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Zadar is a port city in western Croatia. Bordering the Adriatic Sea to the west, it serves as the administrative center of Zadar County and the broader North Dalmatia region. Zadar is separated from the islands of Ugljan and Pašman by the narrow Zadar Strait. The promontory where Zadar's old town stands was once separated from the mainland by a deep moat, which was later filled in. The Port of Zadar, with its excellent berthing facilities, is located northeast of the city. It is spacious and safe, and boasts comprehensive port facilities. Zadar is also the center of the Catholic Diocese of Zadar. The population, including its suburbs, was 116,000 (as of 1981). Attractions include the Archaeological Museum, the Maritime Museum, and numerous medieval churches and Roman remains.
Mediterranean climate, best from April to September.
Roman Forum - the largest city square on the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea, founded by Augustus, the first emperor of the Roman Empire. Two steles show that the square was fully completed in the 3rd century AD.
Most of Zadar's Roman remains were used to build fortifications, but two squares are decorated with towering marble columns, a Roman tower stands on the east side of the city, and parts of the Roman aqueduct can be seen outside the city walls.
The biggest tourist attraction in Zadar is its church
The Church of St. Donatus is a majestic, circular, pre-Romanesque building built in the 9th century. Tradition holds that the church rests on the foundations of a temple to Juno, but this is incorrect. This church is one of the most important surviving buildings of its time in Dalmatia. Its large dome, surrounded by a two-story vaulted gallery, extends eastward through three apses. The church's treasury houses some of the finest Dalmatian metalwork, most notably the silver reliquary of St. Simeon, dating from 1380, and the episcopal canon of the Archbishop of Valareso, dating from 1460.
The Cathedral of St. Anastasia (Croatian: Sv. Stošija) is a Romanesque church built between the 12th and 13th centuries and is the largest Catholic church in Dalmatia.
Churches of San Chrysogono and San Simeon: both are Romanesque churches.
Saint-Cherchevan Church: a majestic Romanesque church with harmonious architectural proportions and elegant Romanesque decorations inside.
Church of St. Ilija: Sv. Ilija in Croatian
Church of St. Francis: A Gothic-style church where the Peace Treaty of Zadar was signed in 1358.
Wuquan Square
St. Mary's Church: A church built in 1105 with a well-preserved Romanesque bell tower. It was funded by a Zadar noblewoman named Zika for the Benedictine convent. The church was built in 1066. There is a fixed religious art exhibition every year, named "Zadar's Gold and Silver".
Other iconic buildings
Castle: Built in 1409, southwest of the land gate, it still retains its original appearance today.
Land Gate: Built in 1543 according to the design of the Venetian architect Michele San Michele.
The unique sea organ: morske orgulje in Croatian
Arsenal
Among the other main buildings is the Doge's Palace, rebuilt in 1565 and housing a public library and the Bishop's Old Palace, home to the mayor's residence and the Bishop's Palace.
Zadar is a historic coastal city in Croatia with over 3,000 years of history, featuring Roman ruins, medieval churches, and Venetian architecture. It played a strategic role in Adriatic trade and cultural development.
Zadar is located on the Dalmatian coast of Croatia. It can be reached by bus or car from Split, Zagreb, or Dubrovnik. Zadar Airport offers domestic and international flights. Within the city, walking is ideal for exploring the Old Town, with taxis available for longer trips.
The Old Town is accessible year-round, 24/7. Major attractions like museums and churches usually open 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best time to visit is late spring and early autumn for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
Most outdoor sites like Sea Organ and Sun Salutation are free. Museums and churches charge 20–80 HRK (~3–11 USD), and tickets can be purchased at the entrance or online for popular attractions.
Advance booking is recommended for museums, guided tours, or island excursions during summer, usually 1–2 weeks ahead.
2–3 days are recommended to explore the Old Town, museums, waterfront, and nearby islands. A full day can cover main highlights if short on time.
Guided tours are widely available in English, German, Italian, and Spanish. Audio guides can also be rented at some museums.
Start at the Roman Forum, walk through Kalelarga Street, visit St. Donatus Church, St. Anastasia Cathedral, and end at the waterfront to see the Sea Organ and Sun Salutation.
Evening visits to the Sea Organ and Sun Salutation are recommended for sunset views. Some museums offer special evening tours in summer.
Summer (July–August) is the busiest. Late spring (May–June) and early autumn (September) are less crowded, especially on weekdays.
Public restrooms, cafes, restaurants, souvenir shops, benches, and drinking water fountains are widely available in the Old Town and waterfront.
Many areas in the Old Town have cobblestones and stairs, which may challenge wheelchair users. Ramps and accessible paths exist in some locations; children and elderly can navigate with caution.
Most shops, restaurants, and ticket counters accept cards and mobile payments, though cash is recommended for small vendors.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available in many restaurants. Halal options are limited and usually available at specialized international restaurants.
Buses and taxis connect Zadar to Split, Dubrovnik, and nearby islands. Car rentals are ideal for exploring surrounding national parks and coastal areas.
