Discover the 3000 years of Zadar’s fascinating history
Dalmatia - Zadar
The place where sunsets win Oscars and the sea plays the organ
Imagine the best sunsets, endless sandy beaches, authentic cuisine, and traces of ancient civilizations. The Zadar region of Dalmatia has it all, making it the perfect destination for all seasons.
This breathtaking landscape also inspired one of the most esteemed film directors in history, Alfred Hitchcock, who declared the sunset in Zadar to be one of the most beautiful in the world. The best way to enjoy this sun show is by visiting the unique Greeting to the Sun monument and listening to the magical song of the waves performed by the Sea Organ. Your cinematic experience will be complete once you feel the pulse of the city that has been attracting crowds of visitors for centuries. Traces of diverse cultures will show you the soul of the old town located on a peninsula.
Where to go?
A land that inspired the gods
You will also see the main street Kalelarga, a place of friendship and smiles, love and sadness – a place where the sea and the stone meet.
Unique spaces such as the People’s Square, as well as the ports of Foša, Varoš, and Arsenal are the spots to be if you wish to immerse yourself in the local culture. The three-thousand-year-old past is carefully preserved in the St. Donatus Church, the Forum, the Five Wells Square, the Duke’s and the Provveditore’s Palace, and in the unique Museum of Ancient Glass. The entire city centre is surrounded by medieval walls under the protection of UNESCO, known as the Walls of Zadar Uprisings, named after eleven uprisings of the Zadar people against the Republic of Venice. Enjoying the protection of as many as four patron saints — Zoilus, Simon, Chrisogonus and Anastasia - Zadar takes pride not only in its abundant archaeological and monumental treasures, jealously guarded down the centuries, but also in the fact that the foundations of the oldest university in the Land were laid here in 1396. The centre of this Mediterranean city hosts numerous events such as the music festival called Musical Evenings at St. Donatus, or the Zadar Dreams contemporary theatre festival, which turn summer evenings into cultural events. Furthermore, the world-famous Wings for Life Race shows the humanitarian side of Croatia.
Paklenica
On Velebit, nature’s inspiration reached new heights. In the southern reaches of the biggest mountain in Croatia, Paklenica National Park inspires awe with its magnificent canyons of Velika and Mala Paklenica and Velebit’s highest peaks. In the pristine nature of Zadar’s hinterland, the rugged charm of the rocks contrasts the gentle greenery, and the unique landscapes promise adventure to all willing to heed the call.
Telašćica
From vineyards and olive groves growing in the rugged Dalmatian karst, peaceful beaches, islands and cliffs to steep cliffs that descend vertically into the depths of the sea, Telašćica Nature Park is a wondrous place. It is Dalmatia in all its primordial beauty. This unique destination is located in the south-eastern part of Dugi Otok in the heart of the Adriatic. Here, in a relatively small area of only 70 square kilometres, there are as many as three phenomena — the sailor-favourite Telašćica Cove, the impressive Stene cliffs and the salt lake Mir. Because of its remarkable natural beauty, Telašćica was declared a nature park in 1988.
Velebit
Poets celebrate its beauty, travel writers praise it with the most beautiful words, it is a challenge for explorers and hikers can not get enough of it. Velebit, this simultaneously beautiful, wild and rugged mythical mountain in the heart of Croatia, has been protected as a UNESCO Global Biosphere Reserve since 1978. Three years later, it was declared a nature park and, with its surface area of 1829 square kilometres, it is the largest Croatian protected area. Within the boundaries of Velebit Nature Park there are also two national parks — Northern Velebit and Paklenica, which covers the southern part of Velebit.
Vrana Lake
Vrana Lake is the largest natural lake in Croatia and, in addition to the lower course of the river Neretva, the only larger wetland in the Croatian part of the Mediterranean. The karst field in the Zadar hinterland was flooded with water 12 000 years ago and over time, a magical lake was created. For centuries, its shore had attracted both secular and religious leaders who built fortresses there, and today it is a real bird's paradise, one of the most valuable ornithological areas in Croatia. It is sure to amaze you with its beauty; you will enjoy the silence of the picturesque Dalmatian landscape and discover a new side of Dalmatia. Vrana Lake Nature Park was granted its status in 1999, covers 57 square kilometres, and its north-western portion is an ornithological reserve.
Paklenica
On Velebit, nature’s inspiration reached new heights. In the southern reaches of the biggest mountain in Croatia, Paklenica National Park inspires awe with its magnificent canyons of Velika and Mala Paklenica and Velebit’s highest peaks. In the pristine nature of Zadar’s hinterland, the rugged charm of the rocks contrasts the gentle greenery, and the unique landscapes promise adventure to all willing to heed the call.
