One of Croatia’s hidden gems, Zadar, has somehow escaped the hustle and bustle of its tourist counterparts – Split, Dubrovnik or Hvar – but this little spot of sunshine on the coast of Croatia has warmth, community, and lashings of charm.
Alfred Hitchcock famously described the Zadar sunset as “the most beautiful sunset in the world […] applauded at every evening” and he couldn’t have described it more perfectly. Zadar is full of surprises, from the delicious seafood and local restaurants and wineries, culture that revolves around being on the water, views from the Tower of Anastasia, and even musical piers and art installations.
Top Sights
The Riva
From the first moment you step foot in Zadar its impossible to ignore the pull that the water has on the city; with the Old Town almost entirely surrounded, the sound of the waves are an undeniable part of the city’s ambience. At the edge of the Old Town, you’re struck first by the gorgeous promenade – the Riva – complete with markets lining its edge. The Riva leads you to one of Zadar’s most impressive sights, ‘Morske Orgulje’ (The Sea Organ).
The Sea Organ
The Sea Organ is a piece of musical architecture, the ‘organ’ comes from partial underwater pipes through the promenade, which make harmonies with each wave of the water – the choppier the wave, the louder the music! The way the outcrop is built means that you hear beautiful music all year round, and it’s especially stunning as the sun sets, and the people fall quiet.
Greeting to the Sun
The area is made even more unique by the art installation ‘Greeting to the Sun’, a 22m-wide circle set into the promenade, filled with 300 multilayered glass plates that collect the sun’s energy during the day, and offer a kaleidoscopic light show at night. Families, couples, tourists and kids all gather to be a part of this immersive artwork, even the locals make it a hotspot every night!
The Roman Forum and Church of St Donatus
For daytime trips, the Roman Forum and Church of St. Donatus is a must-visit; follow a spiral staircase all the way up the tower to see the impressive architecture from the inside, including a walk past the tower’s old bell, and witness the most amazing views of the city from the roof of the Tower of Anastasia. At the church’s base, the Roman Forum is a collection of preserved columns and relics of the ancient world, displayed on pristine platforms, so you truly feel you’re walking through the old world.
Best Food & Drink
Morita Bar & Kitchen
Though a relatively unassuming exterior, the inner restaurant is charming, with vintage-feel mismatched leather seats, a hidden terrace, bookshelves littered with paperbacks, cookbooks and various sentimental curios. The food is based on local favourites, with an experimental twist, and set away from the tourist-heavy areas. Honourable mention to the chicken liver pate and cherry vanilla reduction! Exemplary service, with the best wine pairings/recommendations.
Providur
A really beautiful al fresco spot in the centre of Five Wells Square, with a totally different personality during the day to the evening. With a focus on local produce, simplicity is really key here; top dishes include the squid and prawn linguine, and the meagre fish with potato and Swiss chard. Serving Croatian wine, the whole meal feels like a true taste of Croatia.
Degarra Winery
Degarra Winery is a boutique winery located in Zadar, Croatia, known for producing high-quality, handcrafted wines with a focus on local tradition and innovation. Founded by a group of wine experts, it emphasizes small-scale production of indigenous Dalmatian grape varieties, such as Plavina, Maraština, and Pošip. It is particularly renowned for its bold red blends, elegant white wines, and their signature rosé, which reflects the region’s maritime influences.
Natural Sights
Kornati National Park
Zadar is not only rich in cultural and culinary experiences but also serves as a gateway to some of Croatia’s most breathtaking natural beauty, accessible through boat trips to nearby islands and national parks. The Zadar archipelago offers numerous opportunities for island hopping, with day trips through crystal-clear waters, to secluded beaches and quaint fishing villages. One of the most popular destinations is Kornati National Park, a stunning cluster of over 80 islands, famous for its dramatic cliffs and pristine coves, ideal for snorkeling and sailing.
Plitvice Lakes National Park
A bit further afield, Plitvice Lakes National Park is just a couple of hours away from Zadar and really worth the trip. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, it’s famous for its stunning waterfalls, crystal-clear lakes, and scenic forest trails. You can stroll along wooden walkways that take you through this incredible natural landscape, with turquoise lakes and lush greenery all around, and can be hosted by a local guide. It’s a dream spot for nature lovers and a great change of pace from Zadar’s coastal vibes.
So, whether you’re just visiting for a few days, or looking for a multi-city adventure, Zadar is a perfect gateway to discovering the beauty of Croatia for both the private or corporate traveler.
Planning a corporate trip to Zadar?
