Zadar

A Croatian underdog story.
"Maybe Croatia's most underrated destination." -The New York Times

Video about Zadar

Zadar might lack the big-name glitz of Split down the coast, but this bustling university city's peninsular Old Town also dates back to Roman times. The central forum and original city gates set the tone. The marbled limestone of the main street, Kalelarga, echoes Dubrovnik's Stradun, but Zadar is very much its own city, as evidenced by installations like the wave-powered Sea Organ and the showy Greeting to the Sun. When in Zadar, be sure to find a vantage point along the Riva (waterfront) to admire what Hitchcock considered "the most beautiful sunset in the world, more beautiful than the one in Key West...applauded at every evening".

As well as exploring the historic sites of Zadar's Old Town, there's plenty to do in the region. The Plitvice, Krka, Paklenica, and Kornati Islands National Parks are all within easy reach for day trips, either with an organized group, private guide, or on your own by rental car. If you want to spend a little time on the beach, there are several sandy beaches in the area, a relative rarity in Croatia, including the Nin lagoon, which is often regarded Croatia's most beautiful beach. Zadar is one of our favorite cities in Croatia. It's the perfect place for a vacation, especially in between stops in cities like Dubrovnik, Plitvice, and Zagreb.

Popular Tour Itineraries Featuring Zadar

Spend some time in Zadar on a tour that takes in other cities in Croatia and neighboring countries. Our vacation packages including Zadar and other destinations throughout Croatia and Europe hassle-free. We take care of getting you from place to place, accommodation, excursions and activities.

Roman History in Croatia Custom Itinerary

Roman History in Croatia

Zagreb, Pula, Zadar, Split

Croatia in 3 Years, Part 2: Northern Croatia Custom Itinerary

Croatia in 3 Years, Part 2: Northern Croatia

Zagreb, Rovinj, Plitvice, Zadar

Folklore & Tradition in Croatia Custom Itinerary

Folklore & Tradition in Croatia

Dubrovnik, Korcula, Bol, Split, Trogir, Zadar, Zagreb

Gourmet Tour of Croatia Custom Itinerary

Gourmet Tour of Croatia

Zagreb, Rovinj, Zadar, Split, Korcula, Dubrovnik

Lesser-Known Croatia Custom Itinerary

Lesser-Known Croatia

Zadar, Trogir, Vis, Korcula, Mljet, Dubrovnik, Cavtat

Top Wine Regions of Slovenia & Croatia Custom Itinerary

Top Wine Regions of Slovenia & Croatia

Maribor, Piran, Rovinj, Zadar, Split, Hvar, Korcula, Dubrovnik

Active in Croatia Custom Itinerary

Active in Croatia

Zagreb, Plitvice, Zadar, Split, Hvar, Korcula, Dubrovnik

Slovenia & Croatia for Nature Lovers Custom Itinerary

Slovenia & Croatia for Nature Lovers

Bled, Rovinj, Plitvice, Zadar, Split, Korcula, Dubrovnik

What we love about Zadar

Trip Planner

To be honest, I always manage to get lost in Zadar, and I love it! Wandering the streets, you can always expect a surprise when turning a corner - a small shop with local handicrafts, homemade sweets, a great bar, or an artistic cafe. But no matter how lost you get, at the end you'll find yourself sitting near the sea, watching Dalmatia's most beautiful sunsets, listening to the song of waves on the Sea Organ. If you're looking for romance, Zadar is the place to find it.

Team Leader for Greece & Turkey

Zadar is home to the most beautiful sunsets (even Hitchcock admitted they were better than Key West's), lovely promenades, and amazing ancient history. It's also a perfectly located base for exploring the rest of Croatia.

Where to stay in Zadar

Most of the accommodations we offer in Zadar are located in the heart of the Old Town, on the peninsula, with a comprehensive selection of 3- and 4-star hotels (one of which is built into the city's own fortifications), B&Bs, and apartments. If you have a rental car and prefer to stay outside of the Old Town, we can offer options with free parking and other advantages, such as close proximity to beaches. Once we start preparing your customized itinerary, we will present our recommended options for you to select from.

Modern Central Apartments in Zadar

Modern Central Apartments

In the heart of Zadar's atmospheric Old Town, this is a comfortable hotel with clean, minimalist design, and the amenities you'd expect.

Small Heritage Hotel in Zadar

Small Heritage Hotel

Lots of local flavor, for the special experiences here you can expect a bit higher prices. The classic luxurious style captures the old world feel of Zadar.

