Zadar

9 places, 4 of them free. Roman ruins, a sea organ and one of the Adriatic’s best sunsets.

9 places

Hidden GemsFree

Sea Organ and Greeting to the Sun

Riva

A steps-and-pipes instrument played by the waves, next to a solar light installation.

  • Suggested time: 1 hr
  • No booking needed
  • Suits: Couples · Photographers

Open-air; always accessible

Must See~£3

Roman Forum and St Donatus Church

Old Town

A ruined Roman forum beside a round Byzantine church with superb acoustics.

  • Suggested time: 1h 15m
  • No booking needed
  • Suits: Culture lovers

Church daily, roughly 9:00–21:00 in summer

Local FavouritesFree

Kalelarga and Old Town Walk

Old Town

The car-free main street and lanes of the peninsula old town, with shops and cafés.

  • Suggested time: 1h 30m
  • No booking needed
  • Suits: Couples

Open-air; shops open daily

Shopping & MarketsFree

Zadar Market

Old Town

A traditional market of Dalmatian produce, cheese, honey and fish.

  • Suggested time: 1 hr
  • No booking needed
  • Suits: Food lovers

Daily mornings

Day Trips~£55

Kornati Islands Day Trip

Kornati (60 km)

A boat trip through a national park of scores of bare limestone islands and clear water.

  • Suggested time: Full day
  • Booking recommended
  • Suits: Families · Beach lovers

Daily in season

View Tickets
Day Trips~£4

Nin Old Town and Salt Pans

Nin (17 km)

A tiny walled town on an island in a lagoon, with a long sandy beach and salt pans.

  • Suggested time: 4 hrs
  • No booking needed
  • Suits: Couples · Beach lovers

Open daily; buses run from Zadar

Day Trips~£5

Paklenica National Park

Starigrad (45 km)

A gorge and mountain park for hiking, with climbing routes and easy family walks.

  • Suggested time: Full day
  • No booking needed
  • Suits: Photographers

Daily; ticket at the entrance

BeachesFree

Kolovare Beach

Kolovare

A pebbly city beach a short walk from the old town, with cafés and shade.

  • Suggested time: 3 hrs
  • No booking needed
  • Suits: Families · Beach lovers

Open access; lifeguards in season