Photo: Photo archive of the Zadar Tourist Board

BASIC INFORMATION AND LOCATION

Zadar is a northern Dalmatian city on the Adriatic Sea, the center of Zadar County and the wider regional area. It is the second largest in Dalmatia, after Split. According to the latest census, it has a population of 71,500. It developed in a favorable location, protected by a series of islands from the influence of the open sea. On the mainland, the hinterland is the fertile Ravni Kotari area. Zadar's traffic importance is great. The Adriatic Highway (D8) passes through the city, and it is also connected to the A1 motorway by the modern four-lane Zadar West-A1 road. It is connected to Zagreb by the Zadar-Knin railway line, and to Ancona in Italy by an international ferry line. Zemunik Airport is 10 km from the city itself.

CULTURE, HISTORY ATTRACTIONS

The wider Zadar area has been inhabited since the Stone Age, as evidenced by finds. Archaeological finds from the Neolithic period have been found on the outskirts of the city. The name comes from the pre-Indo-European language Jader, Jadra or Jadera, and is related to an ancient hydrographic term. Today, Zadar is a tourist and university center, rich in cultural and historical monuments. The most famous is the church of St. Donatus, a symbol of the city, most likely from the 9th century. Kalelarga is the main and most famous street in Zadar, which is the center of all events in the city, the church of St. Anastasia is the Zadar cathedral. Also visit the City Walls (Muraj), a permanent exhibition of church art - Gold and Silver of the City of Zadar, the People's Square, the Sea Organ, Greeting to the Sun, and the parks of Zadar.

BEACHES

Kolovare is a public city beach, partly sandy and partly pebbly. The pool is part of Kolovare with a sea pool, where Zadar water polo players also train. Borik is also a sandy and pebbly beach located north of the city. Borik is followed by Diklo beach with pebbly and concrete parts. There are also the rocky Punta Bajlo, Vitrenjak within the Uskok marina, suitable for children, and Puntamika, a pebbly beach next to the Lanterna lighthouse, with a view of the old part of the city.

OTHER CONTENT

Dalmatian and Mediterranean cuisine, infused with wines and oils from local winemakers and olive growers, is offered to you in numerous Zadar restaurants and taverns. We can name just a few of them: Dva ribara, Zadar- Jadera, Salsa Rossa, Giardin, Kaštel, Niko, 5 bunara and Dalmatina. Zadar offers young people a wealth of entertainment at night in various clubs, and for everyone throughout the year, especially in season, numerous concerts, plays, parties and cultural and entertainment events such as Zadar snova - international festival of new theatre and performing arts, Zadar Theatre Summer, Film Forum Zadar, Zadarfest.

SPORT

The location by the sea offers countless sea activities from swimming, diving, kayaking and canoeing, sailing, sport fishing, jet ski and boat rentals. The immediate vicinity of Velebit offers opportunities for mountaineering, hiking and free climbing. On the Zrmanja River you can try rafting, and in the town itself you can rent a tennis court, a football or basketball court, play bocce, cycle and more.

WHAT TO DO AND EXCURSION OPPORTUNITIES

Zadar has a convenient location near the national parks of Northern Velebit, Plitvice Lakes, Krka and Paklenica, and the Velebit Nature Park of the Zrmanja River Canyon. Nearby old towns include Nin and Šibenik. From the Zadar ferry port you can reach the Zadar islands every day or rent a boat and cruise the archipelago. Whatever you choose, we guarantee a pleasant day.

ACCOMMODATION

You can find accommodation in one of the many hotels: Donat, Porto, Niko, Bastion, Zadar, Kolovare, Falkesteiner, etc. In hostels: The hostel, Mr. Charles, Windward, Tequila bar, etc. Accommodation is also offered by the Borik camp and the Campiente car camp, as well as numerous private rental companies, and if you are arriving by boat, the Zadar marina Tankerkomerc, D-Marin Borik and Uskok will satisfy all your needs.