Hotels in Zadar

Zadar is a historic port city on Croatia's northern Dalmatian coast, a compact peninsula of Roman ruins, Venetian gates, and marble streets jutting into the Adriatic. Less crowded than Split or Dubrovnik, it blends three thousand years of history with inventive modern landmarks and a laid-back, lived-in feel.

The old town holds the Roman Forum, the circular St. Donatus church, and waterfront installations like the Sea Organ and the Sun Salutation, which turn sunset into a local ritual. Zadar is also the gateway to the Kornati and Zadar archipelago and to national parks like Paklenica, Krka, and the Plitvice Lakes inland.

Zadar is walkable, affordable, and well connected by ferry and road. Summers are hot and busy, but the shoulder seasons bring warm weather, swimmable seas, and easy access to the islands and parks nearby.