zadar daily travel budget

What to do in Zadar Croatia on a Budget + Walking Tour Map

We chose to make Zadar, Croatia our home base for a month this Fall. For us, it was the perfect balance of interesting things to see but with fewer crowds than its southern neighbors on the Dalmatian Coast. We found plenty of budget-friendly things to do in Zadar Croatia during our stay. We can’t wait to share them with you!

In this post, we’ll cover:

* Get access to our Zadar walking map here *  

Table of Contents

An Introduction to Zadar, Croatia

Is zadar worth visiting.

In short: yes, of course. But it’s all relative. Zadar might not have quite as much to offer as its sister cities on the coast, Split and Dubrovnik. On the other hand, Zadar still has a charming Old Town and beaches, but without as many tourists. And there are plenty of opportunities for day trips to islands, historic villages, and National Parks.

How to get to Zadar

There are few direct flights to Zadar Croatia, so you may need to fly through Zagreb. From there, it’s just a quick little flight to Zadar. In high season (April to October), low cost carriers like EasyJet and Ryan Air do have direct routes to Zadar from the UK, Germany, and a couple other cities.

We also looked into an overnight ferry to Zadar from Italy, but we found the cost and schedule to be less than ideal for our purposes.

If you are already in Croatia, or its neighboring countries, you can always arrive by car or bus as well. Click here for our Dalmatian Coast road trip itinerary.

Fast facts about Zadar

• Zadar is the fifth largest city in Croatia.
• Zadar is located on the Dalmatian Coast, roughly in the middle of the country’s coastline, along the Adriatic Sea.
• This area has been populated longer than any other in Croatia, with ruins dating back to the Stone Age.
• It was a Roman colony, so you’ll find the Old Town built in the Roman style along with ruins from that era.
• Zadar was bombed during WWII and attacked by the Serbs in 1991.
• Zadar’s fortified Old Town sits on a small peninsula and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• They city has recently been named “entertainment center of the Adriatic,” “Croatia’s new capital of cool,” and the “Best European Destination of 2016” by various publications.
• Zadar has mild, wet, Mediterranean winters and very warm, humid summers. Freezing temperatures are very rare.

What to Do in Zadar

We hear that a decade ago, Zadar was truly and only a budget destination. It’s grown up a lot since then. Today, it’s still more affordable than many European destinations. And there are plenty of things to do in Zadar Croatia for travelers looking to save money.

Sightsee with Jadera Secrets

To get yourself oriented, we recommend starting with an Old Town walking tour like Jadera Secrets. This is a unique self-guided experience that combines sightseeing and history in the form of a game or scavenger hunt. We had a great time!

Jadera Secrets is short (about 75 minutes), and will take you to Zadar’s must see places. For this reason, it’s a great starting point for a longer stay or can also work if you only have a few hours in Zadar. 

If you’ve done an escape room before, Jadera Secrets is a lot like that except it’s mobile. (So smart!) You will be welcomed by a host who will give you a mysterious wooden suitcase and some instructions. The suitcase has locks that you need to open by solving fun riddles at points of interest around Old Town Zadar. The riddles are designed to take some thought but are beginner-friendly so you can move through the activity in a timely way.

After picking up the suitcase from the host, you’re on your own and can go at a pace that suits you. Each time you unlock a part of the game, you access a small wooden tablet that unveils the next location and a new riddle. (You will have a phone to call for clues if needed.) Once you complete the game, you’ll return the box to the host and enjoy a final little surprise. 

You can sign up for the game in a group of 2 – 5 people, or break up into teams and compete against each other. For now, Jadera Secrets runs only during the Summer season, and they are currently busy preparing some new adventures for the Summer of 2020. Big thanks to Lucija for hooking us up with this experience during our stay!

Learn more and book Jadera Secrets here >

Top 10 free things to do in Zadar

1. browse the local market.

Old Town is home to Zadar’s open air produce market, often called the Green Market here. It boasts the finest delicacies the Mediterranean climate has to offer: fresh fruit, vegetables, olive oil, eggs, honey, and cheese. It’s all produced close by and often sold by the farmers themselves. Prices are set, though not always displayed.

Surrounding the open air stalls are local butchers, a fish market, some clothing vendors, and a regular supermarket. Try to visit in the morning, as the produce vendors start packing up mid-day.

You might also like: Zadar Guided Market Tour and Cooking Class

2. People watch in the People’s Square

The People’s Square in Old Town is a popular meeting point with open air cafes, an 11th century church, shops, and more. Since it’s straight up from the Bridge Gate, this square is a thoroughfare for people coming and going from Old Town.

3. Window shop from the pedestrian streets

The main street, Kalelarga, and Borelli/Špire Brusine street are lined with boutiques, souvenir shops, and cafes. Delivery and service vehicles come through, usually first thing in the morning, but otherwise you can enjoy Old Town as a pedestrian-only zone. 

We especially like the hand-made local goods at the Ars Natura shops. 

4. Visit St. Donatus’ Church

The Church of St. Donatus is an icon of Zadar. Built in the 9th Century, it has a very simple and round construction. It is now used primarily for concerts. At the time of this writing, entry is 20 kuna and a strict dress code is observed.

5. Walk around the Roman Forum

Once the center of Roman life, the forum of Zadar still contains fragments of columns and temples from the 3rd Century. Today, Croatia’s largest Roman forum is still a popular gathering place. There’s a busy cafe on the square, and you’re free to roam around the ruins like a giant outdoor museum.

6. Catch a sunset on the Riva

Zadar’s waterfront promenade, or Riva , overlooks the islands of Ugljan and Pašman. Perfect for a scenic stroll! We enjoyed many walks from the Forum to the Sea Organ during Zadar’s famous sunsets.

7. Enjoy the sounds of the Sea Organ

What is a sea organ, you ask? ​It’s an ingenious design by a Croatian architect who put 35 organ-like pipes into the concrete of Zadar’s seaside promenade. Waves and wind push air through the pipes, creating harmonic sounds. ​ ​This is the world’s first musical pipe organ that is played by the sea!

8. Be dazzled by the Greeting to the Sun light display

Simultaneously with “the most beautiful sunset in the world,” these photo-voltaic modules installed in the ground create a light show each night. They’re designed by the same Croatian architect who made the sea organ next to it. ​ ​This masterpiece is named “Greeting to the sun” and, at the time of this writing, was cordoned off for repairs, but the lights still come on after dark.

9. Explore Queen Jelena Madijevka Park

This public park bordering the Old Town peninsula is full of shaded pathways, a few historic monuments, water features, and a playground for kids. The smaller park with a cafe can be entered by the five wells. The larger park surrounds the smaller one, though it has separate entrances.

10. Admire the Land Gate and marina

This is Zadar’s most intricate remaining fortress gate, which was once the main entrance to the city. It’s now a thoroughfare through the fortress wall for locals coming into Old Town. Cars may enter but they can’t go far once inside.

Other recommended things to do in Zadar: Go for a bike ride

We enjoyed a great day trip with bicycles from Zzuum Active Vacation . Their location in Old Town was convenient to pick up the bikes. They hooked us up with a panier, maps, and recommendations for taking the ferry and exploring Ugljan island. The bicycles were in excellent shape, with sturdy tires and shocks for unpaved roads.

Read more about our Ugljan Island day trip here

Book your self-guided bike tour of Ugljan island here >

Zzuum was great to work with, so check them out if you’re looking for bike, scooter, or boat rentals. They also lead excursions, adventure tours, and guided cycling holidays.

Another option, if you’re not planning to go as far or are on a tight budget, is to use the bike share system, NextBike . It’s 5 HRK (less than $1 US) for each half hour, you just have to return it to a station within 30 minutes before continuing on.

We took NextBikes from the Bridge Gate, biked along the waterfront, “checked in” at the Borik station, bike a bit further and returned to the Borik station, and finally rode back to the Bridge Gate to drop off the bikes for good. We did have issues trying to pay on site, so we highly recommend setting up your credit card in the app. You can just scan the QR code on the bike and with a few clicks, you’re on your way. 

Wine Tasting at Local Vineyards

Growing wine is a centuries-old tradition in Croatia. Some of the best wines come from nearby Dalmatian islands. The best known indigenous grape in Dalmatia is the red Plavac Mali, a Zinfandel mix. 

If you’re on a budget, it’s easy to find Dalmatian wines in the supermarkets for less than $10. For a full wine tasting experience, you can schedule a wine tasting at a vineyard or book a wine tour from Zadar. Degarra Winery is the closest to town, so if you don’t have your own car, you can hire an Uber or taxi. Tastings start at 130 kuna with cold cuts.

Zadar Museums

If you’re looking for a rainy day activity, pop inside one of Zadar’s museums. The Zadar Archeological Museum next to the Roman Forum covers the area’s human history from late Stone Age to Roman rule. It has three floors of artifacts with descriptions in Croatian and English. Entrance is 30 kuna for adults.

On the edge of Old Town are a pair of museums, one featuring Ancient Glass (30 kn) and the other an interactive Museum of Illusion (70 kn adults, 50 kn children, 200 kn family of 4).

Zadar in one day: Self-guided walking tour itinerary and map

Our interactive Zadar walking tour map includes all of our recommended things to do and places to see from this post. We also map out a suggested route for walking through Old Town Zadar to make the most of your time.

If you have only one day in Zadar, or just want to get acquainted with the top sights, we hope our self-guided walking map will help!

Zadar Tours

What to eat in zadar, croatia.

Much like Italy , Croatians have a tradition of using fresh, quality local ingredients and cooking from scratch. ​We found it interesting that even locals can’t quite seem to put their finger on exactly what defines Croatian cuisine. As in the U.S., Croatia has many influences on their food culture. ​ ​Italy, being just across the Adriatic, may be the largest influence. Nearly half the restaurants in Zadar seem to feature pizza and pasta. The coffee culture is similar to Italy as well. Other influences come from surrounding Balkan countries.

Of course, Croatia has its own specialties as well – often involving grilled or stewed meat or fish. Most of these Croatian foods were completely new to us.

Here are some of the dishes that locals recommended we try in Zadar:

Dalmatian pašticada – This is a very typical dish for Zadar and can be found on most local menus. There is a version with beef or a tuna steak, stewed with a gravy-like sauce that’s flavored with nutmeg and dessert wine. This hearty meal is usually served with gnocchi.

Seafood – With miles of coastline, it’s no wonder fish and seafood are a staple on the Dalmatian Coast. Popular dishes included grilled fish, octopus salad, Kapešante (a type of scallop), marinated anchovies in olive oil, Škampi na buzaru (shrimp in garlic, tomato, and white wine), crni rižot (black risotto made with squid and cuttlefish), and fiš paprikaš (fish stewed with garlic, wine, paprik, chili). 

Peka – Peka is a method of cooking that’s unique to this region. It involves cooking on an open fire. Lamb, veal or octopus is placed with potatoes or other vegetables inside a large dish and covered with a bell-shaped lid. Hot coals are made to cover the lid while the meat slowly cooks in its own juices.

Soup – You’ll find several tasty soups and stews in Zadar, either as an appetizer or entree. Brudet (or Brodet) is a popular fish stew with polenta. Maneštra is a vegetable soup with potatoes, carrots, celery, peas and corn in broth. Goveđa juha, beef soup, is a common starter at restaurants. Čobanac is another meat stew with paprika, traditionally made in a cauldron over open fire.

Baked Goods – Zadar is full of bakeries, which offer both sweet and savory items. In addition to croissants and baklava, you will also find typical Croatian pastries like: soparnik (like a double-sided pizza or a thin panini with swiss chard), burek (flaky, filo dough pastry with different fillings), fritule (like a small beignet with apple, raisins, or chocolate sauce), kroštule (crispy, deep fried ribbons of dough), orahnjača (a walnut roll, common on holidays), Zagorski štrukli (a very traditional baked dough, fruit filling, and cheese from the North).

Ćevapi and Kebabs – While these did not originate in Croatia, they are very commonly found in the “fast food” stalls around town. Ćevapi refers to the skinless minced meat sausage, which is usually served on flatbread like a sandwich. Many places let you choose your toppings: onions, lettuce, etc. and you can usually add a side of fries.

Best Restaurants in Zadar Old Town

Butler Gourmet & Cocktails –  This is a stylish restaurant with excellent service, a tasty menu, and reasonable prices. They have both regional specialties as well as more innovative dishes, like the signature Butler burger which is delicious if a little unwieldy to hold. Burger was 80 kuna, tuna pasticada with gnocchi 100 kuna. 

Restoran Malo Misto –  Normally open with patio and grill, but in the winter they have limited hours and limited menu in their small bar across the street. We loved the 3 course menu of the day (plus salad). Tasty soups, hearty mains, and delicious dessert for 90 kuna per person. You can make reservations online.

Restaurant 2 Ribara –  A stylish, modern space with good service and good Mediterranean/Dalmatian food. We had the daily set menu (available at lunch, may be limited to Advent season) with appetizer, entree, and dessert, plus bread, for 75 kuna ($11.10 USD) which was filling and delicious.

Other recommended restaurants: Pet Bunara , Bistro Gourmet Kalelarga .

For casual cheap eats, try: Fast Food Branimir , Gricko Grill, Coffee & Cake , Moja Feta .

Where to stay in Zadar Croatia

Before staying in Zadar for a month, I did a lot of research into the best area to stay in Zadar. We’re really glad we chose to stay in the Old Town peninsula . Almost all of the major points of interest are in Old Town as well as the produce market, grocery store, many cafes, and restaurants.

In the summer, we hear the crowds can get overwhelming in Old Town. But off season, it has a laid back feel with locals going about their day. Coastal neighborhoods like Diklo and Borik were also recommended to us, but these areas seem more geared toward summer beach stays. Sightseeing and restaurants would be limited over there if you didn’t have a car or bike. There are also some accommodation options “downtown” which has more amenities, but the new part of Zadar is actually pretty drab when it comes to curb appeal.

In conclusion, we think the best place to stay in Zadar is in Old Town. We can highly recommend the apartment where we stayed , which is right at the heart of everything. It’s a lovely two-bedroom with open kitchen and living room, conveniently located on the main pedestrian street. The host, Mia, grew up in the same apartment and recently remodeled the place to host guests. 

Check rates and availability for Apartment Anai here >>

If you prefer a traditional hotel experience, Art Hotel Kalelarga is a highly rated 4 star hotel very close to our apartment. It’s very modern and stylish, with continental breakfast included. We enjoyed having coffee and croissants in their smoke-free cafe downstairs.

Check rates and availability for Art Hotel Kalelarga >>

Fall/Winter Off Season in Zadar: Our Experience in November

We received mixed messages when we told people we would be staying in Zadar in November. Some people would tell us that everything would be closed up in Croatia’s off season. True, some tourist-dependent restaurants and activities do shut their doors during the winter. Occasionally, we would read online about a highly rated place we wanted to try, only to find out it was closed. But there were still plenty of things to do and places to eat everywhere we went.

The beach bars are empty and the water is too cold to swim, but we were not visiting Croatia for the beaches. If, like us, your priority is to experience local life and culture, this obviously does not go away in the off season! In fact, in late Fall and Winter, you can experience authentic Croatia without large tourist crowds. 

Visiting Croatia in Winter does mean more of a gamble when it comes to weather. November is Zadar’s rainiest month, and we happened to be there during a particularly wet year. We didn’t mind too much, especially since Winter is usually even gloomier and colder where we come from (Oregon). Although rain was in the forecast most days, it only rained for a portion of the day then cleared up. And being on the Mediterranean, temperatures remained mild (40’s to low 70’s Fahrenheit). If I were to do it over again, I would probably choose to visit in October for the best shoulder season experience.

With a light rain jacket, water proof shoes, and layers, we were just fine. We enjoyed our share of nice sunny days!

✈️ Protect your Zadar, Croatia trip with Travel Insurance – We’ve started using Nomad Insurance by Safety Wing for affordable evacuation, international medical, and trip coverage.

What travel restrictions and rules are in place in Croatia? Find post-pandemic travel updates for Croatia here: What you need to know about Croatia travel right now

You might also like:

Our Travel Packing List for Europe travel in Fall and Winter Best Day Trips from Zadar, Croatia Dalmatian Coast Road Trip Itinerary

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World Travel Food Culture for Independent Travelers

Visiting Zadar Croatia On A Budget

The following guest post is from Anna Timbrook who chronicles her travel experiences on Expert World Travel

Table of Contents

It’s often said that Croatia’s most beautiful city on the Adriatic coast is Zadar. And we couldn’t agree more; with a stunning old town that lies on a peninsula and offers spectacular sea views no matter where you look, there’s definitely something enchanting about this coastal city. 

What makes Zadar even better is that you can explore it without breaking the bank. It’s not really an expensive city by Croatian standards, and nowhere near as pricey as the ever so popular vacation spots like Dubrovnik and Hvar. Our guide will teach you how to explore Zadar on a budget, and tell you all about the amazing things you can do there for free!

Tips For Visiting Zadar Croatia On A Budget

Accommodation in Zadar is not very expensive – it’s possible to find decent double rooms in the center of Old Town for some $40 a night. If you look outside the historic part of the city, those prices go down all the way to $20 for a room for two, and studio apartments can cost as little as $30.

The further you are from the old town, the cheaper everything is from accommodation to cafes. And bear in mind that Zadar isn’t exactly a massive town – it’s easy to walk from one spot to another, and the public transport within the city is pretty okay. 

We’d recommend visiting Zadar in the off season for the most-budget friendly experience. Prices of everything are slashed by some 50% compared to what you’ll see in July and August, and the weather is much more pleasant. 

If you are visiting Zadar only for a day and you’re driving there on your own, the only thing you need to think about is where you will park the car. We recommend the Zadar Parkplatz – a massive parking area just outside the entrance into the old town, which happens to be the cheapest parking in the city. 

What To See In Zadar

Zadar is full of interesting places to see, and the best thing about them is that most are completely free of charge. It costs nothing to stroll around the old town, go for a swim on the beach and visit some ancient buildings and award-winning monuments. 

Sea Organ 

The Sea Organ is Zadar’s most impressive attraction and it’s entirely free of charge. It’s a unique monument that represents an attempt to communicate with nature via sound, and you can actually hear it before you see it. 

This is in fact a set of polyurethane tubes that are hidden below stone steps that descend into the sea. You can see openings in the stone when you’re walking along the promenade – that’s where the music is coming from. As the waves crash into the tubes, they produce amazing melodies that just give you the chills – especially when you realize that it’s nature that’s creating the wonderful music. 

The steps of the Sea Organ also serve as an impromptu beach, meaning you can easily go for a swim here. Just bear in mind that the water is very deep in that area, so we’d only recommend that to experienced and confident swimmers. 

Monument To The Sun

The Monument to the Sun and the Sea Organ were both designed by the same architect, Nikola Bašić, who was actually awarded for these designs. And both monuments are an attempt to communicate with nature – where the Sea Organ does that with enchanting melodies, the Monument to the Sun does so with light. 

This is a light installation that consists of several different circles that represent the solar system and its planets. The largest circle of all represents the sun, with the smaller ones that practically meet with the Sea Organ depict planets. This monument only lights up at night, and it’s a truly spectacular sight. 

But even when the massive installation isn’t lit up, it reflects colors magnificently – witnessing the sunset here is truly a spectacular experience. This sun circle is fenced off for now, due to it being vandalized a few times in the past. 

Church Of St. Donatus

The Church of St. Donatus is a massive pre-Romanesque church in Zadar old town. Its initial construction began in the 9th century, but it wasn’t actually finished until the 15th century. 

This catholic church absolutely dominates the entire Roman forum where it stands, and that’s not even the weirdest thing about it. 

That would be the circular shape, which is rather unusual for such an old church. It’s absolutely a glorious sight, and it’s not very easy to comprehend its size until you are actually standing in front of it. 

Right next to the massive church is a bell tower that offers breathtaking views of Zadar from the top. There is an entrance fee but it’s only about 15 kuna – totally worth it if you want a panoramic vista of this stunning city. 

Five Wells Square

The Five Wells Square is another interesting spot in Zadar that’s entirely free to see. If you enter the old town through the Land Gate head right up the stairs – you will see the square, as well as the vast Queen Jelena Madijevka park. 

The square was originally built in the 16th century, when those wells were a rare water source for the people of Zadar. Nowadays it’s a popular tourist attraction, as well as a great spot for open air concerts. The only thing we don’t like is the cafe right there on the square – it does kill the overall ancient vibe, but it’s actually a decent spot for a coffee break. 

The park is another spot worth checking out – it’s just steps away from Zadar’s historic center and yet it feels like you’re in a completely different place. It’s a rather serene setting that’s the complete opposite of the tourist crowds in the old town, while the massive trees make it a great spot to escape the city heat. 

Museum Of Illusions

The world’s first Museum of Illusions opened in Zagreb , and soon after it became such a massive hit that you can now find branches in places like New York and Toronto. It’s one of the few things that’s absolutely worth paying for – during peak season the tickets are some 50kn, which isn’t that expensive to begin with. And they’re a lot cheaper in the offseason. 

The Museum of Illusions is a unique experience with more than 70 different exhibits. From illusions like your head on a silver platter to a room that makes you dizzy as soon as you step inside – it’s truly a one of a kind experience that you will not regret having. It will take you about two hours to explore the entire museum, and it’s best if you bring someone along so you can get some really unique photos. 

About the author, Anna Timbrook:

Anna was born to travel the world having studied languages all her life. Although she has traveled the world, she now calls Switzerland home and spends her time writing about her experiences on Expert World Travel . You can follow her on Facebook , Twitter and Pinterest .

About The Author

Stephen Bugno

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What To Do In Zadar In One Day Itinerary (2024)

Are you wondering what to do in Zadar in one day? I’ve got you covered!

I grew up in Croatia and I visited Zadar many times throughout the years. I usually only had a day in Zadar, so I came up with a perfect one day in Zadar itinerary that hits all the main things to see!

Zadar is a fantastic stop if you are on a Croatian road trip, as it is ideally located, in the middle of the Croatian coastline. 

Whether you’re into historical sites or beaches, there are things to do in Zadar for every type of traveler.

Let’s find out what to do in Zadar for a day!

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, and I may earn a commission if you make a purchase using my link, at no extra cost to you. I hope you find the information here useful! 

Best Things To Do In Zadar In One Day

Zadar is worth a visit even if you only have one day to explore!

Since you only have one day in Zadar, we will start with the most important landmarks, and you can add the rest depending on how much time you have left.

1. Listen To The Music Of Nature At Zadar Sea Organ

Start your visit with the relaxing sounds of nature-made music at Zadar Sea Organ . This installation uses the waves to create the most incredible music.

The sound it makes sounds like an organ. It is truly a unique experience and a must-see (and hear) in Zadar!

If you are visiting in the summer, go early in the morning to enjoy the quiet and peaceful atmosphere while the Sea Organ is still in the shade. 

It is possible to swim next to the Sea Organ as well! If you want to jump in for a quick dip, there are ladders to easily go out all along the coastline. 

2. Admire St. Donatus’ Church

Make your way along the Riva to Zadar’s most famous landmark. The Church of St. Donatus was built in the 9th century and is the largest pre-Romanesque church in the country. 

However, it has not been used as a religious site for quite a long time. Because of its exceptional acoustics, today it is used as the venue for musical programs.

Check out the schedule for Donat Musical evenings if you are a classical music lover. 

3. See The Ruins Of An Ancient Roman Forum

Zadar was a Roman town known as Zara, and there are ruins dating back to Roman times all over the city.

As you walk around St. Donatus church, you can’t miss the remains of the ancient Roman Forum. It is the biggest Roman forum on the east coast of the Adriatic Sea.   

There is not much left of the Grand Roman Forum today compared to Pula and its majestic Roman ruins.

Yet, you can still see some of the original structures, including a pillar used as a pillar of shame in the Middle Ages. 

🏛️ Learn more about Zadar with a Historical walking tour!

5. Monastery of St Mary and Exhibition of Religious Art

Right across the St. Donatus Church stands the Monastery of St. Mary, built in the 11th century.

You can admire the architecture from the outside or check out the permanent exhibition.

The collection of Religious Art, Gold, and Silver of Zadar houses around 200 artifacts dating from the 8th to 18th century.

6. Stroll the most popular street in Zadar Kalelarga

The most famous street in Zadar must be Kalelarga Street.

There is even a famous Croatian song about the street that plays in my head every time I think of the street!

Kalelarga is now officially called Wide Street and is the main walking street in the old city.

Just like it has been since ancient times!

7. Admire St. Anastasia’s Cathedral

Impressive St. Anastasia’s Cathedral was built in the 12th and 13th centuries and is the largest church in Dalmatia. 

The whole area surrounding the Cathedral is very picturesque and full of hidden gems.

You can grab a coffee on the square in front of the church or wander the cobblestone streets and see what you might discover. 

8. Find all the historical gates of Zadar

Zadar City Walls, dating back to the 12th century, were added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2017.

There are three Gates along the city walls -The Land Gate, the Sea Gate, and the New Gate. 

The Land Gate is the most famous of the three of them. Once the main entrance to the city, this impressive piece of Venetian architecture was built in 1543.

The gate features the carved figure of St Chrysogonus on horseback and St Mark’s winged lion – the coat of arms of the Republic of Venice

The Sea Gate was built in 1573 to signify the victory of the Christian Army over the Ottomans. It is located between the ferry port and the city market. 

Finally, the New Bridge gate, built during the Italian occupation of Zadar, is the most used today. It connects the bridge and a street that leads to Kalelarga Street. 

9. Climb the City Walls and read about the history of Zadar

It is possible to climb the city walls and admire Zadar streets from above.

It is free to walk the city walls! You can climb up the stairs next to the New Gate and descend next to the Sea Gate.

You can read all about the city’s history on the signs along the promenade. Also, you can find a miniature version of Zadar where you can plan what to see in Zadar in one day!

10. Check out the Farmers’ Market

To taste the most flavorful fruits and vegetables in Croatia, you should buy them at a farmer’s market.

These markets are common in Croatia, and you will find this traditional method of selling local food in almost every city.

Stroll through the Zadar’s Market and grab a quick and healthy snack.

11. See Five Wells Square And Zoranić Square

Petar Zoranić Square is one of the most beautiful squares in Zadar, with a column relocated from the Forum among the buildings.

Five Wells Square is exactly what it sounds like, a square with five wells. These old wells were constructed to get the water from the old water reservoir built by the Venetians.

This picturesque square is surrounded by medieval walls and the Captain’s tower, part of the Venetian defense system.

12. Check out the amazing view of Zadar from Queen Jelena Madijevka Park

Climb the stairs from Five Wells Square to Queen Jelena Madijevka Park. This little green oasis in the city center is the oldest public park in Zadar and Dalmatia in general. 

This charming park offers the best view of the Land Gate and a little port next to it.

13. Have a delicious vegan ice cream in aRoma or Gelateria Eva

A day in Zadar is not complete without grabbing an ice cream!

While there are many ice cream shops in the city center, you’ll want to avoid those watery ice creams and go for the best ice cream in Zadar!

I love vegan ice creams and sorbets from aRoma gelato boutique . They have a wide variety of fruit sorbets and delicious vegan dark chocolate ice cream.

Another highly rated vegan ice cream in Zadar is from Gelateria Eva . They also offer a few sorbet flavors and dark vegan chocolate ice cream.

14. Relax in the Park of Vladimir Nazor

Just outside the city walls, in front of the Land Gate, is the peaceful, green Park of Vladimir Nazor.

It is a perfect place to relax, hide from the scorching summer sun, and escape the crowds. 

15. Discover Zadar’s history in the Archaeological Museum in Zadar

Zadar Archeological Museum is the best place to visit if you want to learn more about the long history of Zadar or hide away from the scorching summer sun. 

Check the current working hours and entry fees here .

Don’t forget to bring your student ID if you are a student to take advantage of the student discount!

16. Swim On Zadar beaches

Visiting Zadar in summer is not complete if you don’t see one of Zadar’s beaches.

If you visit Zadar on a stopover, you probably won’t have time for a beach. But, if you have a full day in Zadar, it is worth spending some time on a beach!

While you can theoretically swim in the city center, along the Petar Krešimir coast, I recommend you take bus 5 and visit Borik beach, outside of the city center. 

17. Try Vegan Dalmatian Food in the Botanist

If you spend the whole day exploring Zadar, you deserve to treat yourself to a delicious meal!

The Botanist is the only fully vegan restaurant in Zadar and a must-visit spot for every vegan looking to taste a vegan version of traditional Croatian food. 

The restaurant is on the coast, close to the ruins of Stomarica church. This fine-dining vegan restaurant is on the higher end but extremely well-rated and worth the money!

17. Watch the Sunset at The Greeting to the Sun

The Greeting to the Sun-light installation is a recent addition to Zadar’s tourist attractions. It is located right next to the Sea Organ, so you can see how this square looks during the day.

