Best hotels in Zadar, Croatia – 11 fabulous Zadar hotels for you

Zadar is a fantastic city that has it all. A quaint old town with history and culture, epic nightlife, and gorgeous beaches. Surrounding it, you find lush national parks offering incredible natural beauty and endless walking trails.

It’s well worth spending a few nights in Zadar and there are several fantastic hotels to choose from that fit any need.

Finding the best hotels in Zadar Croatia can be challenging with so many options in the old town and in the picturesque areas around it.

But fear not! I have a special love for this city and have stayed in several accommodations in Zadar’s different neighborhoods. Below, I have handpicked the best Zadar hotels from 5 star luxury to cozy boutique hotels.

Where to stay in Zadar – best areas

If it’s your first time in Zadar and mobility isn’t an issue, stay in the heart of the old town. Just keep in mind that some areas are pedestrian only so you might have to carry your luggage over cobblestone streets and stairs. If you’re traveling by car make sure your chosen accommodation offers parking.

Read next: Where to stay in Zadar

Zadar Old Town is the historic center of Zadar and is predominately a pedestrian area. You’ll be very close to all the sights but might struggle with parking and carrying your bags across cobblestone streets.

Zadar New Town located on the mainland, east of the Old Town peninsula, the modern town of Zadar is a great alternative with easy parking options and within walking access to the historic city center and beach.

Kolovare is the main public beach in Zadar and the perfect spot for you if you’d like the beach vibes while still staying close to the city center. This area also offers great nightlife.

Diklo & Kozino are popular beach destinations slightly north of Zadar city center. They’re best suited for families and budget travelers.

Petrcane / Punta Skala is about 15min drive north of Zadar and is an idyllic beach escape for the ultimate luxury retreat.

Best luxury hotels in Zadar

There aren’t many 5 star hotels in Zadar, but that doesn’t mean the city’s accommodation options lack luxury.

Quite the contrary! 

If you want to splurge on world-class sumptuousness while visiting the city, here are my top picks of luxury hotels in Zadar.

Falkensteiner Hotel & Spa Iadera

Comfort: 5*

Location: Petrcane

Facilities: 4 pools, 2 restaurants, spa, Turkish hammam, private parking

Located at a 15-minute drive from Zadar Old Town, Falkensteiner Hotel & Spa Iadera offers the ultimate luxury experience with its lavish spa and Turkish hammam. Yet, it has a unique way of making you feel at home and the staff goes above and beyond to make your stay perfect.

The hotel has a thorough maritime theme which is even reflected in the building itself shaped like a giant wave with plenty of curved and airy spaces inside. Set on the beachfront, you can dip your toes in the sea whenever you want to change up the pool vibes.

I absolutely loved it here and enjoyed every moment from splurging in the bathtub in my room to lounging at the poolside and the incredible food. Make sure you read my complete hotel review for all the tidbits.

Falkensteiner Hotel Adriana

Comfort: 4*

Location: Diklo

Facilities: outdoor and indoor pool, restaurant, spa

Falkensteiner Hotel Adriana is a lavish adults only hotel set on the beachfront less than 10 minutes drive from Zadar Old Town.

The laid-back atmosphere is reflected throughout the hotel facilities and friendly service. But especially in the pool area which is wrapped in lush trees offering natural shade where you can enjoy a relaxing picnic in front of the beach.

Best boutique hotels in Zadar

When looking for accommodation, I often find that intimate boutique hotels are the ones with the most personality and uniqueness.

Besides, you don’t have to give up on luxury. Quite the contrary, with fewer rooms comes a more personalized service which only works in your favor. Many historical buildings in Zadar Old Town have been turned into extravagant boutique hotels. These are my favorites.

Bastion Heritage Hotel

Comfort: 4*

Location: Zadar Old Town

Facilities: restaurant, bar, spa and wellness center, jacuzzi, Turkish and Finish saunas, private parking

Bastion Hotel Zadar is a fabulous heritage hotel built on the ruins of a 13th-century fortress within the city walls. It perfectly blends history and medieval charm with modern comfort through the common areas and the 27 rooms.

Exposed stone walls and historic furniture and decorations create an opulent vibe. Don’t miss out on the spa where you can treat yourself to a relaxing massage or a facial surrounded by the historic stone walls.

But what sets Bastion Heritage Hotel Zadar apart from the rest is the feeling of visiting a friend’s luxury residence over being in a hotel.

Art Hotel Kalelarga

Comfort: 4*

Location: Zadar Old Town

Facilities: restaurant, bar

Art Hotel Kalelarga, Zadar Croatia is located in the heart of the old town on the main street, Kalelarga. No need to mention you have all of Zadar’s attractions at your doorstep, as well as shops, restaurants, and bars.

The chic hotel is one of the most exquisite boutique hotels in Zadar with its 10 unique rooms. Upgrade to the top floor suite to enjoy the jacuzzi on the terrace.

I’m sure you’ve heard the number one travel tip “Eat where the locals eat” Well, in this case, you don’t have to go any further than the onsite restaurant – a true local favorite!

Almayer Art & Heritage Hotel

Comfort: 4*

Location: Zadar Old Town

Facilities: private parking, restaurant, bar

Almayer Art & Heritage Hotel is a lovely family-run hotel in Zadar Old Town with 13 guest rooms spread across the main building and an annex.

The renovated 19th-century main building used to be a military hospital. While the original structure has been maintained, the interior is stylish yet unpretentious with its modern art and contemporary design. Also, the attention to detail is incredible while keeping a timeless and relaxed ambiance.

