Zadar
Temperature
20°
Time
7:20 AM
Zadar
Almost entirely surrounded by the warm waters of the Adriatic, Zadar may not be large, but it is bursting with personality. A thoroughly cosmopolitan space, the city is full of extraordinary architecture and offers some of the best sailing around Zadar's archipelago and along the western coast of the Dalmatia region.Find your trip
St. Donatus' church is considered by many the symbol of Zadar. This majestic circular building is one of the finest examples of Byzantine style in the whole country. Nowadays it's no longer used as a church but as venue for cultural and musical events.
This Romanesque Cathedral was built in the 12th century on the plan of a former Christian basilica and it's the biggest one in the Dalmatian region. Behind the ornamented facade remains of frescoes and a carved choir decorate the interiors of the church. From the top of the bell tower visitors can enjoy views of the old town below.
This serie of broad white steps descending into the sea are one of the most unique landmark in Zadar. Designed by the local architect Nikola Bašić, the Sea Organ consists of underwater resonant chambers carved in the steps which allow the organ to play chiming notes when the water flows into them. This is also one of the best places in town to enjoy the great Zadarian sunsets.
An outstanding collection of glass items, many of them hailing from the Roman settlements around the region and the local Roman necropolis. Available for visitors every days are glass-blowing and bead making demonstrations.
Since its Medieval origins Narodni Trg (People’s Square) has been the core of Zadar's public life. Dominating the westerns side of the square, the City Guard dates back to the 1562 and it's crested by a 19th-century clock tower. Nearby, St. Lawrence church is the oldest preserved building of the town, while the Loggia on the opposite side is now a venue for exhibitions.
Despite its humble exterior, this small Baroque church, named after one of the patron saints of the city, houses one of Zadar's highlights: St. Simeon Chest. A fine example of medieval silversmith, dating back to the 1381, this highly decorated silver casket placed just above the main altar contains the mummified body of St. Simeon.
Traces of the old city walls can still be found all around Zadar, with some sections dating back to the Middle Age and a grater part built during the Venetian control over the city as a fortification against the Turks. Beside some portions of the previous walls, eight gates used as entrance to the city remains, of which the most elaborate is the one known as Land Gate. Located just in front of the little Foša harbour, Land Gate is adorned with some of the finest Dalmatian Renaissance-style decorations, including representations of St. Crysogonus and the lion of St. Mark.
Trg Pet Bunara owes its name to the five wells lining up in a row at its centre, which has supplied water to the city until the middle of the 19th century. Just a few steps away visitors can enjoy Queen Jelena Madije park, situated just between the medieval walls and the Renaissance Grimani bastion.
St. Donatus' church is considered by many the symbol of Zadar. This majestic circular building is one of the finest examples of Byzantine style in the whole country. Nowadays it's no longer used as a church but as venue for cultural and musical events.
This Romanesque Cathedral was built in the 12th century on the plan of a former Christian basilica and it's the biggest one in the Dalmatian region. Behind the ornamented facade remains of frescoes and a carved choir decorate the interiors of the church. From the top of the bell tower visitors can enjoy views of the old town below.
Offering Italian dishes as well as traditional Dalmatian seafood, at Bruschetta the focus in on traditional Mediterranean cuisine. The restaurant serves quality food in a casual environment and it's popular with locals for its lunch deals.
By many considered the best restaurant in town, Kornat offers top-quality food in a delightful location and charming atmosphere. The restaurant can boast a set of Dalmatian dishes prepared with prime-quality ingredients and a good selection of Croatian wines just to be savoured by customers on the great front-harbour location. Try the black risotto and the angler fish.
Seasonal, organic ingredients are the core of Pet Bunara cuisine, where traditional dishes are prepared according to the Slow Food philosophy. Dalmatian classics are served alongside carefully selected wines in a cosy atmosphere. Try the traditional fig cake.
Konobas are traditional Dalmatian taverns and Skoblar happens to be the oldest one in all Zadar. This is the right place to find authentic regional cuisine set in an equally traditional venue. Specialties of Konoba Skoblar include food cooked under the "pod pekom" (an iron baking bell) and desserts such as Kalelarga cheesecake and Maraschino cake.
Beloved by locals for its seafood, Foša combines traditions and new trends in both its culinary offer and interiors' decorations. The place is named after the small harbours where it's located and that can be appreciated from the beautiful terrace.
Enjoy a complete fine-dining experience at Kaštel, where Croatian classics are revisited and enriched with Italian and French flavours. Seasonal, local ingredients are a must for this restaurant serving grate pastas, fresh fish and homemade bread.
