10 Things to Do in Zadar

Zadar is a jewel of the province of Dalmatia, located along the Adriatic coast. It offers the perfect combination of sea and land activities, along with gastronomic and wine offerings that will accompany you throughout your trip. Don't miss its walls and ruins from the Roman and Venetian periods, which reflect its rich history and are accessible on foot, by bike or by tuk-tuk.

A dazzling artistic scene awaits you with the Sea Organ and the Sun Salutation, which bring music and colour to the coast. Although it goes unnoticed, the Egyptian sphinx is found here, an unexpected find in Europe. In addition, the city offers a wide variety of islands and natural parks, where you can enjoy boat trips or participate in water activities. Here is a list of the essentials.

Zadar is a magical city and, among so many spectacular places, the ones that will surely remain etched in your memory are the Sun Salutation and the Sea Organ. These are two artistic structures facing the coast that were created by architect Nikola Bašić.

You can see them as you walk along the promenade, but there is nothing like discovering their history. If this is your first time in the city, you might consider booking a guided tour of Zadar, where these monuments are sure to be included and you can take advantage of other nearby attractions.

Greeting to the Sun

The Sun Salutation or Aurora Borealis in Zadar is a blend of art, nature and technology that uses an innovative system to create an unforgettable sensory experience. The structure is made of glass panels containing photovoltaic cells. This allows it to absorb sunlight and transform it into a colourful night-time spectacle.

You can see how the light patterns mix and create ripples on the ground and even walk on the surface. I can assure you that nowhere else will you see such a spectacular sunset or such bright nights.

Sea Organ

The Sun Salutation is not a solo show, as you can also enjoy the Sea Organ nearby. You can sit in front of the sea and enjoy the sound of the waves creating a relaxing musical spectacle.

This is possible because the structure is made up of a series of steps that connect to the Adriatic Sea. At first glance, they look like simple stairs, but the novelty is that they have tubes and resonant chambers that create a striking echo. You won't know what to expect because the melodies can change depending on the waves, weather conditions and wind, so no two sounds are ever the same.

Zadar is a coastal city that is best enjoyed by bicycle. As you cycle along the Adriatic coast, the salty air and dreamlike views will make every moment unforgettable. It's the perfect way to spend a sunny morning or watch the sunset. You'll also have plenty of time to visit the old town, the city walls, local beaches, the Sun Salutation and the iconic Ostri Rat lighthouse.

You can rent a bike at public stations and plan a route at your own pace. However, there's nothing like booking a guided bike tour of Zadar and enjoying the informative commentary shared by a local expert. Forget about logistics! You'll have an optimised itinerary to discover the best of the city.

Terraferma Gate

You could say that the starting point of Zadar is the Terraferma Gate, as when you cross it, you enter directly into the old town. It has an unrivalled beauty that blends Renaissance elements and the Venetian influence introduced by Italian architect Michele Sanmicheli.

Without realising it, you will be walking over an ancient moat, as the gate protected the city and used to connect to a drawbridge surrounded by water. It was no coincidence that it was built this way, as it was actually used to throw enemies into the moat in the event of an unexpected attack by the Ottomans. Today, you can still see the sculptures of St. Mark's Lion and St. Chrysogonus on horseback.

The Roman Forum

It is impossible to visit Zada and not visit the Roman Forum. Here you will enjoy a trip back to Ancient Rome, with its aged buildings and historical sites. This place is not to be missed, especially when it comes to a tour of the ruins of the Theatre of Jupiter, dedicated to the worship of the god of storms, the sky and justice.

There are other interesting ruins such as the Temple of Minerva and the Column of Punishment, a place that witnessed some rather chilling public punishments.

The Plaza de los Cinco Pozos

As you cycle through the city, you may come across the Plaza de los Cinco Pozos. Here you will see a 16th-century monument featuring five wells lined up in a row, which you won't be able to take your eyes off. It's like being transported to another era, when citizens had to pull a heavy lever to get water. Like the moat at the Terraferma Gate, they were multi-purpose and used to protect against unexpected attacks.

Zadar City Walls

Next to the square and its iconic wells are the Zadar City Walls, impressive barriers made of white Istrian stone. They will leave you speechless and you can immerse yourself in anecdotes from the 16th and 17th centuries. It is impressive how the Italians of that time managed to create such an ideal defensive system, which remains in perfect condition.

Cathedral of Saint Anastasia

Another place I wouldn't miss if I were you is St. Anastasia's Cathedral, which showcases the city's Gothic and Romanesque architecture. It is the largest cathedral on the Adriatic coast and inside you will find three impressive naves and carefully decorated side chapels.

From the bell tower, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea and the city. You can also take a look at the sarcophagus, where the relics of Saint Anastasia, the patron saint of Zadar, rest.

Hop on a cruise to relax and enjoy the Adriatic coastline stretching out before you, with a variety of stops at nearby islands. Little by little, the sea breeze will carry the boat away from the harbour, giving way to a fascinating scenic landscape. On board, you can admire the walls of Zadar and wonders such as the Sea Organ.

The salty sea is refreshing, and you shouldn't miss the opportunity to book a boat trip around Zadar. You'll have the entire archipelago to yourself and can reach hidden coves, swim in crystal-clear waters, snorkel and fish. Below, I'll tell you a little more about the islands where you could stop off.

Ošljak Island

During the trip, you'll arrive at this peaceful island, considered the smallest inhabited island in the Adriatic. In fact, there are only 50 inhabitants, so it retains its unspoilt coves and many local traditions. I think it's the ideal place to anchor the boat and dive into its crystal-clear waters.

