Although Zadar is not the first city to come when Croatia is mentioned, it is a collection of the country’s must-see community. Overshadowed by Split and Dubrovnik, the city is one of the highlights for those who want to understand Croatia and the region. Known as the country’s open-air museum, Zadar is a must-see in Croatia. It is simple to reach the city in the Dalmatian region, located in the north of Croatia, from popular places such as Split or Dubrovnik. The town, which has a beautiful view of the Adriatic Sea, is Croatia’s oldest settlement. There are remains of communities that lived here during the Stone Age period. The city, which has been under the rule of great civilizations such as Illyria, the Roman Empire, and the Ottoman Empire for many years, has a rich texture. Zadar has a lot to discover for its visitors.
Places to Visit in Zadar
Although Zadar is a small city, it has many places to visit. Therefore, you can spend a few days enjoying the city. In addition to its rich past, it is one of the places that summer holiday lovers can enjoy because of its seaside location. If you want to explore the beauties of Zadar and go back in history, here are the best places to go in the city.
Cathedral of St. Anastasia
Also known as Zadar Cathedral, the Cathedral of St. Anastasia is one of the first places you should visit in Zadar. The construction of the cathedral began in 1452 and was completed in 1894. The cathedral, which has magnificent architecture, has an eye-catching beauty both inside and outside. You can witness a fantastic view of the city from the bell tower of the cathedral. If you want to visit the Cathedral of St. Anastasia, remember that it is closed on Sundays. The cathedral is relatively quiet, especially in the morning, and flooded with visitors in the afternoon.
Roman Forum
If you are visiting Zadar, one of the places you cannot miss is the Roman Forum. The massive square that we are used to seeing in the cities of the Roman Empire is one of the most crowded places in the city. The square, which was built in the first century BC, took 300 years to complete. The square, considered the center of attraction of the city, still preserves this feature today. The square, which has a history of 2000 years, is also known as the pillar of shame. This square, where people who broke the law were punished in the Roman period, is one of the most crowded tourist centers of the city today. The Church of St Donatus, the largest pre-Roman building in Croatia, is located in the Roman Forum. The church, which was built in the second period of the 8th century, is unlikely to go unnoticed.
Sea Organ
You can listen to the music of nature in Zadar. Presented as an art show by Nikola Basic in 2005, the naval organ is located in the bay in the old town part of the city. The sea organ, in which 35 organs turn the sound of the waves into music, will give you incredible moments. Frequently visited by tourists, the sea organ is a wonderful place that combines the power of the waves with music. Sea Organ, which was awarded the European Prize for Urban Public Space in 2006, is a place where you can experience many different experiences.
Greeting to the Sun
Another contribution of Sea Organ creator Nikola Basic to Zadar is Greeting to the Sun. Photosensitive glass with a diameter of 22 meters is another most visited place in the city. During the day, the glass area that stores sunlight provides a wonderful light show at night. Located on the south quay of the town, this area is also one of the best places to watch the sunset. The sunset on the coast overlooking the islands of Ugljan and Pasman is world-famous. Alfred Hitchcock, one of the most influential directors of horror movies, said that when he visited Zadar in 1964, it had the most beautiful sunset view in the world. The light show illuminated by more than 10000 LEDs offers a visual feast in harmony with the colors of the sunset. The lights in the area also move to the rhythm coming from the Sea Organ, located right next to it.
Best Hotels to Stay in Zadar
Zadar is a small city, although it has been visited by many tourists in recent years. For this reason, you may have trouble finding a place to stay in summer, especially since the tourist reviews are high. Since there are too many hotels in the city, you need to book immediately after deciding on a vacation. However, it is not mean that there are no hotels in this city. Here are the best hotels in Zadar.
Luxurious Hotels in Zadar
Zadar may be a small town, but despite this, there are hotels in the city where you can have your dream vacation. In Zadar, it is possible to relax, enjoy the sun and be in touch with nature while exploring the texture of the city. If you are looking for luxurious places where to stay when visiting Zadar, here are the best options.
Falkensteiner Hotel & Spa Iadera🔗
Falkensteiner Hotel & Spa Iadera is the place to stay if you want to have a holiday in paradise. Located on the private Punta Skala peninsula, a little outside the city center of Zadar, the hotel combines the blue of the sea and the green of nature. It is located in the best area to stay in Zadar. The hotel, which has a wonderful view of the Mediterranean, and well-lit, huge rooms, is one of the places couples prefer. During your holiday, you can relax, rejuvenate, and youthen in the Acquapure Spa center of 6000 square meters. In this colossal wellness center that the hotel offers to its visitors, there are different massage rooms, Turkish baths, a sauna, a steam room, a hot water pool, and many other special areas. The hotel also has a restaurant that offers extraordinary selections from international cuisines and highlights the most remarkable flavors of Mediterranean cuisine. Apart from this, there is also a different restaurant in the hotel where you can try local delicacies. After a tiring Zadar day, you can enjoy the sunset and relax by the fireplace in the Sotto Voce lounge bar located on the hotel terrace.
