Zadar is an epic city in Croatia that is too often missed for the more touristy spots such as Split and Dubrovnik. However, it is such a hidden treasure on the coast of this incredible country! Full of history, such as ancient buildings and Roman ruins, as well as beaches, mountains, and culture, Zadar is a stop you have to make!
One big tip I have is being sure to dress very thoughtfully. A huge aspect of this city are the churches and cathedrals that are breathtaking both inside and out. However, if your knees or shoulders are showing, they won’t let you enter at all! However, Zadar is also HOT in the summer, so consider long dresses or linen pants for your outfits!
***This post contains affiliate links at no extra charge to you! If you do click any of the links and buy something, however, I make a small percentage and it helps support this blog! Your support is greatly appreciated!****
Where I Stayed
I stayed at a hostel called The Hostel. Very creative naming, I know. Anyways, it was in the most perfect location right next to the harbor and marina and only a few minutes from the Old Town! It was safe and clean, and I made a ton of buddies there as well! I 100% recommend staying there on your trip to Zadar! You can book it here! It’s also ~super cheap~
Boats, Islands, and More!
You can absolutely walk around Zadar and get a feel for the town, but if ADVENTURE is in the air, here are some epic things you can add onto your trip!
Head to an incredible National Park filled with WATERFALLS!
Island-hop on a boat with drinks!
Full day sailing trip in Zadar!
Explore some more tours on your own! Click here!
You May Be Interested In..
Church of St. Donatus
This is one of the most famous buildings in Zadar! It’s a stunning church that you can enter and explore. You can also climb the tower to look out over the ocean and the Old Town!
It’s 3 euros to enter the church and extra to climb tower.
Roman Forum Ruins
Next to the church are the remains of the Roman Forum. This was one of the most fascinating things for me! I’m a huge fan of history and the ~Roman Empire~ and so seeing the old Forum was so awesome. It’s also free!
Archeological Museum
If you also love history, you can check out this museum right next to the old Roman Forum!
Tickets are between 2 and 5 euros, depending on student ID’s, seniority, etc.
Cathedral of St. Anastasia
This cathedral is in this same square! It’s a lovely place to look around!
It costs 3 euros to enter.
The Most Famous Part of Zadar
If you’ve ever done any research into Zadar, you’ve probably heard about the Sea Organ! This is one of the most unique things I have EVER seen in my many years of traveling. I’m still so confused about how it works exactly, but there are basically pipes underneath the water and the concrete, and when the waves flow through, it makes sounds like an organ. You can sit and watch the sunset on the steps next to the organ and listen to the sea make music! It’s truly insane.
Momentum to the Sun
Right next to the organ is another work of art. It’s a representation of the solar system made of solar panels that light up at night. It’s very cool and very strange; be sure not to miss it! I recommend coming at night to watch the sunset and see the panels light up!
Old Town
While you’re near the Momentum to the Sun and the church, take time to check out the rest of the Old Town! You can just stroll the streets and explore!
People’s Square
A spot to check out in the Old Town is this square! It’s closed in by old and gorgeous buildings that you NEED a picture in front of! It also has some cafes and shopping in the plaza and all throughout the side streets!
Church of St. Lawrence
While in the People’s Square, head to this church!
Queen Jelena Madijevka Park
This is a beautiful park to stroll through and explore! It’s next to the Old Town and a perfect place for a picnic!
Five Wells Square
This square is another neat one to check out! There is a great cafe right next to the plaza that is a great place to grab a bite to eat! There’s also an old column in the square from the Roman Forum. You can also climb the tower by the plaza for a stunning view of the city, the mountains, and the ocean! Additionally, there’s a museum that is 3.5 euros (for students) to enter in the square!
Land Gate
This is one of the entrances to the Old Town, and it’s stunning! You can also explore the marina and old colorful buildings by this gate and even walk along the old city’s walls!
Zadar Fish Market
Pretty self-explanatory. It sells, you guessed it, fish, but also lots of other fun produce and meat.
Cliff Jumping!
If you’re needing a smaller excursion, you can take a bus over to the Caffe Bar Tequila Sunrise. It’s a little restaurant, and right next to it are some rocks you can jump off of into the ocean! You can also sunbathe and just relax in this area. It’s nothing crazy, but my sister and I made some friends and spent the day relaxing here! It was pretty perfect.
That’s a wrap on Zadar!
This for sure went onto one of my “Favorite Places in Europe” list. Because most tourists usually hit the bigger cities like Dubrovnik and Split, Zadar is way more chill and less busy. It was a perfect stopping point to just relax, play in the sun, eat some pizza, and avoid the high prices of the more touristy towns! One of my favorite days was truly when we sat with two random girls on the rocks and talked about life and traveling and dreams. One of them was just back from a ball in Vienna, while the other had just come from her hometown in London to solo travel through this beautiful country. It was such a great reminder that traveling is not just the cool pictures to post on Instagram, but its who you meet along the way. (Was that gross and cliché? Eh. I don’t care).
Anyways, as always, I’m so grateful you’re here and on these adventures with me! You guys are the most awesome.
