Best Things To Do in Zadar

Zadar is a jewel of the Dalmatia province, located along the Adriatic coast. It offers the perfect combination of sea and land activities, along with gastronomic and wine proposals that will accompany you during your trip. You can't miss its walls and ruins from Roman and Venetian times, which reflect its rich history and are accessible by foot, bike or tuk tuk.

A dazzling art scene awaits you with the Sea Organ and the Sun Salutation, responsible for providing music and color to the coast. Although it goes unnoticed, the Egyptian sphinx, an unexpected find in Europe, is located here. In addition, the city offers a variety of islands and natural parks, where you can enjoy boat rides or participate in water activities. Here is a list of the must-sees.

Zadar is a magical city and, among so many spectacular places, surely the ones that will remain etched in your memory are the Sun Salutation and the Sea Organ. They are two artistic structures facing the coast that were created by architect Nikola Bašić.

You can see them as you walk along the promenade, but there's nothing like discovering their history. If it's your first time in the city you might consider booking a guided tour of Zadar, where these monuments will be a safe stop and you can take advantage of other nearby attractions.

Sun Salutation

Zadar's Sun Salutation or Aurora Borealis is a blend of art, nature and technology that uses an innovative system to create an unforgettable sensory experience. The structure is made of glass panels containing photovoltaic cells. This allows it to absorb sunlight and transform it into a colorful nighttime spectacle.

You can see how the patterns of light mix and create ripples on the ground and even walk on the surface. I assure you that nowhere else will you see such a spectacular sunset or such brilliant nights.

Sea Organ

The Sun Salutation is not a solo show, since very close by you can delight yourself with the Sea Organ. You can sit facing the sea and enjoy how the sound of the waves creates a relaxing musical spectacle.

This is possible because the structure is composed of a series of steps that connect with the Adriatic Sea. At first glance they look like simple stairs, but the novelty is that it has resonating tubes and chambers that create a striking echo. You won't know what to expect because the melodies can change depending on the waves, weather conditions and wind, so no two sounds are ever the same.

Zadar is a coastal town that is best enjoyed by bicycle. As you pedal along the Adriatic coastline, the salty air and dreamy views await you, making every moment unforgettable. It is the perfect plan to take advantage of a sunny morning or to watch the sunset. Plus, you'll have plenty of time to pass by the old town, the city walls, local beaches, the Sun Salutation and the iconic Ostri Rat lighthouse.

You can rent a bike at the public stations and organize a route at your own pace. However, there's nothing like booking a guided bike tour of Zadar and enjoying the informative commentary shared by a local expert - forget about logistics! You'll have an optimized itinerary to discover the best of the city.

Terraferma Gate

You could say that the starting point of Zadar is the Terraferma Gate, as crossing it will take you straight into the old town. It has an unparalleled beauty that mixes Renaissance elements and the Venetian influence inserted by the Italian architect Michele Sanmicheli.

Without knowing it, you will walk over an ancient moat, as the gate used to protect the city and used to connect to a drawbridge surrounded by water. It was not by chance that it was built this way, as it was actually used to throw enemies in case of an unexpected attack by the Ottomans. Today, you can still see the sculptures of the Lion of St. Mark and St. Chrysogonus on horseback.

The Roman Forum

It is impossible to visit Zada and not pass by the Roman Forum. Here you will enjoy a trip to Ancient Rome, with its aged buildings and historical sites. You can't miss this place, especially when it comes to a tour of the ruins of the Jupiter Theater, dedicated to the worship of the god of storms, heaven and justice.

There are other interesting ruins such as the Temple of Minerva and the Column of Punishment, a corner that witnessed rather chilling public punishments.

The Square of the Five Wells

As you pedal through the city you may come to the Plaza de los Cinco Pozos (Square of the Five Wells). Here you'll see a 16th-century testament to five wells lined up in a row, and you won't be able to take your eyes off them. It is like being transported to another era, where citizens had to move a heavy lever to get water. Like the Terraferma Gate moat, they were multi-purpose and were used to protect against unexpected attacks.

Zadar Walls

Next to the square and its emblematic wells are the Zadar Walls, impressive white Istrian stone barriers. They will leave you speechless and you can immerse yourself in anecdotes of the sixteenth and seventeenth century. It is impressive how the Italians of that time managed to create such an ideal defensive system, which remains in perfect condition.

Cathedral of Santa Anastasia

Another place I would not miss in your place is the Cathedral of Santa Anastasia, where the passage of Gothic and Romanesque architecture is evident in the city. It is the largest on the Adriatic coast and inside you can find three impressive naves and the carefully decorated side chapels.

From the bell tower you will enjoy panoramic views that show you the Adriatic Sea and the city. You can also take a look at the sarcophagus, where the relics of St. Anastasia, the patron saint of Zadar, lie.

Board a cruise ship to relax and enjoy how the Adriatic coastline stretches out before you, offering a variety of stops at nearby islands. Gradually the sea breeze will carry the boat away from the harbor, making way for a fascinating scenic landscape. On board you can appreciate the walls of Zadar and wonders such as the Sea Organ.

The salty sea is refreshing and you should not miss the opportunity to book a Zadar boat excursion. You will have the whole archipelago to yourself and you can reach hidden coves, as well as swim among crystal clear waters or go snorkeling and fishing. Below I tell you a little more about the islands where you could make stops.

Ošljak Island

During the walk you will reach this quiet island, considered the smallest inhabited island in the Adriatic. In fact, there are no more than 50 inhabitants, so it preserves unspoiled coves and many local traditions. I find it ideal to anchor the boat and dive into its crystal clear waters.