A no-frills pizzeria located in the old town. Its pizzas are some of the best in Zadar but it also serves sandwiches and salads.
A traditional restaurant with classic Mediterranean cuisine and an interior decorated in the atmosphere of an old trattoria.
Offering Italian dishes as well as traditional Dalmatian seafood, at Bruschetta the focus in on traditional Mediterranean cuisine. The restaurant serves quality food in a casual environment and it's popular with locals for its lunch deals.
By many considered the best restaurant in town, Kornat offers top-quality food in a delightful location and charming atmosphere. The restaurant can boast a set of Dalmatian dishes prepared with prime-quality ingredients and a good selection of Croatian wines just to be savoured by customers on the great front-harbour location. Try the black risotto and the angler fish.
Prime-quality Croatian products are on sale at this tiny shop; many of them organic and made by small, local producers. Top choices are wines, olive oil, honey and truffle.
A lively market where to buy fresh fish, fruits and vegetables from local farmers, herbs and countless homemade products. Rooting back to the Middle Age, Zadar's market is one of the biggets and oldest in the Dalatian region.
The Archaeological Museum produces replicas of many of the artifacts on display (mainly made of pottery and artificial stone) that are on sell in its souvenirs shop.
Gligora is an award-winning producer of Pag Cheese (Paški Sir), a most beloved Croatian specialty. In addition to cheese, wine, prosciutto, oil an other local delicacies can be purchased here.
City Galleria is a modern venue combining a traditional market and a shopping mall. The market indoor and in the main open square has stalls of local producers selling fruit and vegetables, meat, fish and other delicacies of sort. Beside the market, many shops of renown fashion brands can also be found
Laudato Gallery sells Croatian sacred art with a focus on christian iconography. Inspired by Croatin heritage, the artists of the gallery create reliefs, illustrations and reproductions of St. Simeon's Chest, crafted after the one kept in the sanctuary.
World-famous Maraschino liqueur from Zadar and several other alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks made from maraschino and black cherries are on purchase in the shop of Maraska Inc.
A multi-brand store specialized in clothing,jewellery, shoes and purses by Croatian designers. This tiny independent shop is just few steps away from People's Square.
Prime-quality Croatian products are on sale at this tiny shop; many of them organic and made by small, local producers. Top choices are wines, olive oil, honey and truffle.
A lively market where to buy fresh fish, fruits and vegetables from local farmers, herbs and countless homemade products. Rooting back to the Middle Age, Zadar's market is one of the biggets and oldest in the Dalatian region.
Travellers who want to enter Croatia should have a passport issued within the past 10 years and valid for 3 months after their planned departure from the country. EU citizens are only requested to provide their ID card to enter the country. In most cases visas are not required for stays up to 90 days, but travellers are advised to check the Foreign and European Affairs Ministry's website.
The most popular period with tourists is between May and August, when the weather is hot and slightly humid. To enjoy warm weather and find cheaper accommodation, April and September may be the best options.
Zadar airport is located in Zemunik Donji, 12 km from the city centre. It operates internal as well as international flights, often with low-cost airlines.
Liburnija, the local public transport company,operates on 12 lines covering the whole city and some areas of the Zadar County.
There are several taxi companies operating in Zadar and the main taxi ranks can be found near the Bus Station (Autobusni kolodvor) and the ferry quay (Liburnska obala). Prices can differ depending on the company, so it's advisable to ask for the total amount in advance. Some reliable companies are: Taxi Lulić: +385 23 494 494 www.lulic.hr/taxi/en taxi@lulic.hr Taxi Denis: +385 98 424 071 www.taxi-zadar.com.hr taxideniszadar@gmail.com
There are two pharmacies in the city centre that are open 24/24 h: Centar Jurja Barakovića 2 +385 23 302 921 Donat Braće Vranjanina 14 Phone: +385 23 251 480
Beside the main post office, there is also another one in the city centre, located in Š.Kožičića Benje 1.
The Country Code for Croatia is +385
Travellers who want to enter Croatia should have a passport issued within the past 10 years and valid for 3 months after their planned departure from the country. EU citizens are only requested to provide their ID card to enter the country. In most cases visas are not required for stays up to 90 days, but travellers are advised to check the Foreign and European Affairs Ministry's website.
The most popular period with tourists is between May and August, when the weather is hot and slightly humid. To enjoy warm weather and find cheaper accommodation, April and September may be the best options.