It is interesting to see both monuments together, as they are envisioned as complementary monuments, the Organ representing communication with nature by sound, and the Greeting symbolizes communicating with nature with light.

The Greeting to the Sun comes alive as the sun goes down.  When the sun goes down, the light installation lights up and makes for one of the best Instagram spots in Zadar . 

18. Go On A Sunset Cruise

Alternatively, you can escape the crowds and watch the sunset from a boat!

Zadar has one of the best sunset views in the world, and if you stay long enough in the city it would be a shame to miss it.

While Greeting to the Sun Monument is the most popular place to watch the sunset, going on a Zadar sunset cruise gives a unique twist to this popular activity.

There are many boat tours to choose from, but sunset cruises are usually under 2 hours so it’s great for those visiting Zadar in one day.

🌄 Watch Zadar sunset with this sunset cruise!

How To Get To Zadar

Zadar has an international airport, so it is the easiest way to visit if you are traveling from outside of the country.

Unfortunately, just like other smaller coastal towns in Croatia, you can only catch international flights during the summer. 

If you are already in Croatia, you can easily reach Zadar by bus. A bus ride from Zagreb to Zadar takes just under 4 hours.  

I also took a boat to Zadar from Pula once! It was the best way to get to Zadar in the summer and avoid traffic jams.

No trains are coming to Zadar. 

Can You Visit Zadar On A Layover?

Yes, you should visit the city if you have a layover in Zadar. I visited Zadar on a 7-hour layover once, and it was the best decision I could have made.

Zadar airport is approximately 15km from the city center, and the bus ride takes roughly half an hour. 

Zadar airport is small, with just five gates, and there is nothing to do. In fact, when I tried to pass through the security check 2h before my flight, they told me to come back in an hour because it was the last flight of the night and there was nothing to do at the gate!

If you have at least a 3-hour layover, and it is not a busy season (check how many flights are departing at the same time as yours), I suggest you visit the city while waiting on your next flight.

During a 3-hour to 4-hour layover, you will have time for a quick walk in the city center.

A 5-hour layover is enough time to visit all the main sights and to have a quick meal.

Zadar Airport To The City Center

You have a couple of options to get to the city center from Zadar airport, but the best and the cheapest one is an official shuttle bus. 

The bus stop is located on your right, just as you exit the airport. 

Bus departures are synced with flights, so you shouldn’t wait long for the next bus. The schedule changes every month, so make sure to check the updated airport bus schedule on the airport website . 

The bus driver sells the tickets as you enter the bus, and you have to pay in cash – euro ! A one-way ticket costs 5€ .

The bus stops at the central bus station and in the city center, Poluotok – Liburnska Obala.

You will go to the last stop. That way, you are immediately in the middle of everything. 

The ride from the airport to the city center takes about half an hour.

Alternatively, you can take a taxi to the city center, but I don’t think it is worth the money. 

How To Get Around Zadar

The best way to get around the city center of Zadar is by walking. The city center is relatively small, and public transport doesn’t even enter the city walls. 

Therefore, wear comfortable shoes and prepare for a lot of walking!

If your accommodation is not in the city centre, Zadar’s local bus company Liburnija has an extensive public transport system that runs from the city centre or the bus station to all the suburbs.

You can check out all the bus lines on the Liburnija website .  

Best Time To Visit Zadar

The most popular time to visit Zadar is during summer.

The city is bustling with backpackers and travelers, it is easy to meet other people, and the weather is perfect if you want to spend days on the beach.

However, if you want to visit Zadar on a budget, the best time to visit is in the shoulder season – May, June, and September.  

Why should you visit Zadar during the shoulder season?

Because the weather is fantastic and you can still enjoy the beaches, as it tends to be warm enough to swim. On the other hand, you avoid the scorching sun in July and August. 

The city is beginning to be busy with the first/last tourists of the season, but it is not yet crowded. 

Most importantly, the prices decrease.

Accommodation is usually half the price in the off-season. Restaurants and bars haven’t increased their prices yet, and tour operators want you to come on their tours and are willing to negotiate. 

Where To Stay In Zadar

If you only have one day in Zadar, the best place to stay is close to the city center.

Some of the best-rated hostels in the city center of Zadar are the Downtown Boutique Hostel and Boutique Hostel Forum . 

Both hostels have great reviews and are located in the city center, close to all the main sights. Furthermore, they offer dorm rooms or private rooms. 

Staying in hostels is one of the best ways to make friends when traveling , and you can always book a private room if you are not a fan of dorm rooms!

Alternatively, you might want to stay close to the bus station.

The Lazy Monkey hostel next to the bus station is one of the consistently best-rated hostels in Croatia. The rooms are fairly basic, but they make up for it by offering a great atmosphere. 

Vegan Restaurants In Zadar

Yes, it is possible to find restaurants with vegan options in Zadar. There is only one fully vegan restaurant, but many others offer some vegan options. 

As always, the Happycow app is your best friend!

The Botanist is the only fully vegan restaurant in Zadar. It offers a fine dining experience and veganized versions of Croatian specialties. They also serve Beyond Meat burgers!

The best vegan ice creams in Zadar are in aRoma gelato boutique and Gelateria Eva . 

• Check out my full vegan Croatia guide for everything you need to know about vegan food in Croatia!

Zadar Travel Budget

While the Croatian coast in the summer is getting pricier every year, it is still possible to visit Zadar on a budget.

One of the major expenses will be accommodation. Expect to pay anywhere from 25€ to 100€ per night if you spend a night in Zadar. Hostels are on the lower end of that spectrum, while apartments and rooms go for around 100€ per night in the high season.

If you are only doing a layover in Zadar, your only expense can be a bus ticket. That is approximately 7€ for a return bus ticket from Zadar airport to the city center.

Coffee with soy milk will cost around 3€, and the same goes for refreshing drinks like Cedevita. Vegan ice cream in artisanal ice cream shops is also around 3€.

If you’re going out for a drink, a cocktail goes from 8€ upwards, usually around 10€.

A meal in a vegan restaurant will cost you anywhere from 10-15€. 

Alternatively, you can get a quick vegan snack in Mlinar bakery for around 2€. My favorite is a potato pie or an apple pie .

To conclude, you should budget anywhere from 10€ to 40€ for a day trip to Zadar + the price of accommodation if you are spending a night.

FAQ: 1 Day In Zadar

Yes, Zadar is one of the most popular towns in Croatia, and it is certainly worth a visit. This small town is full of culture and history to discover, with a laid-back seaside town vibe to enjoy as you sip on coffee among the locals enjoying the sun.

While you could certainly spend more time here, one day in Zadar is enough to see the main highlights and get a taste of the city. The main tourist attractions are in the city centre, which is rather small and compact. Therefore, you can see all the main sights in one day! 

One day in Zadar is enough to see the main tourist attractions. If you want to base yourself in Zadar and discover the region, you should plan at least 3 days in Zadar.

Yes, you can expect that Zadar has a busy nightlife if you visit during the summer. As the summer season rolls around, there are events almost every night, and the city is full of people. Zadar is a student city, so you enjoy nightlife even during the off-season but mostly on the weekends.

Yes! Zadar and Croatia, in general, are safe destinations for solo female travelers. I did not feel unsafe at any moment walking alone. There are no dangerous neighborhoods, and it is safe to walk alone at night.  As always, stay alert and aware of your surroundings. Keep an eye on your belongings, as pickpocketing happens. 

Don’t Make These Travel Mistakes!

Learn the most common travel mistakes, and what to do instead!

Final Thoughts: One day in Zadar itinerary

That concludes what to do in Zadar for a day!

This coastal town is a perfect day trip destination, with a compact city center and countless picturesque corners.

It is also small enough that you can see all the main tourist attractions in Zadar in one day!

If you have more time in Zadar, consider adding some day trips or boat excursions from Zadar to your itinerary.

Natali is the founder of She's Abroad Again. She is a solo female travel and backpacking expert who traveled to more than 30 country over 3 continents, mostly solo and on a budget! She is a lawyer turned travel blogger as she traded long office hours in Croatia for a digital nomad life and currenly calls France her home.

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Zadar Destination Guide (2024): What You Need to Know

Zadar is a beautiful Croatian port city conveniently located between Zagreb and Split . It has a charming old town area filled with historical buildings as well as a great selection of restaurants and cafes. The city is also extremely walkable and has a relaxed atmosphere. Additionally it has scenic water views and a selection of beautiful beaches nearby. Furthermore it is only a short ferry ride from a number of Croatian islands which can also be seen from the coast. This Zadar destination guide has everything you need to plan the perfect trip to Zadar Croatia.

Short on time? Here are our Zadar Croatia top recommendations: Highlights : marvel at the outdoor art installations the Zadar Sea Organ and the Greeting to the Sun . Activities : book your Zadar Croatia Tours with Get Your Guide . Accommodation : we use Booking.com to find the best hotels. Car Hire : for great value car rental in Croatia we recommend Localrent.com . Transport : FlixBus for intercity buses. Flights : find cheapest flights with cashback on WayAway . Airport Lounge Access : start your holiday the right way with Priority Pass . Travel Medical Insurance : SafetyWing Nomad Insurance is the ideal choice for long-term travellers and digital nomads.

What is Zadar Croatia known for?

A beautiful and historic port city, Zadar is known for its rich heritage and history, its spectacular sunsets and its beautiful architecture. It is the oldest continuously inhabited city in Croatia and is UNESCO listed. The fortified city of Zadar forms part of the UNESCO Venetian Works of Defence between 15th and 17th centuries: Stato da Terra – western Stato da Mar. Another notable Zadar landmark is the sea organ, which uses the movement of the sea to make music.

Why you should visit Zadar Croatia

Zadar is the perfect place for a relaxed seaside getaway. It has a great combination of restaurants as well as attractions. It also has a beautiful old town area, gorgeous coastal walks and lovely beaches. Additionally it has a relaxed pace and is arguably more scenic than its more popular neighbour Split . Zadar is perfect for young families as well as couples and solo travellers looking for a place to unwind. Furthermore, its convenient location between Zagreb , Split and the Croatian Islands makes it a convenient stop when travelling around Croatia .

Zadar Destination Guide: Know before you go

Basic info about zadar croatia.

• Language – Standard Croatian. English is widely spoken, but not everyone you meet will be able to speak English.
• Currency – euro (EUR). This has been the official currency of Croatia since 1 January 2023. Prior to 2023, the currency of Croatia was the Croatian Kuna (HKR). Currency exchanges can be found in most cities and ATMs are also available widely throughout the country.
• Population – 75,000 (2011)
• Area – 194 km 2
• County – Zada. Zadar is the administrative centre of this county.
• Region – Dalmatia
• Emergency number – 112
• Police number – 192

Utilities in Zadar Croatia

• Electricity – Croatia uses Type C as well as Type F power plugs. The country operates on a 230v supply voltage at 50Hz. Power outages are not common in Croatia and typically do not last for long.
• Water – the tap water in Croatia is safe to drink almost everywhere in the country.
• Toilets – sit-down flushing toilets are the most common type of toilet in Croatia. Additionally, you can flush your toilet paper directly into the bin. Public toilets are common in the larger cities in Croatia. However public toilets along the coast often have a charge for use. This can range anywhere from 25 cents to 1 euro.
• Telephone country code: +385

Where is Zadar Croatia?

Zadar is in the central Dalmatia county of Zadar in the Dalmatia region of Croatia . It is a port city on the Adriatic Sea.

The closest major Croatian cities to Zadar are Split as well as Zagreb . Zadar is 3 hours by bus from Split and also 3.5 hours by bus from Zagreb. The islands of Ugljan, Dugi Otok, Pašman and also Silba are off the coast of Croatia near Zadar.

How to get to Zadar Croatia

Zadar destination guide: arriving by land, zadar croatia intercity land transport.

The main transport options for travelling overland to Zadar Croatia are:

• Private vehicle
• Private transport operator
• Airport Bus – there is an airport bus service between Zadar Airport and the main bus station, ferry port and also the city centre. A one way ticket costs 5 euro (prices as at 2024). The journey time is 20-25 minutes.
• Train – this is currently not in operation

Driving to Zadar from within Croatia

If you are driving to Zadar from within Croatia , here are the travel times and also the distances:

• Split – 1 hour 36 minutes (157km) with tolls or 2 hours 13 minutes (143km) without tolls
• Zagreb – 2 hours 55 minutes (288km) with tolls or 4 hours 32 minutes (285km) without tolls
• Rijeka – 2 hours 54 minutes (290km) with tolls or 3 hours 35 minutes (221km) without tolls
• Dubrovnik – 3 hours 53 minutes (349km) with tolls or 5 hours 40 minutes (350km) without tolls

Intercity trains to Zadar Croatia

There are train lines running from Zagreb to Zadar as well as to Split . Both train lines run via the city of Knin. However these routes has fallen into disuse. Since 2014, all trains between Zadar train station and Knin train station have been cancelled and replaced by buses until further notice.

The Zadar train station is called Željeznička stanica Zadar. It is next to the main bus station in Zadar. It is located around 20 minutes walk from the old town of Zadar.

The Croatian national railway company is called Croatian Railways.

Intercity buses to Zadar Croatia

A common way to get around Croatia is by using intercity buses. These are a budget friendly alternative to trains and the network is also very extensive. Intercity bus companies in Croatia include Arriva – Autotrans, Slavonija Bus, Čagalj Tours as well as FlixBus . Popular bus destinations from Zadar include:

• Plitvice Lakes Croatia – travel time 2 hours. Tickets start from 7 euro one way.
• Split Croatia – travel time 3 hours. Tickets start from 7 euro one way.
• Zagreb Croatia – travel time 3.5-4.5 hours. Tickets start from 10 euro one way.
• Novalja Croatia – travel time 1.5-2 hours. Tickets start from 9 euro one way.
• Dubrovnik Croatia – travel time 8-9 hours. Tickets start from 28 euro one way.
• Skradin (Krkr NP) Croatia – travel time 1 hour. Tickets start from 5 euro one way.

Zadar destination guide: Arriving by air

The nearest major airport to Zadar is Zadar Airport (Airport code ZAD). This international airport is also known as Resnik Airport. It is 8km from the city.

Other nearby airports include:

• Split Airport (Airport code SPU). This airport is 106km away
• Rijeka Airport (Airport code RJK). This airport is 133km away.
• Pula Airport (Airport code PUY). This airport is 136km away.

The national airline of Croatia is Croatia Airlines.

Zadar destination guide: Arriving by boat

The city of Zadar is on the Adriatic Sea. The ferry company Jadrolinja services the Port of Zadar. Ferries and catamarans connect Zadar to the nearby islands as well as to Ancona, Cesenatico and Pesaro in Italy. However services vary depending on the season. Zadar is also popular cruise destination.

Zadar destination guide: How to get around Zadar Croatia

Walking in zadar croatia.

By far the easiest and also cheapest way to get around Zadar is to walk. Additionally, Zadar is a very walkable city. Most of the main attractions in the city area are within easy walking distance.

Local buses in Zadar Croatia

Local buses service Zadar. These services are operated by the city’s public transport service, Liburnija. For more information, see this website: https://liburnija-zadar.hr/

Trams in Zadar Croatia

Zadar does not have a tram system.

Local trains in Zadar Croatia

There are currently no local trains in Zadar.

Metro trains (subway or underground) in Zadar Croatia

Zadar does not have an underground train line.

Vehicle hire in Zadar Croatia

A wide variety of vehicles can be rented in Croatia . This includes:

• Bicycles – There are self-service bike share services available in the city from companies such as NextBike. Alternatively you can hire a bike from a bike hire shop such as Rent a bike Zara – Zadar.
• Electric scooters
• Motorcycles

In Croatia people drive on the right side of the road.

Localrent.com is ideal for hiring a car in Croatia, offering competitive rates and personalised service. The user-friendly platform connects you with local providers, featuring a wide range of vehicles to suit any trip. With transparent pricing, detailed rental info, and responsive customer support, booking is a breeze. Renting a car through Localrent.com gives you the freedom to explore Croatia’s historic cities, stunning coastlines, and scenic countryside at your own pace.

Taxis in Croatia

Taxis are common in Croatia . Fares are regulated and are also usually metered. However outside of major cities taxis may not have meters. In this case the fare will be a fixed price. However in general your fare will include the following costs:

• The pickup fee or minimum fee – this is charged as soon as you get into the vehicle.
• Price per kilometre
• Price per hour – this is a price that gets charged when the taxi is stuck in heavy traffic.

Taxi tariffs in Croatia are set by the cities or districts.

Ride-share services in Zadar Croatia

There are a number of rideshare services operating in Croatia . These include Uber, Bolt as well as CarpoolWorld. There is even UberBOAT on the Dalmatian coast during tourist season.

Zadar destination guide: Is Zadar worth visiting?

Zadar is a relaxed seaside city that is certainly worth visiting. It is less crowded than Split or Dubrovnik but offers a charming and historic city, fresh local seafood, stunning waterfront walks and pretty beaches.

Zadar destination guide: How long to spend in Zadar Croatia

Zadar is a great place to come for a week or even more. It is a relaxed port city with great food and a number of museums and other attractions. We spent 1 week in Zadar and enjoyed taking time to enjoy the various activities available in this charming city.

Zadar destination guide: What to do in Zadar Croatia

Zadar is a beautiful Croatian city with many activities on offer. It has a range of great free activities as well as paid activities.

Zadar destination guide: Free things to do in Zadar Croatia

There are enough free activities in Zadar Croatia to keep you entertained for a weekend or even a leisurely week:

• Zadar Sea Organ
• The Greeting to the Sun
• The Land Gate
• Cathedral of St Anastasia (Zadar Cathedral) – 4 euro to climb the bell tower (as at 2024)
• Roman Forum
• Paseo Maritimo
• Narodni Trg
• Kolovare Beach
• Five Wells Square
• Lipauska Beach
• Plaža Punta Rožica (Punta Rožica Beach)
• Borik Sandy Beach
• Iž Island – ferry to the island is around 7 euro one way (as at 2024)
• Tržnica Zadar (Market Zadar)
• Queen Jelena Madijevka Park (Perivoj kraljice Jelene Madijevke)
• The Park of Vladimir Nazor (Perivoj Vladimira Nazora u Zadru)

For more details, see our Zadar travel guide on the 18 Best Free Things To Do in Zadar Croatia .

Zadar destination guide: Paid activities in Zadar Croatia

A number of attractions in Zadar Croatia charge an entry fee:

• Church of St Donatus (Crkva sv Donata) – entry fee 3.50 euro (as at 2024)
• Museum of Illusions (Muzej Iluzija Zadar) – entry fee is 10 euro for adults (as at 2024)
• Archaeological Museum Zadar – entry fee is 6 euro for adults (as at 2024)
• Bell Tower – entry fee is 4 euro for adults (as at 2024)
• Captain’s Tower – entry fee is 3 euro for adults (as at 2024)
• Museum of Ancient Glass – entry fee is 6 euro adults (as at 2024)
• Kneževa palača (Rector’s palace)

Other paid activities in Zadar Croatia include:

• Winery tours such as to Degarra Winery
• Fishing charters and tours
• Watersports

Weather in Zadar Croatia

Zadar enjoys a warm temperate climate. Its climate is heavily influenced by the nearby Mediterranean area. It has cold winters. The average temperature is between 3°C and 11°C in the coldest month of January. Summers last from June to September. These are hot and sunny, with the average temperature range between 18°C and 30°C in the hottest month of July. It is also a windy city and experiences frequent and sometimes powerful winds. Snow is rare but not unheard of in Zadar. The month with the most rainfall is November with 9.6 days of rain on average. Conversely the driest month is July with an average of 4.6 rainy days.

Best time to visit Zadar Croatia

The best time to visit Zadar is between mid May and September, when the weather is most pleasant for outdoor activities. The peak tourist season is between June and August, so expect higher prices at that time.

Internet and mobile phones in Croatia

Since June 15th, 2017, Roam Like at Home (RLAT) rules came into force for European Union countries. As such, people with European Union mobile numbers are no longer charged temporary mobile roaming fees if they travel within the European Union. This means that if you have a European Union mobile number, you can use that number anywhere within the European Union and you will be charged for calls, texts and data in the same rates as if you were in your home country. There are limits to this in order to prevent abuse of these rules.

The main internet and phone companies in Croatia include Croatian Telecom (Hrvatski Telekom), A1, Telemach, Bonbon as well as Tomato.

5G has been in Croatia since October 2020. 3G is expected to be switched off in Croatia in early 2025.

Croatia is ranked 21 st fastest in the world for mobile internet speeds and 78 th fastest for fixed broadband. For Fixed Broadband the average download speed is 71mbps and upload is 29mbps (as at May 2024).

Cell phone SIM cards can be bought in many places throughout Croatia. These include phone stores, some supermarkets, newspaper kiosks as well as online.

How much to budget for Zadar Croatia?

Is zadar expensive.

Zadar is a very economical city to visit. Accommodation costs are quite reasonable, its is a very walkable city and there are plenty of free or cheap activities available. It is a more affordable option than other Croatian destinations like Split , Dubrovnik or the Croatian islands whilst still having plenty of coastal charm.

Zadar destination guide: Daily spend for a couple travelling in Zadar Croatia

As a rough guide, we recommend the following budgets for a couple:

• Low-budget daily spend – 100 euro per day for a couple will get you budget accommodation, self catering and bakery meals, walking or catching local transport to get around the city and free or cheap activities.
• Mid-range daily spend – 300 euro per day for a couple will get you mid-range accommodation, walking or catching local transport to get around the city, dining at reasonably priced cafes and restaurants and some paid activities.
• Luxury spend – 1000 euro per day for a couple will get you a premium experience, staying at high end hotels, travelling by private transport, doing a range paid activities and eating at high end restaurants.

Zadar destination guide: Accommodation in Zadar Croatia

There is a good range of accommodation to suit most budgets in Zadar Croatia. Airbnb operates in Croatia and we were impressed with the range of options available in Zadar.

Where to stay in Zadar Croatia

We recommend the following accommodation in Zadar:

• Best hostel in Zadar – Sky Hostel is a great hostel in a convenient location in the city centre and also within walking distance of the beach. The facilities are clean and the beds comfortable. You can also enjoy free coffee and free use of laundry facilities. The owner is a lovely lady that is always happy to help.
• Best budget hotel in Zadar – Hotel Mediteran offers clean and comfortable rooms and a refreshing pool. Breakfasts are delicious with plenty of options. There is also free parking.
• Best mid-range hotel in Zadar – A’mare Hotel Zadar is a modern hotel close to the old town. They serve great quality local food and delicious buffet breakfasts. The staff are very professional and courteous. The only drawbacks of this hotel are that the rooms are small, there’s no parking and the neighbourhood is not particularly scenic.
• Best luxury hotel in Zadar – Falkensteiner Hotel & Spa Iadera is a beautiful seaside adults-only hotel, where you can enjoy a romantic and relaxing getaway. It has an excellent spa and pool area. The breakfasts are delicious and varied.
• Best luxury apartments in Zadar – Villa Manda Zadar Luxury Apartments are stylish apartments close to the beach and restaurants and only a 10 minute drive to Zadar old town. The apartments and facilities are very clean, modern and well-equipped with a comfortable and cosy atmosphere. The owners are very friendly and helpful. Additionally, there is a lovely pool with sunbeds.

How much is accommodation in Zadar Croatia?

For short-term accommodation, a general price per night is as follows:

• Budget accommodation – 13-30 euro for a dorm
• Mid-range accommodation – 40-150 euro for a private room
• Luxury accommodation – 100-150 euro a night for a luxury hotel
• Rental property – 100-400 euro a night for a fully furnished 3-4 bedroom home

Zadar destination guide: Food in Zadar Croatia

Being on the water, seafood is very popular in Zadar.

How much does food cost in Zadar Croatia?

Our price guide for your food budget in Zadar Croatia is as follows (prices as at 2022):

• Restaurant meal – 10-25 euro for a main dish
• Bakery food – burek 2-3 euro, cake 2-3 euro, 1-2 euro for loaf of bread, chocolate donut
• Glass of wine – 4-6 euro
• Coffee – 2-3 euro

Regional dishes in Zadar Croatia

• Black risotto (also called crni rižot) – a squid or cuttlefish risotto that is black in colour due to the ink from the squid or cuttlefish.
• Truffle gnocchi
• Octopus salad (Salata od hobotnice)
• Dalmatinska pašticada – a beef stew cooked in a sweet and sour sauce. The meat is marinated in vinegar before being cooked with red wine, prunes and bacon. It is typically served with a side of gnocchi or pasta.
• Grilled lamb (Janjetina s ražnja)
• Pag Island Cheese
• Dalmatian pršut (prosciutto)

Cheap Eats in Zadar Croatia

• Pekarnicas (Croatian bakeries) are a great place to get cheap and delicious food. Burek is typically around 2-3 euro and a loaf of bread is around 1-2 euro. Other common food that can be found in pekarnicas include donuts and cakes.

Fine dining in Zadar Croatia

Zadar is home to a number of Michelin Guide restaurants.

Michelin Plate restaurants in Zadar Croatia (2024):

• Kaštel

Zadar Croatia culture

Croatia national holidays.

• New Year’s Day – 1 January
• Epiphany – 6 January
• Easter Sunday – typically in March or April.
• Easter Monday – the Monday after Easter Sunday, typically in March or April.
• Labour Day – 1 May
• Statehood Day – 30 May
• Corpus Christi – 16 June
• Anti-Fascist Struggle Day – 22 June
• Victory Day – 5 August
• Assumption of Mary – 15 August
• All Saints’ Day – 1 November
• Remembrance Day for the victims of the Homeland War and Remembrance Day for the victims of Vukovar and Škabrnja – 18 November
• Christmas Day – 25 December
• Saint Stephen’s Day – 26 December

National symbols of Croatia

• Croatia flag – a tricolour flag featuring three horizontal bands coloured red, white and blue from top to bottom. In the middle of the flag, across the three bands, is the Croatia coat of arms
• Croatia coat of arms – a red and white checkerboard on a main shield with a crown of five smaller shields. The five smaller shields represent the five different historical regions of Croatia. These five shields have symbols on them, but their background colours alternate between bleu celeste and azure.
• National flower – iris
• National bird – common nightingale
• Croatia’s national animal – kuna zlatica (European pine marten)

Croatia pastimes

• National dish – Istrian Yota
• Popular drinks – Rakija, loza, Malvazija wine, Teran wine
• National sport – football
• Religion – 80% Catholic, 6% Eastern orthodox (as at 2019)

Famous people from Zadar Croatia

• Famous people born in Zadar Croatia – naval officer and inspiration for The Sound of Music Georg von Trapp, actor Gianni Garko, opera singer Antonio Pini-Corsi, poet Juraj Baraković poet Brne Karnarutić, writer Mima Simić, writer Petar Zoranić, singer Emilija Kokić, queen consort Helen of Zadar, television host Toni Jeričević, queen Joanna II of Naples
• Notable people who lived in Zadar Croatia – Nirvana bassist Krispt Novoselic
• Sports stars from Zadar Croatia – footballer Luka Modrić, footballer Danijel Subašić, Olympic basketball player Vladan Alanović, Olympic sailor Šime Fantela, Olympic rower Latino Galasso, basketball player Josip Gjergja, footballer Ratko Kacian, footballer Mark Liveric, handballer Ivan Ninčević, chess player Joseph Plachutta, Olympic table tennis player Zoran Primorac, Olympic basketballer Marija Režan

Is Zadar Croatia Safe?

Croatia travel guide: safety in croatia.

We travelled through Croatia for two months and found the country to be extremely safe. Croatia ranks 14 th safest country on the Global Peace Index (as at 2023). As with any country, there are good areas and bad areas. Watch out for pickpockets particularly at crowded tourist attractions in Dubrovnik , Split and Zagreb as well as in National Parks. Make sure no-one is watching whenever you are entering pin codes and never lose sight of your credit card when making a purchase. Take care in nightclubs and don’t accept free drinks as drink spiking is a particular risk.

If you are planning to explore more remote areas, beware that there may still be unexploded landmines from the Croatian War of Independence.