Falkensteiner Family Hotel Diadora🔗
Suppose you are going to visit the city with children and you are looking for a hotel where they can have a good time. In that case, Falkensteiner Family Hotel Diadora is the best place to stay in Zadar. There is an adventure park called Falky-Land, which is 1000 square meters in size and specially designed for children between the ages of 3 and 12. There are many playgrounds for your children in the park, from an adventurous climbing wall to trampolines and slides to a digital playground. Nevertheless, there are many workshops for children throughout the hotel, such as mask making, face painting, puzzle tables, and cooking. The hotel is not just a massive playground for children. The hotel has many activities for adults. The hotel has a tennis court, golf course, badminton hall, basketball court, football field, and beach volleyball court. Located a little outside the city center of Zadar, the hotel is one of the ideal places for those looking for a secret paradise with their children.
Budget-Friendly Places to Stay in Zadar
Zadar has become a city that attracts a large number of visitors every year with its historical texture, proximity to major cities, and stunning beaches. For this reason, there are many hotels in the town where you can stay. If you prefer budget-friendly hotels, you may need help deciding where to stay during your holiday. Here are the best budget-friendly hotels where you can stay in the Zadar.
Hotel Kolovare🔗
Located in the city center of Zadar but in a quiet location, Hotel Kolovare is a place where you can get away from the crowds while exploring the city. You can easily explore the city from the hotel, which is within walking distance of the city’s major tourist attractions. Although the hotel is a budget-friendly place, it has a terrace pool. You can taste the most remarkable flavors of Dalmatian cuisine at the hotel. The hotel also has an exceptional wine selection and offers the best wines of the region to its visitors. If you are thinking of where should I stay when visiting Zadar, you should definitely consider staying at Hotel Kolovare.
Teatro Verdi Boutique Hotel🔗
Teatro Verdi Boutique Hotel is the best place to stay in Zadar, Old Town. The hotel attracts thousands of visitors annually, with its proximity to the essential places of the city and its fantastic sea view. The best pastries from Dalmatian and international cuisine are offered to the guests every morning at the hotel’s restaurant. Being by the sea has many advantages. When you leave the Teatro Verdi Boutique Hotel, you can walk to the city’s famous beaches in a few minutes, such as Kolovare Beach or Maestrala Beach.
Almayer Art & Heritage Hotel and Dependance🔗
Another essential hotel in the Old Town is Almayer Art & Heritage Hotel and Dependence. Its rooms, furnished in a modern style with large windows, act as doors to the past from a contemporary place. Almayer Art & Heritage Hotel Dependance, which is within walking distance of many important places in the Old Town, is one of the best hotels where to stay in Zadar. The hotel is within walking distance of the city’s historic sites and tourist centers, such as the Sea Organ and Greeting to the Sun.
Cheap Places to Stay in Zadar
Suppose you want to spend your budget exploring the city instead of spending a lot on the hotel. In that case, there are many affordable hotels in Zadar. Moreover, although a significant part of the hotels is affordable, they are pretty rich in service. The hotels, which are within walking distance of the critical centers of the city, are the ideal address for those who are just looking for a place to spend the night. Here are the best ones if you are looking for an affordable hotel where to stay in Zadar.
Hotel Donat – All Inclusive🔗
Cheap and all-inclusive may be two distant words, but these two distant words come together at Hotel Donat. If you want to explore the city’s colorful nightlife, there are many bars and pubs around Hotel Donat. You can taste delicious seafood at the restaurant within the hotel. The restaurant also offers delicious dishes from Croatian and Mediterranean cuisine. Hotel Donat is the correct address for an affordable and quiet hotel in the city center.
Hotel Porto🔗
Suppose you’re looking for an affordable yet great place to stay in Zadar’s city center. In that case, you should definitely try Hotel Porto. One of the features of Hotel Porto is that it is the closest hotel to the airport. Moreover, the first drink of the visitors to the hotel is free. Hotel Porto is one of the correct addresses for those who plan to spend a few days in Zadar and stay in an inexpensive but comfortable place. Within a few minutes walk from the hotel, you can discover the modern face of Zadar.
Hotel Mediteran🔗
If you want to stay close to both the historical center of the city and the sea, you can choose Hotel Mediteran. One of the attractive features of the hotel is the outdoor pool under the deep blue sky. If you are in town for a summer vacation, you can enjoy the pool or sip your cocktails from the poolside bar. The restaurant at the hotel serves Dalmatian and international cuisine. Although Hotel Mediteran is cheap, it has rooms with stunning Mediterranean views. You will be hypnotized by the spectacular Mediterranean view while taking in the Croatian air on a sunny morning.