Ugljan Island

On the island of Ugljan, crystal clear waters await you, where colourful fish swim and several coastal villages such as Preko, Luka and Zman are clustered, famous for their cuisine and handicrafts. This stop is where people usually take the opportunity to enjoy water activities such as swimming, snorkelling and fishing.

The lakes surrounding Zadar seem unreal, but I promise you they exist and are absolutely wonderful. There is a wide variety, but if it's your first time, I would recommend starting by booking a trip to Plitvice Lakes National Park. This natural park is an hour and a half from Zadar and offers 16 lakes surrounded by nature.

You can explore the complex on foot and reach its waterfalls. They will take your breath away with their turquoise colours and the soothing sound of falling water, evoking a deep sense of peace and freedom. In general, the park is interconnected by bridges and walkways, so you don't need to be a professional hiker.

You can also enjoy an electric boat ride to meander through its streams and hop on the electric train that connects all its lakes, so you can save yourself the walks. Keep in mind that swimming is not allowed in the Plitvice Lakes, not even in its streams, and doing so can result in heavy fines.

Another activity not to be missed is booking a tuk tuk ride through Zadar. You will leave the well-known streets behind to explore captivating and less crowded places. As you go along, a tour guide will tell you the secrets of the city and you will be able to see the sailboats piled up on the coast, as well as access the fascinating Kolovare Beach.

You will also visit Prince Trpimir's coastline and, as you drive along the promenade, you can take advantage of the panoramic viewpoints that offer privileged views of the neighbouring islands. Nearby is the Sea Organ, where you will surely have free time to sit and listen to the musical spectacle.

Tuk tuks move easily through the narrow cobbled streets. As they are small vehicles, the experience is private and allows you to reach the outskirts of the city quickly and comfortably.

The Dalmatia region is a wine-growing area par excellence, thanks to its soils, which have everything necessary to produce quality grapes. In Zadar, don't miss a wine tour of its best vineyards and wineries, an invitation to delight in the fresh flavours of Plavac Mali (Croatian red wine) and Pošip (Croatian white wine).

I recommend leaving the city centre and heading to magical villages such as Nadin, where a Croatian wine tasting awaits you. You can discover its history while immersing yourself in the process of cultivation and pairing.

You'll also discover what makes local wines so special when you book an excursion to the Krka waterfalls. Here you'll find scenic beauty and a tasting of four types of wine at the Sladic Winery, accompanied by cheese boards, olive tasting and a vibrant atmosphere in the company of locals.

Treat yourself to a day of rest and take advantage of the fact that these types of experiences often include a tour of the small town of Skradin, famous for its architecture and picturesque white houses. If you are not a wine lover, you can still book an excursion to the Krka waterfalls and swim in the crystal-clear waters of this natural park.

I also suggest booking a kayaking tour of Dugi Otok Island. Get your arms ready to paddle from Gazenica to Brbinj and enjoy its hidden caves that change colour depending on the sunlight. What's more, if you're into marine life, here you can jump off the cliffs and go snorkelling.

As Dugi Otok Island is forty-five minutes away, on the way you'll stop at beaches such as Veli Zal. Once on the island, a fascinating journey through its history and culture awaits you.

The Dalmatia region is known for its exquisite cuisine, so pleasant surprises await your palate. Most dishes are based on fresh seafood, and you can start by visiting Zadar Market, which offers a vibrant outdoor atmosphere. The market is famous for its stalls selling local fish, olives and cheeses.

Of course, you also have to try Zadar's specialities, which include:

• Pasticada, a beef stew marinated in Croatian red wine.
• Brodet, a fish and seafood casserole that is quite similar to paella.
• Maraschino, a sweet liqueur made from Dalmatian marasca cherries.
• Palačinke, a cross between crepes and pancakes that can be filled with sweet or savoury ingredients.

When walking around Zadar, you cannot miss the Egyptian sphinx, which is located in the old town a few metres from the Church of St. Donatus. Its history is a mystery, but everything indicates that it was brought from Egypt in the 13th century. It is one of the largest in Europe and it is a pleasant surprise that it is one of the few outside its native country, although some say it is a replica.

Because of this, this monument is shrouded in countless legends. One of the most popular claims that if you visit it, you will be closer to finding true love. If you have a partner, then the sphinx will bless your union and make it lasting. Others believe that there is a hidden treasure beneath this monument.

The only thing that is certain is that it represents a mythical creature with the body of a lion and a human head, associated with wisdom and the protection of Zadar. Admission is free and it is somewhat hidden, but as a clue, I will tell you that you must pass through a barred gate to reach this wonder.

Zadar is spectacular and its privileged location makes it easy to visit other natural destinations along the Adriatic coast. In fact, there are two natural parks that are connected to each other and it's a getaway you shouldn't miss. Let me tell you more!

Boat trip to Telaščica Nature Park

During your holiday in Zadar, take the opportunity to book an excursion to Telaščica Nature Park by boat. It's easy to get there by ferry on your own, but many people opt for a guided tour aboard the Gostilje, a charming Dalmatian boat built in 1911.

You can also have breakfast on board and recharge your batteries for swimming and reaching a natural viewpoint 150 metres above sea level. You will also see Suha Punta Bay and the island of Kornat, which will probably bring you close to Lake Mir and Kornati National Park.

Excursion to Kornati National Park

Don't miss the opportunity to book an excursion to Kornati National Park. It is located an hour from Zadar and consists of 120 islands. Of course, it would take several days to see every corner, but you can take advantage of a getaway to visit the most important ones and swim in the calm salt waters of Lake Mir.

You will enjoy a walk around the famous Silver Lake, known for the curious colour of its waters when they come into contact with the sun. You will also visit the Blue Lake and spend time in Telaščica Nature Park.