Croatia travel guide: General safety considerations in Croatia

Other general safety considerations for travel in Croatia:

• Drinking water – Tap water is safe to drink almost everywhere in the country.
• Mosquitoes – the tiger mosquito has been found in Croatia. This type of mosquito spreads diseases such as Zika, dengue and chikunguya. Malaria was eradicated in Croatia in 1964. Locally transmitted cases of dengue fever have been reported on the Adriatic Coast and in northeastern Croatia.
• Altitude sickness – Croatia has areas of high altitude. This comes with the risk of altitude sickness. If you are planning to visit any high altitude areas in Croatia, be sure to allow sufficient time to acclimatise. If you experience any signs of altitude sickness, such as headache, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, tiredness, loss of appetite or shortness of breath, get help immediately.
• Road safety – Croatia has been making progress with improvements in road safety in recent years. However it still has one of the highest rates of road fatalities in Europe . This is due to a combination of narrow and windy roads as well as speed and other driver behaviour. Take care on the roads in Croatia.
• Water safety – If you visit any of the coastal areas or lakes, take care when swimming as currents and waves may be stronger than you expect. Watch out for sea urchins as they can sting.
• Earthquakes – Croatia experiences earthquake activity. If you experience an earthquake, stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls and anything that could fall. If you are inside get under a table, desk or solid furniture and hang onto it. Cover your head and torso to protect from falling objects. If you are outside, stay outside and go to an open area away from buildings.
• Sun safety – Exposure to the sun can have adverse short-term and long-term effects on the skin, eyes and immune system. Sun protection such as sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses is very important to ensure you don’t get burnt.

Croatia Blogs

You can find our Croatia travel blogs below.

16 Best FREE Things To Do in Dubrovnik Croatia (with map)

11 Best FREE Things To Do in Korčula Croatia (with map)

12 Best FREE Things To Do in Hvar Croatia (with map)

21 Best FREE Things To Do in Split Croatia (with map)

18 Best FREE Things To Do in Zadar Croatia (with map)

16 Best FREE Things To Do in Zagreb Croatia (with map)

Dubrovnik Destination Guide (2024): What You Need to Know

Korčula Destination Guide (2024): What You Need to Know

Hvar Destination Guide (2024): What You Need to Know

Split Destination Guide (2024): What You Need to Know

Zagreb Destination Guide (2024): What You Need to Know

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Zadar Travel Guide

Zadar is situated on the Dalmatian coast of Croatia. The city is renowned for its Roman and Venetian ruins found in the Old Town on the peninsula.

Zadar is like an open-air museum that displays some of the most stunning examples of architecture and cultural heritage along the eastern Adriatic coast. Additionally, the Zadar Region is rich in exquisite landscapes, with no less than five national parks and three nature parks located in the immediate vicinity.

The tourist region of Zadar comprises, on the one side, numerous islands and islets (inhabited as well as uninhabited ones) and, on the other, part of the coast, the region of Ravni Kotari, resembling a peninsula with the Velebit Range in its background.

The peninsula, bounded in the north by the Paklenica Gorge and in the south by the river Zrmanja, abounds in highly picturesque landscapes. Countless bays, coves and inlets provide additional scenic attractions.

It is precisely this highly indented coast, the ideal climate, variety of landscape, and particularly the heterogeneous coastline - from cliffs and rocks to pebble and sand beaches where the difference between the sea and land is almost obliterated - that attract every visitor, whatever he tastes or wishes.

Where to stay

Whether you're seeking luxury or on a budget, Zadar has something to fit your needs, ranging from luxury villas , high-end hotels and apartments to budget-friendly hostels .

For those who want to indulge in luxury, there are many high-end hotels located in the city centre conveniently located close to Zadar's top attractions . These hotels provide the perfect base for exploring the city and its surrounding areas.

If you are a nature lover and enjoy camping, Zadar also offers several campgrounds located just outside the city. These campgrounds provide a perfect retreat close to nature and offer a chance to experience the beautiful outdoors of Croatia.

Luxury villas in Zadar

Hotels and apartments in zadar, hostels in zadar, travelling to/from zadar, ferry connections from and to zadar.

Located on the Croatian mainland, the ferry port of Zadar is a busy ferry hub for Central Dalmatia. With six ferry companies offering connections to 34 destinations, Zadar is a gateway to numerous islands and mainland cities. Throughout peak season, Zadar sees a busy ferry schedule of over 70 daily ferry departures and arrivals. Travel times range from 30 minutes to 9 hours, with a total of 18 ferry routes servicing Zadar.

Two ports serve Zadar: the modern Gaženica port, which accommodates cruise passengers, international ferries, and vehicles, features a passenger terminal equipped with amenities like shops, cafes, and a supermarket. The smaller Old Town port, dedicated to catamarans and domestic lines, is nestled within the historic Old Town peninsula.

Popular islands include Ugljan, Pašman, Dugi Otok, Molat and Pag. The famous heart shaped island Galešnjak can only be seen by a private boat tour . Zadar additionally provides ferry connections to the mainland Croatian city of Pula and the popular Zadar - Ancona (Italy) car ferry .

The primary ferry operators on these routes are Kapetan Luka - Krilo and Jadrolinija. Gaženica port is situated approximately 4-5 km from the city center and 7 km from Zadar airport . Alternatively, the Old Town port offers a charming departure point within walking distance of historic landmarks like the church of St. Donatus.

Flights from and to Zadar Airport

Zadar Airport (ZAD) , also referred to as Airport Zemunik, is located 8.5 km east of Zadar. The airport features a spacious passenger terminal equipped with good facilities. Airlines serving Zadar include Ryanair, Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, Eurowings, Brussels Airlines, Easyjet, R Airlines, and Croatia Airlines. There is a regular shuttle bus from Zadar Airport .

Parking at Zadar Airport is easy as there are 425 parking spots at Zadar Airport. Flying to Zadar in the summer season is popular due to its central location, making it an ideal starting point for exploring various destinations in Central Dalmatia, including access to the famous Kornati Islands. Many sailors choose to fly to Zadar, attracted by its reputation as one of the nautical hubs in Dalmatia. Surrounded by numerous marinas, Zadar serves as an ideal starting point for sailing charters. Nature enthusiasts will find the area particularly enticing, with five national parks and three nature parks situated nearby.

Coming soon...

Explore zadar.

Zadar has a little something for everyone, with its fascinating history and lively nightlife. The city has several stunning beaches that are perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Local restaurants serve up traditional dishes consisting of fresh seafood, olive oil, and wine.

Zadar region is home to some of the most exquisite scenery, including five national parks and three nature parks in the immediate vicinity. These parks include Plitvice Lakes, Krka Waterfalls, Paklenica, and Northern Velebit. Zadar is also like an open-air museum, with numerous attractions within walking distance. Its city walls are added to UNESCO's World Heritage List.

Best day trips from Zadar

Attractions in zadar.

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Collective Travel Guides

Inspire to Travel

13 Essential Zadar Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors

Zadar is one of the largest and most beautiful cities along Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast. A trip to Zadar is guaranteed to be an exciting one. Like other towns on the Dalmatian Coast such as Sibenik , Trogir and Split , Zadar has many wonderful things to see and do which makes for a perfect Dalmatia adventure. See our full guide to Zadar .

I have been to Zadar a few times with my son Tyrone and I have learned a few tips to help us. Here, I will share the most important ones and answer some common questions asked when planning a trip to Zadar.

Zadar Travel FAQs

1. what’s the best time to visit zadar.

The best time to visit Zadar is during the summer months ( June-August ) when the weather is at its finest. It’s no surprise that these are also the busiest months, so prices tend to be higher. The beginning of autumn is also a good option as it is less crowded, the prices are lower and the weather is still warm.

A lot of the tour agencies reduce their operating hours by the beginning of October and most close during the winter months.

2. How much time to spend in Zadar?

Although Zadar is one of the largest cities on Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast, Zadar Old Town, where most of the sights are, is quite small and easily explored in a short time.

A day or two is plenty to explore the sights in the Old Town, however, if you are interested in outdoor adventures, soaking up the sun at the beach, visiting an island or other nearby towns, add a few more days to your itinerary.

We spent a week on our last visit to Zadar and we felt that Zadar had so many things to do that kept us happy for the week.

The nearby islands like Ugljan and the small villages near Zadar like Nin and Zaton are great places for a long relaxing break.

3. What’s the Croatian Currency?

As of 1 January 2023 , Croatia switched from using the kuna to Euro just as it is in most European countries. This is definitely a positive move for most European travellers as it takes away the hassle of exchanging currency whilst in Croatia.

Based on past experience, most small businesses including some restaurants, market vendors and tour operators accept cash payments only, so it’s still advised to bring along some cash with you.

Currency exchange stores and ATMs are available at Zadar airport as well as around Zadar Old Town. However, be mindful of privately owned ATMs such as Euronet , Cashzone and Travelex that you’ll conveniently find all around Zadar and other cities in Croatia. These ATMs charge excessive commissions and their exchange rates in most cases are unfavourable.

It’s advised to use bank-owned ATMs and to choose to conduct all your transactions in the local currency if you’re travelling from outside the Eurozone. This will leave your own bank to do the conversion which is usually reasonable compared to what you’ll be offered by most international banks.

I’ve found it much more convenient and economical to use a multi-currency debit card such as Revolut whilst spending in a different currency. Revolut offers favourable exchange rates, charges no hidden fees and allows you to keep track of your spending.

4. Is Zadar Expensive?

Compared to other places on Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast like Split or Dubrovnik , Zadar is a lot cheaper across many things. In general, Croatia is not as cheap as other popular summer destinations in Europe but there are a lot of ways you can cut costs. For example, you can cook your own meals instead of eating out and buying food from local markets or local supermarkets.

5. How do I get around Zadar?

During our recent trip to Zadar, we had a car rental from XLRent a Car which cost about €400 /week . A car is very handy and will enable you to get to those amazing places off the beaten track, but also expensive when you consider fuel costs, toll fees and parking. Public transport in Zadar is quite good and reliable, so it’s worth considering.

If you are interested in taking day trips to nearby places like Sibenik or Trogir , Bus Croatia is a good place to find buses offering services on these popular routes like Auto Sibenik, Flix Bus and Arriva. Some of the bus lines go all the way to Split , Dubrovnik and Zagreb.

6. What’s the best airport to get to Zadar?

Zadar airport is located about 11km from Zadar Old Town, so it’s the most convenient airport to fly into. There is a public bus ( costs €3.50 a ticket from the bus driver) that leaves the airport to the Old Town a few minutes after each flight arrival in case you won’t be driving.

An Uber ride from Zadar Airport to Zadar Old Town should you cost less than €10 .

7. Where to stay in Zadar?

Where to stay in Zadar depends on several factors such as affordability, who you’re travelling with and what you plan to do. Accommodation outside the Old Town is usually cheaper and a good option especially if your stay in Zadar is long. On the other hand, basing yourself in the Old Town has the advantage of being close to sights and nightlife, however; expect to pay more.

Zadar Hotels Worth Checking Out :

• Almayer Art & Heritage Hotel – for a comfortable and cosy stay in the Old Town.
• The  Falkensteiner Hotel Adriana  – an Adult Only hotel, located about 10mins away from the Old Town is perfect for both short and long Zadar stays.
• Downtown Boutique Hostel – a cheaper accommodation within the city walls with excellent reviews.
• Hotel Delfin – Small charming hotel is perfect for combining city sightseeing with a beach stay.

8. How to visit the islands from Zadar?

Zadar is a great base for exploring the many islands that are in the surrounding area such as Ugljan, Pasman, Dugi Otok and Kornati Island.

The Croatian ferry company Jadrolinija offers a reliable service from Zadar port to most of these islands. The ferry runs a few journeys throughout the day to each island. There is no need to book in advance and tickets can be bought on the ferry or at the kiosk.

To make the most of your time on the islands, try renting a bike or a car. Cars, bikes and pets are permitted on the ferries.

Keep in mind that the ferry timetables vary with each season.

9. What are the best outdoor activities in Zadar?

Zadar is a great spot for outdoor activities such as going canoeing on the Zrmanja River, visiting national parks such as Plitvice Lakes National Park, Krka National Park, Paklenica National Park, Kornati National Park or just relaxing at some lovely beaches like Kolovare Beach, close to the Old Town.

Tours to Plitvice Lakes National Park or canoeing on the Zrmanja River are very popular from Zadar. If you are not driving, you can join tours booked from the tour agencies found along the harbour or promenade. We joined a canoeing trip with Raftrek Adventure Travel and had a great day canoeing down the Zrmanja River.

Popular Zadar Tours

10. what are the best beaches in zadar.

Similar to other cities on Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast, Zadar has its own fair share of lovely beaches which are luckily within the city’s Old Town vicinity. This makes combining city sightseeing with days on the beach soaking up the sun and having fun in the water that bit easier.

Kolovare Beach is the most popular and closest beach to Zadar Old Town which is ideal to visit especially if your itinerary is short or if you’ve no access to your own transport. Like many beaches in Croatia, the beach is mostly pebbly (bring along water shoes) but the water is quite shallow, crystal clear and clean. There is also an option to hire equipment you might need for comfort and fun at Kolovare.

We also highly recommend you check the beaches in Nin, a small town located about a 20-minute drive from Zadar Old Town if you have access to private transport. Queen’s Beach , Ninska Laguna Beach , Sabunike Beach and several others, are some of the beaches in Nin which are worth your time.

Unlike most beaches in Croatia, the beaches in Nin are somewhat sandy, the water is shallow and they come with great amenities specially suited for families with young children.

Sakarun Beach on Dugi Otok Island is another highly-rated beach in Zadar which is worth checking out especially if you plan to visit the islands within the city’s vicinity. Dugi Otok Island is also home to Telašćica Nature Park, so you could combine your visit to Sakarun with a tour of Telašćica.

Bear in mind that Croatian beaches are mostly pebbly and rocky, so water shoes are highly recommended for comfort.

Related – Best Beaches in Split

11. what are the best restaurants in zadar.

There is no shortage of restaurants offering amazing food in Zadar which will satisfy many tastes and budgets.

Our top recommendations include 4 Kantuna , Restaurant Bruschetta and Pet Bunara , all located in Zadar Old Town, for modern Mediterranean cuisine. We’ve dined in all these restaurants and the food offered there is just excellent, it’s served with friendly staff and also reasonably priced.

Konoba Skobla , located on Petar Zoranić Square, is our go-to restaurant for delicious authentic Dalmatian dishes such as black cuttlefish risotto, pod pekom, a variety of grilled meats including Dalmatian desserts like Kalelarga cheesecake and Maraschino cake .

There’s so much great food, fine wine and beautiful desserts to be had in Zadar, so we suggest you plan on checking out some of these restaurants.

Popular Zadar Wine and Food Tour

12. What’s the best walking tour in Zadar?

Price: €14.25 zadar walking tour.

Personally, a walking tour is one of the best ways to get to know a place fully. Zadar is compact, super walkable and filled with a fascinating historical heritage making it ideal for a walking tour. We’ve taken the Zadar Walking Tour but there are several tours available in Zadar which are all highly rated.

Most walking tours in Zadar start from People’s Square in the Old Town. Tours are run several times during the day and in most cases, there is no need to book in advance. All you have to do on the day is to present to any of the tour agents at the square holding their branded umbrellas.

13. What’s the best market in Zadar?

Zadar market opens: 7 am to 3 pm daily.

Zadar Market, located in the heart of Zadar Old Town, just a little walk from People’s Square, is one of the best markets not to miss while in the city. Though the market is small, it still manages to offer a great range of fresh local produce from the region.

If you’re looking to stock up on picnic supplies or self-catering, the market will definitely come in handy as it’s also surrounded by lovely bakeries, delis, butchers and a large supermarket. In addition, the locals at the market in Zadar are really warm and helpful.

Popular Zadar Market Tour and Cooking Class

I hope you enjoy your visit to Zadar as much as we did.

Let me know if you need help by leaving a comment below. I will be happy to help!

Tip: : Here is a guide with all the Best Places to Visit in Croatia including the most useful tips.

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The Ultimate Travel Guide to Zadar

Although Zadar is one of Croatia’s lesser-known cities, this gorgeous spot along the Adriatic Coast has so much to offer. With a population of under 200,000, this small gem is packed with surprises and attractions you wouldn’t expect. Compared to the bustle in Dubrovnik, Zadar is a peaceful retreat away from the larger crowds.

This Zadar travel guide will be your insight into the city’s best activities and attractions, from Roman ruins to pristine beaches. Keep reading to find out what you can expect when you visit Zadar, Croatia, including the best tours to book and restaurants to eat at.

This ultimate travel guide to Zadar will show you all the most beautiful places in Zadar, what to expect when visiting, where to stay in Zadar and things to do in Zadar which will help you in planning a trip to Zadar.

Plan your trip?

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• Affordable car rental options
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• Travel Adapter – All in one so you don’t have to carry a bunch around
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Table of Contents

How to get to Zadar

Fortunately, there is a small international airport only eight kilometres from the centre of Zadar. There are an impressive number of connections to many nearby European cities, with more destinations being added in 2019. For 25 kn, you can easily catch a bus from the entrance of the airport to the city.

If you’re coming from a larger Croatian city or even Austria or Slovenia, there are buses that can take you right to Zadar. FlixBus is a reliable and affordable coach service that runs throughout Europe, so be sure to explore this option from your departure city.

From Zagreb, you can catch a train to Zadar with a transfer at Knin. During the summertime, there are also trains to Croatia from Vienna, Prague and Budapest, although you will again have to switch over at Knin for a local train to Zadar.

What to expect in Zadar

Croatian is the language spoken by locals in Zadar. However, most of the population along the coastline of Croatia are used to tourists and can speak English fairly well. You’ll be able to communicate easily with anyone you encounter in the tourism and hospitality industries.

Croatia’s currency is kuna (kn), although the country is expected to transition to the euro in the coming years. One kuna currently equals about 22 cents in Australian Dollars or 0.13 euro. Debit and credit cards are accepted at most places, so you won’t always need to carry banknotes with you.

Tipping isn’t necessary at bars or local cafes, although you can make the paying process easier by rounding up the bill to the nearest five or 10 kn. At fancy restaurants, however, tips of five to 10% are more common.

How to get around Zadar

All of Zadar’s Old Town is walkable, and it is rare to see any cars around. Unless your accommodation is further out, you’ll be able to explore most of the area on foot. To get to the Old Town, you can use any local taxi service, like Lulić Taxi.

The only form of public transport in Zadar is the bus, run by a company called Liburnija. Tickets cost 10 kn and can be pre-purchased at a kiosk or on board any bus. Buses run frequently between the Old Town, the main bus station, and throughout the suburbs.

The best time to visit Zadar

The Mediterranean climate of Zadar equals cold winters and warm, humid summers. The best time to stop by for a visit is anywhere between May to September.

You’re guaranteed the best possible weather between June and August, with average temperatures of 24 to 28 degrees Celsius. From November to March, however, there are rarely any days above 10 degrees Celsius, meaning you’ll miss out on any beach activities.

Things to do in Zadar

Wondering what to see and what to do in Zadar ? Here are some of the best ways to spend your time while visiting this charming Croatian city:

Zadar’s most unique attraction is the Sea Organ, designed in 2005 by the Croatian architect Nikola Bašić. Holes are drilled into marble steps along the shoreline, linking to 35 organ pipes below the surface of the water.

The crashing waves help to create magical tones that are simultaneously eerie and calming. If you ever hear faint mystical music in Zadar and wonder what’s going on, the noise is almost definitely coming from the Sea Organ!

Monument to the Sun

Another rare attraction in Zadar is the Monument to the Sun. This 22-metre diameter circle is constructed using 300 multi-layered glass plates with solar modules. At night, these plates are illuminated in various patterns and colours to illustrate the solar system.

Just like the Sea Organ, this solar-powered attraction was designed by Nikola Bašić. Stop by once the sun goes down to witness the dynamic display of light.

Roman Forum

Since ancient times, Zadar’s Roman Forum has been a popular public space for people to converge. Constructed between the first and third centuries, these former Roman ruins are now an open-air museum.

Although many surrounding buildings were destroyed during an earthquake in the sixth century, various elements still stand, including altars and benches. Stop by and wander through this historic spot opposite the Church of Saint Donatus.

Zadar Cathedral

The Cathedral of Saint Anastasia, better known as Zadar Cathedral, is the largest church in the Northern Dalmatia region of Croatia.

Its Romanesque appearance with round-spoked windows and arched details date back to the 12th and 13th centuries. Inside the basilica is the marble-columned altar of the Saint Sacrament.

The cathedral’s bell tower was a later addition that took three centuries to construct, finishing up in the 1890s. For 15 kn, you can wander up to the top of the tower and look out over serene, uninterrupted views of the Adriatic Sea.

Kolovare Beach

Conveniently located near the city, Kolovare is one of the best beaches in Zadar, Croatia. The pebble sand haven is Blue Flag certified, meeting high standards of safety, cleanliness and accessibility.

The pine trees provide some welcome shade during the hot summer days, as do the ice cream parlours close by. You’ll find locals and tourists alike sharing a game of beach volleyball or water polo, so join in for an enjoyable Zadar beach experience.

The City Walls

The limestone walls around the city helped Zadar retain its independence during the 16th and 17th centuries while under threat by the Ottomans. Parts of the walls still remain, including some of the impressively-built gates.

Be on the lookout for the Land Gate, which is the official entrance into the Old Town . The Renaissance monument features a main arched entrance for vehicles with two side passages for pedestrians. Notice the winged Lion of Saint Mark statue at the top, as well as the other delicate motifs.

Five Wells Square

The historic landmarks known as the five wells allowed the city to have its own water supply during the 16th century. Today, Five Wells Square is a popular meeting point for locals of all ages.

Right next to the square is the Queen Jelena Madijevka Park, as well as many bars and restaurants. If you can, stop by at night when the wells are illuminated.

What to eat in Zadar

Curious about what kind of food is served up in Zadar? Here are some delicious local dishes you’ll want to try and where you can order them:

Restaurant Bruschetta is a mix of Mediterranean and Dalmatian culinary traditions. Try the squid or shrimp risotto, as well as a cold fish platter as an appetiser. As one of the fancier restaurants in Zadar, you can expect top-notch service and a beautifully-presented meal.

Proto also has an impressive range of vegetarian dishes and modern Croatian cuisine. Favourites include the spinach gnocchi, salmon pate, and black and white tuna. There’s even a speciality beef burger if you’re already missing the food back home.

Next door at Pet Bunara , you can enjoy a plate of pašticada, a popular stewed beef dish originating in Dalmatia. This restaurant specialises in giving classic Croatian and Dalmatian meals a unique twist, so spend your time looking at the menu thoroughly or ask your server for recommendations. You’ll find inventive dishes like ravioli with figs to black squid stew with chickpeas.

Where to stay in Zadar

Zadar may not be the biggest city, but there are still hundreds of different places you can stay at during your Zadar trip. Here are a few suggestions for Zadar hotels you’re sure to love. If hotels isn’t your jam, check our Airbnb options.

Art Hotel Kalelarga is one of a kind in Zadar and without a doubt one of the top accommodation choices. This art hotel is made up of 10 individually decorated rooms that create a unique atmosphere for guests.

Each room is spacious and impeccably designed with stone elements that will definitely impress you. Situated along the main promenade in the Old Town, the location couldn’t be more convenient as well.

For something more mid-range, you can’t go wrong at Villa Liburnum . The family-run bed and breakfast was built in 2013 in a peaceful area of Zadar. Enjoy your complimentary breakfast on the balcony overlooking the beautiful town below.

Although the property seems modest from the outside, the interiors are remarkably contemporary and provide all the modern features you’ll need. You’ll also find a ton of useful Zadar tourist information at reception if you need any last-minute pointers.

On a tight budget? Not a problem at Rooms Goga . This guest house is friendly on your bank account without you having to compromise on a thing. The vibrantly decorated spaces provide instant comfort, making you feel well and truly at home.

All rooms come with a fridge, kettle, TV, aircon, and free wifi, of course. Best of all, you’ll be right in the heart of the Old Town and walking distance from all of the best attractions and restaurants.

Tours to do in Zadar

As always, one of the best ways to experience any new city is by joining a walking tour. Zadar’s small group walking tour allows for a more personalised experience, giving you insider knowledge from a local rather than boring facts spouted at you.

The best part about this two-hour tour is the visit to the market, where you can taste local cheeses and Maraschino liqueur, the flavour of which originates from the Dalmatian coast. The places of worship and museums on the agenda require a smart casual dress code, so avoid any tank tops or short shorts.

If you don’t feel like walking, you can always bike instead. A two-and-a-half-hour cycling tour runs in both the morning and the afternoon, and is suitable for families. You’ll see as much as you possibly can in a short amount of time while learning about 3,000 years of Croatian history. Discover the city’s hidden secrets with your guide and be shown the most picturesque spots in Zadar.

A delicious half-day experience is a private food tour on Pag Island . The island is known for its culinary delicacies, from cheese, olive oil, honey and wine. You’ll get to taste all of these treats as you visit four farms and get to know all about their history and production.

Visiting Zadar with your partner? Don’t miss the romantic sunset sailing trip in the early evenings. The tour is complete with a bottle of wine and snacks like cheese, prosciutto and olives. With everything taken care of, you can sit back and relax for two hours as the sun goes down.

Day trips from Zadar

There are a handful of fantastic day trips you can take from Zadar that you’ll always remember. Among the top is a full-day tour of Plitvice Lakes National Park . Discover some of the tranquil terraced lakes, picturesque waterfalls, and marvellous limestone canyons.

On a four-hour-tour, your guide will introduce you to the local fauna and flora of the area as you stroll through the heavenly forest. Later on, take a boat tour along the turquoise-green Kozjak Lake.

The next best place to go to from Zadar is the Kornati archipelago . Depending on your interests, you can board a cruise towards Telašćica National Park and do some swim ming along the coast. Afterwards, you’ll have the chance to learn the basics of sailing from your skipper.

If you’re feeling extra adventurous, go on a sea kayaking tour to the Kornati Islands. Hopping off the passenger boat in Sali, you’ll bike to the southern tip of Dugi Otok before getting the rundown and having your gear fitted.

You’ll have some time for snorkelling and swimming as well, but lunch isn’t provided, so remember to bring a picnic with you.

If you’ve already seen Plitvice, why not head to Krka National Park next? You’ll instantly agree that Krka is one of the most naturally beautiful places in the world, and it’s only an hour south of Zadar!

From Skradin, you’ll take a 30-minute boat ride into the park grounds. Follow your guide through the winding, picture-perfect nature trails and marvel at the incredible Skradinski Buk Falls, the longest of the park’s seven main waterfalls.

Birdwatching is a popular activity here, and you’ll learn a lot about the local animals that call Krka home. As a bonus, you’ll get to visit the traditional mills in the park and see the weaving workshops.

Recommended budget tours in Zadar

• Excursion to Kornati National Park from Zadar
• Zadar Market Tour and Cooking Class
• Zadar Small-Group Walking Tour
• Zadar Romantic Sunset Sailing Trip
• Plitvice Lakes National Park Full-Day Tour from Zadar
• Kayak tour on Dugi Otok – full day
• Pag Island Private Food Tour
• Krka National Park Full-Day Tour from Zadar

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Sam, a seasoned traveler across four continents and 49 countries, is a leading authority in travel planning. Her website, Travelling King, offers tailored itineraries and expert guides for seamless trips. Sam's expertise in luxury travel, fast travel, and destination guides keeps her at the forefront of the travel community.

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A travel & food blog

3 Days Zadar Itinerary: Hidden Gem of Croatia

The Adriatic coastline stretching down the Balkans peninsula is full of natural beauty spots and none more so than the Croatian coastline. Zadar ticks every box for a Balkans escape, with its charming old town, beautiful sunsets, and abundance of quirky islands.

This 3 days Zadar itinerary has got you covered, to ensure you make the most of this underrated spot in the Balkans .

I visited the small seaside city in September when the temperatures were still warm and the sun set earlier, which meant there were quieter crowds. However, Zadar is a city that can be enjoyed all year round.

This blog will give you some practical information about the different activities you can enjoy through the daytime and in the evening, as when the sun goes down in Zadar, there is a magical blanket that comes down over its historic Old Town.

Morning: Climb the Bell Tower in the Old Town

Afternoon: have lunch in the old town and visit some historic sites, evening: enjoy sunset at the sea organ, day 2 – krka national park day trip, morning: enjoy coffee in one of the hipster coffee shops, afternoon: head to ugljan island and visit its beautiful beaches, evening: enjoy dinner by the harbor, is 3 days enough in zadar, conclusions, 3 days zadar itinerary, day 1 – explore old town.

On the first day of your trip, you will be getting your bearings together and figuring out the city. Therefore, spending the day around the Old Town is a great starting point.

My first thoughts on Zadar were palm trees, boats (plenty of boats!), and positive vibes. As I explored, and interacted with the locals, they all offered a smile and pleasantries. I found this to be the case in many places in Croatia.

The Old Town is reachable by foot from many of the popular accommodation spots, consequently, I would plan to walk throughout your first day.

The highlight of the Old Town is the Bell Tower of St. Anastasia , which dates back to the 15th century. Its Baroque style tower is a symbol of the city and offers amazing panoramic views of the Old Town and the Adriatic Sea.

