Traces of different cultures can be found on the Croatian peninsula of Zadar. The city of the same name, the centre of the peninsula, resembles a colourful mosaic, only made up not of smalt, but of a variety of buildings and structures. Dwelling houses built in the 19th century, the remains of an ancient Roman forum, the Roman cathedral of St. Anastasia and the Church of the Holy Trinity form a colourful and diverse picture of the town.

How to get there

The city is big by Croatian standards, and the population of the city is over 70,000 people. The city has a lot of things to do with the fact that it is situated on a narrow long peninsula on the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea. Zadar has its own international airport, from which you can get to the city by taxi or by bus very easily. However, the bus station is some distance from the old town, about 20-25 minutes on foot.

Zadar is connected by bus not only to the airport, but also to other major cities in the country, as well as several cities in Herzegovina and Bosnia and some European capitals. A ferry line connects Zadar with the coastal towns as well as the islands of the Zadar Archipelago, as well as with Ancona, Italy. When planning a self-drive road trip to Zadar, you should keep in mind that there are many toll roads in Croatia, and the allowed amount of alcohol in the driver's blood is 0%.

Beaches of Zadar

The first thing to say about a holiday in Zadar is that it's one of the most beautiful cities on the Adriatic coast. The coast here is intricately carved with bays and coves, pine trees growing sometimes a few meters from the water. The sea is clean and the beaches are fine, sandy and pebbly, so many people come here for holidays with children. Diving and scuba diving enthusiasts also love the resort. The proximity to the islands makes for a very varied and eventful holiday, as even a ferry ride to the archipelago is not an everyday occurrence.

Hotels and Restaurants

There are plenty of hotels in town. Regardless of the number of stars on the sign they offer professional service and genuine hospitality, ensuring a comfortable stay. The city's many restaurants and nightclubs allow you to fill your nightlife with colour and melodies. Tourists are also interested in events such as knightly tournaments.

During the day restaurants and cafes offer a varied menu, based on European cuisine and Croatian national dishes, including many fish dishes (influenced by the presence of islands nearby). Seafood dishes are usually prepared according to local recipes, allowing you to enjoy all the nuances of flavour of seafood. Zadar is also the location of the Maraska winery, producing the famous Maraskin liqueur from the local cherries, renowned throughout the world. The liqueur is excellent both as a drink and as a souvenir from Croatia.

If you're looking for a place to stay in Croatia's Zadar region, you'll have no trouble finding a hotel that suits your needs. There are all sorts of Hotels in Zadar Croatia, from budget-friendly options to luxurious resorts. Here are some of the best hotels in Zadar: The Art Hotel Kalelarga is a great place to stay if you're looking for a centrally located hotel. It's within walking distance of the city's main attractions, including the ancient Roman ruins and the Sea Organ. The hotel features a variety of rooms and suites, each with its own unique character. If you're looking for a luxurious hotel, the Hotel Kolovare is a great choice. The hotel has a wide range of amenities, including a spa, a fitness center, and multiple restaurants and bars. It's also right on the beach, making it the perfect place to relax and soak up the sun. If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, the Hotel Rossani is a great choice. It's a small, family-owned hotel that offers clean and comfortable rooms at a fraction of the cost of the larger resorts in the area. It's located just a few minutes' walk from the city center and the beach.

Zadar Entertainment and attractions

The nature of the peninsula is varied. Not far from the city are the national nature parks: Kornaty, Paklenica, Northern Velebit. For caving enthusiasts, there are numerous karst caves, some of which are really extreme, requiring special training. Winters are mild here, and summers are usually dry and hot. The Dalmatian coast is considered one of the sunniest regions in Europe, with more sunny days than anywhere else.

Like many cities along the Adriatic coast, Zadar has changed hands many times. It has been destroyed and rebuilt many times. Rising once again from the ruins, the city acquired new features, characteristic of the era. You can get an overview of the city, as well as admire its magnificent panoramas, by climbing the City Tower, the upper part of which has an observation deck. Fragments of the ancient forum, on whose ruins the Church of the Holy Trinity with a very beautiful bell tower was built, have been preserved in the city.

The town's most famous landmark is the Church of the Virgin Mary, built in the Romanesque style. The church belongs to the Benedictine monastery, the premises of which house a museum of religious art. The historic centre of the town is the Narodni trg square, with its Renaissance-style architectural ensemble. Another of the town's sights is the Morske orgulje, a local organ, the sound of which is highly valued by connoisseurs.

Other places of interest include the first Croatian university, the Benedictine monastery (with the Church Art Museum inside), St. Anastasia Cathedral, the Franciscan monastery, and the churches of St. Krcevan, St. Petar, St. Simun and St. Mihovil. Widely known are the Archaeological Museum of Zadar, the beautiful National Museum, the Maritime Museum and the Ethnological Museum in the old watchtower.