Zadar travel guide: the Sea Organ, the old town and the islands
Zadar is a walled peninsula town with Roman ruins, a sea that plays music and a calm, local feel. Two days covers the old town, the waterfront and a sunset. The one thing to know: it is a good base for Plitvice, Krka and the islands, so most visitors stay longer than they planned.
The short answer
- First trip
- Stay on or near the old town peninsula. Spend a day on foot in the old town and on the waterfront, then add one island or national park trip.
- Where to stay
- The old town for walking, Kolovare for the beach, Borik or Diklo for a seaside resort stay.
- How many days
- Two days for the town, three or four if you add Plitvice, Krka or an island.
- Best time to go
- May, June, September and early October. July and August are hot and busy.
- Book ahead
- Plitvice entry in summer, island boats and a table at the better restaurants.
- From the airport
- A Liburnija bus runs to the main bus station near the old town in about 20 minutes, for about €5.
Where to stay in Zadar, in brief
Old town peninsula
everything on foot
Stone lanes, the Roman forum and the sea at both ends, with no cars in most streets. Rooms are the most expensive in town, and squares with bars can be loud on summer nights.
Kolovare
a city beach
A residential area on the mainland side with a pebble beach and a seafront walk. About 10 to 15 minutes on foot to the old town, and good value.
Arbanasi
a quiet base next door
A calmer neighborhood just across the harbor from the old town, with a few restaurants and local shops. The old town is a short walk away.
Borik and Diklo
resort stays and swimming
Beach hotels and apartments along the coast north of the center. Good for sea swimming, but the old town is a bus ride or a long walk.
Things to do in Zadar
Sea Organ
Steps on the western waterfront with pipes under them that the waves play. Sit for a while, since the sound changes with the sea.
Greeting to the Sun
A large circle of glass set into the paving beside the Sea Organ. Come at sunset, when it lights up and the crowd gathers.
Roman forum and Church of St Donatus
The paved forum is the oldest part of town, and the round church beside it is a ninth-century landmark. Concerts are sometimes held inside.
St Anastasia Cathedral and bell tower
A Romanesque cathedral with a tower you can climb. The view over the roofs and the channel is the best in the old town.
City walls and the Land Gate
Walk the old Venetian walls and enter through the Land Gate, which is decorated with the lion of St Mark. Early morning is quiet.
The old town waterfront promenade
Walk the quay from the old port to the Sea Organ. The route takes 20 minutes and has benches and water on both sides.
Museum of Ancient Glass
A small museum of Roman glass from the region, in a former palace. It is a good short visit on a hot or rainy day.
Kolovare beach
A pebble city beach with shallow, clear water, about 15 minutes' walk from the old town. It is busy at weekends in summer.
Island ferry to Ugljan
Car and passenger ferries run to Preko, on Ugljan, in about 25 minutes. Good for a quiet swim and a lunch by the water.
Book a vehicle space in July and August.
What to book before you go
These sell out. Most of the rest of Zadar can be decided on the day.
Every tour and ticket in Zadar, and which to pick- Plitvice Lakes entryA few days to a week ahead in summer
Entry is limited, and popular time slots and the high season sell out.
- Boat trips to Kornati and TelašćicaA few days ahead in July and August
Day boats fill, and some sail only when there are enough passengers.
- A table at the better restaurantsA few days ahead in peak season
The small old town places and the Michelin-listed ones fill at weekends.
What to skip in Zadar
- Waterfront restaurants with photo menus
The view is the product. Walk a few lanes inland, where prices are lower and the menu is shorter.
- Midday on the Riva in July and August
There is little shade and the stone is hot. Go early or after 18:00.
- A same-day dash to Plitvice with no early start
It is a long drive each way. Either leave early or give it a full day, or visit Krka instead, which is closer.
Best time to visit Zadar
May, June, September and early October are the best months. The sea is warm enough to swim from June, the old town is walkable and the island ferries run well.
July and August are hot, busy and expensive. Winter is mild and quiet, but some restaurants and island services are reduced.
- From Zadar airportA Liburnija bus runs between the airport and the main bus station near the old town. It takes about 20 minutes and the fare is about €5, with baggage included. A taxi is quicker and costs more.
- On footThe old town, the waterfront and Arbanasi are all within a 10 to 20 minute walk. Most of the old town is closed to cars.
- By city busLiburnija city buses reach Kolovare, Borik, Diklo and the outer districts. Buy tickets from the driver or at a kiosk.
- By ferry and boatFerries and boats to Ugljan, Pašman and the other islands leave from the harbor area. Check the timetable the day before, since services change by season.
Zadar in three days
- Day 1
Walk the old town: the forum, St Donatus, the cathedral tower and the Land Gate. Finish at the Sea Organ and Greeting to the Sun for sunset.
- Day 2
Take a ferry to Ugljan or a boat trip to the islands. Swim, have lunch by the water and come back in the evening.
- Day 3
Go to Krka National Park or Plitvice Lakes, or spend a slow day at Kolovare beach and the city market.
Day trips from Zadar
- Plitvice LakesTerraced lakes and waterfalls about two hours by road. It is the most visited park in Croatia, so start early and book entry ahead.
- Krka National ParkWaterfalls and swimming areas about an hour and a half by road. It is closer than Plitvice, and a more relaxed day out.
- Ugljan and PašmanTwo islands just offshore, reached by a short ferry from Zadar. Quiet roads, olive groves and small beaches.
- Kornati islandsA national park of bare limestone islands, visited on a boat day trip from Zadar or nearby towns. Check the operator and the season.
Zadar: questions people ask
How many days do you need in Zadar?
Two days covers the old town, the waterfront and a sunset. Three or four lets you add Krka, Plitvice or an island.
Is Zadar worth visiting?
Yes, if you want a smaller, calmer coastal town with Roman ruins and good access to the islands and national parks. It is less crowded than Split or Dubrovnik.
What is the best time to visit Zadar?
May, June, September and early October give warm weather and manageable crowds. July and August are hotter and busier.
What is the Sea Organ in Zadar?
A set of pipes under a stone staircase on the waterfront. The waves push air through them and make a low, shifting sound. It is free and open all day.
Is Zadar better than Split?
They suit different trips. Zadar is smaller and quieter, with a shorter list of sights. Split is bigger, with a palace and more ferry links.
Can you visit Plitvice from Zadar in a day?
Yes. It is about two hours each way, so leave early and book your entry in advance. Many visitors go by tour bus or hire a car.
How do you get from Zadar airport to the center?
A Liburnija bus goes to the main bus station in about 20 minutes for about €5. A taxi is faster and costs more.