar train station is called Željeznička stanica Zadar. It is next to the main bus station in Zadar. It is located around 20 minutes walk from the old town of Zadar.

The Croatian national railway company is called Croatian Railways.

Intercity buses to Zadar Croatia

A common way to get around Croatia is by using intercity buses. These are a budget friendly alternative to trains and the network is also very extensive. Intercity bus companies in Croatia include Arriva – Autotrans, Slavonija Bus, Čagalj Tours as well as FlixBus. Popular bus destinations from Zadar include:

• Plitvice Lakes Croatia – travel time 2 hours. Tickets start from 7 euro one way.
• Split Croatia – travel time 3 hours. Tickets start from 7 euro one way.
• Zagreb Croatia – travel time 3.5-4.5 hours. Tickets start from 10 euro one way.
• Novalja Croatia – travel time 1.5-2 hours. Tickets start from 9 euro one way.
• Dubrovnik Croatia – travel time 8-9 hours. Tickets start from 28 euro one way.
• Skradin (Krkr NP) Croatia – travel time 1 hour. Tickets start from 5 euro one way.

Zadar destination guide: Arriving by air

The nearest major airport to Zadar is Zadar Airport (Airport code ZAD). This international airport is also known as Resnik Airport. It is 8km from the city.

Other nearby airports include:

• Split Airport (Airport code SPU). This airport is 106km away
• Rijeka Airport (Airport code RJK). This airport is 133km away.
• Pula Airport (Airport code PUY). This airport is 136km away.

The national airline of Croatia is Croatia Airlines.

Zadar destination guide: Arriving by boat

The city of Zadar is on the Adriatic Sea. The ferry company Jadrolinja services the Port of Zadar. Ferries and catamarans connect Zadar to the nearby islands as well as to Ancona, Cesenatico and Pesaro in Italy. However services vary depending on the season. Zadar is also popular cruise destination.

Zadar destination guide: How to get around Zadar Croatia

Walking in Zadar Croatia

By far the easiest and also cheapest way to get around Zadar is to walk. Additionally, Zadar is a very walkable city. Most of the main attractions in the city area are within easy walking distance.

Local buses in Zadar Croatia

Local buses service Zadar. These services are operated by the city’s public transport service, Liburnija. For more information, see this website: https://liburnija-zadar.hr/

Trams in Zadar Croatia

Zadar does not have a tram system.

Local trains in Zadar Croatia

There are currently no local trains in Zadar.

Metro trains (subway or underground) in Zadar Croatia

Zadar does not have an underground train line.

Vehicle hire in Zadar Croatia

A wide variety of vehicles can be rented in Croatia. This includes:

• Bicycles – There are self-service bike share services available in the city from companies such as NextBike. Alternatively you can hire a bike from a bike hire shop such as Rent a bike Zara – Zadar.
• Electric scooters
• Motorcycles
• Cars
• SUVs
• Campervans
• Boats

In Croatia people drive on the right side of the road.

Taxis in Croatia

Taxis are common in Croatia. Fares are regulated and are also usually metered. However outside of major cities taxis may not have meters. In this case the fare will be a fixed price. However in general your fare will include the following costs:

• The pickup fee or minimum fee – this is charged as soon as you get into the vehicle.
• Price per kilometre
• Price per hour – this is a price that gets charged when the taxi is stuck in heavy traffic.

Taxi tariffs in Croatia are set by the cities or districts.

Ride-share services in Zadar Croatia

There are a number of rideshare services operating in Croatia. These include Uber, Bolt as well as CarpoolWorld. There is even UberBOAT on the Dalmatian coast during tourist season.

Zadar destination guide: Is Zadar worth visiting?

Zadar is a relaxed seaside city that is certainly worth visiting. It is less crowded than Split or Dubrovnik but offers a charming and historic city, fresh local seafood, stunning waterfront walks and pretty beaches.

Zadar destination guide: How long to spend in Zadar Croatia

Zadar is a great place to come for a week or even more. It is a relaxed port city with great food and a number of museums and other attractions. We spent 1 week in Zadar and enjoyed taking time to enjoy the various activities available in this charming city.

Zadar destination guide: What to do in Zadar Croatia

Zadar is a beautiful Croatian city with many activities on offer. It has a range of great free activities as well as paid activities.

