Where to stay in Zadar – the best areas & accommodation in Zadar

If you’re wondering where to stay in Zadar, the short answer is this: stay in Zadar Old Town for sightseeing, Kolovare for beach plus city, Borik or Diklo for families, and Petrčane or Punta Skala for a luxury resort escape.

I have a real soft spot for Zadar and I have stayed in different parts of the city, from central bases near the historic Old Town to beach hotels outside the center. And honestly, the best area to stay in Zadar depends less on “what is prettiest?” and more on how you actually plan to travel.

Are you arriving with a car? Do you want to walk to restaurants every night? Are you planning beach days, family resort time, day trips, or a short city break?

For most first-time visitors, Zadar Old Town is the best place to stay because you’ll be close to the Roman Forum, St Donatus Church, the Sea Organ, Greeting to the Sun, restaurants, bars, and the waterfront.

But the historic center is not always the most practical choice. The Old Town is mostly pedestrian, parking can be annoying, and beach hotels with pools and more space are usually outside the historic center.

In this guide I break down the best areas to stay in Zadar properly. I’ll show you where to stay in Zadar for first-time visitors, with a car, near the beach, with kids, for nightlife, for better value, and for a more relaxed Croatia holiday base.

Where to Stay in Zadar: Best Areas and Neighborhoods

Zadar is compact, but choosing the right area still matters. The best place to stay in Zadar depends on whether you want sightseeing, beaches, parking, family-friendly resorts, nightlife, or a quiet base outside the center.

I have a real soft spot for Zadar and have stayed in different parts of the city, from central stays to beach hotels outside the Old Town. I think staying in the Old Town is best for a short sightseeing trip, but look outside the historic center if you want beaches, pools, parking, family space, or a more relaxed Croatia holiday base.

If you already know you want a hotel rather than an apartment or guesthouse, see my full guide to the best hotels in Zadar.

Best Areas to Stay in Zadar at a Glance:

Here’s a quick breakdown of the best areas to stay in Zadar:

• Zadar Old Town: the best area for first-time visitors, sightseeing, restaurants, nightlife, and short stays without a car.
• