Best Hotels in Zadar, Croatia: Old Town, Beach & Luxury Picks for 2026

Finding the best hotels in Zadar, Croatia is not as simple as picking the prettiest room. Zadar’s accommodation is spread between the pedestrian Old Town, the easier-to-access New Town, and quieter luxury resorts a short drive from town.

I have a real soft spot for Zadar and have stayed in several different neighborhoods here, from central city stays to beach hotels outside the old walls. After several visits, I would not recommend the same Zadar hotel to everyone. 

This guide rounds up my handpicked best Zadar hotels, including boutique hotels in Zadar Old Town, luxury hotels near Zadar, beach hotels in Zadar, and practical stays with parking.

I’ll also help you decide which hotel actually makes sense for your trip, not just which one looks good in photos.

Where to Stay in Zadar: Best Areas for Zadar Hotels

For a first trip, I’d usually stay in or near Zadar Old Town. You’ll be close to the Roman Forum, Sea Organ, Greeting to the Sun, restaurants, bars, and the waterfront, so you can do most things on foot. That said, Zadar’s historic center is mostly pedestrian, so parking can be awkward and you may need to carry luggage over cobblestone streets.

The best area to stay in Zadar depends on whether you want sightseeing, beach time, parking, nightlife, or a proper resort-style break.

• 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.

Area	Best for	Avoid if	Best hotel pick
Zadar Old Town	first-timers, sightseeing, restaurants, nightlife, short stays	you’re driving, have heavy luggage, or want a pool/beach hotel	Bastion Heritage Hotel
Zadar New Town	road trips, better value, easier parking, walking access to Old Town	you want to wake up inside the historic center	Hotel A’mare
Kolovare	beach plus city, pool hotels, summer trips, relaxed stays near the center	you want to be surrounded by Old Town lanes and historic buildings	Miramare Hotel
Borik / Diklo	families, beach hotels, pools, resorts, quieter evenings	you want to walk everywhere from your hotel	Falkensteiner Club Funimation Borik
Kožino	quiet beach stays, apartment-style hotels, families, parking	you want nightlife or quick access to restaurants without driving	Aparthotel Plat
Petrčane / Punta Skala	luxury resorts, spa breaks, beach escapes, couples	you want to pop in and out of Zadar Old Town several times a day	Falkensteiner Hotel & Spa Iadera

Best Hotels in Zadar at a Glance

If you already know what kind of stay you want, this quick comparison table makes it easier to choose between the best hotels in Zadar.

I’ve included a mix of Zadar Old Town hotels, boutique hotels in Zadar, beach hotels, family-friendly resorts, and luxury 5-star hotels in Zadar, because the best place to stay depends heavily on your trip style.

I’ve stayed in different parts of Zadar, so this list is based on my experience, location, practical travel logistics, hotel style, parking, beach access, and who each hotel actually suits.

Hotel	Area	Best for	Why book
Bastion Heritage Hotel	Zadar Old Town	historic luxury / sightseeing	inside the city walls, spa, restaurant, private parking
Art Hotel Kalelarga	Zadar Old Town	boutique / central stay	stylish 10-room hotel on Kalelarga, Zadar’s main Old Town street
Almayer Art & Heritage Hotel	Zadar Old Town	design / quiet boutique	family-run, art-filled interiors, restaurant, bar, private parking
Teatro Verdi Boutique Hotel	Zadar Old Town	central mid-range / practical stay	close to Zadar attractions, restaurants, bars, and shuttle options
Hotel A’mare	Zadar New Town	value / road trips	modern hotel about 10-15 minutes on foot from the Old Town
Miramare Hotel	Kolovare	beach + city / pool	outdoor pool, free parking, restaurant, close to Kolovare Beach
Falkensteiner Club Funimation Borik	Borik / Diklo	families / resort facilities	beach access, pools, kids’ club, spa, restaurant, bar, free parking
Falkensteiner Hotel Adriana	Diklo / Borik	adults-only / relaxed beach stay	adults-only hotel near the beach with pool, restaurant, and spa access
Hotel Delfin	Diklo	budget beach stay / sunsets	beachside hotel with restaurant, spa, fitness center, parking, and buses to Old Town
Aparthotel Plat	Kožino	families / self-catering	apartment-style hotel with kitchens, pools, spa, gym, restaurant, bar, and parking
Falkensteiner Hotel & Spa Iadera	Petrčane / Punta Skala	luxury / spa / beach retreat	beachfront luxury hotel with pools, spa, Turkish hammam, restaurants, private parking

Best Boutique Hotels in Zadar Old Town

If you want the most atmospheric Zadar hotels, start with the Old Town. This is where you’ll find the Roman Forum, St Donatus Church, the Sea Organ, Greeting to the Sun, waterfront restaurants, wine bars, and those polished limestone streets that make Zadar feel so easy to love.

The best boutique hotels in Zadar Old Town are usually set inside restored historic buildings, so they have far more character than the bigger beach resorts outside the city. They are ideal for first-timers, couples, short stays, and anyone who wants to walk everywhere. The trade-off is that hotels in Zadar Old Town can be awkward with parking and heavy luggage, so check the access details carefully before booking.

These are my top picks for Zadar Old Town hotels if you want history, location, design, and proper boutique-hotel personality rather than a generic room box with a bed in it.

Bastion Heritage Hotel | 4*

Best for: historic boutique luxury in Zadar Old Town
Location: inside Zadar’s historic core, close to the Sea Organ, Greeting to the Sun, Roman Forum, and waterfront
Pool/beach: no pool, but close to the waterfront and city swimming spots
Key Facilities: spa, sauna, restaurant, bar, room service, 24-hour reception, parking options nearby

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Bastion Heritage Hotel is one of the best hotels in Zadar Old Town if you want history, comfort, and a proper boutique-hotel feel without leaving the old city walls.

The hotel is built into Zadar’s historic core, on the remains of a 13th-century Venetian medieval fortification near the city’s UNESCO-listed defensive system. the 27 rooms feature exposed stone walls and historic furniture and decorations.

That gives it a much stronger sense of place than a generic modern hotel, and it works especially well if this is your first time in Zadar and you want to be surrounded by old stone streets, Roman ruins, churches, restaurants, and waterfront walks.

I’d book Bastion Heritage Hotel if you want one of the top hotels in Zadar for atmosphere and location. You can walk to the Sea Organ, Greeting to the Sun, Roman Forum, cafes, wine bars, and restaurants without needing to think about taxis or buses.

The big advantage over many other Zadar Old Town hotels is that Bastion feels polished and full-service. You get a spa, sauna, restaurant, bar, and more hotel-style comfort than you’ll usually find in smaller guesthouses or apartment stays in the old center.

If you want one of the best boutique hotels in Zadar for a romantic or historic city stay, Bastion is the obvious splurge.

Art Hotel Kalelarga | 4*

Best for: stylish boutique hotel in the very heart of Zadar Old Town
Location: on Kalelarga, Zadar’s main Old Town street
Pool/beach: no pool, but close to the waterfront and city attractions
Key Facilities: 10 individually designed rooms, restaurant, cafe, free WiFi, air-conditioned rooms

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Art Hotel Kalelarga is one of the best boutique hotels in Zadar Old Town if you want a small, polished, design-led stay right in the middle of everything.

The location is hard to beat. Kalelarga is Zadar’s most famous Old Town street, so you’re right in the historic center, surrounded by cafes, restaurants, shops, old churches, Roman ruins, and easy walking routes to the waterfront, Sea Organ, and Greeting to the Sun.

The hotel itself is tiny, with just 10 thematically designed rooms, and that is exactly the appeal. It feels more personal than the bigger Zadar hotels, and the design cleverly pulls the feel of Kalelarga’s stone street into the interiors through materials, shapes, and textures.

I’d book Art Hotel Kalelarga for a short Zadar city break, especially if you want to step outside and immediately be in the thick of the Old Town rather than commuting in from a beach area.

For a stylish, central, walk-everywhere boutique stay, Art Hotel Kalelarga is one of the easiest hotels in Zadar Old Town to recommend.

