Tel: (416) 766-4720

       Toll-free: 1-800-268-1785 

 

 

Articles

Zadar, a medieval town in Croatian Dalmatia

 

 

Zadar, a 3,000-year-old city on Croatia's Dalmatian coast, is known for the Roman and Venetian ruins within its peninsular Old Town. Zadar served as a crucial harbor  for the Byzantine and Venetian empires. 

 

Today, it has just the right combination of history and quirk - you can see St. Donat's Church, the circular 9th century cathedral, as well as the Zadar Sea Organ, a giant harmonica played by the ocean's waves.
There is also a strong culinary tradition here, and Zadar is full of awesome places to try local, fresh-caught seafood. 

 

Zadar is a 3,000-year-old city on Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, known for the Roman and Venetian ruins within its peninsular Old Town 
Rich in historic sights dating back to Roman times.

It is filled with cobbled streets lined with a remarkable mix of classical Viennese secessionist architecture.

Some of the highlights we recommend visiting include the 1st-century Roman Forum and the city's symbol, 9th-century St. Donat's church.
 

It is also the oldest continuously-inhabited Croatian city. 

 

Zadar may not be as popular as Split or Dubrovnik, but it is definitely less expensive and not as crowded.
While in Zadar make sure you visit the two renowned art installations. 

 

 

Tip: Before dusk, head to the waterfront to marvel at these attractions, i.e. the Sea organ and the greeting to the sun before enjoying one of the best sunsets in the Adriatic


The first one is the incredible Sea Organ, an underwater system of pipes and whistles that provides mellifluous tones by the movement of the sea. The Organ makes use of the waves along the waterfront to play music!


And the second attraction is the monument called Greetings to the Sun. Actually, it is a giant, solar-powered public dance floor.  

 

To celebrate magnificent sunsets that Zadar is so famous for, the “Monument to the Sun” was built on the edge of the Zadar waterfront.

All day a 22-metre disc, supposed to represent the sun, soaks up solar rays only to dazzle people with them in the form of coloured light patterns as night falls.

Smaller discs representing other planets in the solar system also radiate their own rainbow glow. 

 

Zadar can also tempt visitors with a dramatic hinterland to explore.


Consider taking amazing day trips to nearby Kornati Islands or two other most popular attractions in Croatia: Plitvice Lakes National Park, Krka Waterfalls National Park and more.


All these places offer hiking, rock-climbing and swimming in turquoise lakes and pristine waterfalls

 

Fish and seafood in Zadar is no less than top notch.
Inside Zadar’s ancient walls there is a good handful of great fish restaurants, with prices comparing favorably with those further down the coast. 

 

The Croatian chocolate box offers all of the Dalmatian treats, from Roman ruins and medieval churches to quaint cafes and sun-bleached beaches.

 

Sample them all, and do not forget to taste Zadar's authentic cherry Maraschino liqueur.