Zadar destination guide: Free things to do in Zadar Croatia

There are enough free activities in Zadar Croatia to keep you entertained for a weekend or even a leisurely week:

• Zadar Sea Organ
• The Greeting to the Sun
• The Land Gate
• Cathedral of St Anastasia (Zadar Cathedral) – 3 euro to climb the bell tower
• Zrmanja
• Roman Forum
• Paseo Maritimo
• Narodni Trg
• Kolovare Beach
• Five Wells Square
• Lipauska Beach
• Plaža Punta Rožica (Punta Rožica Beach)
• Borik Sandy Beach
• Iž Island – ferry to the island is around 7 euro one way (at at 2023)
• Tržnica Zadar (Market Zadar)
• Sea Gate
• Queen Jelena Madijevka Park (Perivoj kraljice Jelene Madijevke)
• The Park of Vladimir Nazor (Perivoj Vladimira Nazora u Zadru)

For more details, see our Zadar travel guide on the 18 Best Free Things To Do in Zadar Croatia.

Zadar destination guide: Paid activities in Zadar Croatia

A number of attractions in Zadar Croatia charge an entry fee:

• Museum of Illusions (Muzej Iluzija Zadar) – entry fee is 10 euro for adults (as at 2023)
• Archaeological Museum Zadar – entry fee is 5 euro for adults (as at 2023)
• Bell Tower – entry fee is 3 euro for adults (as at 2023)
• Museum of Ancient Glass – entry fee is 6 euro adults (as at 2023)
• Kneževa palača (Rector’s palace)

Other paid activities in Zadar Croatia include:

• Winery tours such as to Degarra Winery
• Fishing charters and tours
• Sailing
• Watersports

Weather in Zadar Croatia

Zadar enjoys a warm temperate climate. Its climate is heavily influenced by the nearby Mediterranean area. It has cold winters. The average temperature is between 3°C and 11°C in the coldest month of January. Summers last from June to September. These are hot and sunny, with the average temperature range between 18°C and 30°C in the hottest month of July. It is also a windy city and experiences frequent and sometimes powerful winds. Snow is rare but not unheard of in Zadar. The month with the most rainfall is November with 9.6 days of rain on average. Conversely the driest month is July with an average of 4.6 rainy days.

Best time to visit Zadar Croatia

The best time to visit Zadar is between mid May and September, when the weather is most pleasant for outdoor activities. The peak tourist season is between June and August, so expect higher prices at that time.

Internet and mobile phones in Croatia

Since June 15th, 2017, Roam Like at Home (RLAT) rules came into force for European Union countries. Consequently, people with European Union mobile numbers are no longer charged temporary mobile roaming fees within the European Union. This means that if you have a European Union mobile number, you can use that number anywhere within the European Union and you will be charged for calls, texts and also data in the same rates as if you were in your home country. There are limits to this in order to prevent abuse of these rules.

The main internet and phone companies in Croatia include Croatian Telecom (Hrvatski Telekom), A1, Telemach, Bonbon as well as Tomato.

5G has been in Croatia since October 2020. 3G is expected to be switched off in Croatia on 31 December 2022.

Croatia is ranked 20^th fastest in the world for mobile internet speeds as well as 101^st fastest for fixed broadband. For Fixed Broadband the average download speed is 41mbps and upload is 19mbps (as at June 2023).

Cell phone SIM cards can be bought in many places throughout Croatia. These include phone stores, some supermarkets, newspaper kiosks as well as online.

How much to budget for Zadar Croatia?

Is Zadar expensive?

Zadar is a very economical city to visit. Accommodation costs are quite reasonable, its is a very walkable city and there are plenty of free or cheap activities available. It is a more affordable option than other Croatian destinations like Split, Dubrovnik or the Croatian islands whilst still having plenty of coastal charm.

Zadar destination guide: Daily spend for a couple travelling in Zadar Croatia

As a rough guide, we recommend the following budgets for a couple:

• Low-budget daily spend – 100 euro per day for a couple will get you budget accommodation, self catering and bakery meals, walking or catching local transport to get around the city and free or cheap activities.
• Mid-range daily spend – 300 euro per day for a couple will get you mid-range accommodation, walking or catching local transport to get around the city, dining at reasonably priced cafes and restaurants and some paid activities.
• Luxury spend – 1000 euro per day for a couple will get you a premium experience, staying at high end hotels, travelling by private transport, doing a range paid activities and eating at high end restaurants.

