6 Amazing Things to Do in Zadar, Croatia

If you ever find yourself planning a trip to Croatia then make sure you add Zadar to your list! Zadar is a beautiful city on the edge of Croatia’s Dalmatian coast and is well known for its Roman and Venetian ruins around its peninsular Old Town (aka Stari Grad). It is also a place that offers plenty of things to see and do.
When visiting this city, you must check out these 6 amazing things to do in Zadar, Croatia!

Planning a Trip to Zadar- The Logistics

What to Pack

Travelling around Croatia in the summer time is probably the best when it comes to good weather. In the winter, it can get pretty cold and is also known to snow on occasion too. I’ve made an essential Travel Packing list that you can use so you have everything you need for your trip and be prepared for any season.

If you are interested in upping your photography game then you may also want to see what’s in our camera bag for all the best travel photography gear we use when we travel. There is plenty of beautiful spots around Croatia so be sure to pack a good camera!

Accommodation

I prefer staying in Airbnb around Croatia and I highly recommend it. You can get amazing budget friendly places to stay in that is close to town. See for yourself!

Or if you prefer Hotels, I always find the cheapest rates on here-

Get ready for the list of 6 Amazing things to do in Zadar!!!

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1. Explore the Old Town (aka Stari Grad)

This makes the top of list on 6 amazing things to do in Zadar! You cannot go to Zadar without exploring the beautiful town within the ancient city walls of Stari Grad. This spot is a buzzing hub filled with many restaurants and café’s, all that offer you authentic Croatian cuisine. There isn’t anything on the menu that isn’t good, but if you’re looking for some tips I would definitely recommend seafood. The seafood is fresh and sourced locally as the town is literally on the edge of the sea!
You will also find a large variety of shops and markets that run into the night for all your souvenir needs as well as many bars and nightclubs.

Things to do in Old Town- Zadar:

St. Donatus’ Church

This early-Byzantine church was built all the way back in the year 800 and remains in a near-perfect state of preservation.

St Anastasia’s Cathedral

The building you see today was started in the 1100s and is yet another example of Zadar’s fine collection of romanesque architecture. The cathedral’s magnificent bell-tower is newer, having been started in the 15th century and only completed at the end of the 1800s.

Roman Forum

Zadar’s Roman Forum is the largest east of the Adriatic. After bomb damage in the Second World War the space was cleared and the Temple and Basilica that once stood here are gone, but you can still trace the raised ground of its foundations. You will find St Donatus’ Church, the Roman Forum and St Anastasia’s Cathedral pretty much all next to each other.

St Mary’s Church

On the eastern edge of Zadar’ forum is St Mary’s, belonging to a Benedictine Monastery founded in the 11th century. The building also took damage in the Second World War, but was completely restored and today contains one of the city’s most prized exhibits.

Museum of Ancient Glass

Learn about the history of glassmaking in Croatia at the Museum of Ancient Glass. There is also glass-blowing demonstrations throughout the day, so you’ll see firsthand how these delicate items were crafted. At the end of the tour you can visit the shop to purchase some glassware made the ancient way.

2. Listen to the Sea Organ

Rated as one of the top things to do in Zadar is listening to the Sea Organ. The Sea Organ was one of the main reasons I wanted to go to Zadar. Located on the western end of Zadar’s Riva you will find the Sea Organs steps that descend into the sea. The clever engineering underneath the broad steps allow water and air to flow in. This is then pushed out through the channels on the upper stairs that cause chime-like notes to be produced! And because the sea is always shifting and changing, the sea organ never sounds exactly the same twice. Each sound you hear is completely unique!

3. See the Greeting to The Sun Installation at Night!

An attraction located right next to the steps of the Sea Organ is a light installation called Greeting to the Sun. Make your way down here just before sunset and watch the sun go down. As it gets dark the lighting elements turn on and provide an impressive show of light to the rhythm of the waves and the sounds of the Sea Organ! The Greeting to the Sun consists of three hundred multi-layered glass plates placed on the same level with the stone-paved waterfront in the shape of a 22-meter diameter circle. Under the glass conduction plates are photo-voltage solar modules through which the amazing lights are produced. The project itself is a unique example of the use of renewed energy sources and energy efficiency.

4. Sail around Croatia’s Nautical Paradise- the Kornati Islands

An inexpensive day excursion around Kornati Islands is a definite must. You will find many small tour companies all around Old Town (Stari Grad) and out by the wharf (just outside Old Town) which offer day excursions to the nautical paradise. Your day will consist of a calm and peaceful sail around the Kornati National Park with a few stops around the different islands for beautiful and refreshing swimming opportunities. Your excursion should also include a nice authentic Croatian lunch as well as a bar on board. Who can say no to that? Read my full guide on Croatia’s Nautical Paradise- Kornati Islands.

5. Swim at Krka Waterfalls

If you love waterfalls, then visiting the Krka Waterfalls in Croatia is a fantastic place to visit. These amazing waterfalls pouring into pools of crystal blue green water are about a 1 hour drive from Zadar and is totally worth the visit! You can read my full guide on Visiting Krka Waterfalls in Croatia here.

6. Explore Plitvice Lakes

Only about a 90 minute drive from Zadar is Plitvice Lakes! Visiting Plitvice Lakes in Croatia was one of the best decisions I ever made! This beautiful UNESCO Heritage National Park is made up of 16 lakes that are connected by a series of waterfalls. It’s one of Croatia’s most popular tourist destinations. Read my post on Why You Need to Visit Plitvice Lakes in Croatia for all my tips on getting the best experience out of visiting these lakes including mind blowing photos of the incredible, crystal clear, blue-green water.

Over to you, what are the things you are going to do in Zadar?

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These photos below are just some of the incredible views you encounter when driving to Zadar along the Dalmatian coast!

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More on Croatia:

Why You Need to Visit Plitvice Lakes in Croatia

Visiting Krka Waterfalls in Croatia

The Complete Guide to the Kornati Islands- Croatia’s Nautical Paradise

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