Zadar

Zadar, a coastal city in Croatia, is home to the ancient Roman Forum, the 9th-century Church of St. Donatus, and modern art installations like the Sea Organ and Greeting to the Sun. You can walk through the Old Town's marble streets, relax on nearby beaches, or take boat trips to surrounding islands. The city also serves as a gateway to national parks such as Plitvice Lakes and Krka.

Exploring Zadar's Old Town

The compact Old Town of Zadar contains over 2,000 years of history along its polished marble streets. At its center is the Roman Forum, dating back to the 1st century BC, with fragments of ancient columns and stonework scattered across the square. The distinctive circular Church of St. Donatus, built in the 9th century, sits atop the ruins of the Roman forum. Its thick stone walls and central rotunda make it an important example of pre-Romanesque architecture in Croatia. You can climb the bell tower of St. Anastasia's Cathedral for views over terracotta rooftops to the Adriatic Sea.

Waterfront Installations

Zadar's seaside promenade features two modern installations that have become recognizable symbols of the city. The Sea Organ, completed in 2005, consists of marble steps with pipes and whistles underneath. As waves push air through the pipes, they create a humming melody. Next to it, the Greeting to the Sun uses solar power to create a light show after dark. Hundreds of multi-colored LEDs embedded in the ground light up in shifting patterns, mirroring the movement of the planets and sun. Visit at sunset to experience both installations as day turns to night.

Island Excursions

With over 300 islands off Zadar's coast, you can easily spend time on the water. Take a day trip to Dugi Otok to visit the white sands of Sakarun beach or walk through Telašćica Nature Park. The small car-free island of Silba offers a calm atmosphere with coves and walking trails. You can join a boat tour to Kornati National Park, an archipelago of 89 mostly bare islands with steep cliffs and clear waters. Many tours include opportunities to swim and snorkel in secluded bays, followed by a seafood lunch at a traditional konoba restaurant.

Local Cuisine

Zadar's cuisine combines Mediterranean and Central European influences. For breakfast, try a strong espresso and flaky burek pastry from a local bakery. Lunch options include black risotto colored with cuttlefish ink or grilled fish with olive oil. Pag cheese, a hard sheep's milk cheese from the nearby island of Pag, is a popular local product. After your meal, you might want to taste Maraschino, a cherry liqueur produced in Zadar since the 16th century. To experience local food culture, visit the daily market near the harbor, where you'll find fresh produce, oils, and homemade goods.