Almayer Art & Heritage Hotel | 4*

Best for: adults-only boutique stay with art, heritage, and quiet Old Town character
Location: Zadar Old Town, close to the main landmarks and waterfront
Pool/beach: no pool, but close to the sea and Old Town waterfront
Key Facilities: adults-only, 16 individually designed rooms, restaurant, bar, garden terrace, breakfast, parking options

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Almayer Art & Heritage Hotel is the Zadar Old Town hotel I’d pick if you want something smaller, quieter, and more design-forward than a standard city hotel.

It’s an adults-only boutique hotel in the historic center, set across two heritage buildings with 16 individually styled rooms. The interiors are contemporary but still rooted in the old building, so it has that art meets Dalmatian stone feeling that works really well in Zadar.

I’d book Almayer Art & Heritage Hotel for a romantic or grown-up boutique stay, especially if you care about atmosphere, interiors, food, and being close to the main Old Town sights without choosing one of the bigger hotels in Zadar Croatia.

The garden terrace and restaurant with a small, seasonal menu are a big part of the appeal. This is the kind of place that is suited perfectly to slow breakfasts, wine, art, and a good book.

If you want one of the best boutique hotels Zadar has for charm, design, and location, Almayer is a strong pick.

Teatro Verdi Boutique Hotel | 4*

Best for: practical boutique stay in Zadar Old Town with easier logistics than many historic-center hotels
Location: Zadar Old Town, close to the waterfront, restaurants, bars, and major sights
Pool/beach: no pool, but close to the waterfront and city beaches by walk or short ride
Key Facilities: boutique rooms, breakfast, bar, 24-hour front desk, airport shuttle options, parking options nearby

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Teatro Verdi Boutique Hotel is one of the best Zadar Old Town hotels if you want to stay central without overcomplicating the trip. It is close to the sights, restaurants, bars, waterfront, and the main Old Town walking routes, so it works well for a first visit or a short stay.

The 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. The style is more clean and contemporary than old-world grand. It’s polished, and has a practical location.

I’d book Teatro Verdi Boutique Hotel if you want one of the best hotels in Zadar Old Town for location and convenience, without jumping all the way to the highest-end boutique options.

This is also a useful pick if you want to take day trips from Zadar, because you’re close to the center and can more easily connect with transfers, airport shuttles, and tour meeting points.

If you want walkable sightseeing and a polished Old Town stay, Teatro Verdi is the go.

Best Luxury Hotels in Zadar

Zadar is not packed with five-star hotels in the same way as Dubrovnik or Hvar, but the luxury hotels in Zadar that do exist are worth knowing about.

I especially loved my stay at Falkensteiner Hotel & Spa Iadera, but for 2026 there is also a major new addition: Hyatt Regency Zadar, which gives the city a proper international five-star hotel close to the Old Town. So if you’re looking for the best hotel in Zadar for a splurge, this is now a much more interesting category than it used to be.

If you’re looking for a luxury family resort rather than a couple-focused spa hotel, Falkensteiner Family Hotel Diadora is another 5-star option near Zadar, but I’ve covered it under family hotels below because that is where it really shines.

Hyatt Regency Zadar | 5*

Best for: modern 5-star luxury in Zadar, close to the Old Town but easier with parking
Location: Maestrala area, near the waterfront and a short walk from Zadar Old Town
Pool/beach: indoor pool, seasonal outdoor pool, spa, close to Maestrala Beach
Key Facilities: Lavanda Spa, fitness center, restaurant, bar, room service, self-parking, valet parking, EV charging, pet-friendly rooms

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Hyatt Regency Zadar is the big new name in the Zadar hotel scene, and if you’re looking for one of the best luxury hotels in Zadar for 2026, this is the obvious one to know about.

The hotel opened in 2025 as Hyatt’s first branded hotel in Croatia, which is a pretty big deal for Zadar. For years, the city had excellent boutique stays and beach resorts, but very few proper international 5-star hotels close to the center. Hyatt Regency Zadar fills that gap with 133 rooms and suites, Adriatic views, polished interiors, spa facilities, dining, and a waterfront location near Maestrala Beach.

I’d book Hyatt Regency Zadar if you want a luxury hotel near Zadar Old Town, but don’t want the usual Old Town trade-offs: pedestrian streets, awkward luggage drops, and annoying parking logistics.

