Disclaimer: Parks and Planes strives to accurately describe and document details as experienced during the date and time of the visit. Please travel safely when following this itinerary and visiting recommended sites and places mentioned in this blog post. As always, all opinions are our own and we only recommend places and products we love! Nothing in this post is AI generated. All photos are our own.
There’s plenty to love in Croatia. Outside the bustle of popular destinations like Dubrovnik and Split, slower but no less special spots abound. One such place is Zadar. Smaller than Split but with its own unique Roman heritage and dramatic Old Town, we think Zadar belongs on your Croatia itinerary.
We arrived in Zadar by bus from Split. The bus was a modern cruise liner with no TVs and a driver that paid no mind to checking your ticket or the fact that the company overbooked the ride, so he instructs late arrivals to sit or stand in the aisle for the 2.5-hour long journey. The bus rolled into the terminal in a largely residential area lined with apartments with the loveliest yellow and white awnings or painted yellow or white which seems to be a common color palate across much of Croatia (Hrvatska).
Zadar’s Old Town is built on a small, narrow peninsula overlooking the Zadar Channel. It’s bordered by a hilly hinterland and boasts Roman ruins, impressive medieval churches, open-air cafes and unique attractions. It’s alluring the second you step inside the city’s walls and under the Dalmatian sun.
We spent three days exploring Zadar. It’s a place we wandered aimlessly with little to no daily game plan or itinerary. We left no part unexplored venturing to its marginal spaces like weedy courtyards and dead-end alleys. We got lost. Our most cherished memories of Zadar were made in the Old Town, so we’ve pulled together this guide to spotlight the parts of Zadar’s Old Town that we think belong on every Zadar travel itinerary. Keep reading to discover more or to relive your own Zadar memories!
A Bit of History
Zadar has an understated beauty and a relaxed coastal vibe. It’s home to hardworking, humble people – many of whom have lived in or around Zadar for most of their life.
Walking down the cobblestone streets lined with brown and green wooden doors, you’d never guess that this ancient city and former capital of Dalmatia has risen from literal ashes several times.
Zadar has a rich albeit checkered past. Learning even a little bit about the city’s history allows an outsider to more fully appreciate the city’s main attractions and its hidden treasures. At least that was the case with us! Here’s two significant historical happenings that we kept in mind while exploring Zadar: During World War II, Zadar was captured by the Germans and then bombed to smithereens by the Allies. Almost 60% of the Old Town was destroyed but has since been rebuilt based on the original street plans. Tragedy struck the city again in 1991, when Zadar was sieged for 3 months during the Bosnian War. Again, Zadar’s Old Town underwent destruction and change during the siege. Surprisingly, Zadar’s Old Town exists today feels authentic. It’s hard to believe that the city was rebuilt following massive destruction on two separate points in history.
Welcome to the Old Town
Zadar is an intriguing place with impressive sights. It’s not too crowded, has superb ferry and bus connections and is easy to explore for as long or little as you’d like.
Zadar’s Old Town is encircled by walls with the most dramatic entrance to the old quarter being the Mainland Gate (Kopnena vrata) accessible from the small harbor at Fosa. It’s the only portion of Zadar’s protective moat system that remains standing today. Once in the gate, you’ll quickly find yourself surrounded by fantastic churches, museums and old buildings that have recently been restored to their former glory.
Outlining the city walls is a wide promenade or walkway. Along the promenade is where you’ll find two of the city’s most iconic sights: the Sea Organ and Greeting to the Sun (Sun Salutation).
Listen to a Concert at the Sea Organ
Designed by Nikola Basic, a local artist, the Sea Organ is set into the stone steps by the sea. It’s a system of pipes and whistles that makes sounds when the seawater washes in and out of the organ built in the stairs. This is of Zadar’s top attractions and completely free to visit. You can sit on these steps all day if you want – jumping in and out of the sea for a quick dip now and again.
Dance at Sundown on the Greeting to the Sun (Sun Salutation)
Sun Salutation, also by local artist Nikola Basic, is a 22-meter-wide circle made up of 300 glass plates that are firmly set into the ground. The multilayered plates are in fact solar panels. Each evening the panels dance to the sound of the Sea Organ and provide visitors with a magnificent light show. People of all ages, especially kiddos, love to dance on top of the panels. You’ll also typically find musicians performing here or huge bubble machines going that amplifies the playful energy of the installation. We arrived just before sundown and were greeted by a small crowd. We slow-danced on top of the panels at one point while slowly sipping champagne we picked up from a nearby shop. As the sun continued to descend, the installation lights grew more and more vibrant thus making them easier to see as they pulsed to the beat of the Sea Organ. It was a magical moment unlike others we’ve experienced through our travels.
Did you know? The Sun Salutation installation collects so much solar energy throughout the day that it can power the entire harbor front light system!
Explore Zadar’s Historic Sites
Roman Forum
The ruins of Zadar’s Roman Forum and past are on full display in the Old Town. The Forum was the original heart of Zadar when under Roman rule. Here you’ll find a tall pillar that pops up seemingly out of nowhere serving as a reminder of just how old and significant this place is. Built between the 1st and 3rd century CE, one of the still standing columns of a once Roman temple was believed to have been used to shame wrongdoers and criminals who would be chained to the column in Venetian times. If you look closely at the few remaining Roman columns, you might just find the chains. Near to the Roamn Forum you will also find Roman remains including one with a Medusa relief carved into it. This area is believed to have been a temple that was dedicated to Jupiter, June and Minerva.
