Aerial view of a coastal town. In the centre of the picture is a densely built-up, almost rectangular peninsula surrounded by turquoise blue water. The houses have red tiled roofs. The peninsula is connected to the mainland, which is densely forested. In front of the forest in the foreground is a very long building with a red, triangular tiled roof. In the background you can see the rest of the town, which is connected to the peninsula by a bridge.
Aerial view of a coastal town. In the centre of the picture is a densely built-up, almost rectangular peninsula surrounded by turquoise blue water. The houses have red tiled roofs. The peninsula is connected to the mainland, which is densely forested. In front of the forest in the foreground is a very long building with a red, triangular tiled roof. In the background you can see the rest of the town, which is connected to the peninsula by a bridge.

Zadar - coastal town with history

Published: 11 December 2024, 16:09

Over 3,000 years of history can be felt at every corner in Zadar - from the ancient ruins of the Roman forum to the city walls, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. However, the modern art installations in the centre of the city are particularly striking: on the picturesque waterfront promenade, the "Sea Organ" creates harmonious sounds through the waves of the Adriatic, while the "Greeting to the Sun" with solar panels stores sunlight during the day and fascinates with a spectacular light show in the evening. In addition to its cultural diversity, Zadar is the ideal starting point for exploring beautiful beaches and Croatia's most beautiful national parks with their impressive nature.

Numbers, data, facts

  • Time difference: none
  • Population: 70,000
  • Official language: Croatian
  • Currency: Euro (EUR)

Modern art next to ancient sites in Zadar

A wide stone staircase leads directly to the sea, the water and steps glowing in the purple-coloured evening sky. The illuminated city can be seen far in the background.
The Sea Organ is a unique architectural installation in which sounds are created by the waves of the sea. The organ consists of tubes under the steps. © larauhryn/stock.adobe.com
A coloured floor at night, on which different coloured, individual light elements shine, giving the impression of a mosaic pattern. Behind it, the lights of the city glow in the distance.
Right next to it is the "Greeting to the sun": the solar-powered glass panels store solar energy during the day and offer an impressive light show at night. © Schönbacher Gerhard/stock.adobe.com
Large sand-coloured city gate decorated with columns and stucco, through which three gates lead. The largest gate in the centre is arched, with a large winged lion above it. Coats of arms can be seen above the other two gates. A city wall is visible to the left and right of the gate and a large, light yellow building rises up on the left.
The Kopnena vrata land gate is part of the city walls of Zadar and is an impressive example of Venetian defence architecture. © Uwalthie Pic Project/stock.adobe.com
View of a large, light-coloured church with a rectangular nave and a two-part gabled roof. The façade is dominated by three entrances and two round rose windows, one above the other. An angular bell tower with arched windows and a pointed roof can be seen in the background. In front of the church there are numerous black chairs in a large square. To the right of the church is another three-storey, light-coloured building. The windows are covered with dark red shutters.
The Cathedral of St Anastasia was built in the 12th/13th centuries and combines Romanesque and Gothic architecture. From its bell tower, you have a fantastic view of the city. © Daniel/stock.adobe.com
The remains of columns and buildings are arranged geometrically on a green meadow. A path laid out with stone slabs leads through the columns. Various trees can be seen in the background.
The Roman forum dates back to the 1st century BC and was the centre of ancient Zadar. Remains of temples, columns and mosaics bear witness to the once magnificent square. © marinv/stock.adobe.com

Fantastic beaches, spectacular nature

An island with a high cliff rises out of the sea. In the centre of the green island is a large lake and next to it a somewhat smaller, turquoise-blue lake.
The island of Dugi Otok lies off the coast of Zadar and attracts visitors with its white sandy beaches, spectacular cliffs and a salty inland sea. © xbrchx/stock.adobe.com
Aerial view of a lagoon beach. A large, light-coloured sandbank separates the sea on the left from the lagoon on the right. The lagoon and the sea are connected by a turquoise-coloured arm of water. A few trees can be seen in the foreground. A small island with houses lies in the lagoon.
Not far from Zadar is the small town of Nin, which boasts historic sights and a beautiful lagoon beach. © ilijaa/stock.adobe.com
Wide waterfalls lead into a green-blue body of water interspersed with aquatic plants. Dense forests can be seen behind the waterfalls.
One hour from Zadar is the Krka National Park, which is known for its picturesque waterfalls. The pools are also great for swimming. © zm_photo/stock.adobe.com
Panoramic view of a mountain range with various rock formations, some of which are covered in green. Several clouds are visible in the blue sky above the peaks.
The Paklenica National Park in the Velenit Mountains with its spectacular rock formations, caves and grottos is popular with hikers and climbers alike. Dominic Meijers/stock.adobe.com
Aerial view of several turquoise-blue lakes connected by waterfalls. A dense forest can be seen between the lakes and the waterfalls. A steep rock face rises on the right-hand side of the picture.
16 interconnected lakes and unique waterfalls: The Pitvice Lakes and waterfalls are among Croatia's most famous sights. © Charlie Hambsch/stock.adobe.com

Zadar from BER

Aircraft about to land on the runway

Eurowings

Ryanair

Pictogram Info-i

Zadar Airport (ZAD)

Five tips for ...

1. Discover beautiful beaches and bays on the island of Dugi Otok

2. Hiking and climbing in the spectacular Velika Paklenica Gorge

3. Explore the beautiful waterfalls in Krka National Park

4. Snorkelling and diving in the Kornati archipelago off the coast of Zadar

5. Marvel at the natural wonder of the Plitvice Lakes and waterfalls

1. Peka - slow-cooked meat with vegetables in a stone oven

2. Paški Sir - hard cheese made from sheep's milk, served with olive oil and bread

3. Crni Rižot - black risotto coloured with squid ink

4. Brudet - spicy traditional fish stew, cooked in tomato sauce

5. Rožata - Dalmatian dessert cream made from eggs and milk with a caramel coating

1. The well-preserved church of St Donat from the 9th century

2. The Roman forum, the remains of which bear witness to the once magnificent square

3. The magnificent cathedral church of St Anastasia with its 54 metre high bell tower

4. Site of the five fountains that once secured the city's water supply

5. The city wall and the imposing country gate from the time of Venetian rule

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© xbrchx/stock.adobe.com

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