The location is the real selling point. You’re close enough to walk into the historic center for the Roman Forum, Sea Organ, Greeting to the Sun, restaurants, and sunset drinks, but you’re not trapped inside the old walls. That makes it one of the strongest hotels near Zadar Old Town with parking, especially if you’re doing a Croatia road trip.

If you want a polished 5-star Zadar hotel with a spa, pool, restaurants, sea views, and easier access, Hyatt is probably the most practical splurge in the city right now.

Falkensteiner Hotel & Spa Iadera | 5*

Best for: luxury beach resort stay near Zadar with spa, pools, and a proper retreat feel
Location: Punta Skala, Petrčane, about 15 minutes by car from Zadar Old Town
Pool/beach: beachfront location, infinity pool, indoor/outdoor pools, saltwater Thalasso pool, whirlpools, private beach areas nearby
Key Facilities: Acquapura Spa, Turkish hammam, sauna areas, fitness center, restaurants, bars, private parking, access to Punta Skala resort facilities

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Falkensteiner Hotel & Spa Iadera is the luxury hotel near Zadar I still think about. It is not the best choice if you want to roll out of bed and walk straight into the Old Town, but if you want pools, spa time, sea views, beach access, and a calmer resort escape, this is the one I’d personally splurge on.

The hotel is set on the Punta Skala peninsula in Petrčane, about a 15-minute drive north of Zadar. It is a full-on luxury beach resort near Zadar, with wide open spaces, sea air, pools, wellness areas, restaurants, and that slower “I’m not doing anything today and that is the point” feeling.

The design is also one of the most interesting things about it. The whole hotel has a strong maritime theme, even down to the building itself, which is shaped like a giant wave with curved, airy spaces inside.

I’d book Falkensteiner Hotel & Spa Iadera if you want one of the best luxury hotels in Zadar Croatia for a beach and wellness break.

I absolutely loved it here. The bathtub in my room was a whole event, the poolside lounging was dangerously easy to get used to, and the food was genuinely one of the highlights of my stay. The staff were genuinely lovely when I stayed, and the hotel somehow manages to feel luxurious without becoming stiff.

The spa is incredible too, with the Acquapura Spa, Turkish hammam, saunas, indoor/outdoor pools, and relaxation areas designed for doing very little in the best possible way. If you want a proper 5-star beach retreat near Zadar, Iadera is the luxury stay I’d choose.

Best Beach Hotels in Zadar

If you want a beach holiday rather than a pure city break, don’t limit your search to Zadar Old Town. The best Zadar beach hotels are mostly outside the historic center, especially around Kolovare, Borik, Diklo, Kožino, Petrčane, and Punta Skala.

For a proper luxury beach escape near Zadar, I’d look at Petrčane and Punta Skala. I covered Falkensteiner Hotel & Spa Iadera in the luxury section above, but it also fits here if you want sea views, spa time, pools, and a full resort feel.

Kolovare is best if you want beach access (not a full on beach resort) and still want to walk into the Old Town. Hotel Kolovare is the classic option, while Miramare Hotel is one of the more polished modern hotels near Zadar Old Town.

Falkensteiner Hotel Adriana | 4*

Best for: adults-only beach hotel in Zadar with a quiet garden and relaxed resort feel
Location: Borik/Diklo area, less than 10 minutes by car from Zadar Old Town
Pool/beach: outdoor pool, peaceful seaside setting, beach and promenade nearby
Key Facilities: restaurant, bar, Mediterranean garden, concierge, breakfast included, access to Acquapura SPA at nearby Club Funimation Borik

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Falkensteiner Hotel Adriana is one of the best beach hotels in Zadar if you want an adults-only stay with a calmer, more grown-up feel than the big family resorts.

The hotel sits in a peaceful seaside location in the Borik/Diklo area, less than 10 minutes by car from Zadar Old Town. That gives you the best of both worlds: easy access to the historic center when you want restaurants, sightseeing, and sunset drinks, but a quieter base when you’re done with the crowds.

