Beautiful Zadar, located in northern Croatia on the coast of the Adriatic Sea, is an incredible place for a summer getaway. Whether you’re an avid traveler or a newbie to the scene, Zadar offers many things to do inside the city and in the surrounding areas.
Here are 8 Things to Do in Zadar, Croatia:
#1: Walk Around Old Town Zadar
The white-washed churches, marbled streets and aesthetically-charming buildings are iconic to Croatian culture.
#2: Bust a Move on the Greeting to the Sun
At the end of the seaside boardwalk in Zadar is this massive solar-powered dance floor that changes colors and vividly lights up the night. Shrouds of tourists flock to this area as it’s a magnificent place to watch the sunset and then witness the colors transform around you.
#3: Wallow in the Cuisine
Since Zadar is settled on the Adriatic Sea, they’re known for their seafood delicacies. The tuna pate that was given as an appetizer at almost every restaurant was always fresh and delectable.
Since I’m allergic to shellfish, I can’t indulge in all scrumptious seafood but my husband adores it. While dining at Konoba Stamorica, he ordered the Seafood Platter and raved about it for hours! Be sure to make reservations for your dinners if visiting during the busy season!
Read More: 7 Tips for Visiting Zadar
#4: Watch the Sunset from the Boardwalk
Zadar has some of the most beautiful sunsets that illuminate the Adriatic waters. The boardwalk that hugs the sea gives a perfect front-row seat for those dreamy transformations of day turning into night. On the boardwalk, you can visit multiple stands with various Croatian treats, homemade jewelry, and even small monkeys!
#5: Relax in the Sounds of the Sea Organ
One of the most popular attractions of Zadar is the Sea Organ. If you’re walking on the boardwalk, you may see concrete steps spanning the edge of the boardwalk near the water. If you listen closely, you can hear the subtle whistles of the sea feeding into the pipes underneath.
#6: Swim at Nin’s Lagoon
While I’m not complaining about the pebbled beaches of Zadar, hailing from the U.S. all I’m used to is a nice stretch of sandy beach. I wasn’t too fond of the beach near our hotel so we took about a half hour drive northeast to the small town of Nin. With a shallow lagoon, you can walk hundreds of yards out into the water and still be knee-deep. The snorkeling opportunities are endless here too so bring your goggles!
#7: Indulge in Croatian Ice Cream
It seems like around almost every corner of Zadar are ice cream parlors with their specialties on display to tempt you. I’d say we passed about 10 on our way to dinner and I couldn’t wait to eat my meal so I could get back and enjoy a big, triple-scoop of one of these bad boys!
#8: Take a Day Trip to Plitvice
Without a doubt, my favorite part of our Croatian vacation was Plitvice Lakes National Park. This UNESCO Heritage Site has the most pristine-colored waters and lush greenery, dubbing it as one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.
Read more about my visit to Plitvice Lakes here
Read More European Travel Posts Here
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Beautiful! You make me want to sell my house and my husband and go travel there. Lol!!
haha this made me laugh! It is such a beautiful country but I will say it was probably the one place we went where practically nobody spoke English! I was really surprised with how much tourism they get but nonetheless, Zadar is incredible!
Oh really eh! Yeah that would be tough. I found it hard in general even we went to Italy, certain areas I had to act out things. Felt weird doing it because I didn’t want people to think I was being condescending. But it seemed to work.
You can definitely manage but it just makes it so much easier when they know what you’re saying. Then I feel bad for being there and not knowing there language! I really didn’t have a problem when I went to Italy but I was in super-touristy parts. My dream is to rent a car to go down the Amalfi coast through all of the little towns. Hopefully someday I can do that!
Yeah the Amalfi coast was beautiful but I wish it would not have been rushed.
Can imagine! I’ve been there; feeling like I have to fit everything in such a short amount of time. Still amazing memories though!
Yeah Def!! One of the most beautiful places I have been to.
I hope to make it there someday 🙂
I was struggling to think of somewhere to go on holiday this summer with my friends, I more think I know where I want to go! Aha, it looks amazing!!
It would be a PERFECT place to go with friends! The night life in Zadar is insane! There’s tons of bars and outdoor clubs with live bands–so much fun! I would highly recommend it for a holiday.
Hi Charli!
I’ve never heard of Zadar before but it looks amazing! This sparks my wanderlust! I want to visit everywhere and this is definitely at the top of the list! Amazing Post and photos!
Thank you for your comment! If you visit Zadar you HAVE to go to Plitvice! Such a stunning National Park, like one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been! Happy traveling 🙂
I never really thought of Croatia as a vacation destination but this post is making me excited to add it to my ever-growing travel list. Great pics and great tips.
Thank you dear!! It’s really a great place to visit!
I ate so much ice cream when I visited Croatia. The lagoon look stunning!! Xx
Haha you definitely cannot go to Croatia & not binge-eat ice cream! Some of the best in the world!
OMG, this looks like such a fun trip! I live in Slovenia so the words and culture are really similar, but I’ve wanted to visit Croatia for AGES! I think we’re going to go camping there this summer. I’m so excited!!! <3
Wow, I would love to live in there area! How lucky you are; western Europe is my favorite! Hope you have a great trip there this summer! Make sure to visit Plitvice!
Croatia’s been on my list for ages, and I hope I’m finally going this year! The last shot is absolutely breath taking, I can’t help but dream about it!
Yes, you definitely should! It’s often overlooked as a holiday destination but we had the best time there!
WOW! I am really interested in checking out Crotia! This post was very helpful! The ocean views here look amazing, and that solar powered dance floor looks like lots of fun! I will be in Malta for 6 months this year and this may very well be one of my getaway destinations while I’m there!
Thanks for sharing!
Much love,
Priscilla Akayla.
Wonderer. Wanderer. Wxnderer.
ForTheWxnderers.com
I loved Malta SO much! It was such an amazing place. And Croatia is definitely a must-visit! Make sure to check out Plitvice while you’re there; it’s stunning!