When I climbed the tower, it happened to be at the exact moment the bells chimed which scared the life out of me! But it was a unique moment seeing them in action. This was quite the experience!

The steps are very steep, so I would advise that you plan your visit accordingly. It definitely helps to visit in the morning before the midday crowds.

If you are visiting between the months of September and May you can enjoy the sunset from the top of the Tower, which is really cool!

Practical information:

• How to get there: The Bell Tower is centrally located in the Old Town so you can’t miss it.
• Bell Tower opening times: 9AM to 8PM Daily
• Bell Tower entrance cost: 15 Kunas (£1.75)

Zadar Old Town is home to many local restaurants, with some offering outdoor seating. This is an ideal location to enjoy the surroundings with a beautiful lunch.

There are more than 20 dining options in and around the Old Town. Therefore, you don’t need to plan in advance. You should just explore several of the options and then decide what suits your ambience.

After scouting out the area, we opted for lunch at Restaurant Malo Misto , as it offered seating in a courtyard with a pretty setting. The majority of options serve a mixture of Mediterranean and seafood dishes.

After your lunch, you can head to the Roman Forum at the edge of the Old Town to grab your dose of history.

Although there are only some minor ruins left for visitors to see nowadays, it was once the center of religious life in the city, after it was constructed as far back as the 1st century BC. You will find that there is still one intact Roman column remaining.

This is a great free activity and it is all open for visitors to walk through and examine the ruins up close. If you are interested in guided tours, there are hike cruises around Croatia that lets you explore key attractions on foot.

One of the highlights on any Zadar itinerary is the Sea Organ, a unique musical instrument located on the steps on the edge of the Old Town.

The musical feature plays music as the force of the waves crash against the steps. The melody was very clear and loud when I visited in September. However, the waves were choppy.

If you head down there half an hour before sunset, you will find a spot to sit down just in time for the magical experience.

It can get a little crowded, but this doesn’t take anything away from the beauty of the travel experience.

During my visit to the Sea Organ, I noticed many couples enjoying the sunset together, as it is a great spot if you are on a romantic getaway. I also witnessed a local wedding just inland from the sea organ. This was unexpected and involved loud music and crowds dancing.

• How to get there: The Sea Organ is located on a promenade close to the Old Town and Ferry Station. I had no problem finding it, but if you do, the locals are very approachable to help.
• Sea Organ opening times: All day, every day.
• Sea Organ entrance cost: Free.

Day 2 takes us away from Zadar for the day. However, the destination is bucket list worthy and a real treat for your camera.

Krka National Park has some of Croatia’s amazing natural beauty spots , and none more so than its waterfalls. There are 16 in total, along with a beautiful clear river, and many hiking trails.

Your starting point will be the small town of Skradin , which is around a 70-minute journey from Zadar, and it is here where you can either grab the ferry or start your walk/bike ride.

We opted to walk in the September sunshine, and the route is around 5 km each way. Combining the natural beauty of the area with sunshine and exercise really does set up your day perfectly.

You will have earned your ice cream when you arrive at the waterfalls!

The biggest waterfall is called Skradinski Buk , and it is epic. You can get fairly close to it on the bridge, or if you climb up some of the rocks on the side, you can get a bird’s eye view of it.

We had fun wandering off the beaten path and exploring some of the less touristy areas.

• How to get there: There are regular buses between Zadar and Skradin. Alternatively you can rent a car (we did this), or book a tour.
• Krka Waterfalls entrance fee: 300 Kunas (£35)
• Krka Waterfalls opening times: 8AM to 8PM in summer months
• Ferry cost: 200 Kunas (£25) return (25 minutes journey each way)

Day 3 – Enjoy the beaches in the island

An early start for coffee and sunrise started my final day in Zadar wonderfully, before a full afternoon of relaxation and a luxurious restaurant experience with harbor views.

Zadar is home to many modern coffee shops that have a different vibe, depending on what you are looking for.

My personal favorite was Coffee & Cake , which is only a 5-minute walk away from the Cathedral of St. Anastasia. You should know the Old Town pretty well by now, so just head of the iconic Bell Tower.

Coffee & Cake offers a break from the Balkan heat in its beautiful design air conditioned premises. You can also browse it’s pretty cakes and maybe even indulge in one of them.

Some other coffee shops that I tried that offered a nice vibe are:

• Caffe Bar Forum : A coffee shop with a historical view.
• Vinyl Bar : Sunrise views on the coast.
• Cogito Coffee Zadar : Urban feels.

You can’t visit Zadar without a trip to one of the dreamy islands off the coast. In total there are over 300, all offering a unique experience. One of the most popular ones, and my favorite island is Ugljan , also known as “ The Olive Island ” due to its abundance of Olive Trees.

Ugljan Island is also home to some beautiful beaches and, uniquely, a historical fortress.

I opted to visit the Luka Beach , which is situated on the North West of the island in a cove, which offers some privacy and beautiful clear waters. If you want a break from the sunshine, there are some beautiful pine trees to grab some shade under. This is a great free activity that can keep you occupied for as long as you want!

If you want to feel the full charm of the island, then you should head to Preko , a small fishing village located centrally. I chatted to some locals and then explored the Monastery, which was an awesome end to my afternoon as an islander.

It really does feel like a Croatian paradise!

• How to get there: You can reach the island via a direct ferry. The total journey time is around 30 minutes, and it operates hourly. The main ferry port (Gaženica) is on the outskirts of Zadar approximately 5 km from the city center. We walked it to get some exercise and sunshine after our lunch. A taxi is another good option if you are short on time or want a more relaxing day.
• Ferry cost: 20 Kunas (£2.65)

There are some beautiful restaurants in Zadar, so you are spoiled for choice during your evening meal. For the last night of the itinerary, I would recommend a personal favorite that ticked every box during my visit.

Harbor Cookhouse & Club has a spectacular setting located on the banks of Zadar Harbor. For the perfect dinner, I would recommend you book an outside table, especially in summertime, as you are treated to harbor views and a breathtaking backdrop of the Old Town and Bell Tower.

Harbor has something for everyone with its offerings of seafood, steak, and other popular dishes.

It is also vegetarian friendly.

It is a great spot for a lively last evening in the quirky Croatian town, as the restaurant has live dj/live band gigs. Make sure your flight isn’t too early the next day!

This was my favorite restaurant on my trip to Zadar. I just loved the setting, watching boats come into the harbor.

You could spend forever in Zadar and not get bored of its quirkiness and beautiful locals. Three days is only a short visit to the Croatian city, and by this point, you will have fallen in love with Zadar. It is enough time to explore the main attractions, Krka National Park and an island. A longer stay will mean you can do some more island hopping, and maybe head out into the Adriatic on a boat trip.

I felt fully satisfied at the end of my 3 day trip, but its charm has lured me into a future trip, one day soon!

Croatia is beautiful throughout, so the benefit of a shorter trip is that you can explore other great cities.

Zadar ticks every box for a sunny seaside break.

Its abundance of beautiful beaches offer the perfect place to relax with a cocktail or two. It also has some cultural and historical gems across its Old Town to keep you entertained.

I found its mix of historical charm and modern vibes offer a truly unique vibe in the city.

A 3 days Zadar itinerary consisting of exploring the city will give you an awesome experience, while leaving you longing for more.

Tom is a UK-based travel blogger from the North East of England who has a curiosity for all things travel, and has visited 40 countries. His lifetime goal is 100, and he plans to document all his travels through his growing blog.

His favorite country is Thailand and favorite city is Mostar in Bosnia & Herzegovina.

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Things To Do in Zadar: A Travel Guide to Unforgettable Experiences

Nestled on Croatia’s stunning Dalmatian coast, Zadar is a historical gem that beautifully marries ancient architecture with the captivating allure of natural beauty.

Founded over 3,000 years ago, it stands as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe. Here, the remnants of Roman ruins, medieval churches, and Venetian palaces weave a rich tapestry of history, while the vibrant present pulses with lively markets, contemporary attractions, and a delectable culinary scene.

Here’s your guide to the best things to do in Zadar.

Related read : Reasons Croatia Makes for an Awesome Vacation

In a hurry? Here are our favorite things to do in Zadar

↳ Culinary Experience in Zadar : Experience the authentic taste of Dalmatian cuisine with baked veal under peka, complemented with an olive oil tasting. BOOK NOW! ↳ Sail from Zadar to Telašćica : Explore the stunning Telašćica Nature Park on a full-day sailing adventure from Zadar! BOOK NOW! ↳ Become a Saltworker for a Day at Solana Nin : Get your hands dirty at Nin Saltworks and immerse yourself in the ancient tradition of salt harvesting. BOOK NOW! ↳ Food and wine pairing tour:  Explore three exceptional wineries near Zadar, complete with a wine-tasting experience paired with a delicious lunch featuring local delicacies. BOOK NOW!

Here is an overview:

Indulge in Culinary Excellence: Baked Veal Under Peka and Olive Oil Tasting

Culinary experience in zadar: veal, olive oil and more, explore the majestic kornati national park, sail from zadar to telašćica: a day of fun and views, cycle through history and scenic villages, become a saltworker for a day at solana nin, sip the best: authentic dalmatian wines, best wine and food experience in zadar area, outdoor adventures around zadar, thrill and chill: zrmanja rafting or kayaking in zadar region, thrilling buggy tour adventure in velebit mountain range, rock climbing in paklenica: thrills near zadar, the most beautiful sunset in the world, sunset zadar: sail to galešnjak, the island of love, embrace the magic of zadar.

Start your day in Zadar by indulging in its culinary delights.

Experience the authentic taste of Dalmatian cuisine with baked veal under peka , a traditional dish prepared in a cast-iron pot and slowly cooked over hot embers, rendering the meat tender and flavorful.

Complement your meal with an olive oil tasting , where you can sample some of the region’s finest extra virgin oils and learn about their production. You can try delicious olive oli in Ljubač, Drage and Nadin.

This gastronomic journey offers not just a meal but a deep dive into the heart of local culinary artistry.

Indulge in a culinary adventure near Zadar with a delicious experience featuring baked veal under peka, olive oil tasting, and more!

Upon your arrival, kick things off with a welcome drink of your choice, perhaps a liqueur or brandy. Then, tantalize your taste buds with an olive oil tasting session where you’ll sample three different extra virgin olive oils alongside local prosciutto, hard cheese, homemade bread, tuna pâté, and olives.

Afterwards, embark on a guided tour of the cellar to learn more about the process before diving into the main course. Choose between the mouthwatering veal baked under the lid (the famous Croatian peka) or a delectable grilled mixed meat dish. Wash it all down with three glasses of wine (red, white, or rosé) and stay hydrated with water, all while learning about the wines produced here.

Cap off your meal with a sweet treat of homemade cake and coffee, accompanied by a digestive of your choice – whether it’s a liqueur or brandy. Throughout the experience, you’ll also have the opportunity to purchase internationally acclaimed extra virgin olive oils, wines, and liqueurs produced on-site.

Go for a culinary journey that combines passion, innovation, and a true taste of Croatian flavors!

Price: €60 per person Free cancelation 48 hours before.

Book your foodie experience here

Just a short boat ride from Zadar lies the breathtaking Kornati National Park , a stunning archipelago of over 100 islands.

Embark on a wooden boat tour to soak in the sun and the incredible scenery of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Snorkel in crystal-clear waters, wander through uninhabited islands, and marvel at the rugged beauty of cliffs and secluded bays.

This escape into nature offers tranquility and stunning vistas, making it a paradise for nature lovers.

Explore the stunning Telašćica Nature Park on a full-day sailing adventure from Zadar !

Departing from Zadar marina at 9:00 am, you’ll cruise through the picturesque Zadar canal towards the enchanting Dugi Otok Island. Along the way, catch glimpses of the breathtaking Kornati National Park.

Upon reaching Telašćica, you’ll anchor near the tranquil salt lake Mir, surrounded by lush flora and fauna. Keep an eye out for the Croatian donkey reserve, home to a unique local breed. Enjoy free time to savor lunch, take a refreshing swim, stroll along the coast to admire stone sculptures, and marvel at the stunning cliffs offering unparalleled views of the Adriatic.

As you’ll sail to a secluded cove for more swimming, the experienced skipper will share sailing tips and tricks. You’ll return to Zadar marina by 6:00 pm, concluding a day filled with unforgettable sights and experiences.

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to discover the natural beauty of Telašćica on this exciting sailing excursion !

Price: €92 per person – €610 private tour (max 7 persons) Free cancelation up to 48 hours before.

Included in the excursion:

• Hotel/accommodation transfers (Private sailing excursion only)
• Departure from Zadar marina at 9:00 am
• Scenic cruise through Mali Ždrelac and Mala Provesa passages
• Passing under the iconic Pašman Bridge
• Docking near the salty lake Mir
• Ample time for swimming, snorkeling, hiking, and lunch
• Introduction to sailing fundamentals
• Entrance fee to Telašćica Nature Park
• Experienced skipper
• Fuel, insurance, and VAT
• Snorkeling and fishing gear provided

Embark on this unforgettable sailing journey and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Telašćica!

Book your sailing trip here

Sailing boat to explore the Kornati National Park in Zadar, Croatia.

Coastline of the bay of Telašćica close to Zadar, Croatia.

You can discover charming small towns and picturesque villages just a few kilometers from Zadar.

A great way to explore these hidden gems is by cycling from Zadar.  Cycling not only provides a sense of adventure but also allows you to immerse yourself in the region’s history and natural beauty at your own pace.

As you pedal through scenic landscapes and along quiet paths, you’ll come across quaint villages that offer a glimpse into the local way of life.

In Nin , a small town near Zadar, known for its rich cultural heritage, you can explore historical landmarks like the world’s smallest cathedral and enjoy the serene beauty of its surroundings.

When visiting Nin, make sure to stop by the Nin Saltworks . This historic site offers a fascinating insight into traditional salt production and its cultural significance to the region. Visitors can learn about the ancient methods of harvesting salt, and even taste the unique flavors of this locally produced mineral.

Experience a day in the life of a saltworker at Nin Saltworks (Solana Nin)!

Get your hands dirty at Nin Saltworks and immerse yourself in the ancient tradition of salt harvesting. Work alongside saltworkers as you navigate the salt fields, control water flow in the pools, and pack products in the salt hangars. Depending on the season, you could be hand-harvesting salt in the summer, tending to floodgates and salt pans in the spring or autumn, or packaging products in the winter. This hands-on experience allows you to connect with nature while having a blast!

Throughout your time at Nin Saltworks, a knowledgeable guide will be by your side to lead the way. This unique activity is perfect for team building and offers a glimpse into the 1500-year-old tradition of salt production at the only ecological saltworks in the Adriatics.

Price: €56,25 per person Free cancelation up to 24 hours before.

What’s Included:

• Hand-harvesting with saltworkers in the summer
• Maintenance of floodgates and salt pans in the spring/autumn
• Packaging products in the salt hangars in the winter
• Working alongside saltworkers, walking on barriers, and controlling water flow
• Expert guidance

Book Saltwater Experience here

After a day of exploration, make sure to savor the authentic flavors of Dalmatian wines .

The region boasts a rich viticultural heritage, with vineyards producing exquisite wines that reflect the unique terroir of the area. Visit local wineries to learn about the winemaking process from the experts, and enjoy tastings of various wine varieties.

Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or just enjoy a good glass of wine, experiencing Dalmatian wines offers a delightful insight into the region’s culture and traditions.

Great wine can be found in Petrčane, Ljubač, Nadin or Smilčić. Pair these wines with local cheeses and cured meats for a truly memorable culinary experience.

Experience the ultimate wine and food pairing tour in the Zadar region !

This tour is a real treat for your taste buds, showcasing the best of local products, traditional peka dish preparation, and the beloved wine varieties of the Zadar region.

Join me on a journey to three exceptional wineries handpicked by local experts. Our first stop is a charming family farm in Ljubač near Zadar, renowned for their award-winning wines and extra virgin olive oils. Indulge in a complete wine tasting experience paired with a delicious lunch featuring local delicacies.

Next, we’ll make a brief stop at Royal Vineyards winery in Petrčane to savor a glass of wine amidst stunning vineyard views. Don’t miss the chance to taste their acclaimed Pošip Prestige and Pošip Barrique wines.

Our final destination is a boutique family winery in Zadar where you’ll enjoy a guided tasting of five wines and two liqueurs, accompanied by Dalmatian snacks like bacon, dry-cured ham, cheese, and anchovies.

This 5-6 hour tour includes visits to three wineries, a local guide/driver, and the opportunity to purchase wine, olive oil, liqueurs, and brandies at each stop. Plus, each guest will receive a complimentary bottle of wine to take home.

Embark on this culinary adventure and discover the rich flavors of the Zadar region through its wines and gourmet delights!

Price: €300 per person Free cancelation until 24 hours before.

Book your Foodie & wine experience here

The areas surrounding Zadar are a playground for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a variety of adventures to suit all tastes.

Experience the thrill of quad biking through rugged terrain of the Velebit mountain , where you can explore the natural beauty of the region off the beaten path.

For those who enjoy a good hike or rock climbing, the nearby Nature Park Paklenica provides stunning vistas and a great way to connect with nature.

If water activities are more your style, consider kayaking along the beautiful coastline, rafting on the Zrmanja river , or even embarking on a fishing trip in the Zadar archipelago.

Snorkeling is always a great way to explore the beautiful beaches, and Sakarun Beach is definitely worth visiting.

These outdoor adventures allow you to experience the diverse landscapes and natural wonders around Zadar in an exciting and engaging way.

Zrmanja Rafting or Kayaking – Zadar Region’s Finest Adventure!

The Zrmanja River is hands down one of the most stunning rivers in Croatia, drawing more and more people in with its mesmerizing beauty that still feels like a hidden gem.

Nestled in the heart of the Zadar region, this river impresses with its crystal-clear waters and rich natural surroundings. Get ready for a thrilling mix of adrenaline-pumping waterfalls and serene moments as you paddle your way through the enchanting Zrmanja. This 17-kilometer trail promises an unforgettable experience that will stay with you long after you’ve left.

And the best part? No previous experience is required!

When it comes to outdoor adventures in Zadar or Croatia, it doesn’t get much better than this. The goal is to ensure you have the time of your life on this Zrmanja rafting/kayaking excursion and leave feeling not just satisfied with the activity, but also deeply connected to the beauty nature has to offer.

Price: €472 for 4 persons Free cancelation up to 24 hours before.

What’s included:

• Private transfers as outlined in the program
• Knowledgeable kayak guide
• All necessary equipment for kayaking (life jacket, kayak, paddle, dry barrel, and more)

Book your adventure here

Kayaking the Zrmanja river near Zadar in Croatia.

Rafting the Zrmanja river near Zadar in Croatia.

Experience the thrill of a breathtaking buggy tour adventure on Velebit!

Get ready for an exciting journey through the stunning Velebit mountain range in the Zadar region. Starting at the enchanting Morlacco presentation center, you’ll be taken on a ride through the captivating landscapes of Velebit, where rock and forest converge in a unique harmony. Cruise along the historic Majstorska Road, gaze in awe at the karst wonders of Tulove Grede, and enjoy panoramic views of three seas. Feel the rush of riding in a buggy with expert guidance, exploring one of Europe’s most picturesque and historically significant areas. Sit back, relax, and let our professional guides lead you through the scenic routes of Velebit.

This tour offers a chance to venture off the beaten path, discovering the natural beauty and historical legacy of Velebit. From awe-inspiring landscapes to cultural gems like the Church of St. Francis, each stop provides a glimpse into the region’s rich history and natural marvels.

Price: €119 per person Free cancelation up to 24 hours before

• Guided buggy tour
• Refreshments
• All necessary equipment
• Expert guidance from knowledgeable tour leaders
• Custom tour options for a personalized experience
• Choose from sunrise or sunset tours for stunning views

Book your buggy tour here

Rock climbing in Paklenica National Park is an absolute blast!

The journey with Paklenica Adventure began over a decade ago, and they’ve had a blast teaching and having fun with countless groups of climbers and hikers from all walks of life. They’re passionate about what they do and love spending time with clients who share a similar enthusiasm, especially in the stunning setting of their second home – Paklenica, with its ancient forests and rich natural and cultural heritage.

The abundance of limestone cliffs in Paklenica National Park offers a wide range of routes for climbers of all levels. During the rock climbing sessions, you’ll enjoy a personalized and fun experience with expert instructors. They pride themselves on offering high-quality courses with small instructor-to-client ratios that are accessible to everyone.

Choose from courses designed for beginners looking to learn the basics, intermediate climbers seeking an adrenaline rush outdoors, or more experienced climbers looking to hone their skills. They’ll help you conquer any fear of heights and deepen your climbing knowledge!

Price: €70 per person – Climbing Tryout Price: €100 per person – Lead Climbing course Free cancelation up to 24 hours before.

Here’s what’s included:

• All necessary equipment such as harnesses, helmets, rock shoes, ropes, and belay devices
• Climbing grades explained
• Hands-on climbing skills on real rock
• Learn to tie knots and belay (Climbing Tryout lesson)
• Gain a comprehensive understanding of climbing grades for single-pitch climbs (Lead Climbing course)
• Learn efficient protection placement, rope management, and more (Lead Climbing course)

Book your climbing Experience here

Rock climbing course in Paklenica National Park close to Zadar, Croatia.

Excellent rock climbing in Paklenica National Park close to Zadar, Croatia.

As the evening approaches, unwind with a leisurely stroll along Zadar’s waterfront and prepare to witness a spectacle famously praised by Alfred Hitchcock as the most beautiful sunset in the world . As the sun dips below the horizon, the sky bursts into vibrant hues, creating a serene and picturesque atmosphere.

For an even more enchanting experience, consider taking a boat ride through the Zadar archipelago. This offers a unique vantage point to enjoy the stunning sunset, with the surrounding islands adding to the magic of the moment.

The experience is enhanced by the unique harmony of art and nature with the Sea Organ , an architectural marvel that produces melodic sounds as waves crash against its steps. This magical moment epitomizes the charm and beauty of Zadar, inviting you to relax and soak in the breathtaking scenery.

Experience the enchanting beauty of Galešnjak, the Island of Love, as you soak in a breathtaking sunset cruise .

Picture the sky ablaze with shades of orange, pink, and purple as the sun gracefully sets on the horizon. Take in the serene Adriatic Sea views while sailing around this heart-shaped paradise, creating unforgettable moments with your loved ones or enjoying a peaceful adventure with friends.

This sunset tour guarantees a magical and romantic experience that will truly captivate you with nature’s splendor.

Embark on a memorable journey across the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic Sea. Feel the soft sea breeze against your skin as we make our way to the picturesque heart-shaped island of Galešnjak.

Along the route, be mesmerized by the stunning coastal landscapes, featuring rugged cliffs, lush greenery, and quaint fishing villages scattered along the shore.

Price: €170 for up to 8 people Free cancelation up to 24 hours before.

Book the sunset tour here

Zadar is not just a destination; it’s an experience waiting to be discovered.

From the world’s most beautiful sunsets and unique musical installations to delicious food experiences and exciting outdoor adventures, every part of this coastal city is full of wonders. Whether you’re soaking in the sun at Kornati National Park, pedaling through charming villages, savoring the finest wines, or enjoying a stunning sunset boat ride, Zadar invites you to immerse yourself in its rich culture and stunning landscapes.

So when you go, bring your curiosity, and get ready to create memories that will last a lifetime in the enchanting city of Zadar.

We allow everyone to discover and experience truly local activities in Croatia, as well as the authenticity of destinations. Wine, oil and cheese tastings, gastronomic tours, boat trips or adventure tours in nature led by experienced local guides.

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Zadar itinerary – best things to do in Zadar in 1, 2, 3 and 5 days

• March 31, 2023
• Croatia , Europe

Whether you have a few days to explore the area or are just passing through for a day, these Zadar itineraries have got you covered. As someone who can’t get enough of this captivating Croatian city, I might be biased, but Zadar really is not a city you’ll want to miss out on!

The old town of Zadar is situated on a small peninsula and offers an irresistible mix of ancient Roman ruins, medieval churches, lively bars, and modern art installations. But arguably the best bits are located in the surrounding area where you’ll find stunning beaches, breathtaking islands and wonderful national parks.

In this itinerary, I’ll guide you through the best places to stay, eat, and explore in and around Zadar, from hidden gems to popular attractions.

Zadar itinerary overview – the best of Zadar, Croatia

• How many days in Zadar?

Where to stay in Zadar

Day 1 – zadar old town, day 2 – krka np or plitvice lakes, day 3 – beach day or dugi otok, day 4 – nin and queens beach, day 5 – kornati national park, day 2 – krka or plitvice, day 3 – kornati or dugi otok, day 2 – national park of choice, 1 day in zadar itinerary, what to pack for zadar, croatia, getting to zadar and around, where to eat and drink in zadar, best time to visit zadar, planning a trip to croatia.

Below I’m sharing crafted itineraries and recommendations on the best things to do in Zadar in 1, 2, 3 and 5 days.

These itineraries include unmissable sights like the Roman Forum, some off the beaten path attractions, plenty of nature and national parks, and I also made sure you get plenty of fun (and the best seafood) into your days.

In a hurry? Book your Zadar essentials:

These are the top things to do in Zadar  that you absolutely shouldn’t miss out on, and a fantastic hotel for your stay!

Art Hotel Kalelarga City walking tour Zadar food tour Kornati National Park trip Dugi Otok kayaking tour Plitvice Lakes day trip Rent a car

The below Zadar itineraries are designed to help you get a feel for the history and culture, but you’ll also be able to enjoy the beach and the incredible nature around this wonderful town. Zadar is surrounded by several national parks and incredible islands worth exploring.

Refer to this  map of Zadar attractions to find the things mentioned below.

How many days in Zadar ?

Three days is the perfect amount of time to explore Zadar as you’ll have the opportunity to discover the charming Zadar old town and venture out to explore some of the nearby national parks and islands.

While the old town of Zadar can be combed through in just a few hours, I’d recommend spending at least one night here so you’ll be able to enjoy the sunsets, lively bar scene and maybe even a boat tour or national park.

You’ll also need a couple more days if you’d like to enjoy the beach or visit more of the nearby national parks.

The old town of Zadar is tiny and compact, and as with most coastal medieval towns in Croatia, car traffic is limited.

If mobility isn’t an issue and you only have a night then I’d recommend staying in the heart of the old town. Just keep in mind that some areas are pedestrian only so you might have to carry your luggage over cobblestone streets and stairs. If you’re traveling by car make sure your chosen accommodation offers parking.

If you have several days at your disposal you might prefer to base yourself outside of the city walls and near a nice beach. Punta Skala is just a 15min drive from town and offers incredible beaches plus Falkensteiner Hotel & Spa Iadera is an experience you will not want to miss out on!

Read next: Where to stay in Zadar – best accommodation and areas Best hotels in Zadar Hotel review – Falkensteiner Hotel & Spa Iadera

Art Hotel Kalelarga

LOCATION & HISTORY

Where history and modern luxuries meet. Fantastic location just a stone throw from the main attractions.

CHECK PRICES

Riva Palace

AFFORDABLE CHARM

An affordable and chick accommodation option in the heart of town with easy car access.

Check prices

Falkensteiner Iadera

STYLE & LUXURY

A beautiful beach resort 15min from town with all the amenities you could possibly need for a memorable stay.

Zadar 5 day itinerary

With five days in Zadar you will be able to leaisorly explore the town and do several day trips to the surrounding national parks and island.

Exploring the old town of Zadar is a journey through time with buildings and monuments from different time periods scattered throughout the town. To fully understand the complex history of this city, I highly recommended you join this guided walking tour. It’s also the best way to explore if you’re short on time or want to get a feel for what’s where.

Book this walking tour of Zadar

If you choose to explore on your own I’d recommend you follow the route below so you don’t miss any of the highlights. You might also choose to stop at the National Museum, see an exhibition at the Duke’s palace, or visit the Museum of Ancient glass.

If you’re not interested in the exhibitions you’ll probably have enough time to hit the beach in the afternoon. If that’s the case, once you get to the Land Gate walk left, away from the old town, to get to Kolovare beach and its fun jumping platform.

Roman Forum

The Roman Forum in Zadar is the largest forum on the eastern side of the Adriatic Sea, standing as a testament to the grandeur of the past. Today, only a few remnants remain, but on its foundations, the church of St. Donata and other religious buildings were built adding to the rich history of this magnificent site.

Pillar of Shame

Among the preserved remains of the Roman forum there is also a monumental column, or the Pillar of Shame, which still stands in its original place. People were chained to the column and subjected to public humiliation, with the chains and nails still visible as haunting reminders of this dark past.

St. Donatus’ Church

St. Donatus is a circular church built in the early Middle Ages in the traditional early Byzantine style on the remains of the ancient Roman forum. Its central circular sail is one of the most prominent historical landmarks in Zadar, also known for its remarkable acoustics.