The laid-back atmosphere is reflected throughout the hotel, especially around the garden and pool area. I like that this isn’t trying to be a massive resort with a million activities. It’s more about slow mornings, greenery, beach walks, relaxed meals, and a proper pause from the city.

I’d book Falkensteiner Hotel Adriana if you want one of the top hotels in Zadar for a quiet beach stay, but you still want to be close enough to visit the Old Town without turning every dinner into a logistical operation.

It also has access to the Acquapura SPA at the nearby Falkensteiner Club Funimation Borik, which is a nice bonus if you want spa facilities without staying in the larger family resort. If you want nightlife or to walk everywhere, stay in Old Town. But if you want an adults-only Zadar beach hotel with garden space, seaside atmosphere, and a softer pace, Adriana makes a lot of sense.

Aparthotel Plat | 4*

Best for: peaceful beach stay near Zadar with self-catering space and parking
Location: Kožino, about 8 km from Zadar
Pool/beach: seasonal outdoor pool, sea views, Kožino Beach nearby
Key Facilities: studios and apartments with kitchen facilities, restaurant, free WiFi, video-surveilled private parking, sea-view rooms available

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If you are looking for a quieter Zadar hotel near the beach, Aparthotel Plat is a practical pick in Kožino, about 8 km from Zadar.

This is not the place to book if you want to be in the middle of the Old Town. It is better for travelers who want a peaceful base, beach access nearby, parking, and more space than a standard hotel room. The studios and apartments have kitchen facilities, which makes it especially useful for longer stays, families, or road trips.

The hotel has a casual, relaxed atmosphere, a restaurant on site, free WiFi, and private parking, so it is much easier logistically than staying inside the historic center. Make sure you book a room with sea views if that is important to you.

I’d book Aparthotel Plat if you want one of the best hotels in Zadar Croatia for a quiet beach base with parking, especially if you have a car and don’t mind driving into the Old Town when you want to sightsee.

Hotel Delfin | 3*

Best for: relaxed beachside stay in Diklo with sunset views
Location: Diklo, by the sea and around 10 minutes by car from Zadar Old Town
Pool/beach: no pool, but beachside location, sun deck, and hot tub/jacuzzi
Key Facilities: restaurant, spa and wellness center, fitness center, sauna, hot tub, private parking, bus stop nearby

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If you are looking for tranquility rather than polish, Hotel Delfin is a good-value beachside hotel in Zadar, set in Diklo just outside the busiest part of the city.

Zadar Old Town is about a 10-minute drive away, and there are regular buses from outside the hotel, which makes it more convenient than it first looks on the map. You get the calmer beachside setting without being completely cut off from the historic center.

The big reason to book Hotel Delfin is the location by the sea and the sunset setup. The hotel has a spa area with sauna and hot tub, but the real winner is the sun deck where you can sit back and watch Zadar’s famous sunset without battling the Old Town crowds.

I’d book Hotel Delfin if you want one of the best Zadar beach hotels for sunsets, sea access, and better value, rather than a high-end resort or boutique Old Town stay.

Best Family Hotels and Resorts in Zadar

The best family hotels in Zadar are usually not in the Old Town. That is not a bad thing. With kids, you’ll probably care more about pools, beach access, parking, family rooms, kids’ clubs, easy meals, and space than sleeping inside the historic center.

For families, I’d look at Borik, Diklo, Kožino, Petrčane, and Punta Skala first. These areas have more resort-style hotels in Zadar Croatia, easier parking, better beach access, and more room to breathe. You can still visit Zadar Old Town for sightseeing, dinner, sunsets, and the Sea Organ, but you won’t be dragging everyone across cobblestones every morning.

If you want to stay closer to town, Miramare Hotel in Kolovare is a good beach-and-city compromise with a pool and parking. For more space and self-catering, Aparthotel Plat in Kožino is another practical family-friendly option, especially if you have a car.

But if you want the easiest family resort setup, these are the top family hotels in Zadar and nearby resorts I’d consider first.

