Zadar is one of the largest and most beautiful cities along Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast. A trip to Zadar is guaranteed to be an exciting one. Like other towns on the Dalmatian Coast such as Sibenik, Trogir and Split, Zadar has many wonderful things to see and do which makes for a perfect Dalmatia adventure. See our full guide to Zadar.
I have been to Zadar a few times with my son Tyrone and I have learned a few tips to help us. Here, I will share the most important ones and answer some common questions asked when planning a trip to Zadar.
Zadar Travel FAQs
1. What’s the best time to visit Zadar?
The best time to visit Zadar is during the summer months (June-August) when the weather is at its finest. It’s no surprise that these are also the busiest months, so prices tend to be higher. The beginning of autumn is also a good option as it is less crowded, the prices are lower and the weather is still warm.
A lot of the tour agencies reduce their operating hours by the beginning of October and most close during the winter months.
2. How much time to spend in Zadar?
Although Zadar is one of the largest cities on Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast, Zadar Old Town, where most of the sights are, is quite small and easily explored in a short time.
A day or two is plenty to explore the sights in the Old Town, however, if you are interested in outdoor adventures, soaking up the sun at the beach, visiting an island or other nearby towns, add a few more days to your itinerary.
We spent a week on our last visit to Zadar and we felt that Zadar had so many things to do that kept us happy for the week.
The nearby islands like Ugljan and the small villages near Zadar like Nin and Zaton are great places for a long relaxing break.
3. What’s the Croatian Currency?
As of 1 January 2023, Croatia switched from using the kuna to Euro just as it is in most European countries. This is definitely a positive move for most European travellers as it takes away the hassle of exchanging currency whilst in Croatia.
Based on past experience, most small businesses including some restaurants, market vendors and tour operators accept cash payments only, so it’s still advised to bring along some cash with you.
Currency exchange stores and ATMs are available at Zadar airport as well as around Zadar Old Town. However, be mindful of privately owned ATMs such as Euronet, Cashzone and Travelex that you’ll conveniently find all around Zadar and other cities in Croatia. These ATMs charge excessive commissions and their exchange rates in most cases are unfavourable.
It’s advised to use bank-owned ATMs and to choose to conduct all your transactions in the local currency if you’re travelling from outside the Eurozone. This will leave your own bank to do the conversion which is usually reasonable compared to what you’ll be offered by most international banks.
I’ve found it much more convenient and economical to use a multi-currency debit card such as Revolut whilst spending in a different currency. Revolut offers favourable exchange rates, charges no hidden fees and allows you to keep track of your spending.
4. Is Zadar Expensive?
Compared to other places on Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast like Split or Dubrovnik, Zadar is a lot cheaper across many things. In general, Croatia is not as cheap as other popular summer destinations in Europe but there are a lot of ways you can cut costs. For example, you can cook your own meals instead of eating out and buying food from local markets or local supermarkets.
5. How do I get around Zadar?
During our recent trip to Zadar, we had a car rental from XLRent a Car which cost about €400/week. A car is very handy and will enable you to get to those amazing places off the beaten track, but also expensive when you consider fuel costs, toll fees and parking. Public transport in Zadar is quite good and reliable, so it’s worth considering.
If you are interested in taking day trips to nearby places like Sibenik or Trogir, Bus Croatia is a good place to find buses offering services on these popular routes like Auto Sibenik, Flix Bus and Arriva. Some of the bus lines go all the way to Split, Dubrovnik and Zagreb.
6. What’s the best airport to get to Zadar?
Zadar airport is located about 11km from Zadar Old Town, so it’s the most convenient airport to fly into. There is a public bus (costs €3.50 a ticket from the bus driver) that leaves the airport to the Old Town a few minutes after each flight arrival in case you won’t be driving.
An Uber ride from Zadar Airport to Zadar Old Town should you cost less than €10.
7. Where to stay in Zadar?
Where to stay in Zadar depends on several factors such as affordability, who you’re travelling with and what you plan to do. Accommodation outside the Old Town is usually cheaper and a good option especially if your stay in Zadar is long. On the other hand, basing yourself in the Old Town has the advantage of being close to sights and nightlife, however; expect to pay more.
Zadar Hotels Worth Checking Out:
- Almayer Art & Heritage Hotel – for a comfortable and cosy stay in the Old Town.
- The Falkensteiner Hotel Adriana – an Adult Only hotel, located about 10mins away from the Old Town is perfect for both short and long Zadar stays.
- Downtown Boutique Hostel – a cheaper accommodation within the city walls with excellent reviews.
- Hotel Delfin – Small charming hotel is perfect for combining city sightseeing with a beach stay.
8. How to visit the islands from Zadar?
Zadar is a great base for exploring the many islands that are in the surrounding area such as Ugljan, Pasman, Dugi Otok and Kornati Island.