St. Anastasia’s Cathedral Bell Tower

The magnificent Zadar Cathedral is the largest church in Dalmatia, with its construction dating back to the 4th or 5th century. However, the highlight of the cathedral is its bell tower, which is an impressive fifty-four meters tall and offers stunning panoramic views of Zadar and its surroundings.

St. Mary’s Church and Monastery

St. Mary’s Church and Monastery, built by women for women, was founded in 1066. Severely damaged during World War II, the church and monastery were restored during the post-war reconstruction of Zadar. Today, it is a beautiful building made of white marble and home to the Gold and Silver exhibition of church art.

Narodni Trg

Narodni trg, or People’s Square, has been the heart of city life since the Middle Ages and was declared Croatia’s most beautiful square.

Sit down at a cafe and take in the historic buildings that surround you, such as the majestic Town Hall, the City Guard, the City Loggia, and one of the oldest preserved buildings in the area, the 11th-century Church of St. Lovre.

Zadar has been protected by fortified city walls punctuated by only two gates – the Land Gate and the Sea Gate. From Narodni Trg walk towards The Land Gate. You’ll climb up the walls here.

This gate was built in 1543, features an image of Saint Krševan and the lion of Saint Mark, representing the Republic of Venice.

Zadar’s ancient city walls, a UNESCO World Heritage site, were built in the 12th and 13th centuries and fortified in the 16th century to protect against invaders. Recently restored, the walls offer beautiful views of the town and sea, and the walking path on top of the walls is breathtaking.

St. Simeon’s Church & Chest

St. Simeon’s Church may appear unremarkable, but it holds the stunning Chest of St. Simon, an intricate masterpiece made of 250 kilograms of silver, and the most precious example of goldsmithing in Croatia. The chest contains the mummified remains of St. Simon, one of Zadar’s patrons, and sits on the church’s main altar.

Lunch at Proto Food&More

Behind the church you’ll find Proto Food&More, a fabulous restaurant with a friendly and unpretentious atmosphere. The menu is diverse and includes traditional Croatian/Dalmatian dishes, seafood, meat, and burgers.

Five Wells Square

The Five Wells Square was named after the five wells built here in the 16th century. They provided water to the city during the Ottoman attacks. The wells were supplied from Lake Vrana, and remnants of the aqueduct remain preserved in the area.

Queen Jelena Madijevka Park

Queen Jelena Madijevka Park was Zadar’s first public park built during the fortress city era, and it has hosted social events for over 40 years. Today it provides a peaceful escape from the city, and beautiful views of the sea and city walls. Grab a coffee and chill at Bar Ledena in the park.

The Sea Gate, built in 1573 to commemorate a significant victory, is located near a small port where the Zadar peninsula connects tot he mainland. You can get incredible views of it from the park above.

Stroll down the Riva

This waterfront promenade, features the famous Sea Organ and Sun Salutation, and stunning views of the islands and open sea. It is especially beautiful during sunset when the sky turns into hues of pink, orange, and purple. It’s no wonder that the sunset from the Riva was declared by Alfred Hitchcock as the “most beautiful in the world.”

San Francis Monastery

The Gothic complex in Zadar includes a church, St. Anthony’s chapel, cloister, sacristy, and monastery treasury. However, the true highlight is the peaceful and serene atrium, which is a must-visit.

The Sea Organ in Zadar uses the power of the sea to produce a series of random yet melodious sounds through pipes that run underneath a set of marble steps along the waterfront. This creates a captivating and relaxing music.

Sun Salutation

The Sun Salutation is an urban installation by architect Nikola Bašic. It consists of 300 multi-layered glass panels that absorb sunlight during the day and light up at night. The best time to take in this breathtaking display of light is in the evenings, with the soothing sounds of the Sea Organ in the background.

Dinner at Bistro Kalelarga or Foša restaurant

Pick between two of the best Zadar restaurantsfor dinner. Bistro Gourmet Kalelarga in the heart of the old town offers authentic local cuisine with a well-curated wine list, a charming outdoor terrace, and a bakery serving fresh pastries and bread. Meanwhile, Foša restaurant is known for its seafood menu, served in a lovely outdoor area near the Land Gate and accompanied by an incredible wine list.

Maraschino at Stomorica bars

Initially created as a medicine by the pharmacists of the Dominican monastery in response to devastating epidemics, Maraschino quickly became a beloved drink enjoyed by refined palates all over Europe. Made from the local arasca cherry this liquor has a history of over five hundred years. Join in the centuries-old tradition of enjoying maraschino at cafes along Stomorica street, the liveliest part of town once the sun sets down.

Krka and Plitvice Lakes National Parks are both stunning and worth a visit. The stunning Krka river runs through both of them creating breathtaking landscapes filled with lakes and waterfalls.

It might be a tough choice, but one you have to make if you’re limited with time as I don’t believe visiting both is necessary. I’m slightly more in favor of Krka NP as it is closer, cheaper, and less crowded.

Krka National Park

Krka National Park is a true paradise of cascading waterfalls and pools that will take your breath away. While Skradinski Buk is the most renowned attraction, there’s so much more to discover!

For an unforgettable experience, I recommend exploring further into the park to visit Roski Slap, see The Necklaces, and climb the 500+ steps up to Ozidana pecina cave for sweeping views.

Book your Krka NP adventure: Krka NP entrance tickets Krka NP with tasting group tour

Plitvice National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is Croatia’s oldest and largest national park, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is divided into the Upper and Lower Lakes and as you walk along the wooden boardwalks, you’ll be surrounded by the turquoise waters of the lakes and the lush greenery of the forest.

Since this park attracts over 1 million visitors annually, it is essential to book in advance to secure your spot.

Book your trip: Private Tour of Plitvice Lakes Group Tour of Plitvice Lakes

Dugi Otok (Long Island) is the seventh largest Croatian island and with its beautiful beaches and underwater world, this island provides breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences. Take in the stunning caves of Golubinka and Dragon’s Eye, snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic, and relax at Sakarun Beach.

To visit you can choose to join a group tour and discover hidden gems on a boat trip, or paddle along the coast on a day-long kayaking adventure. You can even combine a boat trip with some additional exploring on a paddleboard.

Book your Dugi Otok adventure: Boat trip Kayaking tour Boat and SUP

When it comes to beaches in Zadar, the options are endless. Below I list just a few of my favorites, but the list goes on.

Kolovare beach is the closest and a popular destination among Zadar locals and visitors alike. It boasts an open swimming pool, beach volleyball court, basketball court, and bowling alley. The highlight, however, is the diving board with platforms at heights of 3, 5, and 10 meters, providing an unforgettable experience.

Shop these beach essentials:

Straw Beach Bag

SPF Beach Hat

Kindle Paperwhite

Reef Safe Sunscreen

Sand-Free Beach Mat

Waterproof Phone Pouch

Self-Cleaning Bottle

Borik Beach offers an ideal location for swimming and lounging on its picturesque pebble-filled shoreline. If you’re seeking a more secluded experience, venture to Puntamika Beach , where you’ll find quiet coves, a charming café, and even a scenic lighthouse.

And my favorite, the Punta Skala Beach, nestled within the serene pine forest is perfect for unwinding after a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters.

If you’re looking for a stylish beach experience head to Baia beach bar. Nestled in the charming marina in Sukosan, you can relax in style in the luxurious cabanas, sip on incredible cocktails that will tantalize your taste buds, and let the rhythm of the live music take you away.

Nin Old Town

Nin is a small, historic town in Croatia known for its charming old town and long sandy beaches. Home to historic churches, museums, and the ruins of a Roman temple, Nin old town is located on a small island connected to the mainland by two bridges.

One of the top attractions in Nin is the 4-meter-high statue of Gregory of Nin, an important Croatian bishop. Legend has it that rubbing the statue’s toe brings good luck. Nearby is the church of St. Anselmus, which has an interesting treasury and a freestanding 12th-century church tower that dominates the town.

Nin Saline and Saltworks

Salt was as valuable as gold during that era, and the Romans even paid their soldiers with salt from Nin, which is where the word “salary” is believed to have originated. The Saline are located in the shallow lagoon of Nin and cover an area of 55 hectares with a history dating back to Roman times.

Nin Saltworks still produces salt using traditional methods, harvested by locals who have been doing so for generations. The salt has an authentic taste and high nutritional value due to the biodiversity of more than 200 species in the area.

You can tour the Nin Saltworks and its sea salt pans to learn about traditional sea salt production.

Queen’s beach

Queen’s Beach is the longest sandy beach in Croatia, stretching about 3 kilometers, providing ample space for sunbathing and relaxation. It is regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in Croatia.

In addition to the beautiful sandy beach, here you’ll find medicinal mud, also known as peloid. It has been used for centuries for therapy, which involves covering the body with the mud, sunbathing on the sandy beach, and rinsing off the mud with warm sea water.

The Kornati National Park is a collection of 89 beautiful islands and islets and its waters, where a unique underwater micro-climate hosts rare algae and mollusks. The islands’ sparse trees and extraterrestrial looks with high vertical cliffs create an otherworldly and surreal landscape worth exploring.

The Kornati are a popular sailing and snorkeling destination with clear calm water and beautiful bays to explore. I highly recommend you book this Kornati boat trip that takes you to all the highlights and gives you plenty of time to chill and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

Book your Kornati National Park tour

Zadar 3 day itinerary

With three days in Zadar you’ll be able to take in the stunning Zadar old town and explore some of the surrounding national parks and island. However yo will have to make some choices and prioritize the day trips you want to take.

Join this guided walking tour of the old town or follow the same route as outlined above in the 5-day itinerary.

If you really want to visit both, Kornati and Dugi Otok, you can pick up the tempo in the old town in the morning and use the afternoon for this Kornati half-day tour.

Krka National Park | Entrance tickets | Group tour with tasting

Plitvice Lakes | Private Tour | Group Tour of Plitvice Lakes

Kornati National Park | Kornati National Park tour

Dugi Otok | Boat trip | Kayaking tour |  Boat and SUP

Zadar 2 day itinerary

You can also choose to pick up the tempo in the old town in the morning and use the afternoon for this Kornati half-day tour , This way you’ll be able to experience more of the surrounding national parks.

With only one day in Zadar you’ll want to make the most of it. Join this guided walking tour of the old town or follow the same route as outlined above in the 5-day itinerary.

I highly reccommend you start earlu and pick up the tempo in the old town in the morning so you’ll be able to join this Kornati half-day tour in the afternoon. Trust me, it’s worth it!

Pack lightweight and breathable clothing suitable for warm Mediterranean weather, including shorts, t-shirts, and my favorite, flowy dresses. I highly recommend packing a linen shirt that you can use as a bikini coverup or as a long-sleeve layer if you get chilly at night.

Sun protection essentials like sunglasses, a hat, and high-quality sunscreen are crucial. Don’t forget a beach bag (ideally one you can use as an everyday tote), a beach mat, a reusable water bottle (you can drink tap water in Croatia), and obviously, your favorite bikinis.

The beaches in Croatia often have sharp rocks or pebbles so water shoes are recommended and don’t forget to pack comfortable walking shoes or sandals for exploring the cities and national parks.

Zadar is serviced by Zadar international airport. Other airports in the vicinity include Split, Zagreb and Rijeka. The best way to travel between the airport and the city is with a cab that will get you straight to your accommodation. I reccommend you book this private transfer in advance to save money on cabs.

Zadar also has a well-connected central bus station, making it easy to get here by bus from other towns in the country. If you plan on exploring further around Zadar then renting a car is your best bet.

The historic center is mostly closed ot traffic so the best way of getting around is on foot. You can however rent an e-scooter or e-bike, which are especially handy if you’re staying outside the old city walls.

Book your airport shuttle Rent a car

Proto Food&More boasts friendly and knowledgeable staff, a calming and unpretentious setting, and serves traditional Croatian/Dalmatian dishes in generous portions at affordable prices. The menu is quite diverse, featuring a range of dishes from meat to seafood, gnocchi, risotto, and even burgers.

Bistro Gourmet Kalelarga offers authentic local cuisine, with a well-curated wine list, and the charming outdoor terrace provides a great atmosphere to enjoy your meal. They also have a special seasonal menu, and they’re best known for dishes featuring asparagus during the early spring. In addition, the restaurant’s bakery serves fresh pastries and coffee, making it an ideal spot for breakfast.

At Foša restaurant, seafood is the star of the menu, with both raw and cooked options available. You can enjoy your meal in the lovely outdoor area near the Land Gate and there’s a great wine list, featuring some fantastic Dalmatian options.

The best time to visit Zadar is in late spring or early autumn  when the weather is sunny. the temperatures are pleasantly warm and the tourist crowds are manageble.

As a rule of thumb, I would advise you to avoid Croatia in the peak of summer (July & August). It just gets too hot, too crowded, and too expensive.

Croatia is a stunning country with countless gorgeous islands, charming roman towns, beautiful nature, and delicious food. To help you plan your trip I’ve prepared a  series of Croatia travel guides.  And for an easy plug & play solution make sure to check out my Croatia itinerary (coming soon).

Zadar: Best hotels in Zadar Where to stay in Zadar – best areas Best things to do in Zadar

Sibenik: Sibenik itinerary Where to stay in Sibenik

Trogir Trogir itinerary Where to stay in Trogir

Split: Best hotels in Split Where to stay in Split Split itinerary Your guide to Split Old Town Day trips from Split

Croatia itineraries: 2 weeks in Dalmatia itinerary 1 week Dalmatia Itinerary

Croatia guides: Your Guide to Krka National Park Your Guide to the Blue Cave Your Guide to the Blue Lagoon

Hvar: Best hotels on Hvar Where to stay on Hvar Hvar itinerary Hvar island guide Things to do in Hvar town Pakleni Islands guide

Dubrovnik: Best hotels in Dubrovnik Where to stay in Dubrovnik Dubrovnik itinerary One day in Dubrovnik Dubrovnik City Walls guide Best things to do in Dubrovnik Day trips from Dubrovnik

Reliable travel insurance

Good travel insurance is an absolute must when traveling abroad, and we’ve learned that the hard way!

Now we always get insured before we leave and  Travel Insurance Masters  is our go-to platform to find the best insurance options for the specific trip.

The TIM platform works as a search engine and suggests the best insurance company and insurance plan for your criteria so you don’t end up paying more for things you don’t need! It also takes into account your age, nationality, destination etc. which can greatly impact the final price.

You can get your quote & provider recommendations  here.

Zi @Craving Adventure

Zi is the Founder and Editor in Chief behind Craving Adventure.

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Croatia on a budget: Adventurous Things to do in Zadar

• Post author By seangeismann
• Post date July 13, 2023

• Introduction

Zadar, Croatia is an adventurous city along the Adriatic coast in central Croatia. With islands, castles, beaches, and even waterfalls, Zadar has plenty to offer. The city has an extensive ferry system, allowing day travel to neighboring islands. Read more to learn about some adventurous things to do in Zadar!

I spent about 4 days in Zadar, seeking adventure through Zadar’s neighboring islands and mountains. Since I was on a budget, I sought the cheapest more of transportation, food, and accommodation. Zadar is a relatively inexpensive place to stay. However, like the rest of the country, it depends heavily on the season you travel to Croatia in.

When is the best time to travel to Croatia?

Where to stay in zadar when on a budget, walk around the roman forum of zadar, visit the church of st. donatus, listen to the sea organ, history of st. michael castle, how to find the hidden cave on ugljan island, how to get to ugljan island, what to do on dugi otok, how to get to dugi otok, take a day trip to plitvice lakes national park, experience the famous zadar sunset, random budget tips when visiting zadar, read more from europe….

Answer: Spring time

Croatia’s tourism varies heavily on seasonal travel. The summer season starts in early May and ends in late September. Every month outside of this range you will find accommodation almost half the price and maybe a quarter of the offerings than that of the summer season. This is both a benefit and a downfall, depending on what you are seeking.

For the purpose of budget traveling, the spring season is the best time to travel to Croatia. This is because of factors like room availability, cheaper bus prices, and also relatively warmer weather. It may not be your typical beach visit, but a springtime visit to Zadar is perfect for some adventure traveling.

When staying in Zadar, I highly recommend checking out Backpacker’s Home Hostel . This hostel is a cozy hangout spot. It is located within walking distance of tons of things to do in Zadar. It ranges from €20 during low season to almost €40 during the summer season. You will find 3-season kitchen with tons of couches, games, and hammocks. The owners also rent out their bikes for only €8 per day. Staying at the hostel is convenient, as there are nearby provisions like a grocery store, bakery, and pharmacy.

Walk around Zadar Old Town to see all the famous attractions

Zadar is a historical city with influence from both the Roman and the Byzantine Empire. In Zadar Old Town you can find traces of history, cute cafes, and unique forms of art. The Old Town is also enclosed by a protective wall that still stands today (with some modifications). Below is a list of things to do in Zadar Old Town.

The Forum was constructed around the 3rd century. The site is at the center of an old episcopal complex, comprising of numerous religious buildings. Formally known as Tavernae, the forum that stands today was once a space for merchants from all over to trade their goods. What is left today is a small center with some cool rocks and churches surrounded by shops and cafes.

The Church of St. Donatus was built by the Byzentines in the 9th century. As it was built in the early medieval ages, the structure displays some Romanesque aspects. The church is possibly the most recognizable landmark in Zadar due to its curvature and prominence in the city center.

The Sea Organ in Zadar is a network of holes under the pier that are constructed to make a certain noise when the waves hit them. Go to the end of the pier and listen to the strange wallowing sound the waves make.

Hike around Ugljan Island and climb the castle

Cost: €2.5 ferry fee (varies)

Island hopping is probably the best thing to do in Zadar. The natural landscape that surrounds the city is unique, with cliffs shooting up off the coastline. Ugljan Island is a perfect day-trip adventure. The neighboring island has some cool features like a fortress, a cave, countless olive groves, and some hidden beaches.

At the summit of the hills in Ugljan Island sits the mysterious St. Michael castle. Historians say it was first built in the 4th century. The interior architecture suggests that either the Romans or Byzantines had control over the strategic landmark around the 5th and 6th centuries. Today’s structure reflects 13th century Venetian architecture, when the Fortress of St. Michael was established.

More recently, the former Church of St. Michael was destroyed in bombings throughout WWII and the Croatian War of Independence. During the years of war, the fort was used strategically as a radio communication tower. Today, the structure is a protected world heritage site.

There is a hidden cave that is along the west coast of the island. It does have a pin on Google , but it is still tricky to find. It is also likely that you will be without phone connection when trying to locate it. The cave is interesting, but do not expect anything crazy!

After exploring the St. Michael Fortress, go around to the north end of the building (front). You will notice a rock painted with red and yellow (like the Austrian flag). Follow the direction of this rock and you will soon see more just like it. The colored rocks take you on a beaten path down towards the coastline to the cave.

Ugljan Island is one of the closest islands from Zadar. The trip from the ferry terminal in the old town to Preko takes only about 20 minutes each way. The cost of a one-way ferry ticket is €2.5 in offseason, but nearly doubles during the summer months. You need to buy a ticket in-person at the office called Jadrolinija Zadar Old Town, located right next to a restaurant. Make sure you go to the right office, as there are a few companies that have offices. The boat will be labeled with the destination location, but it is also names “Dora” if it is unspecified. Check online for specific times of departures at Croatia Ferries .

Explore the cliffs of Dugi Otok

The cliffs of Dugi Otok are a line of cliffs that have risen from the sea due to cracks in the earth’s surface. The cliffs rise immediately out of the water 85 meters above the surface. This natural spectacle is worth a day trip to this remote island near Zadar. Since Dugi Otok is a bit further than other islands, it is less traveled and busy.

The best way to discover the island is with a bike as buses are infrequent on the island. Bike rentals in town are affordable.

With a bike, I recommend riding to Telašćica Nemzeti Park, which hosts the cliffs. The ride to the cliffs is scenic, with rolling hills, endless vineyards, and scattered lakes throughout the landscape.

At the end of the ride, stop by the cute coastal town of Sali. Here you will find restaurants and cafes that surround the bay.

Ferries from Dugi Otok from Zadar run through a ferry company named G&V Line. This ferry line allows you to buy tickets online at their website. Make sure to change your destination to Zaglav, the neighboring town of Sali. Either town works, but Zaglav has more frequent departures. The round-trip costs €3.5 and an additional €3 if you choose to bring a bike on the boat.

Plitvice Lakes is one of the most popular tourist attractions in all of Croatia. This stunning park is a chain of 16 emerald-colored lakes that flow into each other. Due to the unusual amount of limestone in the nearby rocks, the water cuts stunning waterfalls between the 16 lakes.

The park is unusually overpriced for Croatia. During the offseason (fall, spring, and winter months) entrance only costs €20. However, visitors in the summer pay almost €40 just for park entrance! Ticket prices include parking, entrance, and a boat ride across one of the lakes.

Getting to the park can be tricky due to overpriced tour buses departing from neighboring cities. I recommend rounding up some other hostlers and renting a cheap car. I found 3 other people interested in the lakes and split a car for a total cost of €70 euros. However, if you have some cash to splash, your local hotel or tour vendor will definitely have daily bus departures to the park.

One of the top things to do in Zadar is to check out the famous sunsets. Before I visited, I had heard it was a sight to see. For the best spot, I revisit the Sea Organs, as it provides a calming harmony and happens to be at the best spot to see it. The sun sets perfectly over the hills on Ugljan Island, highlighting the majestic surroundings of the city.

• Buses exist in Zadar but are infrequent and relatively inconvenient.
• The FlixBus station (inter-city travel center) is about a 40-minute walk from the Old Town. I tried finding buses to and from the station but came up short.
• Get food and groceries outside of the walls of Zadar’s Old town to save money.
• Pack sunscreen before arriving… only God knows why sunscreen is so expensive in Zadar.
• Do not buy ferry tickets online! Many of the companies require paper tickets.
• The best way to get around town is with a bike, but with few bike lanes, it can be dangerous. Also, bikes are banned within the walls of the Old Town.
• Travel to and from Zadar via FlixBus. Download their app to check timetables.

Zadar is a fantastic destination for a budget-friendly adventure. Croatia is home to some of the best backpacking destinations and this city is truly a hidden gem. With so many things to do in Zadar, you will never get bored. I recommend focusing on the hidden adventures in Zadar. The city is intriguing, but the surrounding islands and parks will leave you wanting more.

On my next post, I continue south to Dubrovnik, where I have a few days!

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Home » Europe » Travel Expensive

Is Croatia Expensive? (Budget Tips • 2024)

If your preconceived notion of Croatia is that it’s a cold, rainy Eastern European country, forget everything you think you know about it.

Nearly 15 million tourists flock to the sandy beaches and beautiful national parks every year. There are also lots of monuments and buildings worth discovering – like the Museum of Broken Relationships (no breakup needed).

The idyllic nature of the smaller villages draws in people from all over the world, as well as the chance to experience a stay in a traditional Croatian stone cottage. Croatia’s reputation as a prime holiday spot makes the answer to the question “ Is Croatia expensive ” seem like a solid yes, especially during peak times. This is because prices for accommodation shoot up and sometimes even double in high season.

But, fear not. You don’t necessarily have to end up with empty pockets after your trip, especially once you’re armed with a few of our tips and tricks.

So without further ado, let’s dive into everything you need to know about saving money when you visit Croatia!

Croatia Trip Cost Guide

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How expensive is travel in Croatia ? Let’s break it down. We’ll look at all the major cost factors of a typical trip to this amazing country, which include:

• Accommodation options
• Food and drink
• Transport around the country
• Other costs you may want to take into account

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In 2023, Croatia dropped the Kuna and has since then been using the Euro . Find out how much your money is worth today by using the up-to-date converter below.

For this article, we’ll estimate all the costs mentioned in US dollars (USD).

Is Croatia Expensive? 2 Weeks in Croatia Travel Costs

See what you can expect to be your total Croatia trip cost :

ESTIMATED EXPENSE: $600-$2000 USD

Let’s talk about flights. Traveling to Croatia is probably the biggest single expense and the most difficult to accurately estimate, mainly because flights fluctuate in price throughout the year.

Croatia has nine international airports you can possibly fly into. The main airport in terms of arrivals is Zagreb. In fact, only Zagreb, Split and Dubrovnik will receive international flights all year round.

Is Croatia cheap to get to, though? Many cities tend to have a “cheap time” to fly.

We’ve compiled a list of round-trip tickets to Croatia from some major cities:

• New York to Zagreb: 700 – 1000 USD
• London to Zagreb: 300- 600 GBP
• Sydney to Zagreb: 2000 – 3000 AUD
• Vancouver to Zagreb: 1200 – 1300 CAD

Remember that these fares are subject to change with time. You can sometimes score additional discounts by looking for special deals or error fares. Make sure to check flight to the different airports in Croatia to find the lowest cost possible.

Want to save money on accommodation?

We got you. For reals.

ESTIMATED EXPENSE: $10-$350 USD per day

As we mentioned, Croatia travel is becoming very popular amongst travelers. As a result, prices are rising slightly every year. Fortunately, it’s still quite affordable, compared to popular destinations in Western Europe.

There are many different kinds of accommodations in Croatia. As the hotels become more crowded over tourist season, prices inevitably rise. Airbnbs and Hostels are also a great option, especially for travelers on a budget and backpackers.

Make sure you know where you want to stay in Croatia before you look deeper into possible accommodations. Once that’s clear, check out the best ones below, so you can find the right one for you.

Hostels in Croatia

Staying in hostels is the best way to lower your accommodation costs low. Choosing a dorm instead of a private room will save you even more money.

They are also good social spaces for those who don’t mind meeting other travelers and being surrounded by like-minded bunkbed buddies. And trust us, there are numerous amazing hostels in Croatia ! Another advantage of staying in a hostel is the great advice you can get from staff and other guests.

The prices of hostels vary quite a lot in Croatia – anywhere from $10 USD to $55 USD per night. But a fair price to look at for a standard hostel option is between $15-$25 USD per night.

You’ll want to be close to whatever you plan on seeing. So in a major city, it may be close to the city center. On the islands, it’ll probably be near the beach. Here are a few of the best ones we found:

• Chillout Hostel , Zagreb – An expertly-designed hostel with incredible common rooms, a 24-hour bar, a rooftop lounge, all in downtown Zagreb!
• Hostel Elena, Zadar – 20 Yards from the boardwalk, with access to the island ferries, and the party atmosphere of the beachfront nightlife.
• Split Guesthouse & Hostel, Split – They’ll make you feel like you’ve arrived at a friend’s house, complete with a free cup of coffee on arrival. Rated best hostel in Split for several years running, it’s definitely worth the stay.

Airbnbs in Croatia

There’s a quite big range of options on Airbnb when it comes to prices in Croatia. The cost mostly depends on where you’re looking to stay, and especially what part of the year. Island accommodation also tends to be slightly more expensive, so keep that in mind during your planning.

While you might be able to score an impressive $28 USD per night (lucky you), expect to pay a more typical $35 – $55 USD a night for a decent apartment.

On the upside, you’ll have the apartment to yourself, with the option to self-cater in a kitchen of your own. You can’t beat the feeling of having a home away from home. If you value privacy and independence, staying in an Airbnb is the right choice for you.

Here are a few gems we found that you may consider:

• Waterfront with an extraordinary view – In the old town of Dubrovnik, a studio with a truly extraordinary view of the bay.
• Cozy & Romantic Apartment with a Stunning View – Right by the seaside, and close to the romantic part of Sukošan old town.
• The best position in Hvar!   – Sitting on top of a hill, overlooking the town and sea, this is a view that’s absolutely breathtaking.

Hotels in Croatia

While hotel accommodation is definitely the most expensive of all the options, it comes with certain advantages and luxuries. Hotels probably offer the best on-call services, like room service, attached restaurants, laundry, gym, concierge, and even more.

The price range is incredibly big for hotels. You can find places for up to $350 USD per night, but you can also do some hunting and find great value rooms at around $80 USD. Hotels should only be considered if your travel budget allows it and if you don’t want your trip to end after a couple of days.

Here are some of the best hotel options in Croatia:

• Hotel Mlini – A picturesque view from a balcony can offer a great start to a day in Dubrovnik.
• Hotel Esplanade – Just twenty yards from the beach in Crikvenica, and often features live music on its terrace for some entertainment.
• Falkensteiner Hotel & Spa Iadera – Superb value at this Petrcane coast gem. Enjoy the bars the huge wellness area, and of course, the beach.

ESTIMATED EXPENSE: $5-$50 USD per day

In Croatia, the main form of public transport used in most cities is the bus. Zagreb and Osijek also have tram systems. The train system in Croatia is a little less reliable than other systems, due to by regular stoppages and delays.

