adminNothing beats a girls’ trip! Croatia is the perfect destination for it. It’s not too far to fly, and you can still enjoy plenty of sunshine later in the year.
My travel companions and I love a bit of action, so we often choose destinations that inspire us with activities and sights to explore. Zadar is definitely the place to be for that. In this article, you’ll discover the activities we did and the places we came across during our trip.
In the evenings, we relaxed in our lovely Interhome holiday home in Privlaka, right next to the beach. Privlaka is a short drive from Zadar. ‘t Is a small town with a few supermarkets and no big crowds.
Where is Zadar?
Usually, cities like Split and Dubrovnik get all the attention when it comes to tourism in Croatia. Pula and nearby Rovinj are also real hotspots during the summer months. But there are so many more hidden gems in this region. Last year, we were surprised by Makarska. This year we focus on Zadar.
Zadar is a historic coastal city located in northern Dalmatia, along the Adriatic Sea in Croatia. It sits roughly halfway between Split and Rijeka.
Despite being smaller and less crowded than Dubrovnik, Zadar has a rich history that dates back over 3,000 years. The old town is built on a peninsula and is filled with Roman ruins, medieval churches, and charming stone streets.
How to get to Zadar
There are many airlines offering flights from Brussels or other European cities. Tickets to Zadar are cheap. If you are lucky you can find tickets for less than €50 (return ticket!!). We found a cheap ticket with Croatia Airlines, including carry on luggage and a personal item. The flight went smooth, with a short stop in Zagreb. The last short flight from Zagreb to Zadar was a short but entertaining experience. It started with ‘you can put your luggage in the cargo hold yourself’ (of course, always wanted to do that some day!!), continued with ‘can you change seats, it’s for the balance of the plane’ (excuse me!?!), and the short trip ended with passengers that left the plane that should have stayed on it because the plane also had a stop in Pula, what meant lost passengers and luggage in the cargo hold without passengers on the plane…
Keep an eye on Skyscanner for the best flight deals! If you find a good deal, make sure to click through to the airline’s official website via Skyscanner. That way, you’ll get the best service if your flight is canceled or you need support.
Zadar can also be reached by car. When you’re making a longer road trip or have a few weeks to travel, this is also an interesting option.
→ Road Trips with Kids: tips and inspirationStaying in Zadar
In Zadar, there is a wide range of accommodation options, including hotels, apartments, and B&Bs. As the city is still relatively quiet and has not yet been overtaken by mass tourism, prices remain quite reasonable.
Just be mindful if you have a rental car and plan to stay in the old town. There are paid parking areas available outside the center. Parking within the old town is relatively expensive and spaces are limited.
From experience, I can say that the fines are not very high. But of course, it’s a pity to lose part of your holiday budget on fines!
What to do in and near Zadar
Zadar has a lot to offer. It’s not just about beaches and relaxing holiday vibes. The area is characterized by stunning nature. Not only the islands, but also the mountains are close to the city. With several national parks within day-trip distance, Zadar is an excellent base for exploring this part of Croatia.
The old center
The city was historically an important Roman and later Venetian stronghold, which explains its fascinating mix of architectural styles. Take your time to stroll around through the small streets, the harbour and charming squares. On the water side there is the unique Sea Organ. This is an architectural sound art installation that creates music from the movement of the sea. Right next to it lies the Greeting to the Sun, a large solar-powered light installation that comes alive at sunset. Be sure to walk along the city walls. These UNESCO-listed defensive walls with scenic walking paths are stunning at the end of the day.
Zadar has “the most beautiful sunset in the world.” – Alfred Hitchcock
Boat tour to Kornati and Telascica National Park
Kornati National Park and Telašćica Nature Park are two stunning natural areas located just off the coast of Zadar. We booked our tour by GetYourGuide. The tour starts in the harbor of the old town. It takes about one hour to reach the national parks. The views along the trip are just stunning!!
Kornati National Park is an archipelago of more than 80 islands and islets, known for its rugged, moon-like landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and untouched nature. It’s a paradise for boat trips, swimming, and snorkeling.
Right next to it, Telašćica Nature Park offers a completely different scenery, with dramatic cliffs overlooking the open sea, a peaceful saltwater lake, and lush greenery. The contrast between the barren Kornati islands and the richer vegetation of Telašćica makes visiting both in one trip especially worthwhile.
The islands are stunning. We normally don’t do much organized tours like this, but prefer to explore on our own. But there is no other way to visit these national parks if your not an experienced shipper and have a boat. During the stops, you can swim or explore the islands like we did. Around sunset, we returned to Zadar.
National Park Paklenica
Paklenica National Park is one of Croatia’s most impressive natural areas. It is located just a short drive from Zadar at the foot of the Velebit Mountains. The park is best known for its dramatic canyons. Especially Velika Paklenica and Mala Paklenica, with towering cliffs, dense forests, and crystal-clear streams.
This national park is best known among climbers. With more than 500 routes, it is a true mecca for climbers of all levels. Everywhere you look, you’ll see climbers hanging from the cliffs. This first area with all the climbing routes is a bit touristy. There is even a shop for climbing gear and souvenirs here.
Paklenica National Park is also a beautiful place for hiking. Along the main trail, about 6 km in, you’ll find a small restaurant where you can enjoy whatever is on the menu that day. We hiked until here and then returned. But if you have more time or want to do longer hikes, it’s all possible here.
There is a small entrance fee to access the national park (€4,75 for an adult).
Plitvice Lakes National Park
Plitvice Lakes National Park is one of Croatia’s most iconic natural wonders and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Located about a two-hour drive from Zadar, it’s famous for its cascading lakes, waterfalls, and lush forested surroundings.
The park is made up of 16 interconnected lakes. It is divided into upper and lower clusters, linked by a series of wooden boardwalks and hiking trails. Visitors can stroll along the 8 different trails, take a boat on the turquoise waters, and watch as the lakes spill into each other through dramatic waterfalls.
Plitvice is a popular spot. Tourists from all over the world stop here. Be sure to book your tickets in advance! Read more about Plitvice Lakes National Park here.
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