Telašćica
From vineyards and olive groves growing in the rugged Dalmatian karst, peaceful beaches, islands and cliffs to steep cliffs that descend vertically into the depths of the sea, Telašćica Nature Park is a wondrous place. It is Dalmatia in all its primordial beauty. This unique destination is located in the south-eastern part of Dugi Otok in the heart of the Adriatic. Here, in a relatively small area of only 70 square kilometres, there are as many as three phenomena — the sailor-favourite Telašćica Cove, the impressive Stene cliffs and the salt lake Mir. Because of its remarkable natural beauty, Telašćica was declared a nature park in 1988.
Velebit
Poets celebrate its beauty, travel writers praise it with the most beautiful words, it is a challenge for explorers and hikers can not get enough of it. Velebit, this simultaneously beautiful, wild and rugged mythical mountain in the heart of Croatia, has been protected as a UNESCO Global Biosphere Reserve since 1978. Three years later, it was declared a nature park and, with its surface area of 1829 square kilometres, it is the largest Croatian protected area. Within the boundaries of Velebit Nature Park there are also two national parks — Northern Velebit and Paklenica, which covers the southern part of Velebit.
Vrana Lake
Vrana Lake is the largest natural lake in Croatia and, in addition to the lower course of the river Neretva, the only larger wetland in the Croatian part of the Mediterranean. The karst field in the Zadar hinterland was flooded with water 12 000 years ago and over time, a magical lake was created. For centuries, its shore had attracted both secular and religious leaders who built fortresses there, and today it is a real bird's paradise, one of the most valuable ornithological areas in Croatia. It is sure to amaze you with its beauty; you will enjoy the silence of the picturesque Dalmatian landscape and discover a new side of Dalmatia. Vrana Lake Nature Park was granted its status in 1999, covers 57 square kilometres, and its north-western portion is an ornithological reserve.
Paklenica
On Velebit, nature’s inspiration reached new heights. In the southern reaches of the biggest mountain in Croatia, Paklenica National Park inspires awe with its magnificent canyons of Velika and Mala Paklenica and Velebit’s highest peaks. In the pristine nature of Zadar’s hinterland, the rugged charm of the rocks contrasts the gentle greenery, and the unique landscapes promise adventure to all willing to heed the call.
Telašćica
From vineyards and olive groves growing in the rugged Dalmatian karst, peaceful beaches, islands and cliffs to steep cliffs that descend vertically into the depths of the sea, Telašćica Nature Park is a wondrous place. It is Dalmatia in all its primordial beauty. This unique destination is located in the south-eastern part of Dugi Otok in the heart of the Adriatic. Here, in a relatively small area of only 70 square kilometres, there are as many as three phenomena — the sailor-favourite Telašćica Cove, the impressive Stene cliffs and the salt lake Mir. Because of its remarkable natural beauty, Telašćica was declared a nature park in 1988.
Velebit
Poets celebrate its beauty, travel writers praise it with the most beautiful words, it is a challenge for explorers and hikers can not get enough of it. Velebit, this simultaneously beautiful, wild and rugged mythical mountain in the heart of Croatia, has been protected as a UNESCO Global Biosphere Reserve since 1978. Three years later, it was declared a nature park and, with its surface area of 1829 square kilometres, it is the largest Croatian protected area. Within the boundaries of Velebit Nature Park there are also two national parks — Northern Velebit and Paklenica, which covers the southern part of Velebit.
Vrana Lake
Vrana Lake is the largest natural lake in Croatia and, in addition to the lower course of the river Neretva, the only larger wetland in the Croatian part of the Mediterranean. The karst field in the Zadar hinterland was flooded with water 12 000 years ago and over time, a magical lake was created. For centuries, its shore had attracted both secular and religious leaders who built fortresses there, and today it is a real bird's paradise, one of the most valuable ornithological areas in Croatia. It is sure to amaze you with its beauty; you will enjoy the silence of the picturesque Dalmatian landscape and discover a new side of Dalmatia. Vrana Lake Nature Park was granted its status in 1999, covers 57 square kilometres, and its north-western portion is an ornithological reserve.
Best of upcoming Events
Zadar Christmas Market
11/24/2026 to 1/2/2027
Zadar becomes a fairy-tale city of lights, music and tradition during Advent, an ideal place for festive gatherings by the sea.
HIGHLANDER Velebit
8/31/2027 to 9/5/2027
VelebitHIGHLANDER is a global series of hiking events that brings together nature lovers from around the world. This unique series, which began in Croatia, offers participants the opportunity to take on hiking challenges along 100, 50, or 25-kilometer routes over 5, 3, or 2 days.