Within the cities, a bus single ride costs $1.50-$2 USD on average (you can purchase a one-hour pass for this). For the most part, buses tend to run fairly regularly and efficiently and are the best way to save on transport costs.

If you’re bouncing around the islands, you’ll have to use boat services. Car Ferries or Catamarans (these ones are only for passengers) are the most popular and cost-effective ways to get to the islands.

You have the option of renting a car if you plan to travel around the country. The roads in Croatia are really good, but you may want to use the public transport options available when you’re in a city itself.

You can also choose to walk around – this is especially pleasant during the summer months.

Train Travel in Croatia

Trains only travel between certain cities in Croatia, and it must be noted that the network is limited and doesn’t go to every single town. You can get between a few main cities like Zagreb and Split, for example. To get to smaller towns or even villages, you have to switch it up to either busses or, in the worst case, taxis.

Bus Travel in Croatia

The bus system in Croatia is very extensive. You’ll be able to choose from many services and operators, depending on where you are in the country. There is no single national operator that works all routes. In most cities, the numerous central bus stations are very easy to find and get to.

Croatian bus prices aren’t the cheapest in Europe, but it remains the cheapest option, in general, to get around within a city, and between cities.

Within cities, various bus services run a number of routes, usually based on a single ticket system. For example, in Dubrovnik, you can get a ticket for about $2 USD, which is valid for 60 minutes of unlimited travel. You can also buy 24-hour ticket passes for just under $5 USD.

Choosing the bus as your transport option will definitely work out the cheapest. With its quite affordable tickets and reliability, it’s perfect for backpackers and travelers on a budget that want to see as much of Croatia as possible.

Getting Around in the Cities

Many of the cities in Croatia, especially the main ones, are completely walkable. And you’ll love getting around on foot wherever you are because it allows you to take in every detail of the charming city without rushing. That being said, there are few alternatives.

• Metros and trams – There are a few trams in Zagreb and Osijek – a 90-minute ticket costs about $1.50. They do not run 24 hours, but do a fair job of moving around the city every day between 4 am and midnight.
• Bus – Many locals and travelers prefer to use the bus to get from A to B, even if it does take slightly longer. A single ticket, valid for one hour, will cost around $2 USD. Day passes ($5 USD) are also an option. Bus tickets are separate to train, tram and metro tickets.
• Bicycles – You can find bikes rentals fairly easily in the major cities. You can also try a service like BimBim Bikes, which is a sort of aggregator for a number of service providers. Usually, around $14-16 USD per day is a fair price for standard bicycle rental.
• Taxi – Taxis will be an expensive option in Croatia. As an example, a taxi between the airport and Old Town Dubrovnik costs around $30 USD. If you plan to use a taxi to travel around, you’ll be making a serious dent in your budget, as a standard taxi rate is around $1 USD per km.

Renting a Car in Croatia

If you prefer the freedom of exploring the country at your own pace, you could also rent a car. This is only an option if you’re over 22 years old. The coastal roads in Croatia are exceptionally beautiful, great for photos.

To get the best rental car prices in Croatia, make sure to book your car well ahead .

Due to high demand, there’s a good chance you’ll find yourself stranded without a car if you just show up at the rental. And even if you do manage to get your hands on one, you’re going to pay a pretty big rate.

The best services for rentals are Sixt and Rentalcars.com. They both offer the option to pick up in one place and drop off in another, but this is usually more expensive. Expect to pay around $60-120 USD for a four-day rental, excluding gas and insurances.

When taking the rental car on the ferry, you’ll need to pay extra insurance for this – about $20 USD. Be sure to let your rental company know whether you will be going to the islands with your car.

Want to save some cash and explore Croatia by rental car? Use rentalcar.com to find the best deal possible. There are some great prices on the site and they aren’t difficult to find.

ESTIMATED EXPENSE: $20-$100 USD per day

Food isn’t particularly expensive in Croatia, especially when compared to its neighbors. But like pretty much everywhere in the world, eat and drink in restaurants and hotel bars every night, and you’ll end up spending lots. Fortunately, there are ways to keep money in your pockets.

The easiest way to save money on food is to cook for yourself. Staying at an Airbnb or a hotel, you normally have a little kitchen with basic equipment, which allows you to prepare meals at home.

Take a look at these average Croatia prices for typical everyday food items compared to restaurant eating.

• 1 liter milk: $1 USD
• 12 eggs: $2.75- $3 US
• 2 lbs apples: $1.50 USD
• 2 lbs potatoes: $1 USD

Restaurants and bars :

• McDonald’s Medium meal: $6 USD
• Beer (17 fl.oz): $2.50-2.80 USD
• Standard cola (can):  $2.10 USD
• Mid range restaurant meal: $20 per person

If you have to eat out, time it for happy hour specials, or keep your eyes open for discounts or 2-for-1 days. This will work out a lot cheaper than regularly getting normal meals.

ESTIMATED EXPENSE : $10-$80 per day

As with most places catering to the tourist market, the alcohol prices in Croatia can vary from bar to bar, depending on where in Croatia you’re stepping out. How much you should expect to spend on drinks is completely dependent on your consumption and preference.

Beer is by far the cheapest option, and local beer tends to be cheaper than imported brands. You can usually find a pint of beer for around $2 USD at a local bar. Expect to pay slightly more for a brand name import.

A bottle of standard house wine at a restaurant or bar can cost around $10 USD, and a shot of vodka around $2 USD as well. Of course, you can buy the same alcohol for as little as half of these prices at a local store or market.

Our advice is to pick up a fair supply from a market and enjoy a few early drinks at home. If you’re still up to hit the town after that, check out the happy hours in the area.

ESTIMATED EXPENSE: $3-$200 USD

Croatia is full of the most wonderful attractions including the most incredible national parks . Many can be visited as part of a tour or on your own. Hotspots are ranging in pricing from absolutely free to quite expensive. Popular tourist destinations like Plitvice Lakes National Park are a bit pricy in summer–the park (famous for its incredible waterfalls) will set you back $45 USD per person from June-September.

Some of the cheapest include parks like Paklenica National Park for about $3. Other excursions, like boat rides to the blue caves, can cost as much as $130-150 USD or more.

Using the city of Dubrovnik as an example: a tour of the city walls will cost around $10 USD admission. The museum of the Rector’s Palace is a little less at $6 USD.

As we already mentioned, you don’t have to pay to get in everywhere. Beaches, town squares, many churches, and parks are free to visit.

Here are a few pointers on how to save money on attractions:

• It may sound odd but pay in kuna when given the choice. Paying in Euros means giving a sneaky little extra, which can be avoided by just sticking to the local currency.
• Do some research on everything that’s free in your area. Stick to the free attractions and keep the money in your bank account.
• Look at official websites for a discount or free days. Some museums, for example, have free days on certain days of the month.

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Unexpected expenses can come up at any time, unfortunately, so being prepared is important when setting up your travel budget. Nobody likes to think abo0ut an emergency, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Set aside a portion of your budget to plan for “surprises”. A worst-case scenario would be a medical emergency – paying for a trip to the hospital shouldn’t cause a panic over how to afford dinner later, or even worse, how to get back home.

There’s also the unexpected must-have gift that you really need to bring back to your aunt. Doesn’t matter what comes up, better to have some funds in reserve – just in case.

Tipping in Croatia

As a rule of thumb, a decent restaurant service deserves a 10% tip. It’s pretty much the standard across Croatia. You can push that up to 15% if you’re really impressed with the service. Rounding up to the bill won’t hurt your wallet, but it’ll surely put a smile on someones face.

A $1-$2 USD tip is appreciated by a porter at your hotel. Carrying your bags can be a bit of work. Other than that, you can round up to tell a street vendor to “keep the change”, if you like, though it’s not expected.

As far as taxis go, no more than a rounded-up amount is expected, unless you’ve taken a long intercity ride. Then it’s ok to leave a normal tip.

Get Travel Insurance for Croatia

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Still not quite sure how to backpack through Croatia on a budget? Here are a couple of things to try:

• Walk when you can : Chances are you’ll be in a city or town that is wonderful to walk around. Go on and get some fresh air!
• Book ahead : Sometimes you can save a pretty penny by booking ahead. Tickets to theaters, museums, and other attractions do offer rewards for booking in advance.
• Happy hours and 2-for-1 : Almost every bar or restaurant has a time of the day or week for a particular special. Ask your local desk or consult the local web guide for advice.
• Carry a water bottle : Don’t waste money on plastic, or bottled waters carry your own and refill it in the fountains and the tap. If you’re worried about potable water, get a filtered bottle, like the GRAYL , which filters out 99% of viruses and bacteria.
• Earn money while you travel : Teaching English while traveling is a great way to make ends meet! If you find a sweet gig, you may even end up living in Croatia.
• Become a volunteer with Worldpackers : Give back to the local community and, in exchange, you’re room and board will often be covered. It’s not always free, but it’s still a cheap way to travel in Croatia.

Here’s a general observation: In Croatia, the cost of travel tends to be more expensive in the high tourist season (summer) than in the off-seasons. Depending on where you’re flying from, flight costs may differ quite a lot.

If you’re able to visit in the low season, you’ll find Croatia travel costs affordable in terms of accommodation, food, and entertainment. Balance your budget with smart decisions like shopping for food at a market, or eating street food rather than at an expensive restaurant on the main street.

Use the bus – it’s a lot cheaper than taxis or car rentals. And enjoy the walkable towns and cities on foot whenever you can.

It may be overly optimistic to call Croatia a cheap vacation, but it’s not the most expensive, either. With that in mind, you should be able to visit with a reasonably-sized wallet and see quite a bit of the country. Croatia on a budget is totally possible.

What we think an average Croatia travel budget should be: $50-$100 USD per day .

Updated February 2023

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Agness and Cez

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Being in Croatia right now, I can tell you, that the prices you mentioned are pretty different now. A coke at a restaurant is 3,5 euros (about 4 USD). A pizza is about 12 USD. Car rental is about 45 USD a day + insurance and gas. Meat, cold cuts and vegetables at the supermarket is cheap though, and you can get a good homemade meal for a fraction of the cost at a restaurant. Meat is about 5 usd a pound. Vegetables are about 1 usd a pound. Cold cuts vary, but a cheese, sausages and dried ham is between 6-12 usd a pound. A big bottle of coke (2 liters) is 3 usd. And a 2 liter (cheap beer) is 5 usd. Buying at the supermarket is by far the cheapest solution. Marketplaces will rip you of. If you’re not planning to do your own cooking, expect to use as much as you would in the world’s most expensive countries… And I know what I’m talking about, as I’m danish. Prices are literally the same as in Denmark, if you don’t cook yourself.

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28 Amazing Things To Do in Zadar, Croatia

Table of Contents

This post may contain affiliate links to things like tours, hotels, Amazon associates and products. These help me earn a small commission at no additional charge to you.

I’d heard fantastic things about Zadar and during the two months I’d spent digital nomading in Split , I was constantly meeting people singing its praises. I couldn’t wait to visit and discover all the best things to do in Zadar for myself. My trip exceeded my expectations and I’ll certainly remember it for a long time. From sunsets at the Sea Organ to island day trips and ancient Roman ruins, there’s history, culture and nature in abundance.

ZADAR ESSENTIALS Accommodation: Booking.com / Hostelworld Getting there: flight / car / bus ( Flixbus ) Getting around: foot / taxi Activities: GetYourGuide / Viator

Note – my visit was hosted by the Zadar Tourism board , however all opinions are my own.

Visiting Croatia? Check out my best things to do in Dubrovnik , Split & Zagreb !

Where is Zadar?

Zadar is on the central Dalmatian Coast in Croatia , north of Split and Dubrovnik. Here’s a map including the top Zadar attractions.

How to get to Zadar

By air: Zadar airport is well connected to other European capitals with regular direct flights to the UK. I use Skyscanner to find the cheapest flights, searching by ‘whole month’ for the best prices. Search for flights to Zadar . By car: located 2 hours from Split and 4 hours from Dubrovnik by road, it’s easy to reach Zadar by car. Use Rentalcars.com to check prices on rentals and book. By bus: I caught the Flixbus from Split in 2 hours; it also connects Zadar with Zagreb (3.5 hours) and other Croatian cities. Book your Flixbus to Zadar here .

Read next: how to spend the perfect 1 week in Croatia

Fun facts about Zadar

• Zadar is one of the oldest continually-inhabited cities in Croatia
• In ancient times, when the city was governed by the Republic of Venice, local people were so keen to proof the city against the Ottomans that even members of the noble families of Zadar were summoned to help out in constructing the city walls and wells with their hands
• Maraschino, the typical liqueur from Zadar, made its way to numerous European countries and was even drunk by Napoleon
• Albert Hitchcock claimed Zadar has the best sunsets in the world! More on this later…

Where to stay in Zadar

I spent a wonderful 3 nights at the Hotel Kolovare . It’s perfectly located beside Kolovare Beach with a relaxed 15-minute walk into town with coastal views the whole way. It has comfortable rooms and a killer breakfast buffet. In the summer, there’s even a large swimming pool. It was still out of action during my April visit so I may have to return one day to use it! Book your stay at Hotel Kolovare here .

More accom options

• Budget hostel – for a social base in the heart of town with fantastic breakfast options, you can’t do better than Boutique Downtown Hostel. All bunks have their own curtains, reading lights and plug sockets. Book from €19 .
• Affordable guesthouse – stay at Harvey’s Luxury Rooms in a modern, spacious double room in the heart of town. Book from €50 .
• Apartment – for total privacy in the city centre with a kitchen, balcony and garden view, stay at Arsenal Apartments from €65 . If you don’t mind being on the mainland and walking or taking the 6 kuna barkajoli boat into town, Apartments Gabriel is available from just €40 a night .

Browse all Zadar hotels & apartments on Booking.com and hostels on Hostelworld .

What to do in Zadar, Croatia

Now for the fun bit. I’ll share the key attractions in Zadar city centre before moving onto popular day trips in the surrounding region.

1. The Roman Forum

One of the most famous and impressive places to visit in Zadar is the Roman Forum , located in the centre of the city. Like many ancient Roman cities, Zadar is built on a grid with 5 long streets connected to the central ruins, and several smaller intersecting streets. Constructed between the 1st century BC and the 3rd century AD, the Forum was the centre of public life. Everything from worship to bustling markets would have been held here. Find the one remaining Roman column which was used as a pillar of shame . My guide told me that when a citizen was convicted of wrong-doing, they would be tied to the column for people to throw things at, similar to stocks in the UK. I don’t envy those ancient rule breakers!

The Roman Forum is free to walk around. You can still see the ruins of shops and public baths.

2. Catch a show at the Church of St Donatus

The round church at the centre of the Roman Forum is one of Zadar’s most famous and historic buildings: a Christian worship site remodelled using stone from a Roman temple. It’s now used as a concert venue between July and August. Keep up-to-date on 2022 shows by checking the events page .

3. Archaeological Museum in Zadar 

With more than 100,000 artefacts, there’s plenty to see in Zadar’s Archaeological Museum . For a historical thing to do in Zadar, walk through the Stone and Metal Ages as well as the Roman and Byzantine Periods. From spiritual artefacts belonging to the early Croats, items showing the worship of multiple deities in Roman times, and Christian artefacts dating from the 7th century onwards, the changing eras are well documented and will enhance your understanding of Zadar, Dalmatia and Croatia. The museum is open from 9am-3pm daily and entry costs 30 kuna .

4. Monastery of St Mary

Benedictine nun and noblewoman, Čika, founded this monastery with the help of King Petar Krešimir IV. On the same square as the Roman Forum, it’s easy to tick off several Zadar attractions in one go. My guide explained how the monastery works, with its nuns fully dedicating their lives to God and never leaving the monastery. Other members of the community bring food daily to support them. Many of the nuns are older but the youngest is 32. She spent a while trialling out monastery life before deciding it was for her.

5. The Silver and Gold of Zadar at the Permanent Exhibition of Religious Art

The Silver and Gold in the Benedictine convent is one of the most striking things to see in Zadar. Guarded by Benedictine monks since WWII, the valuable shrines contain relics of important saints. Other exhibits include paintings and garments woven with gold and silver thread. The entry times are a little tricky so be sure to plan around them. The museum is open from 10am-1pm and 5pm-7pm (Sundays 10am-1pm only). Tickets for 40 kuna can be bought at the brown door to the left of the church.

6. Listen to beautiful music at the Sea Organ

Easily my favourite thing to do in Zadar is sit beside the Sea Organ. I’ve never seen (or heard!) anything like it. For me, it was a brand new experience and isn’t that why we travel? The Sea Organ is a musical instrument powered by the ocean. Underneath a large set of marble steps, a warren of tubes create sounds as the waves hit them. It’s funnelled up through vents in the steps, allowing guests to sit surrounded by mellow music.

7. Stay for sunset!

Zadar has spectacular sunsets but don’t just take my word for it: Alfred Hitchcock visited Zadar in 1964 and deemed Zadar’s sunsets the best in the world! For a fun thing to do in Zadar in the evening, catch sunset at the Sea Organ. I watched it every day, waiting until the sun was down to eat dinner. The Sea Organ won the European Prize for Urban Public Space in 2006 and rightly so. It brings people together, especially at sunset when friends, strangers, tourists and locals share an appreciation of the sky as it changes colour and fades to darkness. When the sun’s down, the fun really starts at the harbour…

8. The Greeting to the Sun

Built in tribute to Alfred Hitchock’s claim that Zadar has the best sunsets in the world, the Greeting to the Sun is a second captivating public installation beside the Sea Organ. This Zadar attraction uses 300 solar panels, soaking up sunlight during the day and releasing it at night in the form of a colourful light show. Multicolour lights glimmer across the 22-metre masterpiece. But there’s not just one! The largest circular panel represents the sun and around it can be seen smaller solar panels representing the planets (apart from Pluto as the installation was built the year after it was cancelled as a planet. Poor Pluto), all placed at the appropriate distance from the sun, in scale. It’s yet another unique feature of Zadar that brings people together and uses public space in a thoughtful way. Bravo!

9. Ride a barkajol across the bay

There’s a bridge connecting the Zadar peninsular to the mainland that you can easily walk across. But for a fun activity in Zadar that supports the locals and only costs 6 kuna, why not get a local boat rower (named a Barkajoli Zadarksi) to take you across? The 70m ride between the two docks takes just 2 minutes, saving you 20 minutes on foot. The Barkajoli Zadarksi tradition has been passed between fathers and sons for over 800 years making it a cultural treasure that’s well worth the €1 ride! If you’re staying on the mainland, depart from Barkajol and arrive near Kornat restaurant on the peninsular.

10. Wander through the Land Gate & Sea Gate

If you needed more evidence of Zadar’s ancient history, look no further than the city gates. The Land Gate and Sea Gate were official entrances to the city of Zadar. Thick, protective walls surrounded the city to ward off invaders. There’s also the Bridge Gate but it’s not as impressive as the others. The most striking is the Land Gate , adorned with carvings including one of the Lion of St Mark. My guide explained it’s holding an open book; a sign that Venice – the rulers at the time – were not currently at war (the sign for conflict was a closed book).

To walk Croatia’s most complete set of city walls, read my guide to the best things to do in Dubrovnik .

11. Meet Nina the famous dog

Here’s an off-beat thing to do in Zadar! When I walked past the harbour, I was wowed by 80s music blasting from a boat. In pride of place was an adorable fluffy dog wearing a pink bow in her fur. Later, my tour guide told me Nina is a famous resident of Zadar and so is her owner. I didn’t meet him but he has fantastic taste in music. I love ABBA!

12. Browse Zadar Market

If you’re a morning person, head down to Zadar Market in the AM. Such outdoor markets are called ‘green markets’ in Croatia, selling fresh produce from vegetables to local cheese, meat, fish, honey, nuts and eggs. Although it used to be located at the Roman Forum, Zadar Market has been operating for thousands of years not just as a market but also a meeting point and community hub. If you’re in self-catering accommodation, forgo the supermarket and get your ingredients here! You can also buy souvenirs like Croatian lavender and liquors.

13. Cathedral of Anastasia

This Romanesque church is another popular Zadar attraction, built in the 12th-13th centuries. It was named after the martyr, St Anastasia, who died for her cause on Christmas Day, 304 AD. In 2003, Pope John Paul II bowed down outside to show his respect. Entry is 20 kuna ; free for under 10s.

14. Delicious ice cream at Stasticarna Donat

With all kinds of food options on offer, one of the top things to do in Zadar is eat! If you have a sweet tooth, get down to Slasticarna Donat Ice Cream and Gelato . It has a long history of serving some of the best ice cream in Zadar, in cones and huge sundae-style glasses, pilled high with fruit, nuts, cream and chocolate.

Although the scoops are cheaper, I treated myself to a 50 kuna sundae (I believe it was their house variety although there are tons of combinations). It was huge and probably could have fed 2-3, not that I needed the help!

15. Sample the competition at Cafe Eva

Although I thought my ice cream experience in Zadar had peaked at Donat, I’d heard good things about Gelateria Eva so went to check it out. It was just as tasty! The flavours were inventive with plenty of options to choose from. I had raspberry ice cream in a chocolate and coconut cone. I forget the price but I remember thinking it was very affordable.

16. People-watch on Narodni Trg (People’s Square)

For people-watching and rubbing shoulders with the locals, this historic square is the best place to visit in Zadar. Nurse an Aperol Spritz overlooking buildings with centuries of history. The City Guard (Gradska straža) is an attractive pink clock tower and, to its right, is a caffe with a hidden 11th century church in the back. You can also pop into Gradska Loza, a museum and bookshop (note most of the books are in Croatian).

17. Church of St Simeon (Crkva sv. Šimun)

A final religious site I’d recommend visiting in Zadar is the  Church of Saint Simeon Stylites . What puts this modest church on the map is the cedarwood sarcophagus inside, thought to hold the remains of St Simeon, renowned for holding the Baby Jesus. The gold-laden chest is a masterpiece in its own right. Legend goes that a Venetian nobleman brought the body to Zadar, returning from a crusade. His ship was caught in a storm, stranding him in Zadar. He became ill and died so the relic of St Simeon stayed in the city. 

Foodie tip – just across the square is Konoba Skoblar, a fantastic local restaurant. More about this place, and my other recommended restaurants, soon…

18. Try maraschino

This sweet liqueur made from marasca cherries is a cultural treasure of Zadar. Bitter wild cherries found growing along the Dalmatian coastline were first distilled by the Dominican monastery in the 16th century. As I learnt in Portugal, monasteries brought us many delicious things like pastel de nata ! Greats from Casanova to Napolean and Hitchock have enjoyed Maraschino and it was even consumed on the Titanic, although that’s perhaps not the best omen… It can be drunk neat or within cocktails. You’ll find plenty of cafes and bars serving Maraschino, and countless souvenir shops selling bottles to take home.

19. Bar-hopping in Stomorica

If you’re wondering what to do in Zadar at night, rub shoulders with the locals and other tourists in Stomorica . From elderly locals drinking beer to students sipping cocktails and IPAs, this is the city’s melting pot after dark. The maze of alleyways was built to confuse invaders and I’m sure it confuses tourists too after one too many! Stomorica is the best place to stay for night owls, but best avoided if you want to get your beauty sleep. Either way, come to let your hair down in this lively quarter especially if your visit coincides with a weekend.

20. Shop for goods in an old church

A wonderful hidden gem I discovered while wandering the atmospheric streets of Zadar is this small chapel converted into a crafts store. It sells beautiful glassware, jewellery and other trinkets. Although I couldn’t find it on Google Maps, it’s right beside 4She Shop .

21. Museum of Ancient Glass

The Museum of Ancient Glass can be found in a refurbished palace belonging to a notable family. It holds a spectacular 5,000 items dating from antiquity to the 5th century AD. Browse permanent exhibitions, catch glassblowing workshops using traditional techniques and purchase souvenirs from the gift shop. Opening times are Mon-Sat, 9am-4pm in the winter and until 9pm in the summer. Tickets cost 30 kuna .

Day trips & things to do near Zadar

Although there are plenty of attractions in Zadar, it’s a small city that can be easily explored on foot during a day. From islands to hiking and national parks, there’s so much more in the Zadar region should you have time to explore it.

Note – if you’re visiting Split during your Croatia trip, some of these places (like Šibenik and Krka) can be visited from there, too. Read my guide to the best day trips from Split !

22. Sail to Dugi Otok (Long Island)

I had the most fantastic day on Dugi Otok , translating as Long Island. This 45km island just a 45-minute ferry ride from Zadar is home to a wonderful nature park, beautiful beaches and quaint villages with rich cultural heritage. Telašćica Nature Park is a real highlight of Dugi Otok. Declared a nature park in 1988, this beautiful bay with 13 islands is best seen by boat. The rich flora and fauna includes wild asparagus (that my guide picked for me to eat fresh) meanwhile the marine life includes scorpionfish, seabream and dolphins. Getting there: You can catch the ferry (25 kuna) from Zadar to Sali, the largest town on the island. I caught the 8.15am boat leaving Zadar and the 7.30pm return journey from Dugi Otok. Another option is visiting by boat tour from Zadar, usually combining Dugi Otok with the Kornati Islands. Browse island tours . It’s also possible to book small boat trips when you arrive on Dugi Otok although this may be harder if you’re short on time.

Read next: my complete guide to visiting Dugi Otok, Croatia

23. Island-hopping to the Kornati Islands

This stunning archipelago is located close to Telašćica Nature Park on Dugi Otok hence why many day trips combine them . There are over 140 Kornati islands, the striking karst terrain setting them against the brilliant blue sea. Kornati National Park , where trips will take you, comprises 89 islands granted a high level of protection due to their unique nature and wildlife. Rugged cliffs and caves characterise the islands and there are opportunities to swim, snorkel and scuba dive. Browse Kornati island tours .

24. Hiking in the Velebit Mountains

If I’d had an extra day in Zadar, I would have gone hiking in the Velebit Mountains as several people have raved to me about their incredible beauty. These mountains make a striking backdrop that can be seen from the city. The biggest mountain range in Croatia is best explored by visiting Paklenica National Park , a 45-minute drive from Zadar. From the main bus station, there’s a daily departure at 8am. Start from Stari Grad town and make your way to the National Park entrance. There’s an 18km hike you can do to Paklenica Hut where there will hopefully be a cheap and hearty meal waiting for you. I found this helpful article written by a woman who did the Paklenica hike solo from Zadar by bus .

25. Cheese-tasting on Pag Island

Foodies like myself will certainly think this is one of the best things to do in Zadar! Pag Island is located an hour from the city, connected to the mainland by bridge. Pag has a long history spanning 2,000 years of salt production. Such was the value of salt that, under the Roman Empire, the word for salt (sal) evolved into the word salary since people were commonly paid in salt. Lace-making and cheese are two other historic trades from Pag. The island has 35,000 sheep, farmed to make delicious Pag cheese which has won accolades such as best sheep’s cheese in the World Cheese Awards. If you love cheese, you’ll have to come try it for yourself! Getting there: the best way to explore Pag is by hiring a car because many of the attractions are spread out. It’s an hour’s drive from Zadar. There’s a bus at 10am each day from the main bus station (returning at 6.30pm) but you’ll be restricted to Pag Town.

Read next: cheese, lace and salt traditions on Pag Island

26. Krka National Park

Although I visited Krka as a day trip from Split , it’s one of the most popular things to do from Zadar. This natural wonderland of flora, fauna and plummeting waterfalls needs to be seen to be believed. If visiting independently, ride the Flixbus to Skradin and board the ferry to Skradinski Buk falls (in off season this doesn’t run but you can take an hour’s nature walk instead). Depending how much time you have, there are other places to explore like Roški Slap Falls and Visovac Monastery on a tiny island.

Book a Krka day trip from Zadar .

27. Šibenik

A final worthwhile day trip from Zadar is to Šibenik , another charming city on the Adriatic Coast. Churches and forts with historic importance are dotted around the city and even off the coast: St Nicholas Fortress is a Venetian stronghold reachable by boat. Šibenik may not be as well known as Dubrovnik or Split but then, neither is Zadar and we all know what a wonderful city it is! Definitely visit Šibenik if you have time, especially if you have a keen interest in history. Getting to Šibenik: it’s an hour’s drive. If you’re relying on public transport, there are more frequent departures from Split so, if you’re visiting, take the Flixbus to Šibenik from Split instead.

Where to eat in Zadar

Well, you’re on Where Goes Rose? so of course there’s food! I’m not really exaggerating when I say it’s 80% of the reason I travel 😉 If you’re a foodie too, go check my food around the world archives . Once you’ve ticked off the best things to do in Zadar, start ticking off the best meals!

