Zadar travel guide

Zadar, a city with a past steeped in history, is located on the Adriatic Sea in Croatia.

The city's rich history dates back to the Stone Age, but it was the Romans who left a significant imprint with their forum, which is the largest on the eastern side of the Adriatic.

Throughout the centuries, Zadar faced various invasions and rulers, including Byzantine, Venetian, and Hungarian dominations. It was a prominent city under Venetian rule during the Middle Ages.

Zadar's tumultuous journey continued well into the 20th century, enduring heavy bombing during World War II and changing hands from Italy to Yugoslavia.

Today, Zadar stands as a symbol of resilience, beautifully blending its historical legacy with modernity. It is a city where Roman ruins stand alongside contemporary architectural wonders like the Sea Organ and the Sun Salutation, making it an irresistible destination for history buffs and travelers alike.

On this page, you'll find all the top travel services in Zadar, Croatia. Enjoy the convenience of planning and booking every detail of your trip to Zadar, including flights, accommodations, activities, and more, in one place.

Discover the cheapest and most popular flights offered by a variety of airlines that fly to Croatia. Check out the best things to do in Zadar by browsing over 281 top-rated tours available to you in the city. Compare the rates and services of the stays and 12 car rental companies offering CDW insurance coverage.

Experience the best of Zadar with an expertly curated and fully customizable itinerary. Get answers to questions about the routes and services offered in Zadar from our free 24/7 customer support. We make it easy for you to find and book every detail of your trip to Zadar with this travel guide.

Continue reading this Zadar travel guide to learn how you can enjoy a stress-free and memorable vacation in the city of Zadar!

The best time to explore Zadar, Croatia is during the late spring and early autumn, specifically from May to June and September to October. During these periods, the weather is pleasantly warm, averaging between 20°C to 28°C, and the Adriatic Sea is just right for a delightful swim. These months also witness lesser tourist inflow, allowing for a more relaxed exploration of the historic city, its Roman ruins, and picturesque beaches. The annual 'Zadar Summer Theatre Festival' in July and the 'Musical Evenings in St. Donatus' in July and August can add a cultural dimension to your visit. However, they also bring in more crowds. For those interested in outdoors and adventure sports, early autumn is great for sailing and windsurfing. So, if you want to enjoy Zadar’s charm without the hustle and bustle, plan your visit outside the peak summer months.

When in Zadar, make sure to visit the local markets for a genuine taste of the city's vibrant culture. Locals suggest the Green Market and the Fish Market, where you can find fresh produce, seafood, and artisanal goods. But here's an insider tip: don't rush to make your purchases first thing in the morning. Instead, visit these markets in the late morning hours, around 11 AM. Why? This is when locals say you can score the best deals. As the morning progresses, vendors are keen to sell their remaining goods before the midday heat and are often willing to lower their prices. So, not only will you get a glimpse of local life, but you'll also get to enjoy some great bargains!

With destinations such as Zadar, a trip to Croatia needs no further explanation. Spanning over 56,594 square kilometers, Croatia is an expansive playground of discovery, offering a wealth of diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and captivating experiences awaiting exploration. From bustling metropolises to historic towns and modern urban hubs, Croatia has something to enchant every traveler.

In Zadar alone, travelers are spoiled for choice with an array of experiences and world-famous attractions such as Sea Organ, Church of St. Donatus, and Market Zadar. Thus, a trip to Croatia becomes essential. Whether you're drawn to historical sites, natural wonders, or vibrant cultural experiences, Croatia offers an abundance of treasures waiting to be discovered.

There's so much to explore and uncover in Croatia. Click or tap the link below to discover more about Croatia and its offers.

Expect an exhilarating journey through Zadar, a haven brimming with attractions to suit every traveler’s taste. From historical landmarks to natural wonders, and delectable cuisine, Zadar offers an abundance of experiences waiting to be discovered. Dive into this ultimate Zadar travel guide to uncover must-visit spots and get the scoop on what makes the city so special.

You've explored Zadar's top attractions and marked them on your map. So now, it's time to delve deeper and discover the top things to do in Zadar. These activities not only offer excitement and adventure but also provide unique insights into the city's culture and heritage. Take your experience to the next level by checking out the best sights with a knowledgeable guide, embarking on fun adventures unique to Zadar, or learning more about the city's rich history and traditions.

Discover the most popular tours and experiences in the city below.

International travelers can fly to Zadar by booking flights with Croatia Airlines, easyJet, Transavia, Luxair, and Norwegian International, offering flights to Zadar. From the arrival airport, travelers can choose from various public and private transfer options to Zadar.

For those seeking the best flight ticket deals to Zadar, knowing the cheapest travel times and which airlines offer the most affordable flights is helpful. Luckily, we provide this information to help you discover the cheapest and most popular flights to Zadar. Go to this page to compare all flights to Zadar.

To navigate Zadar effortlessly, renting a car is an excellent choice. With your own wheels, you can explore every nook and cranny of the destination without relying on public transportation and even venture off the beaten path. On our website, you'll discover a selection of over 12 car rental companies in Zadar, ready to provide you with the perfect vehicle for your travels.

Automatic cars for rent in Zadar start at 23 EUR per day or 160 EUR per week. The cheapest automatic rental car is an Opel Corsa. If you prefer driving a manual car, you'll find multiple options for rent in Zadar, starting at 16 EUR per day or 114 EUR per week. The cheapest manual rental car is a Volkswagen Up.

Learn more about the different types of cars you can rent in Zadar, Croatia below.

The city of Zadar is just one of the many unique and scenic destinations you can visit in Croatia. So if you're itching for another cultural adventure, a relaxing road trip, an action-filled city break, or a memorable weekend getaway, know that Croatia has it all.

Each destination in Croatia offers something unique to experience! Take the opportunity to visit other captivating places in Croatia that are as magical as the city of Zadar. The most popular travel destinations in Croatia are listed below. Click on the name of the place you want to explore next to learn more about it.

Experience the authentic charm of Croatia by expanding your travels beyond the boundaries of Zadar. Explore other destinations around Croatia with a domestic flight. A domestic flight is typically a short-haul flight, with the longest duration not exceeding two hours. To find the best flights from Zadar to other amazing locations in Croatia, add the required details below and select 'Search' to view the best domestic flights in Croatia for your chosen dates. You can also jump to the last section of this travel guide to find the most popular domestic flights from Zadar.

Getting around Zadar, Croatia is fairly easy with a variety of transportation options available. The city's public bus system, run by Liburnija Zadar, is an efficient way to travel within the city. The buses are frequent, reliable, and connect all major points of interest. Regular tickets can be purchased from the driver, at kiosks, or at the main bus station.

Taxis are also readily available and make for a convenient but slightly more expensive mode of transport. Uber also operates in Zadar, providing another option for hassle-free travel.

For those wanting more flexibility, rental car services are provided by numerous companies. This allows the freedom to explore not only the city but also the beautiful surrounding areas at your own pace.

A unique local travel experience is taking a passenger ferry to the nearby islands. It's a scenic way to travel and offers a different perspective on the area. The Sea Organ and the Greeting to the Sun, two of Zadar's most famous attractions, can be reached by a short ferry ride from the Old Town.