Their restaurant has a small, seasonable menu to complement local wines. The outdoor seating area a welcoming space surrounded by greenery, perfect for relaxing with a book.

The name of the hotel was inspired by the guesthouse Almayer in the novel “Ocean More” by Alessandro Baricca.

Teatro Verdi Boutique Hotel

Comfort: 4*

Location: Zadar Old Town

Facilities: private parking, bar

Teatro Verdi Boutique Hotel is inspired by the former Theater Giuseppe Verdi which was the largest and most beautiful theater on the Adriatic’s east coast in the late 1800s.

From Teatro Verdi Boutique Hotel, Zadar Old Town is right at your doorstep, and the city’s attractions, restaurants, and bars are within a short walking distance. They also offer a shuttle to the national parks surrounding Zadar.

Hotel A’mare

Comfort: 3*

Location: Zadar New Town

Facilities: restaurant

Set just a 10-15 minute walk from the Old Town, Hotel A’mare is a great option if you travel by car to avoid the historic center which is majorly pedestrian. The hotel is new and modern and the service is second to none.

Both locals and hotel guests alike love their onsite restaurant where you can enjoy live music in the evenings.

Best beach hotels in Zadar 

If you prefer spending your vacation on the beachfront, there are plenty of options besides the luxury Falkensteiner hotels I’ve already mentioned above.

Here are some of the most exclusive beach hotels in Zadar Croatia.

Miramare Hotel

Comfort: 4*

Location: Kolovare

Facilities: outdoor swimming pool, free parking, restaurant, bar

Miramare Hotel strikes the perfect balance between being upscale and relaxed. Its modern facilities are perfect whether you visit for leisure or work with comfortable working spaces and high-speed internet throughout the hotel. Make sure you book a suite on the upper floors for fabulous views.

The restaurant offers a seasonal menu to make sure you always get fresh, local ingredients on your plate. Combine this with dining on the poolside at sunset and you have a winner. The hotel is at a 20-minute walk from the old town and a 10-minute drive making it easy to get the best of both worlds.

Falkensteiner Club Funimation Borik

Comfort: 4*

Location: Diklo

Facilities: 3 outdoor and indoor pools, spa and wellness center, sauna, hot tub, restaurant, bar, free parking

If you are looking for all inclusive hotels in Zadar Croatia, Falkensteiner Club Funimation Borik is a great option. You can easily access the beach from the pool area and the hotel’s garden.

It also has pool slides, a kids’ club, and a separate kids’ area. If you need a break from the pool fun, head to the spa (adults only) for a full body massage and the ultimate relaxation.

Hotel Delfin

Comfort: 3*

Location: Diklo

Facilities: restaurant, spa and wellness center, fitness center, private parking

If you are looking for tranquility, Hotel Delfin is a fabulous beachside hotel. Zadar Old Town is only a 10-minute drive away and regular buses leave outside the hotel. 

Set just steps from the beach, they have a fantastic spa area with a sauna and jacuzzi. But what sets this hotel apart from the rest is the magnificent sun deck where you can take in the best sunsets of Zadar from the jacuzzi.

Aparthotel Plat

Comfort: 4*

Location: Kozino

Facilities: outdoor and indoor pool, spa and wellness center, gym, free parking, restaurant, bar

If you are looking for a peaceful and quiet Zadar hotel to stay, Aparthotel Plat is the perfect place to spend your vacation in a peaceful neighborhood. The studios have a fully equipped kitchen, but there is also a nice restaurant on site. The ample parking outside the hotel makes it perfect if you are on a road trip in Croatia. 

Aparthotel Plat Zadar is family run and the service is fantastic with a casual and relaxed atmosphere. Make sure you book a room with sea views.

Getting to Zadar and around

Zadar is serviced by Zadar international airport. Other airports in the vicinity include Split, Zagreb, and Rijeka. The best way to travel between the airport and the city is with a cab that will get you straight to your accommodation. I recommend you book this private transfer in advance to save money on cabs.

Zadar also has a well-connected central bus station, making it easy to get here by bus from other towns in the country.

The historic center is mostly closed to traffic so the best way of getting around is on foot. You can however rent an e-scooter or e-bike, which are especially handy if you’re staying outside the old city walls.

Book your airport shuttle

Where to eat and drink in Zadar

Proto Food&More boasts friendly and knowledgeable staff, a calming and unpretentious setting, and serves traditional Croatian/Dalmatian dishes in generous portions at affordable prices. The menu is quite diverse, featuring a range of dishes from meat to seafood, gnocchi, risotto, and even burgers.

Bistro Gourmet Kalelarga offers authentic local cuisine, with a well-curated wine list, and the charming outdoor terrace provides a great atmosphere to enjoy your meal. They also have a special seasonal menu, and they’re best known for dishes featuring asparagus during the early spring. In addition, the restaurant’s bakery serves fresh pastries and coffee, making it an ideal spot for breakfast.

At Foša restaurant, seafood is the star of the menu, with both raw and cooked options available. You can enjoy your meal in the lovely outdoor area near the Land Gate and there’s a great wine list, featuring some fantastic Dalmatian options.

Best time to visit Zadar

The best time to visit Zadar is in late spring or early autumn when the weather is sunny, the temperatures are pleasantly warm and the tourist crowds are manageable.

As a rule of thumb, I would advise you to avoid Croatia in the peak of summer (July & August). It just gets too hot, too crowded, and too expensive.

Planning a trip to Croatia?

Croatia is a stunning country with countless gorgeous islands, charming Roman towns, beautiful nature, and delicious food. To help you plan your trip I’ve prepared a series of Croatia travel guides.