Zadar destination guide: Accommodation in Zadar Croatia

There is a good range of accommodation to suit most budgets in Zadar Croatia. Airbnb operates in Croatia and we were impressed with the range of options available in Zadar.

Where to stay in Zadar Croatia

We recommend the following accommodation in Zadar:

• Best hostel in Zadar – Sky Hostel is a great hostel in a convenient location in the city centre and also within walking distance of the beach. The facilities are clean and the beds comfortable. You can also enjoy free coffee and free use of laundry facilities. The owner is a lovely lady that is always happy to help.
• Best budget hotel in Zadar – Hotel Mediteran offers clean and comfortable rooms and a refreshing pool. Breakfasts are delicious with plenty of options. There is also free parking.
• Best mid-range hotel in Zadar – A’mare Hotel Zadar is a modern hotel close to the old town. They serve great quality local food and delicious buffet breakfasts. The staff are very professional and courteous. The only drawbacks of this hotel are that the rooms are small, there’s no parking and the neighbourhood is not particularly scenic.
• Best luxury hotel in Zadar – Falkensteiner Hotel & Spa Iadera is a beautiful seaside adults-only hotel, where you can enjoy a romantic and relaxing getaway. It has an excellent spa and pool area. The breakfasts are delicious and varied.
• Best luxury apartments in Zadar – Villa Manda Zadar Luxury Apartments are stylish apartments close to the beach and restaurants and only a 10 minute drive to Zadar old town. The apartments and facilities are very clean, modern and well-equipped with a comfortable and cosy atmosphere. The owners are very friendly and helpful. Additionally, there is a lovely pool with sunbeds.

How much is accommodation in Zadar Croatia?

For short-term accommodation, a general price per night is as follows:

• Budget accommodation – 13-30 euro for a dorm
• Mid-range accommodation – 40-150 euro for a private room
• Luxury accommodation – 100-150 euro a night for a luxury hotel
• Rental property – 100-400 euro a night for a fully furnished 3-4 bedroom home

Zadar destination guide: Food in Zadar Croatia

Being on the water, seafood is very popular in Zadar.

How much does food cost in Zadar Croatia?

Our price guide for your food budget in Zadar Croatia is as follows (prices as at 2022):

• Restaurant meal – 10-25 euro for a main dish
• Bakery food – burek 2-3 euro, cake 2-3 euro, 1-2 euro for loaf of bread, chocolate donut
• Glass of wine – 4-6 euro
• Coffee – 2-3 euro

Regional dishes in Zadar Croatia

• Black risotto (also called crni rižot) – a squid or cuttlefish risotto that is black in colour due to the ink from the squid or cuttlefish.
• Truffle gnocchi
• Octopus salad (Salata od hobotnice)
• Dalmatinska pašticada – a beef stew cooked in a sweet and sour sauce. The meat is marinated in vinegar before being cooked with red wine, prunes and bacon. It is typically served with a side of gnocchi or pasta.
• Grilled lamb (Janjetina s ražnja)
• Pag Island Cheese
• Dalmatian pršut (prosciutto)

Cheap Eats in Zadar Croatia

• Pekarnicas (Croatian bakeries) are a great place to get cheap and delicious food. Burek is typically around 2-3 euro and a loaf of bread is around 1-2 euro. Other common food that can be found in pekarnicas include donuts and cakes.

Fine dining in Zadar Croatia

Zadar is home to a number of Michelin Guide restaurants.