The Croatian ferry company Jadrolinija offers a reliable service from Zadar port to most of these islands. The ferry runs a few journeys throughout the day to each island. There is no need to book in advance and tickets can be bought on the ferry or at the kiosk.
To make the most of your time on the islands, try renting a bike or a car. Cars, bikes and pets are permitted on the ferries.
Keep in mind that the ferry timetables vary with each season.
9. What are the best outdoor activities in Zadar?
Zadar is a great spot for outdoor activities such as going canoeing on the Zrmanja River, visiting national parks such as Plitvice Lakes National Park, Krka National Park, Paklenica National Park, Kornati National Park or just relaxing at some lovely beaches like Kolovare Beach, close to the Old Town.
Tours to Plitvice Lakes National Park or canoeing on the Zrmanja River are very popular from Zadar. If you are not driving, you can join tours booked from the tour agencies found along the harbour or promenade. We joined a canoeing trip with Raftrek Adventure Travel and had a great day canoeing down the Zrmanja River.
Popular Zadar Tours
10. What are the best beaches in Zadar?
Similar to other cities on Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast, Zadar has its own fair share of lovely beaches which are luckily within the city’s Old Town vicinity. This makes combining city sightseeing with days on the beach soaking up the sun and having fun in the water that bit easier.
Kolovare Beach is the most popular and closest beach to Zadar Old Town which is ideal to visit especially if your itinerary is short or if you’ve no access to your own transport. Like many beaches in Croatia, the beach is mostly pebbly (bring along water shoes) but the water is quite shallow, crystal clear and clean. There is also an option to hire equipment you might need for comfort and fun at Kolovare.
We also highly recommend you check the beaches in Nin, a small town located about a 20-minute drive from Zadar Old Town if you have access to private transport. Queen’s Beach, Ninska Laguna Beach, Sabunike Beach and several others, are some of the beaches in Nin which are worth your time.
Unlike most beaches in Croatia, the beaches in Nin are somewhat sandy, the water is shallow and they come with great amenities specially suited for families with young children.
Sakarun Beach on Dugi Otok Island is another highly-rated beach in Zadar which is worth checking out especially if you plan to visit the islands within the city’s vicinity. Dugi Otok Island is also home to Telašćica Nature Park, so you could combine your visit to Sakarun with a tour of Telašćica.
Bear in mind that Croatian beaches are mostly pebbly and rocky, so water shoes are highly recommended for comfort.
Related – Best Beaches in Split
11. What are the best restaurants in Zadar?
There is no shortage of restaurants offering amazing food in Zadar which will satisfy many tastes and budgets.
Our top recommendations include 4 Kantuna, Restaurant Bruschetta and Pet Bunara, all located in Zadar Old Town, for modern Mediterranean cuisine. We’ve dined in all these restaurants and the food offered there is just excellent, it’s served with friendly staff and also reasonably priced.
Konoba Skobla, located on Petar Zoranić Square, is our go-to restaurant for delicious authentic Dalmatian dishes such as black cuttlefish risotto, pod pekom, a variety of grilled meats including Dalmatian desserts like Kalelarga cheesecake and Maraschino cake.
There’s so much great food, fine wine and beautiful desserts to be had in Zadar, so we suggest you plan on checking out some of these restaurants.
Popular Zadar Wine and Food Tour
12. What’s the best walking tour in Zadar?
Price: €14.25 Zadar Walking Tour
Personally, a walking tour is one of the best ways to get to know a place fully. Zadar is compact, super walkable and filled with a fascinating historical heritage making it ideal for a walking tour. We’ve taken the Zadar Walking Tour but there are several tours available in Zadar which are all highly rated.
Most walking tours in Zadar start from People’s Square in the Old Town. Tours are run several times during the day and in most cases, there is no need to book in advance. All you have to do on the day is to present to any of the tour agents at the square holding their branded umbrellas.
13. What’s the best market in Zadar?
Zadar Market Opens: 7 am to 3 pm Daily
Zadar Market, located in the heart of Zadar Old Town, just a little walk from People’s Square, is one of the best markets not to miss while in the city. Though the market is small, it still manages to offer a great range of fresh local produce from the region.
If you’re looking to stock up on picnic supplies or self-catering, the market will definitely come in handy as it’s also surrounded by lovely bakeries, delis, butchers and a large supermarket. In addition, the locals at the market in Zadar are really warm and helpful.
Popular Zadar Market Tour and Cooking Class
I hope you enjoy your visit to Zadar as much as we did.
Let me know if you need help by leaving a comment below. I will be happy to help!
Tip::Here is a guide with all the Best Places to Visit in Croatia including the most useful tips.
Related Croatia Travel Guide
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