Zadar holidays
Located on Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, Zadar is an ancient city that wears its history proudly. Revel in the Roman and Venetian influences in its fascinating Old Town during your holiday in Zadar. That is if you can tear yourself away from the gorgeous beaches and crystal-clear Adriatic waters. With a chain of islands to explore, a zippy nightlife and an endless menu of mouthwatering Mediterranean eats, Zadar deserves a spot on your next European getaway.
Zadar holiday highlights
Zadar
Nature’s art
Everyone stops to see the Sea Organ on their holiday to Zadar. This seaside attraction is a series of steps linked to 35 organ pipes that create beautiful sounds when the wind blows. From there check out another land art masterpiece — Greeting to the Sun. This strip of pavement features 300 colour-changing solar panels, promising a spectacular nighttime light show.
Outdoor adventures
Whether you’re on a short break to Zadar or a longer escape, explore the beautiful nature surrounding the city. Hike through the Krka National Park and the Plitvice Lakes National Park, or visit Nin, Croatia’s oldest royal town. Want to explore Zadar’s archipelago? Sail to Sali, book an easy excursion to the Kornati Islands, or visit Pag, known for its lace-making and cheese.
Roman life
Walk in the Romans’ footsteps with a visit to the Roman Forum. Once the epicentre of the city’s public life, today you can stroll freely among the remains of colonnades and temples. Then head to the nearby Archaeological Museum to see a model of how the forum would have looked in its heyday around 2,000 years ago.
Zadar: Know before you go
Language
Croatian
Currency
Euro (€)
Time zone
UTC+1 (CET) and UTC+2 (CEST)
High season
July – August
Low season
November – March
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Find the best time to go to Zadar
Weather in Zadar
March – May: Spring brings mild temperatures that reach the low 20s°C in May. This is a perfect time to hit the beaches without the crowds. But be prepared for brisk water.
June – August: The high season sees plenty of sunshine and balmy weather cooled by ocean breezes. Get your sightseeing in before the midday heat.
September – November: Early autumn stays warm before things cool down in late October. Watch the changing leaves at Plitvice Lakes National Park.
December – February: Winters can get chilly, and many tourist businesses close for the season. But Christmas markets and holiday festivities add a seasonal sparkle.
Events in Zadar
Zadar Summer Theatre Festival (June to August): This popular summer festival has a little bit of everything. Enjoy live theatre from local and international groups, music and dance performances, and even puppet shows at venues throughout the city.
Full Moon Festival (July or August): For one night, locals fill the streets to celebrate the full moon. Stroll through food markets beneath twinkling lights, then dance to traditional Croatian music. The event ends with a fireworks show.
Zadar Street Food Festival (September): Held on Zadar’s picturesque waterfront, this ten-day event offers a variety of food stalls alongside local wine and live music performances.
The best neighbourhoods in Zadar
Things to do in Zadar
Zadar
Beaches
No trip to Zadar is complete without a day on the beach. Swim in the sea at Kolovare Beach, or enjoy paddleboarding and scuba diving around Borik Beach. Looking for a quiet spot to soak up the sun? Try Puntamika Beach. Most beaches in Zadar are a mix of sand and pebbles, so consider packing a pair of aqua shoes.
Places to eat
Timeless Dalmatian and Mediterranean recipes meet modern innovation in the city’s excellent eateries. Try freshly caught monkfish at Kornat, one of the best restaurants in Zadar. Or feast on ‘ispod peke’ (coal-roasted lamb) and marina views at Konoba Rafaelo. Feeling romantic? Book a table at Lungo Mare, whose patio promises unforgettable sunsets over Maestral Bay.
Family-friendly things to do
Zadar’s laid-back vibe makes it a perfect destination for the whole family. Spend time on the beaches, visit the Museum of Illusions, or catch a show at the Zadar Puppet Theatre. With playgrounds along the Riva waterfront and lots of spots around town to stop for gelato, it’s easy to find great things to do with family in Zadar.
Take in the culture
Zadar is packed with museums and cultural must-sees, including the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of Ancient Glass and the Duke’s Palace. One of the most unique museums in Zadar is The Gold and Silver of Zadar, housed in the Benedictine convent of St Mary’s and showcasing religious treasures and artefacts.
Shopping
Shopping in Zadar for souvenirs? Make a beeline for Old Town’s Elizabete Kotromanic Street. Or browse for your favourite brands at Supernova Zadar, northern Dalmatia’s largest shopping centre. If you want to bring home a taste of your Croatian holiday, hit the stalls at Zadar Market and visit the Maraska store for bottles of the city’s famous cherry liqueur.
Nightlife
Rub shoulders with students in trendy Varos bars, or try the watering holes along Mihovila Pavlinovica and Stomorica streets. Want to hit the dance floor? Look no further than Podroom Night Club and Hype Bar. For a more chilled taste of the nightlife in Zadar, grab a cocktail at Beach Bar Bamboo or the Pirate Bar.
Plan your holiday to Zadar
FAQs about Zadar holidays
With temperatures hitting a maximum of 30ºC (86ºF), August is the warmest month in Zadar.
For the perfect combination of warm weather and fewer crowds, book your holiday to Zadar between April and May or September and October. Or plan your trip to coincide with the city’s famous Full Moon Festival, which takes place annually on the night of the full moon in high summer.
You'll hear Croatian spoken most often around here. Master some common local phrases during your city break in Zadar and you'll fit right in.
You can check most things off your sightseeing list on a short break to Zadar, but you’ll need at least three days to fully enjoy the city’s history and culture. Planning on exploring the Zadar Archipelago
January brings the coldest days of the year. Set off on your Zadar trip then and you can expect lows of 0ºC (32ºF).
A cheap holiday to Zadar is an excellent alternative to other Croatian destinations like Split and Dubrovnik. To save on costs, travel in autumn or winter when prices are at their lowest. Once you’ve arrived, explore on foot or by public transport.
Although this city is generally seen as safe, the best way to have a stress-free holiday to Zadar is to adopt a few smart travel habits. Before you head out, plan your journey so you don't have to check your phone or map frequently in public. Be alert to your surroundings as you explore, and keep emergency contact numbers handy.
You'll be using the euro (EUR) while on your trip to Zadar. Besides your credit cards, consider taking some cash with you for things like small purchases and public transport.
With around 19 cm of rainfall, November is the wettest month. If you're going on your Zadar holiday then, you might want to include some indoor fun in your plans. Enjoy a meal at one of the city's top dining spots, head to an art gallery, or indulge in some retail therapy.
Whether you're interested in shopping, art, or anything in between, there are loads of things to do in Zadar. Sea Organ and Jadrolinija Zadar Old Town are just a taste of what awaits in this holiday-worthy destination.
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Plan your holiday to Zadar
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