Layers of history are woven into the entire Zadar region. One of the most prominent examples of this is Nin, the first Croatian royal town, where you can visit the smallest cathedral in the world – the Church of the Holy Cross – and the remains of the largest Roman temple on the Croatian part of the Adriatic. Also, don't forget to rub the bronze thumb of bishop Gregory of Nin for good luck!
This part of Croatia abounds in natural beauties and is an ideal destination for everyone who loves an active holiday. The Zadar hinterland is a treasure trove of untouched nature, containing mountains, waterfalls, magnificent forests, and mysterious caves. In the southern part of the Velebit Nature Park, you will find the breathtaking rocks of the Paklenica National Park. The gorges of Velika and Mala Paklenica are especially attractive to climbers and mountaineers. The Underground Town of Paklenica will surely be interesting to Cold War history enthusiasts. You can also explore the wonderful scenery of the underground through the Cerovac Caves, the largest cave complex in Croatia, where you will feel like the main character of Jules Verne’s Journey to the Centre of the World.
Trips to the Zrmanja and Krupa Canyons or the Una Spring, one of the five deepest karst springs in the world, are a unique experience bursting with adrenaline.
During your visit, you can experience an adventure worthy of Indiana Jones with all the hiking, biking, or kayaking. However, if you wish to enjoy more relaxed activities, the Vrana Lake Nature Park is the ideal destination for you. This is the largest natural lake in Croatia and a true avian paradise, visited by as many as hundreds of thousands of birds during the winter.
Where Vrana Lake ends, a riviera full of magical beaches begins. Succumb to the magic of the sand on the Queen’s beach in Nin, whose beauty stunned even the wife of the first Croatian king. Your dream holiday is exactly the right opportunity to explore the charming coastal towns such as Starigrad, Biograd, or Novigrad. The Zadar region is also known for its many islands with unique stories. Pag is the only island in Croatia whose bare landscape will make you feel like you are walking on the moon. You can also enjoy the beauty of the Pag lace, which made the UNESCO list of intangible heritage, as well as delicious bites of the unique Pag cheese.
In Zadar’s realm of a hundred islands, all of these and many more unforgettable adventures and experiences await you.
Discover why the island of Olib is called the Adriatic king of sandy beaches, why there is a tower to love on Silba, or how Pašman became the centre of škraping, a unique sports adventure on steep coastal rocks. On Dugi otok, you will find the magical Telašćica Nature Park with over 160-meter-high cliffs that inspire awe. Attractive diving locations near the cliffs will show you the wonderful harmony of this Adriatic beauty, and the world-famous combination of white sand and turquoise sea on Sakarun beach will surely become one of your favourite attractions. Although uninhabited, the islet of Galešnjak is no less famous. Due to its characteristic shape, it is also called the island of love – the true heart of the Croatian Adriatic.
Beaches
Ždrijac Beach
Ždrijac sandy beach has the unusual shape of a sandbank which creates a view as though the beach is hugging and concealing the old heart of ancient Nin. The beach is ideal for ‘picigin’ (the local sport played with a small ball) and bathing for children, adults and lovers of adrenaline sports. Thanks to the favourable winds it has become a popular centre for those who love windsurfing and kitesurfing as a form of active tourism.
Zaton Holiday Resort
The landscaped sandy beach is 1.3 kilometres long and has many amenities which satisfy the needs of modern tourists. It is considered one of the best-landscaped beaches in Croatia. It is ideal for a family holiday, and besides bathing in the shallow sea, there are also numerous entertainment programmes for children, playgrounds and refreshment in the shade of the pine trees.
Kraljičina (Queen’s) Beach
The long natural sandy beaches of Nin, with their total length of 8,000 m, are one of its trademarks and an impressive image which visitors remember about the oldest Croatian royal town. Kraljičina (meaning queen’s) beach is unique in many ways. It is Croatia’s longest sandy beach, and its name is connected to a legend. Due to the shallow and warm sea, it is particularly attractive for families with babies and young children as well as older people, and outside the main season it is a favourite place for long romantic walks.
Soline Beach, Biograd na Moru
On the southeast part of the town there is a string of beautiful beaches surrounded by a thick pine forest. It begins with the hotels Ilirija and Adriatic and continues with the pebbly beach of Dražica all the way to Soline cove.
Dražica Beach
On the southeast part of Biograd na Moru there is a series of beautiful beaches surrounded by a thick pine forest. The beaches are equipped with changing cubicles and showers, and sun loungers and sunshades can also be hired.
Bošana Beach, Biograd na Moru
Bošana beach is located in the northwest part of Biograd na Moru. The beach is pebbly and has a shallow entrance to the water. This beach can be reached by a ten-minute walk along the coast from the town and then a landscaped path past the new marina. On the beach there are a café, restaurant and a fast food outlet. Available are a beach volleyball court and children’s playground. Since there is no shade, it is necessary to bring your own adequate protection from the sun.