Art and Heritage Hotel in Zadar

Art and Heritage Hotel

A short walk from the beach, this lovely hotel has a great terrace and a secret garden.

Things to do in Zadar

Zadar is well located for day tripping to several of Croatia's most famous national parks, such as Plitvice, Krka, Paklenica, or the Kornati Islands, or even to the island of Pag, known for its cheese and lace. We can arrange places on a group trip, a private guide, or if you prefer you can go it alone, by rental car. When we send you your customized itinerary you will be able to choose additional excursions to include in your vacation package.

Kornati Islands Group Tour

Kornati Islands Group Tour

Velebit Jeep Safari Group Tour

Velebit Jeep Safari Group Tour

Glowing Reviews from Our Guests

4.9 / 5

Average of our Guest's Ratings of our trip packages including Zadar, based on 13 reviews

Review by Holly & Lynn Lisa

Holly & Lynn Lisa

California

This is a wonderful way to travel! You are taken care of every step of the way and it feels like you are valued and cared for. Everyone works so hard to give you a memorable experience. Italy is next for us and we will use JayWay Travel!

This is a wonderful way to travel! You are taken care of every step of the way and it feels like you are valued and cared for. Everyone works so hard to give you a memorable experience. Italy is next for us and we will use JayWay Travel!

Year : 2022
Visited : Croatia, Montenegro
Itinerary : Zagreb, Zadar, Split, Hvar, Dubrovnik, Ulcinj, Budva, Kotor, Cavtat
Rating :

5 / 5

Year : 2022
Visited : Croatia, Montenegro
Itinerary : Zagreb, Zadar, Split, Hvar, Dubrovnik, Ulcinj, Budva, Kotor, Cavtat
Rating :

5 / 5

Review by Susan Katherine Rogers

Susan Katherine Rogers

Minnesota

Everything is made amazingly easy, but unlike a group tour, you don’t feel like you are being herded around. It’s like traveling as if you are a rich person, but at a more affordable price. So happy with it that I’m already planning my next trip with JayWay Travel.

Everything is made amazingly easy, but unlike a group tour, you don’t feel like you are being herded around. It’s like traveling as if you are a rich person, but at a more affordable price. So happy with it that I’m already planning my next trip with JayWay Travel.

Year : 2022
Visited : Slovenia, Croatia
Itinerary : Ljubljana, Rovinj, Plitvice, Zadar, Split, Korcula, Dubrovnik, Zagreb, Ljubljana
Rating :

5 / 5

Year : 2022
Visited : Slovenia, Croatia
Itinerary : Ljubljana, Rovinj, Plitvice, Zadar, Split, Korcula, Dubrovnik, Zagreb, Ljubljana
Rating :

5 / 5

Review by Sandi & Michael

Sandi & Michael

California

Don't travel without JayWay Travel! I'll be using them again next spring and summer. Ciaran, Andrea and everyone was so nice and helpful. I have already reccommended their services to so many people and I've only been back a few days.

Don't travel without JayWay Travel! I'll be using them again next spring and summer. Ciaran, Andrea and everyone was so nice and helpful. I have already reccommended their services to so many people and I've only been back a few days.

Year : 2021
Visited : Croatia
Itinerary : Dubrovnik, Hvar, Split, Zadar, Plitvice, Rovinj, Zagreb
Rating :

5 / 5

Year : 2021
Visited : Croatia
Itinerary : Dubrovnik, Hvar, Split, Zadar, Plitvice, Rovinj, Zagreb
Rating :

5 / 5

Read more Guest Reviews

Latest articles about Zadar
from the JayWay Travel Blog

Croatia in Three Years

Croatia in Three Years

Croatia's Nine Most Delicious Seafood Dishes

Croatia's Nine Most Delicious Seafood Dishes

Wine Regions and Wines of Croatia

Wine Regions and Wines of Croatia

Read more articles about Zadar on our blog

Frequently Asked Questions about travel to Zadar

What are prices like in Zadar?

A proper meal with a drink costs around $18 per person. Tickets for museums vary between $3 and $5 per person.

How can I get around Zadar?

Zadar's peninsular city center is compact and easily walkable. To reach the city's beaches, you can take a public bus, or we can recommend reliable taxi companies.

Is Zadar safe?

Zadar is generally a safe city, but keep an eye on your belongings, especially at busy beaches.