If you’re looking for a unique destination for your next vacation, consider Zadar – a city that will captivate you with its 3000 years of history and priceless cultural heritage.
Located in northern Dalmatia on the Adriatic coast, the city offers beautiful sights and attractive venues, which made it the most wanted European destination in 2016. The best time to visit Zadar is between May and October, no matter if you are travelling with children, as a couple, or alone.
When in the city, you must visit the beautiful main square built in the ancient Roman times, along with its majestic centerpiece, the St. Donatus Church. It dates back to early Middle Ages and is known as the iconic symbol of Zadar, owing both to its striking design and its acoustic features that led it to house a notable international festival of medieval and renaissance music. Nearby you will find the St. Anastasia bell tower, which offers an amazing panoramic view of Zadar from the height of 62m.
If you want to immerse yourself in the everyday life of the city, take a walk through the main Kalelarga street. Another must-see is the Sea Organ, the most famous attraction of modern architecture in Zadar: the sea waves pass through underwater musical pipes and thus produce an amazing sound.You can sit on the waterfront,listen to the sea music, and revel in the most beautiful sunset in the world as described by the famous Alfred Hitchcock.
You can also check out the unique light installation, the Greeting to the Sun;the solar light absorbed during the day transforms into vibrant splashes of color in nighttime, producing a magical play of light and sound from the nearby Sea Organ.
We also recommend to visit the Museum of Antique Glass or to see religious art in the monastery of St. Maria, as well as the ride with the little boat (barkajoli) to the old part of Zadar. If you’re planning to stay longer, you’re sure to enjoy day trips to Dugi Otok islandand Telašćica nature park, or the stunning national parks Paklenica, Krka and the Kornati archipelago.
Looking to indulge in Dalmatian cuisine?
Visit restaurants such as Bruschetta or Pet Bunara, where you will find various Mediterranean dishes like bruschette, carpaccio, gnocchi, ravioli, shells and crabs as well as organic olive oils from local producers. For those who want to try local pasta, we recommend Pašta & Svašta restaurant or Trattoria Canzona with the rich offer of pasta and sauces as well as sweet desserts. It is also recommended to visit Foša restaurant, located in the little harbour Foša built in the 16th century; it’s a perfect blend of Dalmatian spirit and modern culinary trends. Dishes are prepared from seasonal ingredients and allow you to taste authentic old flavors of Dalmatia.
If you’re up for a night on the town, there are plenty of cafes and bars with live music and good drinks. Stop by Dolce Vita Cafe Bar, Yachting Bar, Garden Bar, Maraschino Bar or KultCafe Bar, as well as Arsenal venue or Ledana lounge bar for live music and DJ sets.