Seafood at 2Ribara

2Ribara is a fantastic restaurant in central Zadar with 4.5 stars on TripAdvisor . Expect Dalmation delicacies like seafood and pasta, an extensive wine list showcasing some of Croatia’s incredible wines, and fresh desserts that change daily. I ate here on my first night in Zadar, tucking into fresh squid with Swiss chard (a popular dish in Zadar) and tasty pannacotta.

Traditional fare at Konoba Skoblar

Restaurant Skoblar is a typical konoba (an authentic local-style restaurant in Croatia) serving high-quality meat and seafood. I had monkfish medallions with courgette, carrot and potatoes in a delicious garlicky sauce. I’ve had monkfish in the UK as a treat but here it’s a typical, affordable dish. Not only was the food great, but it’s a cosy restaurant with period details and indoor and outdoor seating. I paid 150 kuna for a main, bread basket and a soft drink.

Sushi at Maguro

When I strolled past an Asian restaurant, my attention was instantly captured. Whether it’s pho, gyoza, sushi or pad Thai, I can never get enough! Maguro Restaurant serves a wide range of Asian dishes and I can personally vouch for the sushi. Maguro means ‘tuna’ in Japanese so it’s worth ordering one of the tuna dishes. I had no idea but Zadar is world-renowned for its tuna fishing and even exports to famous Japanese restaurant, NOBO.

Thai food at Pearl of Siam

I possibly ate too much Asian food in Zadar but, after 3 months in Croatia, I think I deserve a few meals off. Pearl of Siam is a tiny Thai restaurant run by Maria and her two sons with authentic, beautifully-presented food. I had the spring rolls and pad Thai with shrimp. The highlight was the selection of amazing dips including homemade satay with coconut milk. Blissful!

Eat coffee & cake

After writing cafe guides to Split and Zagreb , I’ve come to know my Croatian coffee. There aren’t many cafe chains in Croatia and no Starbucks whatsoever. Woohoo! Locals tell me the model simply wouldn’t work: Croatians like to sip their coffee slowly rather than get it to-go. One of the best coffee shops in Zadar is Coffee & Cake . The coffee will energise you while ticking off all the best things to do in Zadar plus they serve excellent cakes and brunch dishes.

Bonus thing to do in Zadar (#28)

If all this talk of food is making you hungry, why not learn how to make the signature dishes for yourself? Zadar Cooking Class will take you for a morning coffee and spot of shopping at the local market before cooking up a storm in their kitchen. After cooking a typical Croatian meal, you’ll get to enjoy it with wine.

Book your class here .

Thanks for reading!

Don’t miss my other Zadar blogs to Dugi Otok and Pag Island .

For more Croatia content, see my other blogs…

• 7 day Croatia itinerary
• The ultimate guide to solo female travel in Croatia

Split blogs:

• What to see and do in Split
• 21 best day trips from Split
• Cafes and coffee shops in Split
• Split Old Town – what to do & see
• 18 best Split restaurants
• Things to do in Trogir, Croatia
• The ultimate Krka Falls day trip from Split
• Marjan Hill guide

Zagreb blogs:

• Top things to in Zagreb, Croatia
• 15 best Zagreb coffee shops
• Zagreb street art walking tour
• How to visit Plitvice Lakes as a day trip from Zagreb

Dubrovnik blogs:

• Fun things to do in Dubrovnik
• Visiting Lokrum Island, Dubrovnik
• A day trip to Bosnia & Herzegovina from Dubrovnik

For more content, follow me on Instagram , Facebook , Twitter and YouTube .

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TRUSTED RESOURCES FOR VISITING CROATIA Getting around by air – I use Skyscanner and search by month to see the cheapest dates. Driving in Europe – use Rentalcars.com to compare car rentals in European countries (and all around the world). For trains, I use RailEurope . The search feature allows you to compare prices, and they show live departure times on the website. For buses, I use FlixBus . Find journeys between European countries from €1!  Use Omio to compare trains and buses in one search. It’s so handy! For hotels and self-catering apartments, I use Booking.com . You can filter by review score and price to find the best-rated budget places. For hostels, I use Hostelworld.com . To save money on accommodation, I use Trusted Housesitters , a website that connects homeowners going away and travellers who can sit their homes & pets. Browse tours and activities on GetYourGuide . Need travel insurance ? I use True Traveller (for UK & Europe residents) since it’s affordable but covers everything you’d need including various activities, valuables and pre-existing conditions. Unlike some companies, they insure you if you’re already travelling / don’t yet have your flight home booked. Get a quote . For travel insurance for other nationalities, I recommend Hey Mundo and for long-term digital nomad travellers, I suggest Safety Wing . Check out my resources page for more travel discounts and budget tips from my 10+ years on the road!

Rose is a solo traveller from the UK who has been on the road since 2015. She wants to show other women that solo travel isn't scary and doesn't have to be expensive! Rose has lived in Mexico, Canada and all over Asia, seeking out food, bubble tea and street art wherever she goes!

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• Travel Planning Guide

Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Zadar?

Should you spend 1, 2, or 3 days in zadar.

Not sure how much time you'll need in Zadar, Croatia? Most people spend one to two days in Zadar during their visit. After all, the laid back town will let you swim at the beach, learn about the history of the town, enjoy a meal at a restaurant, and admire the wonderful scenery.

Zadar is a seaside city on the Dalmatian Coast. It has a small, walled old town and an active nightlife. This beautiful town is filled with cafes and historical sights. There are also beaches in the area and some nice snorkeling opportunities that can be reached by boat.

Do you have one or two days to visit Zadar? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.

• Is 1 day enough in Zadar?

How to spend a day in Zadar

• Is 2 days enough in Zadar?

How to spend 2 days in Zadar

Is one day enough time in zadar.

One day is usually not enough time to experience the laid back town of Zadar, so you may find yourself somewhat rushed. You don't want to miss the beaches, the historic old town, the cuisine, and the beautiful scenery. And you'll want even more time to just relax at the beach, too. So, you'll likely want more than one day, as many tourists set aside around one to two days for their visit. However, if your schedule is tight, we have a handful of recommendations to make the most of your journey.

Don't miss the Sea Organ and the Sun Salutation during your trip to Zadar, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.

You'll absolutely want to spend some time enjoying the food scene in this town, so make sure you spend time at one of the local restaurants where you can taste the delicious cuisine for a meal or two. The town is filled with outdoor cafes that serve up a healthy and delicious selection of recipes. The ingredients are fresh and local with olive oil and seafood making frequent appearances on the menus. Prices are also reasonable.

• 3-Hour Zadar Food Tasting Tour ($101) See Details
• Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting, Boat Ride & Zadar Old Town ($55) See Details
• Zadar Private City Tour and Cooking Class ($138) See Details

Zadar is a very walkable city. With only a day in the town, you'll have no trouble exploring the local sights. The old town is particularly walkable and can easily be explored on foot in a few hours.

Is a weekend (two to three days) enough time in Zadar?

Having a weekend (two to three days) in Zadar will provide you with more time to take in the best activities in the town.

The beautiful beaches await you in Zadar, so spend the day (or several, if you can) relaxing on the sand or swimming in the water. There are some nice beaches outside of town with one of the most famous being Sakarun Beach, which is part of the Zadar archipelago. There are a handful of beaches nearby that are pebbly and popular with the locals. These include Puntamika Beach and Beach Borik.

• Dugi Otok - half day kayak adventure ($85) See Details
• Zadar Sunset Boat Tour ($45) See Details
• Private Half Day Speedboat tour to Zadar's Nearby Islands ($130) See Details

Zadar is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. It's a charming medieval town that is at its most beautiful during the spectacular sunsets.

• Speedboat guided Tour to Ugljan, Osljak & Galevac ($40) See Details

Public transit in Zadar is easy and efficient. In just a few days, you should be able to get around the town quite easily. There are 11 bus lines that travel around town.

• Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Zadar?
• Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Zadar?
• Is Zadar Worth Visiting?
• Zadar Travel Costs
• Hotel Prices for Zadar
• Hostel Prices for Zadar

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The Cost of Travel in Croatia: My 2024 Budget Breakdown

After 12 years of travel and over 90 countries, I’ve come to the conclusion that Croatia is one of the most underrated travel destinations on the planet.

I’m slightly biased, of course.

When I first decided to set off on my round-the-world adventure, I decided Croatia would be the very first country on my itinerary.

It was an unusual choice, I know. Most travellers set off for Bangkok, London, Sydney, or Beijing to kickstart their gap years, but something about Eastern Europe fascinated me. I wanted to explore some of the lesser-visited parts of the continent in which I was born, and Croatia sounded like the perfect place to start.

It’s since held a special place in my heart as the destination that helped me gain my travel footing, and I immediately fell deeply in love with it.

What’s not to love? 

You’ve got gorgeous architecture to snap photos of, hundreds of islands to explore, the spectacular Plitvice National Park to wander around, underrated Zagreb for a city break, and some of the best beaches in the world. There are opportunities to sail the coastline, surprisingly fantastic cheese to eat, lovely locals, and so many beautiful landscapes that it’s hard to believe one country can offer up so much.

I originally planned to spend two weeks travelling around Croatia for my first visit, but after falling in love with the country, I quickly extended my stay to a full month. I hit up Dubrovnik, Split, Brac, Zadar, Pag, Zagreb, Plitvice, and Crikvenica over that time, and easily could have spent longer if I didn’t already have a flight to the other side of the world to catch.

I’ve since returned twice more to Croatia, and every time I do, I realise just how underrated a country it is.

I’ve been recording every single cent I spend in the countries I visit from day one of my travels because I want to prove that seeing the world is inexpensive and achievable. I want to be able to give a realistic and accurate look at how much you can expect to spend in each country you visit.

Today, it’s Croatia’s turn. I visited Croatia first of all as a solo backpacker, and then secondly and thirdly, as part of a couple on a mid-range budget. My costs have gone up during that time, both because my travel style changed and due to rising prices in general. Even so, as long as you’re not visiting in the height of peak season, Croatia still isn’t a crazy-expensive destination.

(As of the start of last year, Croatia adopted the Euro — not the Kuna — as its currency).

Here’s how much you can expect to spend on a trip to Croatia in 2024.

How to Save Money on Flights to/From Croatia

My European readers won’t have to worry too much about the cost of flights to Croatia, as the wide range of budget airlines means finding something affordable is never too much of a problem. As always, I recommend heading to Skyscanner  to snag yourself a bargain.

If you’re flexible with dates and itinerary, you’ll find the best deals by searching to flights to “Croatia” rather than an individual city, as you may find it’s far cheaper to fly into Zagreb over Dubrovnik, for example. It’s also worth setting your flight departure date to be across an entire month, which you can do with Skyscanner . This will show you the cheapest dates to fly and ensure you have the very best deal possible.

In general, you’ll find that it’s cheapest to fly to Croatia outside of high season, which coincides with typical European summer vacation dates (late June to late August). May and September are the shoulder season months, and October to March is the official low season, where you’ll find the lowest prices.

If you do have the freedom to visit during shoulder season, I highly recommend it, as it’ll mean spending less on flights and accommodation while having to deal with fewer tourists. Shoulder season is my favourite time of year to travel, and it’s worth making the effort to do so in Croatia.

What if you’re not European?

Well, unfortunately, there are only a handful of direct flights between North America and Croatia — you can fly from Newark to Dubrovnik — but that doesn’t mean you’ll have to spend an enormous amount of cash in order to get there.

Fortunately, getting to Europe from North America is surprisingly cheap these days, and I wouldn’t expect you’d need to pay more than around $400 for a return ticket. Allow me to introduce you to one of my favourite websites in the world: Secret Flying ! I’d estimate that 80% of the flights I book these days are due to a deal I’ve found on Secret Flying.

Once you’ve booked your flight to Europe, you’ll need to figure out how to get to Croatia for cheap, but that’s when Skyscanner comes back in! Europe is full of cheap airlines and getting from country to country is nearly always easy and inexpensive.

How to Save Money on Accommodation in Croatia

As always with travel, it’s possible to cut your accommodation costs down to zero if you have the time and patience to seek out an offer.

Free Accommodation

Couchsurfing exists in Croatia, and allows you to stay with a local for free, sleeping on their sofa and gaining their insight into life in their country. It’s not the most comfortable of living situations, but if your budget is tight, it’s worth sending out a few requests to hosts to see if anything comes of it. You can search for potential hosts on the site .

Housesitting is another option. This is where you’ll take care of somebody’s house for free while they’re away, and usually look after their pets, too. It’s best for long-term travellers or retirees as you can’t pick and choose dates and destinations, so you need to have a lot of flexibility as to where you go and at what time of year. If you do have that freedom, it’s a wonderful way to cut down your travel expenses, soak up some home comforts, and live like a local for a while — I’ve even have friends who have landed housesitting gigs in a castle! Trusted Housesitters is my favorite site for finding housesits — it’s definitely worth taking a look to see if any listings match with your dates.

And finally, if you’re travelling long-term and don’t mind getting your fingers dirty, you could look at WWOOFing  or WorkAway as a way to cut down your costs while working on a farm in exchange for accommodation and food. It’s not the most glamorous of travel, but getting to live for free in a foreign country is an incredible experience, so if you’re backpacking around Europe, this may be the way forward for you.

Affordable Accommodation

I’m suspecting, though, that for most of you, you’re not interested in the free accommodation and just want somewhere clean, safe, and affordable to rest your head each night. If that’s the case, there are several options available for you.

The first of these are hostels . In Croatia, you’ll come across hostels all over the country, finding them on tiny islands, in large cities, and even in the national parks. They’re one of your best options for saving money.

Hostels in Croatia are slightly cheaper than equivalents in Western Europe, with the big exception being Dubrovnik over the summer, which is eye-wateringly expensive. You can expect to spend around €20-25 for a dorm bed in most spots in Croatia, with the price increasing to €30-40 a night on the popular islands, national parks, and more tourist-filled areas.

When it comes to private rooms in hostels, you can expect to spend around €60 a night for a clean, basic room in a good location, so if you’re travelling with friends or with your partner, you may find there’s not much in it if you’d prefer a little privacy over settling for two beds in a dorm room.

If you’re an older traveller and put off by the thought of nights spent in hostels, you shouldn’t be! Private rooms are usually very quiet and clean, and most hostels are modern, safe, and centrally located. They tend to have a little more personality than generic hotels, and the staff are fantastic at offering kickass travel advice. As long as you check the reviews of any hostel before booking it to make sure nobody refers to it as a party hostel, you’re all good to make a booking there.

I use HostelWorld to find the cheapest hostels, as they tend to have the greatest number of listings at the lowest prices.

And, of course, there are always hotels and apartments, which will usually cost around €70-€100 a night for a decent, clean, mid-range property in a central location in shoulder season. I always use Booking , as they have the most accommodation options for the cheapest prices.

The Best Hostels and Guesthouses in Croatia

As I mentioned above, I’ve visited Croatia during various stages of my travel career, both as a solo backpacker who was travelling on a shoestring budget and as part of a couple that was looking for all things private and mid-range. I’ve learned a lot about how to travel affordably through this country in the process.

I always like to share which accommodation I stayed in on my travels, as well as recommend alternatives when mine sucked. Everywhere I recommend below has excellent reviews and offers great value for money. On my most recent two-week trip around Croatia, I followed this itinerary:

Dubrovnik: 3 nights Split: 3 nights Zadar: 3 nights Plitvice: 2 nights Zagreb: 3 nights

Here’s my list of my favourite accommodation options in Croatia, listed in Euros:

Dubrovnik —  Apartments Sv.Jakov (€145 a night) : There’s two things you need to know about accommodation in Dubrovnik. The first is that it’s expensive, and the second is that staying inside the old town is extremely expensive. The good news is that Apartments Sv.Jakov solves both of those problems by being both affordable and accessible to the centre of town (a 15 minute walk from your room). But not only that, it also has one of the best views in the entire city and some of the best reviews of any property. Throw one of the friendliest owners in the country in the mix and you can see why I’m gushing its praises. This is an excellent option for Dubrovnik.

Split —   Apartment Citadela (€110 a night) : Split is full of expensive hotels. In fact, you’ll struggle to find a stay in one for under €200 a night. I recommend Apartment Citadel because it’s half the price of the hotels, receives incredible reviews, and right in the heart of town — it’s a truly fantastic location! And you’ll have access to a kitchen, too, to help you save money on meals.

Zadar —  Harvey’s Luxury Rooms (€55 a night) : This is a no-brainer when it comes to accommodation in Zadar! It’s inexpensive, in the centre of the old town, close to tons of excellent restaurants (I recommend Kantuna), and a super-accommodating owner. With some seriously nice furniture providing decoration in the rooms as an added bonus, you really can’t go wrong.

Plitvice Lakes National Park —  Lake House   (€55 a night) : I loved both of my stays at Lake House in Plitvice Lakes National Park and have sent so many of my readers there since visiting! I chose this place because it’s easily the best-rated accommodation that’s close to the park, and it’s pretty affordable too. It didn’t disappoint. You’ll likely spend most of your time walking in the park, but when you’re at the house, you’ll be greeted by lovely staff, presented with a filling breakfast, and marvel at the fresh air. That’s one of my lasting memories of the area Lake House is in: how peaceful the surroundings were, and how healing the clean air felt.

Zagreb — Embassy Row B&B (€160 a night) : It’s rare to check out the reviews of accommodation and find yourself greeted with a wall of 10 out of 10s, but that’s exactly what drew me to Embassy Row B&B. If there’s a better spot in Zagreb, I’d be seriously surprised. What I love about this place is the lavish, fresh breakfast, the great location, and the wonderful owner. Nadia is kind, friendly, welcoming, and only too eager to give recommendations on how to make the most of your time in the city. I wouldn’t consider staying anywhere else.

How to Save Money on Transportation in Croatia

Transportation is fairly inexpensive in Croatia, so you won’t need to worry about it upping your travel budget by too much. The best, easiest, and cheapest way to travel around the country is by bus or ferry.

Domestic buses will take you pretty to much anywhere you need them to, and are fast, comfortable, and modern. You can expect your ride to come with power sockets and Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and large, spacious seats, making it a no-brainer to go for the bus over anything else.

If you book your bus tickets in advance through Arriva , you can save 5% on the price of your ticket by using the app, and not have to worry about the bus being full.

If you’re anything like me, though, you can’t imagine visiting Croatia and not  spending time on some of its gorgeous islands (my personal favourites are Brac and Pag). In this case, you’re going to want to hop on a ferry to get from the mainland to paradise. You can find a map of the ferry routes on CroatiaFerries  — and most ferries run at least once a day in peak season.

Keep in mind that if you’re going to be renting a car in Croatia, you’ll pay quite a bit extra to take it on the ferries, so it may work out cheaper for you to find somewhere to park for free before heading to the islands on foot. On average, you can expect to pay €15-20 a day to hire a small car in Croatia depending on the time of year and where you collect it from.

When it comes to hiring a car to drive around Croatia, you shouldn’t feel intimidated. Even my parents managed a two-week road trip around the country without any hassle, and said it was a far more peaceful experience than driving in nearby Italy! I always hire a car through Discover Cars : a comparison search engine that brings up the best deals from all the popular providers; I always seem to score the cheapest deals through their site!

As always, you’ll have far more independence if you decide to drive through Croatia, as you’ll be able to stop off whenever you feel like it, take detours to tiny villages, and stop at spectacular viewpoints to take photos whenever you want. This is a country that rewards those who venture off the beaten track, and hiring a car is the easiest way to do so.

Parking is going to be your main issue when it comes to driving in Croatia. Many of the popular tourist destinations are pedestrianised, so you may find yourself driving around for half an hour in search of a parking space. If you’re happy to park up at your accommodation and then take public transport or walk, you’ll have a much easier time of it.

You can also hire scooters in Croatia, so if you’re competent on two wheels, you may want to opt for this instead! You’ll pay less to hire them and won’t find parking as difficult either.

Flying is typically expensive and time-consuming, so you’ll want to skip out on that if at all possible. You’ll save money and see a lot more of the country by travelling overland.

Here are some of the typical transportation costs you can expect to run into while in Croatia:

• Bus from Dubrovnik to Split: €22,10
• Bus from Zagreb to Zadar: €11,90
• Bus from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes: €14,90
• Bus from Zagreb to Pula: €26,20
• Ferry from Dubrovnik to Hvar: €45 
• Ferry from Dubrovnik to Brac: €45
• Ferry from Split to Brac: €20

How to Save Money on Food in Croatia

Food can be expensive in Croatia, but there are plenty of ways to cut costs while you travel around this beautiful country.

Cooking is always going to be more affordable than eating out, so if you’re willing to sacrifice some restaurant meals on your vacation, this is a great way to keep on track with your budget. Hostels will usually give you access to a shared kitchen, and if you’re opting for an apartment, check that it has a kitchen and at least basic cooking facilities. If that’s the case, you can head to a local market (a great cultural experience) and stock up on fish, vegetables, and fruits, to spend far less on your meals than you would at a restaurant.

Many hotels offer free or discounted breakfasts, so if that’s the case, I always recommend eating later in the morning and eating a lot of food, as you may find you’re too full to have lunch. If that’s not the case, then I recommend going for a larger lunch and a smaller dinner.

Most restaurants charge less for their lunch menus, even though they’re serving the exact same meal for lunch and dinner. If you can eat a bigger meal for lunch, you can then get by with a much smaller one for dinner and save money through doing so.

In general, you should expect to spend the following on each meal:

Breakfast:   €6.50  each for bacon and eggs;  €9-11  each for something in a hipster cafe.

What can you expect from breakfasts in Croatia? If you’re looking for something cheap and simple, you can’t go wrong with pašteta (pate) on bread. Bread and spreads are commonplace in the country, whether it’s margarine, the aforementioned pate, cheese, jam or Nutella. Often, these will be accompanied by cold cuts of meat, such as ham, prosciutto, and salami.

In cafes, you’ll regularly be able to pick up some burek, a savoury pastry containing meat, cheese, or vegetables. Pair it with a serving of yoghurt and you’ve got yourself a traditional Croatian breakfast!

Beyond that, you’ll be able to find those standard omelettes, oatmeal, full English breakfasts, and croissants that you can get across the continent, either served up in your accommodation or up for grabs in a cafe in town.

Lunch: €7  each for a sandwich/slice of pizza from a deli with a soft drink

Lunches in Croatia can be delicious and large. Croatians prefer to have a larger meal for lunch and a smaller portion of food for dinner, so loosen up those waistbands and prepare yourself for a true feast! You’ll typically kick things off with some soup to start, then follow that up with some slow-roasted meat, which is practically guaranteed to be so tender that it’s falling off the bone, accompanied by potatoes and vegetables.

Dinner: €15  each if you’re on a budget,  €25  each for a mid-range restaurant,  €50+  each for something higher-end.

One thing to keep in mind is that you’ll often be given freshly-baked bread, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar with lunches and dinner in Croatia, so you should aim to take full advantage of this. Seriously — this was one of my culinary highlights from Croatia. Most of the time it was free with the meal and so ridiculously tasty.

What about tipping? In most restaurants you’ll frequent, tipping will be welcome but not in any way expected. So don’t panic — it isn’t seen as offensive if you don’t tip! And likewise, it won’t be viewed as offensive if you do. Expect to pay 10-15% in any fancy restaurants you head to, but anything laidback and local won’t require you to pay extra.

I don’t often have much success with this suggestion, but I do recommend keeping an eye on your drink consumption while travelling in Croatia. Alcohol is obviously a big budget buster on the road (and Croatian wines can be quite pricey in restaurants), so if you’re happy to substitute the sodas, juices, and booze for tap water, you’ll save a ton of money. And yes, the tap water is free and safe to drink in Croatia, so you really don’t need to worry about buying bottled water.

If you’re determined to jump headfirst into the Croatian food scene and don’t want to spend your vacation cooking, you should look to eat at the konobas and pizzerias as opposed to the fancier restaurants.

Konobas are small family-run restaurants that offer big dishes and low prices, and sometimes even family-made wine. If in doubt, avoid anywhere with white tablecloths and a big English menu outside, because that means it’s set up for tourists and charging more. Delis are great options for lunches, as they offer sandwiches for low prices.

You can always ask the locals for food recommendations, too! Ask at your accommodation for recommendations on the best budget eats, or simply walk around and see which restaurants are full of locals. In the case of the more tourist-filled cities, like Dubrovnik, you’ll find that just walking a couple of blocks outside of the Old Town is all you need to do to find cheaper prices in restaurants.

Here are some typical prices of food and drink in Croatia to help you budget better:

• Pint of draught beer:  €3-5
• A bottle of house wine in a restaurant:  €23-50
• A slice of pizza: €2.50-5
• Sandwich from a deli for lunch: €3-5
• A 30 cm pizza for dinner: €8-15
• Seafood dish in a fancy restaurant:  €30-50
• Cappuccino in an expat area of town:  €2-3
• Litre of milk:  €1-1.50
• A loaf of bread:  €1.50-2.50
• 10 eggs:  €2.50-3.50
• 1 kilogram of tomatoes:  €2-3.50
• 1 kilogram of potatoes:  €0.80-1.40
• A 1.5l bottle of water:  €0.90
• A risotto for lunch:  €12-20
• A steak dinner: €20-30
• Famous Croatian lamb from the spit: €15-30
• A gyros for lunch:  €5-8
• A local meal from a konobos for dinner with wine: €20-35 each
• A three course meal and wine in a high-end restaurant in Dubrovnik:  €70-100+

How to Save Money on Activities in Croatia

We’ve covered accommodation, transportation, and food, but let’s face it: you’re not going to have the trip of a lifetime if you skip out on entrance fees and activities! Here’s a detailed breakdown of some of the costs you’re likely to encounter while travelling around Croatia. Note that prices for many attractions go up a lot during peak season: I’ve given a range where that’s the case.

• Walking the city walls in Dubrovnik: € 15-35
• Entrance to Plitvice Lakes National Park: € 10-40
• Entrance to Krka Waterfalls National Park: € 7-40
• A Game of Thrones-themed walking tour in Dubrovnik: € 25
• Entrance to Pula’s amphitheatre : € 10
• Sea kayak tour at sunset with snack and wine in Dubrovnik: € 45
• A day trip to Montenegro from Dubrovnik: € 60
• Skip-the-line entrance to the Museum of Broken Relationships in Zagreb: € 7

If you’re in Split for a few days, be sure to grab a free SplitCard from a tourist information centre. Visitors staying five or more nights in summer, or two or more nights in winter, are entitled to the card for free, and get discounts on everything from museums and galleries to excursions and restaurants.

If some of the above prices are just too much, there are plenty of free activities in Croatia as well. I know that I had a fantastic time simply wandering through the old towns, exploring local markets, sunbathing on beaches, and making the most of the museums that don’t charge for entrance.

While, for example, you’ll get a great view of Dubrovnik by walking the city walls, you could be just as satisfied by walking the streets of the old town, as it’s as beautiful from the ground as it is from above. If you love beaches, you’ll save money on activities by lounging out on the sand/pebbles rather than jumping on a banana boat or hiring some snorkelling gear.

Markets are always a great way to get a taste of the local culture without spending any money, and simply heading out for a stroll through some of the more local neighbourhoods will introduce you to lesser-visited parts of the country. Yes, if you’re looking to save money on activities, my biggest recommendation is to walk everywhere — Croatia is so beautiful that there’s always something wonderful to see.

If, like me, you love taking tours to get to know a country better, I recommend heading to Get Your Guide for inspiration — it’s where I book all of the tours I take. They have a whole range of activities and tours available, like  day trips to Bosnia  ( € 82 ) or Slovenia  ( € 120 ) to boost your country count, a Game of Thrones tour in Split  ( € 35 ), and an island-hopping trip to five Croatian islands ( € 105 ).

Miscellaneous Items to Buy for a Trip to Croatia

A Croatia guidebook : A guidebook will give you an in-depth look into Croatia’s culture, suggest the perfect itineraries for the amount of time you have, and offer recommendations for where to eat and what’s worth doing. I like Lonely Planet guidebooks, and have a wide selection sitting in my bookcase as I write this!

A dry bag :  Croatia is all about the water, so I highly recommend packing  a dry bag  to take with you. A dry bag has saved me while travelling on so many occasions:

• On a kayaking trip from Koh Yao Noi to Koh Nok, a freak wave splashed over me, as well as my camera and phone. Had I not had them in a dry bag, the water damage would have likely destroyed them.
• On a ferry ride in Thailand, the boat sprung a leak and began to sink. I was able to put my laptop, camera, hard drive, passport, and money in my dry bag, seal it up, and know that they’d stay safe and dry if the worst were to happen.
• I chartered a yacht in Greece and relied heavily on my dry bag while I was there. When mooring in tiny bays, I was able to fill my dry bag with my camera, towel, and sunscreen, jump in the sea, and swim to the nearest empty beach without worrying about keeping my belongings dry.
• I also think dry bags are fantastic for solo travellers on beach days. It’s tough going to the beach when you’re travelling alone because you’ll need to bring nothing with you, risk getting robbed while you’re in the ocean, or stay on the sand at all times. If you have a dry bag, you can fill it up with your valuables and take it for a swim with you, rather than leaving them on your towel and hoping nobody will grab them.