Sveti Donat Church
Also in the impressive Roman Forum site, you’ll find a funky looking, Byzantine-style church called Sveti Donat Church or St. Donatus’ Church. It was named after the bishop who ordered its construction, and its circular share is a fantastic example of pre-Romanesque architecture. It’s one of the only early Croatian kingdom structures to have survived the 13th century invasion by the Mongols. Relics from the Kingdom of Croatia can be very hard to find in Croatia making this Church a true cultural gem. Today the church is used as a concert space. The last time it was used as a church was over 200 years ago. Although the function of the church has changed, it remains a clear symbol of Zadar.
Archaeological Museum
Most of what you’ll find on display here is from Zadar, making it a fascinating place to visit if you’re into learning more about Zadar’s history. A highlight is the marble status of Augustus from the 1st century CE and a full model of what the Roamn Forum once looked like when it was at its peak.
Zadar’s Food Scene
Some of the best dishes we had in Croatia we enjoyed in Zadar. Not only were the dishes loaded with flavor and satisfying but everything was wildly affordable. Plus, we didn’t have to make reservations in advance, nor did we have to wait for a table at any of the places we dined at. Here’s our top eats, drinks and sweet treats we had in Zadar:
Maraska is Zadar’s local liquor. It’s a cherry brandy made from sour Maraschino cherries found in Zadar. It’s sweet and strong! Maraska in Zadar is prepared based on a traditional recipe from a Dominican monastery and dates back to the 16th century.
You can also find plum and pear varieties on most menus.Satisfy your sweet tooth with cones and cups of gelato from any gelato stand in the Old Town. We think the best spot to enjoy a gelato and spot of people watching is in Narodni Trg, the busiest main square in Zadar with a 16th century water tower overlooking it. Narodni Trg buzzes with people populating cafes, restaurants and of course many gelato stands. This was also the main square during the Middle Ages.
A Note on Sister Cities
Our hometown of Milwaukee, Wisconsin in the United States is a Sister City with Zadar in Croatia. A few of the uncanny characteristics these two cities share is:
- Award-winning, locally made cheese
- Gorgeous lakeside views and beaches
- Rivers perfect for small boat rides and kayaking
- Iconic bridges leading downtown
Have you heard of Sister Cities? According to the Sister City International website, the organizations mission is: “To promote peace through mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation one individual, one community at a time.” Does your home city have a Sister City, or have you traveled to your Sister City before?
Final Thoughts
Is Zadar off the beaten path? You bet. It’s off the radar status is also one of the city’s most enduring qualities, if you ask us. Not having to wait for a table at a restaurant with an exceptional view or being able to take in the sights without being elbow to elbow with other tourists allowed us the chance to experience the best of Zadar in a truly leisurely and relaxing way. The Old Town is easy to explore solo but if you’re interested in doing a walking tour, we recommend this Zadar Historical Guided Walking Tour which is led by a local guide and focuses on Zadar’s unique history.
Is Zadar worth visiting? Absolutely. We loved Zadar a little less than Dubrovnik but more than Split. It was affordable, convenient, stress-free, walkable and safe. It granted us access to a historical city and sights without having to contend with obnoxious crowds and long lines.
Zadar as home base. If you’re planning to visit Plitvice Lakes National Park or Krka National Park then Zadar makes the ideal home base for either of these destinations. Zadar is less than 2 hours from Plitvice and one hour from Krka.
We went on this Plitvice Lakes day tour from Zadar and highly recommend it. The local guide, hotel pick up and drop off and complimentary picnic lunch were highlights. When we visited Krka National Park we went on this Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting, Boat Ride & Zadar Old Town tour which was wonderful. It provided us with stress-free transportation, local guides and additional stops to Skradin and a winery!
– Justin & Alyssa
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Intrigued reading about Zadar as I’d never heard of the city even though we’ve explored Croatia before. Would love the Sea Organ, the Roman ruins, and the Old Town plus it’s proximity to the national parks.
Hi Annie, thanks for giving this post a read over! We too had not heard of Zadar prior to our Croatian travels and as the post lays out we were pleasantly surprised by all this small, seaside city had to offer visitors. Being near to several stunning national parks was what sold us on Zadar (we were considering staying in Zagreb but glad we opted for charming Zadar!)
Zadar is a great city. I’m glad you liked it. And what a coincidence that it is a sister city with your hometown
It’s truly a relaxing and charming place! We loved how easy it was to get around especially on foot. Zadar and Milwaukee being Sister Cities made the visit all the more special.
I haven’t heard of it either. I’ve only been to Dubrovnik for a day while on a Mediterranean cruise. In October I’ll be in Montenegro, Albania, and Bosnia.
It’s a delightful seaside destination! If you get the chance to visit Kotor in Montenegro and Mostar in Bosnia we highly recommend both of those places. We have a blog all about 1 day in Montenegro in case you want to check it out before your October travels!
I’ll be going to both. Thanks! I’ll check it out.
Wonderful! You’re in for such a treat 🙂