Michelin Plate restaurants in Zadar Croatia (2023):

• Foša
• Kaštel

Zadar Croatia culture

Croatia national holidays

• New Year’s Day – 1 January
• Epiphany – 6 January
• Easter Sunday – typically in March or April.
• Easter Monday – the Monday after Easter Sunday, typically in March or April.
• Labour Day – 1 May
• Statehood Day – 30 May
• Corpus Christi – 16 June
• Anti-Fascist Struggle Day – 22 June
• Victory Day – 5 August
• Assumption of Mary – 15 August
• All Saints’ Day – 1 November
• Remembrance Day for the victims of the Homeland War and Remembrance Day for the victims of Vukovar and Škabrnja – 18 November
• Christmas Day – 25 December
• Saint Stephen’s Day – 26 December

National symbols of Croatia

• Croatia flag – a tricolour flag featuring three horizontal bands coloured red, white and blue from top to bottom. In the middle of the flag, across the three bands, is the Croatia coat of arms
• Croatia coat of arms – a red and white checkerboard on a main shield with a crown of five smaller shields. The five smaller shields represent the five different historical regions of Croatia. These five shields have symbols on them, but their background colours alternate between bleu celeste and azure.
• National flower – iris
• National bird – common nightingale
• Croatia’s national animal – kuna zlatica (European pine marten)

Croatia pastimes

• National dish – Istrian Yota
• Popular drinks – Rakija, loza, Malvazija wine, Teran wine
• National sport – football
• Religion – 80% Catholic, 6% Eastern orthodox (as at 2019)

Famous people from Zadar Croatia

• Famous people born in Zadar Croatia – naval officer and inspiration for The Sound of Music Georg von Trapp, actor Gianni Garko, opera singer Antonio Pini-Corsi, poet Juraj Baraković poet Brne Karnarutić, writer Mima Simić, writer Petar Zoranić, singer Emilija Kokić, queen consort Helen of Zadar, television host Toni Jeričević, queen Joanna II of Naples
• Notable people who lived in Zadar Croatia – Nirvana bassist Krispt Novoselic
• Sports stars from Zadar Croatia – footballer Luka Modrić, footballer Danijel Subašić, Olympic basketball player Vladan Alanović, Olympic sailor Šime Fantela, Olympic rower Latino Galasso, basketball player Josip Gjergja, footballer Ratko Kacian, footballer Mark Liveric, handballer Ivan Ninčević, chess player Joseph Plachutta, Olympic table tennis player Zoran Primorac, Olympic basketballer Marija Režan

Is Zadar Croatia Safe?

Croatia travel guide: Safety in Croatia

We travelled through Croatia for two months and found the country to be extremely safe. Croatia ranks 24^th safest country on the Global Peace Index (as at 2021). As with any country, there are good areas and bad areas. Watch out for pickpockets particularly at crowded tourist attractions in Dubrovnik, Split and Zagreb as well as in National Parks. Make sure no-one is watching whenever you are entering pin codes and never lose sight of your credit card when making a purchase. Take care in nightclubs and don’t accept free drinks as drink spiking is a particular risk.

If you are planning to explore more remote areas, beware that there may still be unexploded landmines from the Croatian War of Independence.

General safety considerations in Croatia

Other general safety considerations for travel in Croatia:

• Drinking water – Tap water is safe to drink almost everywhere.
• Mosquitoes – tiger mosquitoes are in Croatia. This type of mosquito spreads diseases like Zika, dengue and chikunguya. Malaria was eradicated in Croatia in 1964. Locally transmitted cases of dengue fever have been reported on the Adriatic Coast and in northeastern Croatia.
• Altitude sickness – Croatia has areas of high altitude and therefore the risk of altitude sickness. If visiting high altitude areas in Croatia, be sure to allow sufficient time to acclimatise. If you experience any signs of altitude sickness, such as headache, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, tiredness, loss of appetite or shortness of breath, get help immediately.
• Road safety – Croatia’s road safety has improved recently. However it still has one of the highest rates of road fatalities in Europe. This is due to narrow and windy roads as well as speed and other driver behaviour. Take care on the roads in Croatia.
• Water safety – If you visit any of the coastal areas or lakes, take care when swimming as currents and waves may be stronger than you expect. Watch out for sea urchins as they can sting.
• Earthquakes – Croatia experiences earthquake activity. In an earthquake, stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls and anything that could fall. If inside, get under a table, desk or solid furniture and hang onto it. Cover your head and torso to protect from falling objects. If outside, stay outside in an open area away from buildings.
• Sun safety – Sun exposure can have adverse short-term and long-term effects on the skin, eyes and immune system. Sun protection such as sunscreen, hat and sunglasses is very important to ensure you don’t get burnt.

As with any destination, take all of your normal safety precautions.

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