Falkensteiner Club Funimation Borik | 4*

Best for: all-inclusive style family beach resort in Zadar
Location: Borik, directly by Zadar’s long beach area and about 10 minutes by car from Zadar Old Town
Pool/beach: indoor and outdoor pools, spacious water world, beachfront location, swimming bay nearby
Key Facilities: All-Inclusive Plus, Falky Land, kids’ entertainment, child care and animation, 2,500 m² Acquapura SPA, sports programme, restaurant, bar, bicycles, parking

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If you are looking for all-inclusive hotels in Zadar Croatia, Falkensteiner Club Funimation Borik is the easy family resort pick. It is built for low-effort family holidays: pools, beach access, entertainment, kids’ facilities, food sorted, and enough going on that you don’t need to plan every hour of the day.

The hotel sits in Borik, outside Zadar Old Town, which is exactly why it works well for families. You’re close enough to visit the historic center for sightseeing, restaurants, and sunset walks, but you’re not trying to manage kids, beach bags, luggage, and parking inside the old pedestrian streets. Tiny logistical mercy. Big holiday difference.

The pool and garden area are the big draw. You can easily access the beach from the hotel’s outdoor areas, and there’s a proper family setup with a spacious water world, Falky Land, entertainment, and activities. It also has kids’ areas and child-friendly programming, so this is much more than just a hotel that “accepts children.”

I’d book Falkensteiner Club Funimation Borik if you want one of the best hotels in Zadar with pool, beach access, family facilities, and an all-inclusive style setup. It is especially good if you want the kids entertained and meals made easy.

Parents also get a win here: the Acquapura SPA is adults-only, with massage, sauna, hot tub, and wellness facilities. So while the kids are living their best pool-slide life, you can sneak off and remember what silence sounds like.

Falkensteiner Family Hotel Diadora | 5*

Best for: luxury family resort near Zadar with pools, kids’ facilities, and beach access
Location: Punta Skala resort, Petrčane, directly by the sea and about 20-30 minutes from Zadar Old Town by car
Pool/beach: seafront location, outdoor pools, children’s water world, indoor pool, beach access nearby
Key Facilities: Falky Land, Free-Play area, Science Camp, kids’ menus, half-board buffet, family rooms with child-friendly details, Acquapura SPA, restaurant, parking, Punta Skala resort facilities

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Falkensteiner Family Hotel Diadora is the family resort I’d look at if you want the full luxury version of a Croatia family holiday. It is not in Zadar Old Town, and that is the point. This is for families who want pools, beach access, kids’ spaces, easy food, and resort facilities, not a tiny room above a cobbled lane.

The hotel is part of the Punta Skala resort in Petrčane, directly by the sea north of Zadar. It has a much more polished, purpose-built family setup than a standard beach hotel, with Falky Land, a Free-Play area, Science Camp, family-focused dining, child-friendly rooms, and a proper pool and beach holiday feel.

One thing I really like about Diadora is that it seems designed for parents as much as for kids. The family rooms include practical child-friendly details, the food setup is easier than hunting for restaurants three times a day, and the kids’ facilities are strong enough that this can actually feel like a holiday for adults too. Revolutionary concept, apparently.

I’d book Falkensteiner Family Hotel Diadora if you want one of the best family hotels in Zadar Croatia for a resort-style stay, especially if your priority is pools, kids’ activities, beach time, and making the trip easier rather than staying close to the Old Town.

The trade-off is location. You’ll need a car, transfer, or taxi if you want to visit Zadar Old Town, Nin, or other nearby places. But if you’re planning a family beach holiday first and sightseeing second, Diadora is one of the strongest family hotels near Zadar.

Best Hotels Near Zadar Old Town with Parking

If you’re visiting Zadar on a Croatia road trip, don’t underestimate parking. The Old Town is mostly pedestrian, which is lovely once you’re wandering around, but less lovely when you’re trying to drop bags, dodge one-way streets, and figure out where the hell to leave the car.

For drivers, the best hotels near Zadar Old Town are usually just outside the historic center, in Zadar New Town, Kolovare, Maestrala, Borik, or along the coast north of the city. You’ll still be close enough for sightseeing, restaurants, and sunset walks, but you’ll have a much easier time with access and parking.

These are the best hotels in Zadar with parking, or at least more practical parking access, including central boutique hotels, modern city hotels, beach hotels, and hotels in Zadar with pool that make more sense if you’re arriving by car.