Borik Beach, Zadar
Always a favourite bathing site for the people of Zadar, Borik beach is one of the city’s most beautiful beaches. It has been completely landscaped and is equipped with many amenities. The restaurants, bars, slides and children’s playground alongside the clean sea, which is easily accessible from the pebbly and sandy beaches, are always an attractive destination.
Južna Luka (Southern Harbour)
This is a sandy cove which can be reached by a macadam route from the car park in Muline. The cove is surrounded with a pine forest where you can find shade for a pleasant stay in the beautiful Mediterranean ambience.
Centre Beach, Ugljan
It is located in front of the Ugljan Hotel right in the centre of the town of Ugljan. The beach is equipped with sun loungers, a shower and a changing cubicle.
Jaz Beach
A landscaped pebbly beach between Starigrad and Seline. It was created by the millennia of small torrents of the Velika Paklenica stream, and today is a modernly-equipped beach with numerous facilities.
Kolovare Beach
Kolovare is a traditional public town beach which is situated east of the peninsula. Right nearby Kolovare beach are well-equipped shops, bars and restaurants, and on the beach itself there is a popular beach bar which attracts young people looking for fun and entertainment.
Kulina Beach
This natural pebbly beach in the town of Starigrad is known for its Večka tower (a fortress built in the 16th century).
Mostir Beach
The sandy beach in the centre of the town is suitable for children and non-swimmers. It is equipped with sun loungers, a shower, WC, a changing cubicle, a ramp for people with disabilities and protective floating fences.
Beach Prosika
Prosika beach is a favourite beach in the town of Pag, just a few hundred metres from the centre. This 800-metre long beautiful sandy beach, alongside the shallow sea and natural shade, is the ideal choice as a place for families with small children. Whilst you rest on a comfortable sun lounger under a sunshade, your youngest will enjoy the slide, pedalos and the children’s playground. The slightly older ones will be delighted with the possibility of hiring jet skis.
Sakarun Beach
Sakarun, one of the most famous beaches of Zadar County, is located on the northwest coast of Dugi Otok island. Near the beach are the villages of Verunić, Soline and Božava. Its reputation comes from its whiteness of the sand and cleanliness of the sea, and it is surrounded with a pine tree forest which offers welcome shade in the summer.
Ždrijac Beach
Ždrijac sandy beach has the unusual shape of a sandbank which creates a view as though the beach is hugging and concealing the old heart of ancient Nin. The beach is ideal for ‘picigin’ (the local sport played with a small ball) and bathing for children, adults and lovers of adrenaline sports. Thanks to the favourable winds it has become a popular centre for those who love windsurfing and kitesurfing as a form of active tourism.
Zaton Holiday Resort
The landscaped sandy beach is 1.3 kilometres long and has many amenities which satisfy the needs of modern tourists. It is considered one of the best-landscaped beaches in Croatia. It is ideal for a family holiday, and besides bathing in the shallow sea, there are also numerous entertainment programmes for children, playgrounds and refreshment in the shade of the pine trees.
Kraljičina (Queen’s) Beach
The long natural sandy beaches of Nin, with their total length of 8,000 m, are one of its trademarks and an impressive image which visitors remember about the oldest Croatian royal town. Kraljičina (meaning queen’s) beach is unique in many ways. It is Croatia’s longest sandy beach, and its name is connected to a legend. Due to the shallow and warm sea, it is particularly attractive for families with babies and young children as well as older people, and outside the main season it is a favourite place for long romantic walks.
Soline Beach, Biograd na Moru
On the southeast part of the town there is a string of beautiful beaches surrounded by a thick pine forest. It begins with the hotels Ilirija and Adriatic and continues with the pebbly beach of Dražica all the way to Soline cove.
Dražica Beach
On the southeast part of Biograd na Moru there is a series of beautiful beaches surrounded by a thick pine forest. The beaches are equipped with changing cubicles and showers, and sun loungers and sunshades can also be hired.
Bošana Beach, Biograd na Moru
Bošana beach is located in the northwest part of Biograd na Moru. The beach is pebbly and has a shallow entrance to the water. This beach can be reached by a ten-minute walk along the coast from the town and then a landscaped path past the new marina. On the beach there are a café, restaurant and a fast food outlet. Available are a beach volleyball court and children’s playground. Since there is no shade, it is necessary to bring your own adequate protection from the sun.
What to eat?
Home of the indigenous Marasca cherry and Maraschino
With a slice of Pag cheese and a glass of the famous Maraschino, a local liqueur made from the native Maraska sour cherry, in your hand, you can enjoy all the blessings of this area and the fruits of this land of matchless, divine inspiration.