Explore the wonders of Zadar and the enchanting North Dalmatia

Zadar archipelago includes 17 inhabited and numerous uninhabited islands, islets and cliffs, each of them unique. The islands are covered with pine forests, Mediterranean bushes and olive groves. Their secluded bays and hidden coves have provided shelter for sailors over many centuries. Old lighthouses, chapels, stone houses and small, narrow island`s streets have all been witnesses of the harsh life of the locals. Enjoy the majestic city of Zadar, see the Greeting to the Sun and Sea Organ installation, and listen to the unique melody played by waves. By putting on your VR glasses you will be able to see what the old town looked like in the 13th century. You will discover where the main entrance gates were during the Roman period and the Middle ages, and learn more about defensive city walls protected by UNESCO. Enjoy visualizing an old walled town poked into a deep clean sea surrounding it. 

The Zadar Forum, a vast sun-soaked square, is the most beautiful location for observing the city life. 

The locals say hello to their acquaintances, the visitors admire the majestic buildings and all of them are sitting in the sun, happy that they've seized their day and decided to have a break. Immerse yourself in the lifestyle of this city and do the same.

History of Zadar

Zadar, for the past 2,000 years, has always been one of the most prominent cities on the east Adriatic coast. It had one of the safest ports on the main European maritime route towards the eastern Mediterranean, which passed between the Croatian islands, since the flat Italian coast offered little protection. Also, Zadar itself was one of the safest cities of the Adriatic, situated on a peninsula, surrounded by walls and protected by a moat on the mainland. It was the perfect location for a trading oasis.

Zadar's historic strength is visible at every corner. The Zadar Forum, the central square of an ancient Roman city, is the largest on the east Adriatic coast. The Church of St. Donatus, a representative bishop's chapel dating back to the 8th century, is one of the few circular medieval churches in Europe with a concentric layout, while the cathedral and numerous other churches with their treasures of art showcase the wealth of the city. As you walk through the ancient streets, look up and you'll be in awe of the opulent Gothic- and Renaissance-style windows.

Zadar is famous for the fascinating sunsets that enchanted even the legendary Hitchcock. In 1964, he stayed at the hotel Zagreb and enjoyed the dusk. He said that the sunset in Zadar is the most beautiful in the world. The unforgettable sunsets in Zadar are still catching the eye not only of many visitors but also of its inhabitants, who get the opportunity to enjoy the day-to-day exchange of colours.

Gastronomy of Zadar

The diversity of Zadar gastronomy can be seen also in the rich offer of food at the Zadar market and at the nearby fish market, where every day fresh food from both the land and from the sea is being delivered. The connoisseurs of the local cuisine selected three main ingredients as an instant gastronomic image of Zadar: bluefish, lamb and scampi.

And for dessert, we suggest the Zadar cake, made according to the recipe more than two centuries old, as well as fritule (miniature doughnuts, Croatian fritters), kroštule (a traditional Dalmatian pastry), and sugared almonds. Coffee is another Dalmatia essential: first thing, mid-morning, after lunch, mid-afternoon, dusk, at midnight, it's always coffee time here.

Restaurants to visit

We recommend some well-known Zadar restaurants, to name a few:

Foša

Trendy food concepts meet time-honoured Dalmatian cuisine in a restaurant that gourmets rank in Croatia's top 20. Fresh fish and seafood is the first choice and the wine list is brilliant, but you will also get to enjoy a gorgeous setting against the old walls. Choose a terrace table beside the tiny harbour for a magical meal.

Kornat

Expect the likes of monkfish with truffles and homemade gnocchi or filet mignon with herb pesto alongside simple char-grilled squid in a classy waterside restaurant where slow food rules. The locals' choice for a smart dinner.

Stomorica

One of those simple „little places“ that's been going for generations, its dining room decorated with fishing nets and old photos of Zadar. The menu is just as traditional - grilled sardines, fresh fish cooked with nothing more than olive oil and lemon - all served in generous portions.