Miramare Hotel | 4*

Best for: beach plus city stay near Zadar Old Town
Location: Kolovare, about 20 minutes on foot or 10 minutes by car from Zadar Old Town
Pool/beach: seasonal outdoor pool, close to Kolovare Beach
Key Facilities: outdoor pool, free parking, restaurant, bar, terrace, free WiFi, 24-hour front desk

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Miramare Hotel is one of the best hotels near Zadar Old Town if you want beach access without giving up city convenience. It sits in Kolovare, close to the beach and still within a manageable walk of the historic center.

This is the hotel I’d look at first if you want something modern, polished, and practical. You get an outdoor pool, free parking, a restaurant, a bar, and a location that works well for both sightseeing and slower beach time.

The hotel strikes a good balance between upscale and relaxed. It works for leisure, but it’s also a decent option if you need comfortable work spaces and reliable WiFi. If you can, book a suite on the upper floors for better views.

I’d book Miramare Hotel if you want one of the best hotels in Zadar with pool, parking, and easy Old Town access. It is especially useful if you’re visiting Zadar by car and don’t want to deal with Old Town parking chaos.

The restaurant focuses on seasonal ingredients, and poolside dining at sunset is exactly the kind of simple Croatia win that doesn’t need to be over-explained. For me, Miramare is the sweet spot if you want beach, pool, parking, and Old Town access in one neat package.

Hotel Kolovare | 4*

Best for: classic beach hotel close to Zadar Old Town
Location: Kolovare, near Kolovare Beach and the seafront promenade
Pool/beach: outdoor pool and beach nearby
Key Facilities: restaurant, bar, outdoor pool, tennis court, terrace, parking, conference facilities

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Hotel Kolovare is the classic choice if you want a beach hotel close to Zadar Old Town. It is not the trendiest or most boutique option on this list, but the location is genuinely useful.

The hotel sits in Kolovare, near the beach and seafront promenade, so you can combine beach time with sightseeing without staying inside the old walls. This makes it one of the more practical hotels near Zadar Old Town if you want sea access, parking, and an easier arrival than the pedestrian historic center.

I’d book Hotel Kolovare if location matters more than design. You get a beach-near-town setup, an outdoor pool, restaurant, parking, and the ability to walk or take a quick taxi into the Old Town.

Personally, I’d choose Miramare if you want a more modern and polished feel in Kolovare. But if you want a larger, established Zadar beach hotel close to town, Hotel Kolovare is still worth considering.

Hotel A’mare | 3*

Best for: practical modern hotel near Zadar Old Town with easier access than staying inside the historic center
Location: Zadar New Town, about 10-15 minutes on foot from Zadar Old Town
Pool/beach: no pool, city hotel with easy access to the Old Town and nearby beaches by walk, bus, or taxi
Key Facilities: restaurant, bar, breakfast, 24-hour front desk, air-conditioned rooms, free WiFi, parking options nearby

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Hotel A’mare is one of the best hotels near Zadar Old Town if you want a modern, practical stay without sleeping inside the pedestrian historic center. It is not the most atmospheric hotel on this list, but that is kind of the point.

The hotel sits in Zadar New Town, close enough to walk into the Old Town for sightseeing, dinner, the Sea Organ, Greeting to the Sun, and waterfront sunsets. But you avoid the usual Old Town hassle of cobblestone streets, tight access, and dragging luggage through tourist traffic while questioning every life choice that brought you there.

I’d book Hotel A’mare if you want one of the best Zadar hotels for value, access, and simple city logistics. It works especially well if you’re doing a Croatia road trip, arriving with luggage, or using Zadar as a base for day trips rather than just a romantic Old Town escape.

The style is clean and contemporary, with a restaurant, bar, breakfast, and comfortable rooms. It does not have the heritage charm of Bastion or the design personality of Art Hotel Kalelarga, but it is easier and often more sensible if you want a reliable hotel near Zadar Old Town without paying boutique Old Town prices.

This is also a good option if you want to keep things flexible. You can walk into the old center, drive out toward beaches and national parks more easily, and avoid being boxed into the busiest part of the city. Not glamorous. Very useful. Sometimes that wins.

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.