Ugljan Island

On Ugljan island, crystal clear waters await you where colorful fish swim and several coastal villages like Preko, Luka and Zman, famous for their gastronomy and handicraft offerings, are piled up. This stop is where people usually take advantage of water activities such as swimming, snorkeling and fishing.

The lakes surrounding Zadar seem unreal, but I promise you they exist and are a complete wonder. There is a great variety, but if it's your first time I would recommend you start by booking an excursion to Plitvice Lakes National Park. This natural park is about an hour and a half from Zadar and offers 16 lakes surrounded by nature.

You can explore the complex on foot and reach its waterfalls. They will take your breath away with their turquoise colors and the soothing sound of falling water, which evokes a deep sense of peace and freedom. In general, the park is interconnected through bridges and footbridges, so you don't need to be a professional hiker.

You can also enjoy an electric boat ride to meander through its streams and ride the electric train that interconnects all its lakes, so you can save yourself from hiking. Please note that swimming is not allowed in Plitvice Lakes, even in its streams, and doing so can lead to heavy fines.

Another activity not to be missed is booking a tuk tuk ride around Zadar. You will leave behind the most well-known streets to explore captivating and less crowded places. As you go along, a tour guide will tell you the secrets of the city and you will be able to see the sailboats piled up on the coast, as well as access the fascinating Kolovare Beach.

You will also visit the coast of Prince Trpimir and as you go around the promenade you can take advantage of the panoramic viewpoints that offer privileged views of the neighboring islands. Nearby is the Sea Organ, where you will surely have free time to sit and listen to the musical show.

Tuk tuks move easily among the narrow cobblestone streets. Being a small vehicle, the experience is private and allows you to reach the outskirts of the city quickly and comfortably.

The Dalmatia region is a wine region par excellence, thanks to the fact that its soils have everything necessary to harvest quality grapes. In Zadar you cannot miss a wine tour through its best vineyards and cellars, an invitation to delight yourself with the fresh flavors of Plavac Mali (Croatian red wine) and Pošip (Croatian white wine).

I recommend you to leave the city center and head to magical villages like Nadin, where a Croatian wine tasting awaits you. You will be able to discover their history, while you immerse yourself in the process of cultivation and pairing.

You'll also discover what makes the local wines so special when you book an excursion to the Krka Waterfalls with wine tasting. Here its scenic beauty and a tasting of 4 types of wine awaits you at the Sladic Winery, which is accompanied by cheese boards, olive tasting and a vibrant atmosphere in the company of locals.

Treat yourself to a day of relaxation and take advantage of the fact that this type of experience often includes a tour of the small town of Skradin, famous for its architecture and picturesque white houses. If you are not a wine lover, you can also book an excursion to the Krka waterfalls and swim in the crystal clear waters of this natural park.

I also suggest you book a kayak tour of Dugi Otok Island. Get your arms ready to paddle from Gazenica to Brbinj and enjoy its hidden caves that change color depending on the sunlight. Also, if you like to get in touch with marine life, you can jump off the cliffs and snorkel here.

As Dugi Otok island is forty-five minutes away, you will stop at beaches such as Veli Zal on the way. Once on the island, a fascinating journey through its history and culture awaits you.

The Dalmatia region is known for its exquisite gastronomy, so there are pleasant surprises in store for your palate. Most dishes are based on fresh seafood and you can start by visiting the Zadar Market, which offers a vibrant open-air atmosphere. Here the local fish, olive and cheese stalls are famous.

Of course, you also have to dedicate yourself to tasting Zadar's specialties, among which are:

• Pasticada, a veal stew marinated in Croatian red wine.
• Brodet, a fish and seafood casserole that closely resembles paella.
• Maraschino, a sweet liqueur made with marasca cherries from Dalmatia.
• Palačinke, a cross between pancakes and pancakes that can have a sweet or savory filling.

Walking around Zadar, the Egyptian sphinx, which is in the old town a few meters from the church of St. Donatus, will not go unnoticed. Its history is a mystery, but everything indicates that it was brought from Egypt in the 13th century. It is one of the largest in Europe and it is a pleasant surprise that it is one of the few outside its native country, although some say it is a replica.

Because of this, this monument involves a host of legends. One of the most popular ones assures that if you visit it, you will be closer to finding true love. If you have a partner, then the sphinx will bless the union and it will be lasting. Other people believe that under this monument there is a hidden treasure.

The only thing proven is that it represents a mythical being with a lion's body and human head, associated with wisdom and protection of Zadar. The entrance is free and is somewhat hidden, but as a hint I will tell you that you must pass through a barred gate to reach this wonder.

Zadar is spectacular and its privileged location makes it easy to know other natural destinations that make up the Adriatic coast. In fact there are two natural parks that are connected to each other and it is a getaway that you should not miss. Let me tell you more!

Excursion to the Telaščica Nature Park by boat.

During your vacation in Zadar take the opportunity to book an excursion to Telaščica Nature Park by boat. It's easy to get there by ferry on your own, but many people opt for a guided tour to travel aboard the Gostilje, a charming Dalmatian ship that was built in 1911.

In addition, you can have breakfast on board and recharge your batteries for a swim to a natural viewpoint 150 meters above sea level. You will also see the bay of Suha Punta and the island of Kornat, which will probably bring you closer to Lake Mir and the Kornati National Park.

Excursion to Kornati National Park

You should not miss the opportunity to book an excursion to Kornati Nature Park. It is located one hour from Zadar and consists of 120 islands. Of course, it would take you several days to visit every corner, but you can take advantage of a short break to visit the most important ones and swim in the salty and calm waters of Lake Mir.

You will enjoy a walk around the famous Silver Lake, so called because of the curious coloration of its waters when they come into contact with the sun. In addition, you will visit the Blue Lake and spend time in the Telaščica Nature Park.