I love all things Sea to Summit, and after trying several of their dry bags out, my champion is the  Ultra-Sil 8L  — it’s durable, thin, lightweight, and has never let me down.

Travel insurance: If you’ve read any other posts on Never Ending Footsteps, you’ll know that I’m a great believer in travelling with travel insurance. I’ve seen far too many Go Fund Me campaigns from destitute backpackers that are unexpectedly stranded in a foreign country after a scooter accident/being attacked/breaking a leg with no way of getting home or paying for their healthcare. These costs can quickly land you with a six-figure bill to pay at the end of it.

In short, if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel.

Travel insurance  will cover you if your flight is cancelled and you need to book a new one, if your luggage gets lost and you need to replace your belongings, if you suddenly get struck down by appendicitis and have to be hospitalised, or discover a family member has died and you need to get home immediately. If you fall seriously ill, your insurance will cover the costs to fly you home to receive medical treatment.

I use  SafetyWing  as my travel insurance provider, and recommend them for trips to Croatia. Firstly, they’re one of the few companies out there who will actually cover you if you contract COVID-19. On top of that, they provide worldwide coverage, don’t require you to have a return ticket, and even allow you to buy coverage after you’ve left home. If you’re on a long-term trip, you can pay monthly instead of up-front, and can cancel at any time. Finally, they’re way cheaper than the competition, and have a clear, easy-to-understand pricing structure, which is always appreciated.

With SafetyWing, you’ll pay  €1.50 a day  for travel insurance.

SIM cards and eSIMs : Assuming that you’re like me and want to have a working phone as soon as you arrive (did you even go to Dubrovnik if you can’t send photos of it to everyone you know?), you’ll want to buy an eSIM before leaving home.

I use aloSIM these days: prices are good and I’ve found their speeds to be faster than the other companies I’ve used. It costs $15 (€14) for 5GB of data that lasts a month, or $24 (€22) for 10GB, and you get a 5% discount by using the code FOOTSTEPS.

If your phone can’t use eSIMs, a tourist SIM card with unlimited data from T-HT costs €10 for ten days. If you’re staying longer, a card with 70GB of data that lasts for a month is €11.95 . You’ll need to find a phone store in whichever city you arrive in to buy them, though: they’re not available at the airports.

Don’t forget that if you live in another EU country, you should be able to roam for free with your normal phone company.

How Much it Costs to Travel in Croatia

I always like to share my own personal expenses when travelling in a country, as I think it helps you figure out what you should be expecting to pay each day while you’re there. A list of expenses is great and helpful, of course, but putting them all together in order to come up with a reasonable estimate can be trickier.

Because prices have risen recently in Croatia, I’m only using the costs from my most recent trip. Here’s what I spent!

Accommodation: €109 per day  (shared between two = €54.50 each) Transportation: €9 per day Food: €34 per day Activities: €36 per day

My average daily cost of travel in Croatia is therefore: €133.50 per day .

Related Articles on Croatia 🧳 How to Pack for a Trip to Croatia ☀️ 30 Incredible Things to Do in Dubrovnik, Croatia 🇭🇷 20 Best Things to Do in Zagreb, Croatia

Lauren Juliff

Lauren Juliff is a published author and travel expert who founded Never Ending Footsteps in 2011. She has spent over 12 years travelling the world, sharing in-depth advice from more than 100 countries across six continents. Lauren's travel advice has been featured in publications like the BBC, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Cosmopolitan, and her work is read by 200,000 readers each month. Her travel memoir can be found in bookstores across the planet.

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86 comments.

Dude, this guide is fantastic!

If I were there, I would have a really hard time leaving! I understand why you extended your initial trip by a few weeks.

Right?! The longer I spent in Croatia, the more I wanted to see. You could spend months just travelling up and down the coastline.

Hello! I do not think that this is nice: ‘I usually recommend not staying in an entire Airbnb apartment’. You should know, that most of the people on the coast and on the Islands, live from renting apartments, from 30 euro and up and also, when you stay in apartment you can save a lot of money for food (not 23 euro a day for shore). So you help local people and you save money at the same time. 😊

Wish you a nice day. Valentina

Airbnb is destroying cities and towns around the world, and having seen this destruction first hand, I am not comfortable recommending my readers to stay in Airbnb apartments. You help the locals who own properties, sure, but you fuck over everybody else who now can’t afford to pay rent because everything in their town is now an expensive Airbnb apartment. It raises the prices of accommodation for locals.

So sorry, I believe staying in Airbnb apartments is an unethical practice and I don’t support it. Do you own an Airbnb apartment?

!00% agree with this! Good for you for sticking to your principles.

Thanks Kris! :)

I wasn’t sure about visiting Croatia later this year, but the photos in this post now have me convinced! It looks like a very beautiful country. One small suggestion I have is that it would be useful if you could share some of the costs of food and drink so that we can create a travel budget with more ease. Appreciate all of your tips in this very useful post.

That’s a great suggestion, Kimme! My posts are always a work in progress, so I love receiving feedback on how they can be improved. I’ll get working on that today :-)

Great advice! My question to you is where would you recommend going in Croatia if you had just two weeks in August and a small budget? Thank you

Hmmm. If it was me, I’d do the following:

3 nights in Zagreb 2 nights in Plitvice 3 nights in Zadar 3 nights in Split 3 nights in Brac

And then back to Split to fly out. I’d avoid both Dubrovnik and Hvar as they’re going to be very expensive over summer.

Wow! Holy Moly. It’s my dream to see a landscape like the ones you’ve shared in this post. I haven’t been to Europe before (I live in the USA) so I have other countries at the top of my bucket list before Croatia but this is making me think I need to visit Croatia too. There’s too many places in this world to see!

I definitely understand that, Sheryll. But while Western Europe often receives all of the glory, there are parts of Eastern Europe that are just as beautiful. I hope you make it to both sometime soon :-)

Well I was so pleased with my Italian Lake photos until I saw these!!! Awesome

Thanks, Dad! :-)

Hi! I will be there in Croatia in the middle of August. Appreciated this guide as it helped me understand how much I will spend when there. Should I not go to Dubrovnik in August because it will be busy/costly?

Kind regards

Hmmm. Well, I really liked Dubrovnik, but it was packed in the summer months! It’s a beautiful spot and there’s a reason why it’s so popular with cruise ships and tourists, but you have to weigh up whether that beauty is worth spending a lot of money and dealing with a ton of crowds. If you can afford it, go for it. If you’re worried about the costs, choose to go somewhere like Split instead.

Wow, easily the best guide to Croatia I’ve seen today. Thank you for putting all of this information together, very useful. I plan to visit Croatia in April so I’m releaved to see it won’t be too expensive at that time of year.

Thank you so much, Ofelia! That means a lot. I hope you have a wonderful trip :-)

Really appreciated that you included everything in this post, Lauren. I’ve just bought the dry bag you recommended, as it sounds like a lifesaver!! Any thoughts on yacht week in Croatia? Costs, etc?

Thanks Jordan :-) I actually have a couple of friends who did yacht week in Croatia and they said that if you’re not really into partying it’s not a great option. They’re definitely pretty chill and found they didn’t really vibe with the people on their boat who were all about drinking and hooking up.

In terms of costs, well, I haven’t actually done it myself, but from a quick look online, it looks like it’ll cost around $4,000 for the yacht for a week, although you’ll be splitting that with a bunch of people, so it might not work out to be that expensive.

Hope you have a great trip if you do decide to go. You’ll have to let me know what Yacht Week is like!

Wonderful post, Lauren, coming from a Croatian. I wonder though have you visited islands like Hvar or Brač and checked their beautiful sunsets. Btw, I’m impressed with your knowledge about places you visit and some details that even I wasn’t aware of. You’ve done your homework, girl!

Thanks Mimo!

I spent a few days in Brac, and also visited Pag too. Didn’t get a chance to see many sunsets there though!

WE LOVE CROATIA! Great post Lauren. Covers everything I could say and more about the cost of travel in Croatia. Cracking read. Great. We celebrated our 10 year wedding anniversary in Split and have been returning every two years ever since. Love it. If anyone’s reading this and debating whether to go or not, I say do it! One of my favorite countries.

Wow, what a recommendation! Split sounds would be a pretty perfect place to celebrate an anniversary.

YES! I love Croatia and I love this post, Lauren. I agree that it’s more expensive than other countries in the Balkans, but it’s still a lot cheaper than countries in Western Europe. One thing I couldn’t believe was how expensive it was to walk the city walls in Dubrovnik. Not worth the money imo.

Yeah, seriously. Dubrovnik as a whole can be pretty over-the-top expensive — it was a bit of a shock to the system when I landed on my first day of my big trip and was like whoa, my money is not going to last as long as I thought . Fortunately, everywhere else in Croatia was much more affordable, and let’s face it: Dubrovnik is pretty special, so it’s worth the expense to a lot of people.

OMG I really can’t wait to get to Croatia etc one day – so awesome hun =)

You’d love it here!

This has me looking at flights to Croatia based on those stunning photos alone! I’m a mega GoTs fan so the fact that you mentioned all of those tours is so exciting. I’d love to see all of the filming locations, and then the beautiful beaches will just top it all off nicely.

You know I haven’t ever watched Game of Thrones before? A big oversight of mine! But I know that my friends who love the show have had so much fun geeking out over all the filming locations in Dubrovnik and Split. I hope you decide to book a flight to Croatia!

So many great tips in this article. You’ve made planning this trip so much easier. I now feel like I can visit Croatia on the cheap while retaining some comfort levels. Looking forward to trying to food after you have sold it so well. Thanks.

Hey, thanks so much! Enjoy all of that fresh and tasty seafood for me :-)

I really didn’t know much about Croatia until I stumbled across this post. Fantastic! You’re really selling it to your readers and now I’m trying to work out if I can squeeze in a visit before the end of summer.

Ooh, I hope you can! September would be a really good time to visit, as there aren’t many crowds and the prices are starting to drop.

I’ve been to Croatia numerous times from AUSTRALIA as I’m addicted to the country, easily one of the most beautiful places in the world. It’s the sort of place that you don’t need landmarks and sites because the atmosphere, nature, beauty, medieval feel , smells, sounds just make this place heaven on earth for me. One of my most amazing sights was driving to our base on the beautiful island of Murter from a late night clubbing. It was 5.30-6am approx in the morning and the sun was coming up as we were crossing from the mainland to the island via bridge and at that moment the colours an beauty of the place overwhelmed me. I have seen many beautiful sunsets in Croatia, what makes them amazing is the deep red and orange colours. I’ve never seen them so vivid anywhere and I’ve been half way around the world.

I totally agree with you about the sunsets! Some of the best I’ve ever seen were while travelling in Zadar. Incredible colours!

Thank you so much for putting this together. I have been trying to work out where to go with my boyfriend on holiday next week and I think I’ve just settled on Croatia. Your post made it really easy to decide with all of the photos and information on how to travel there on a budget. I love your style of writing as well.

Thanks so much, Charlotte! You’re going to have an amazing trip :-)

If you could travel to Croatia during any month, which would you choose? Taking into account the weather, the crowds, and the prices. I’m thinking May or September is probably best? Do you have strong feelings either way?

I’d probably go for September, just because there’s a school holiday in May that might clash with your travel dates and could push the prices up. For weather, as well, the average temperatures in September are around 25, compared to 22 for May. So not a huge difference, but 25 is a little nicer in my eyes.

I don’t really think you’d regret going for either month, but I’d probably choose September.

Amazing blog Lauren. What do you recommend for a solo traveler to Croatia btw? Should I stay in hostels and is it safe? Did you get lonely on your own or is it easy to meet people? I know I need to just get there and experience it for myself but its always intimidating to go to a new place by yourself.

Croatia is super safe! You really don’t have to worry, Emma. I never once felt in danger over my six weeks in the country, and found it easy to meet people in hostels. I’d recommend staying in them as a solo traveller if you’re looking to meet people — you could always stay in a private room if you’re not down for sleeping in a dorm.

Thank you so, so much for this detailed breakdown Lauren. Can I ask which islands you’d most recommend visiting if you have two weeks in Croatia? Are you missing out if you don’t spend much time on the mainland?

Fun question! One thing you could do is to fly into Dubrovnik, and then take the ferry up to Hvar and Brac, then fly out of Split, so that way you’d get to see some of the mainland as well as the islands. Korcula is another great option for an island that’s close to Hvar and Brac if you want less time on the mainland.

I personally really like the mainland spots in Croatia, and think they have just as much to offer as the islands, but it really depends on what you’re into. If you love beaches, they tend to be better on the islands. If you’re into mountains and villages, I think the mainland has better options.

Thanks for the wonderful tips! I’m thinking of going to Croatia from the US, possibly this coming April or May. What do you think about traveling there in April, mainly due to the weather and accessibility to shops, museums, attractions, etc.? Also, are you familiar with any tours offered that you could recommend as I may be traveling alone (I’m in my early 60s). Thanks!

Hi Lauren. It’s such an awesome article you built. I appreciate. I am looking for a suitable market for pets and precious stones in Croatia. Please if you have an idea how I can go about this let me know. Thanks

Ah, sorry, I’m afraid I really don’t know!

Thanks Lauren! This was really helpful in planning a daily budget for our delayed honeymoon/1 year anniversary trip there in September. We are flying into Naples and staying on the Amalfi Coast before driving across to fly from Bari to Dubrovnik. Then I planned Dubrovnik to Hvar, to Brac, to Markarska, to Split then fly to Venice then home:( . Does this seem like a good itinerary? I would’ve loved to make it up north more but maybe another trip. I cannot wait!!! Any advice is greatly appreciated.

This information is great. Is it possible to see Croatia in a week?

For a week, I’d suggest picking either the north or the south. So for the south, you could check out Dubrovnik, Split, and Hvar/Zadar. And for the north, you could go with Zagreb, Plitvice, and Pula/Rijeka/Zadar. Or just choose two places for each, if you want more of a relaxed holiday.

Both itineraries would give you a good feel for the country, and I’d be happy doing either :-)

Hi Lauren Your experience and information is amazing…thank you so much.

We are traveling to Dubrovnik on our way to Rome but only have 2 days. Is there a self guided walking tour map of some of the movie sites in Dubrovnik? We are renting a car and would love to see the non tourist beach you picture in your blog. Is there a name or information on how to get there?

Thank you so much and I hope you get to feeling better

The beach in that photo is Podrace Beach, in Brela. It’s unfortunately probably going to be too far for you to drive out to from Dubrovnik. For the filming locations, your best bet is just to google around. For example, this post is super detailed for Game of Thrones, with a map included: https://hellojetlag.com/dubrovnik-game-of-thrones-locations/ — there should be be similar guides for movies that have been filmed there, like Star Wars.

Hope you have a wonderful time in Dubrovnik! :-)

Thanks for all the info!! My bf and I will be heading to Croatia in late-June and we’ve planned to do a lot of grocery shopping on our own. How did you find the grocery stores and where would you recommend?? We’ll be in Dubrovnik, Split, Zadar and Zagreb overnight, but many other places for day trips. Thanks!

In your opinion, is it safe to travel to Croatia? You’ve spent a lot of time there, so I’d love to know your thoughts.

Yes! Very safe. I didn’t have any safety issues in Croatia and feel comfortable recommending it as a safe travel destination. I feel safer there than I do in my home country and the U.S.!

Hey Lauren, We plan to visit Croatia this September. Can you recommend a day or less bike tours that takes us to some cool places that is not too strenuous? Either by a guide or by renting bikes and exploring on our own. Your information has been so helpful to us and appreciate you taking all the time and effort in posting this.

Another great post, I can’t thank you enough for these budget travel guides. I’m planning on spending two weeks in Croatia in June, traveling to Dubrovnik, Split, Plitvice, and Zagreb, and I’m hoping to keep my budget under $60 a day. Do you think this is possible?

Hey Lauren, Lovely article :-)

I am planning to go Croatia this Sept with my 1.5 year old Infant. Will it be feasible to visit the places along with a kid, Also I am planning to hire a car along with driver or you would recommend to take daily trips from Zagreb to all across Croatia?

Many Thanks, Shraddha

What a great post! Very informative – just what I needed. Thank you.

No problem! Hope you have a wonderful time in Croatia :-)

if you only had 5 days to see some of croatia, what would you do to make it worth it on the cheap?

A very comprehensive article. Thanks for taking the time to put it together – much appreciated. I’m still in the very early stages of planning my world trip but this info has sown the seed of curiosity about visiting Croatia thank you.

Yay! I’m so happy to hear that, Chris :-)

Great post Lauren and very informative. Thanks very much for this. Best regards, Nicholas

Thanks for reading!

It might help to know that American Airlines has recently introduced a direct line connecting Philadelphia and Dubrovnik during the season months (June through September). If my memory serves me well, they will operate 3 flights per week.

Kind regards Ivan

Thank you so much! Will add it to the post :-)

Thank you for the awesome guidelines :)

Thanks for reading! :-)

This has been so helpful! I noticed the typical pricing has the euro symbol next to it, have you given the pricing in euro to make things easier to compare to or is the price actually in Kuna as I read you should take Kuna. I’m going in 3 weeks and just trying to work out a budget

Hi Lauren, This may be a hard question to answer, but I thought I’d put it out there:) I have dual citizenship (U.S. / Ireland) and was entertaining the idea of retiring in a European country. I was considering both Croatia and Portugal, based on my Internet research. I know that you spent some time in Lisbon and wondered how it would compare to, say, settling in Zagreb. I know Spanish so it would be easier to learn Portuguese. But I like where Croatia is situated (closer to more countries for visiting), and it also seems a little more affordable. It’s hard to get a sense of the cultures just by doing research online, but it sounds like the people are lovely in both places. I plan to visit soon and try it out, but I just wondered if you had any thoughts on this. Thanks, Rose

Hi Rose! Ah, those are two wonderful options :-)

You’re correct in that Croatia is more affordable, but the language would be tricker to learn. And that locals in both countries are lovely and so friendly! English is spoken widely in both countries, so there wouldn’t be too high of a language barrier either way. There’d be a much larger community of expats/retirees in Portugal, as it is such a popular retirement destination, so it would probably be a lot easier to build a community there. Lisbon, to me, feels more like an *international city*, in that there are tons of different restaurants and cuisines and immigrants from countries all over — Zagreb doesn’t have that as much.

I don’t know if that helps at all, but I think both options sound pretty good!

Your reply does help – thank you, Lauren! By the way, I’m sorry about the Brexit situation. I have an English cousin in Spain, and she was disappointed about the decision to leave. But on a positive note, it’s wonderful you live in a country that is so geographically close to so many interesting countries/cultures. I’m in Northern California, just outside of San Francisco (which sounds exciting), but you have to travel far (and by plane) to get to culturally distinct locations. I’m trying to keep my carbon footprint small, and I like the idea of visiting a variety of places by train. You’re fortunate that you have that option and at the same time be close to family. Thank you for your help and for a terrific website! Rose

Hi We are going to Croatia in April 2024. Can you give us any idea about what to expect the weather to be like. Also it is our first time in Croatia for 10 days we would like to see as much as possible as well as some down time. Thanks

Lauren, thank you!! I am visiting Croatia and of course, I need to plan my expenses in advance. Your article really helped me with this issue I have been trying to figure out the past week.

Thanks for your blog and keep posing,

We also document every cent of our travels, partially to show how affordable travel can be, but mainly to ensure we stick to a budget. We only have limited funds (as do most people) and try to be frugal in some areas while still having the ability to learn about the culture, cuisine, people and history of a country.

And in the end, our costs were very similar to yours. Always good to have several data points to compare.

Sweet! Glad to hear your costs matched up with mine :-)

Hello Lauren! Great article, lovely read. I am looking to visit Croatia for a month or more if I love the country and I can see that you do not favor Airbnbs for reasons, which I understand. I do not wish to contribute to gentrification or high prices, so what are my options. I will bring my entire life with me (as I am living out of a suitcase at the moment) as well as my cat. I am sure that makes hostels out of the question. I’d like an entire place to myself. Is there a more ethical version to Airbnb? Thanks in advance!

is it possible to rent a car in Zagreb drive and cover all the major cities, I did this in Italy and covered – Rome, Venice, Florence and all the way to Sorrento & Amalfi coast, the highways were excellent

Hi Rocko! Yes, it’s definitely possible — the roads are well maintained and all of the major destinations are accessible by road. Car rentals are inexpensive. And if you’ve successfully managed to drive in Italy, the roads in Croatia will be calm and easy in comparison :-) Most of the islands have car ferries running, so you should be able to get to the islands, too — just double-check in advance if you’ll be island-hopping and want to take the car with you.

Amazing post, I almost convinced my wife that we will greece in October in between someone said why not greece and then I explored I found your post..I strongly believe that anyone reading your post is 100’% convinced with your recommendation. Thanks so much keep writing… we are planning to travel this October. Any advise that you can recommend ?

Amazing photos. This was a really helpful post for my upcoming trip and I’ll be sure to stay at some of the guesthouses you recommend too.

No problem! Glad you found it useful :-) Have an amazing trip!

This is so helpful, I am trying to plan a trip there in September. My question is, with the places you suggested to go, where do you fly in and out of? We would leave out of Dallas. TX. I feel like multi-city flight would drive up the cost. Thanks for any input!

Just returned from a 2 week adventure to Croatia. The locals are kind, incredibly humble, and helpful. I was so impressed with their hospitality. We visited every spot you mentioned. We, however, added a visit to Istria. Motuvon was beautiful and Rovijn is considered the riviera of Croatia and probably my favorite place. Your comments are spot on about Dubrovnik. Wall to wall people in August. We stayed at Hostel Sol, near where the cruise ships dock, parked the car for 3 days and took the bus into the old town. Yes, very expensive, but beautiful. The walk, on the wall, was long and tiring, but worth it. I would suggest doing it to see the magnificent sunset and avoid the heat in August, which is nearly impossible. The cable card ride is another treat. There is plenty of shopping and places to eat. One other suggestion, if you are renting a car, as we did, and plan on visiting islands, be sure to reserve your tickets for the ferries before you leave for your trip.

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• Restaurants

7 Tips for Traveling to Zadar on a Budget

Zadar, Croatia offers a stunning coastal experience without breaking the bank. Travel during the off-season for significant savings on accommodations and attractions. Stay in budget-friendly options outside the city center, with rooms as low as $20 per night. Utilize the reliable public transportation system and take advantage of free attractions like the Sea Organ and Greeting to the Sun. Eat at local bakeries and markets for authentic, affordable flavors. Consider using discount cards for free admission and perks at various attractions. Don't forget to bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce waste. These tips will help you discover more while spending less.

Travel During the Off-Season

One of the best ways to save money when traveling to Zadar is to visit during the off-season , which is any time outside of the peak summer months of July and August.

By planning your trip for the shoulder season in April, May, or October, you can enjoy significant savings on accommodations and attractions while still experiencing pleasant weather.

During the off-season, prices for hotels and vacation rentals in Zadar can be slashed by up to 50%, allowing you to stretch your travel budget further.

In addition to lower accommodation costs, visiting popular attractions like Plitvice Lakes National Park is more affordable during the off-season, with entrance fees being reduced compared to the high season rates.

Keep in mind that prices for accommodations and attractions tend to skyrocket during July and August, so if you're looking to save money, it's best to avoid these peak months.

Stay in Budget Accommodations

To save money on your trip to Zadar, consider staying in budget accommodations located outside the historic city center .

You can find room options for as low as $20 per night for two people, while studio apartments start around $30 nightly. The further you venture from the old town, the cheaper the prices tend to be, not just for lodging but also for dining out at local cafes.

Downtown Boutique Hostel offers a prime location and pleasant amenities, although their storage facilities may leave something to be desired regarding security.

When searching for budget-friendly places to stay, do your research and book in advance to secure the best deals, as hotel rates can climb quickly, especially during the peak travel season .

Use Public Transportation

Getting around Zadar on a budget is easy, thanks to the city's affordable public transportation options .

As a city on the Adriatic, Zadar offers a variety of ways to discover its charming streets and nearby destinations without breaking the bank. Public transport within the city is reliable and efficient, making it a budget-friendly option for visitors.

Many of the main attractions are within walking distance of each other, allowing you to save money on transportation while enjoying the sights and sounds of this historic city.

For those who prefer to drive, the Zadar Parkplatza offers the cheapest parking in the city, conveniently located just outside the entrance to the old town.

When venturing beyond Zadar, Croatia's national railway company, HžPP , provides affordable train fares connecting regions around Zagreb and running from Zagreb to Split.

The extensive bus network along the Adriatic coast, with companies like Arriva offering international routes, is another budget-friendly option for visiting nearby destinations.

Within the city, buses are the cheapest way to get around , with fares as low as 0. 50-2.90 euros , perfect for short trips.

Eat at Local Bakeries and Markets

Embracing Zadar's local bakeries and markets offers budget-conscious travelers an opportunity to savor authentic flavors while keeping expenses in check.

These establishments provide a cost-effective way to experience the city's culinary delights, with prices starting from around 15-20 kuna ($2-3 USD) for a pastry or sandwich.

Local bakeries, known as pekarnica, offer a variety of freshly baked goods, including bread, pastries, and cakes, at affordable prices.

Meanwhile, Zadar's markets, such as the Green Market, showcase a wide range of fresh produce, dairy products, and meat, allowing visitors to purchase ingredients for a picnic or self-catered meal at a lower cost than dining out at restaurants.

By venturing into these local gems, travelers can immerse themselves in the local culture and culinary traditions without breaking the bank.

Nonetheless, be aware that many local bakeries and markets in Zadar accept cash only , so be sure to have some local currency , kuna, on hand when shopping at these establishments.

Delving into the local bakeries and markets not only saves money but also provides a genuine taste of Zadar's culinary scene.

Take Advantage of Free Attractions

Zadar offers an array of fascinating attractions that can be enjoyed without spending a single kuna, allowing budget-conscious travelers to experience the city's charm and history.

A must-visit is the Sea Organ , a unique installation that creates enchanting melodies as waves crash into the hidden tubes beneath the stone steps.

Discover the Five Wells Square , a rare 16th-century water source that provides a glimpse into Zadar's past.

Take a leisurely stroll along the peninsula, wandering through the alleys, streets, and seafront of the old town without spending a dime.

For a small entrance fee of around 15 kuna, climb to the top of the Church of St. Donatus ' bell tower for breathtaking views of the city.

As the sun sets, head to the Greeting to the Sun installation, which comes alive with a mesmerizing light display at night, free of charge.

Use Discount Cards

To further stretch your budget while visiting Zadar's attractions, consider investing in a discount card that offers savings on admission fees and other experiences.

One popular option is the Zadar Card , which provides free admission to several attractions and discounts at local restaurants and shops.

Before purchasing a discount card, calculate the cost savings compared to buying individual tickets to determine if it is a good value for your budget.

Look for cards that offer additional perks, such as skip-the-line access or guided tours, to enhance your travel experience in Zadar.

It's also a good idea to read reviews and feedback from other travelers who have used these discount cards to get an idea of their effectiveness and value.

Some cards may offer a free trial period or a money-back guarantee , which can minimize your financial risk.

By researching and utilizing discount cards, you can enjoy more of Zadar's attractions and experiences without breaking the bank.

Remember to compare the benefits and savings of different cards to find the one that best suits your needs and budget.

Bring a Reusable Water Bottle

When visiting Zadar on a budget, consider bringing a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce plastic waste .

Zadar's tap water is safe to drink, so you can easily refill your bottle at water fountains or public taps located throughout the city, especially in Zadar's historic center.

By using a reusable water bottle, you can avoid buying bottled water , which typically costs around 15-20 kuna (approximately $2-3 USD) per liter.

When choosing a reusable water bottle for your trip, look for a compact and lightweight option that's easy to carry while wandering Zadar's old town and surroundings.

Some cafes and restaurants in the city may even offer free water refills , so don't hesitate to ask before ordering bottled water.

By making this simple switch to a reusable water bottle, you'll not only save money on your trip but also contribute to reducing plastic waste in this beautiful coastal city.

Enjoying Zadar's sights and sounds while staying hydrated has never been easier or more eco-friendly !

To summarize, traveling to Zadar on a budget is achievable with careful planning and flexibility.

While some may argue that budget travel sacrifices comfort or experiences, these tips demonstrate ways to save money without compromising the essential elements of a memorable trip.

By traveling during the off-season , staying in budget accommodations, using public transportation, eating locally, enjoying free attractions, utilizing discount cards, and bringing a reusable water bottle, travelers can discover Zadar's beauty and culture cost-effectively .

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