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The Zadar Travel Cheat Sheet (from a Croatian) 🇭🇷
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items This past year, I was lucky enough to spend a few months in Zadar, soaking up that gorgeous Adriatic sun. And as someone who's 50% Croatian myself, I happen to know a few spots that most tourists never find. These are my very favorite places, especia...
Sections
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Dining options you need to try!
Gorgeous beaches in and around Zadar
Cultural & touristic activities
The best of our beach & coffee bars
Beautiful hotels and AirBnBs in Zadar
Nearby towns and islands for day trips!
Dining options you need to try!
Amazing seafood and outdoor seating for breezy summer nights!
Restaurant Bruschetta - Zadar
Delicious food, and not far from the Old Town, but considerably less crowded.
MAMMA MIA, Zadar
One of my favorite, favorite restaurants in Zadar!
Restoran Primavera - Doživite okuse i mirise modernog Mediterana
Such a cute restaurant, with delish fresh menu items.
L'OSTERIA 12, Zadar
This local-approved eatery is located in the Old Town and is beloved by both Croats and tourists in the area.
Restaurant Skoblar
If you like squid and octopus and aren't afraid to try local cheeses (such as those from Pag) this is the restaurant for you! Plus, the location is supreme.
Restaurant “Kaštel”
Gorgeous beaches in and around Zadar
These crystal clear waters are just a short walk south of Zadar's historic Old Town and are highly accessible, featuring places to tan, jump into the water, and meditate.
Kolovare Beach
The famous beach is located in a picturesque bay, has natural shade and crystal clear turquoise waters. Although it can occasionally get a bit busy, you'll have no problem finding a spot if you get there early enough.
Maestrala Beach
This public, family-friendly beach looks over at Old Town. There is a pier, lounging area, and nearby restaurants and coffee shops. I love this place!
Plaža Uskok
Cultural & touristic activities
This historic open-air market is perfect for buying authentic Pag cheese (Paški sir), local honey, organic olive oil, and regional cured meats!!
Tržnica Zadar (City Market)
A must see spot in Zadar, this open-air public space is completely free to visit and open 24 hours a day! Great photo-op location, too!
Sea Organ - Zadar Cruise Port
This incredible museum, located in the Old Town, has more than 100,000 different archaeological dating to the prehistoric era, plus various exhibits included with your ticket. Also, the tickets are very reasonable!
Archeological Museum in Zadar
This incredible church was built in the 9th century and is the largest pre-Romanesque building in Croatia. It is located near the Cathedral of St. Anastasia and the Forum. You won't want to miss this piece of Croatian history during your visit.
Church of St. Donatus
The Old Town (or Stari Grad) is a must see gem! Polite people, affordable prices, breathtaking history and good food.
Stari Grad/Old Town Zadar
The picturesque Ugljan island is just a short ferry ride from Zadar, and the views are unbeatable! Definitely check it out if you have time during your trip to Dalmatjia.
Ferry to Ugljan island
These incredible walls are a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most treasured parts of Zadar. They are completely free to access and are a public space for locals and tourists to walk, relax, and explore Zadar's incredible history.
Zadar City Walls
The waters of the lakes are so clear and the waterfalls are incredibly beautiful. It can get a bit busy by the entrances but once you're inside its a blast!
Plitvice Lakes National Park
This incredible national park is less than an hour from Zadar's old town, and is such an awe-inspiring destination that you won't find anywhere else in the world. Perfect for families.
Krka National Park
Jump on this stunning ferry to Dugi Otok and discover a truly breathtaking island off the coast of Zadar. Highlights include swimming in the pristine white sands of Sakarun Beach, exploring the Golubinka Sea Cave, and viewing Cold War-era submarine t...
Ferry to Dugi Otok
One of Zadar’s most famous exports, Maraschino is a cherry liqueur with a sweet, slightly bitter flavor. You can purchase this in the Old Town at various shops, including the renowned Maraska Store located on Ul. Nadbiskupa Mate Karamana 3, 23000, Za...
Maraska Store Zadar
This local Croatian olive oil is truly exceptional, and fortunately, Zadar produces one of the finest in the country. You can buy some of the best at Dalmatian Underdog.
Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil Zadar
This Dalmatian speciality shop is home to many cultural products, including wine, liquors, Nin salt and lavender oil, all produced in Croatia.
Natura Zara
You'll have so much fun on this tour, filled with great conversations, excellent food, ice cream and local seafood specialties! Definitely a good opportunity if you want to sample the region's culinary greatness.
Zadar Food Tour: Local Dishes & City Stories
This charming place is home to vintage books and records, perfect for collectors and casual visitors alike.
Antik & Vinyl Shop
The best of our beach & coffee bars
This is honestly my favorite place in Zadar. Get a table, grab your macchiato, and then jump right into the water! Parents will also love this spot because you can look out from the restaurant while your kids play on the beach for hours.
Beach & Cocktail Bar Bamboo
This is the best beach bar near Zadar, and you really won't fight with crowds since its not as centrally located.
Kožino Zadar, Croatia - Santorini restaurant & lounge bar
One of the best place to eat and drink on the borik strand.
Famous Beach Bar & Grill
This awesome coffee bar is right near the marina, and very friendly!
Barka Bar & Cafe
Great service, very tasty drinks, and sociable atmosphere - try their brunch options, too!
Coffee & Cake Zadar
One of the best cafes in town with a variety of drinks and located right by the sea!
Caffe Bar Porthos
Beautiful hotels and AirBnBs in Zadar
A stunning hotel located in one of Zadar's most breathtaking buildings, also located in the heart of the city. If you're looking for a central location and incredible views, this is the hotel for you!
Hyatt Regency Zadar
It doesn't get more centrally located than this!
Apartments Donat
This private apartment is only a few minutes walking distance from the Roman Forum, Zadar's Cathedral, the unique Sea Organs and the Greeting to the Sun. It makes walking around a breeze!
Rental unit in Zadar
Nearby towns and islands for day trips!
The fastest way to get from Šibenik to Zadar is to bus which takes 1h 10m and costs €1 - €27. This quaint, picturesque town is one of my favorite places to visit.
Šibenik
Connected to the mainland by a bridge, Pag is only about ~1 hour away from Zadar and is oh-so-charming. The food is also incredible (there's a special kind of sheep's cheese that is only cultivated here) and the beaches look like something from out o...
Pag Island
This is one of my FAVORITE spots, and only about 20 minutes outside of Zadar! This tiny island-town was once Croatia's ancient royal capital, so there's tons of historical spots to visit, such as the Church of Holy Cross (known the "smallest cathedra...
Nin
The fastest way to get from Zadar to Split is to drive which takes just under 2 hours. This is the perfect destination for a long-stay. Split is beloved Roman ruins, Adriatic beaches, exceptional seafood, and proximity to islands!
Split
Kožino is only about 10 minutes outside of Zadar and is home to many quaint restaurants, cafes and shops, and tends to be a little less crowded than Zadar.
Kozino
This speedboat day trip takes you to gorgeous villages and beautiful swimming spots without hordes of people around! The staff is kind, the wine is bubbly, and the views are magnificent.
Zadar: Luxury Island Boat Tour, Snorkeling & Unlimited Wine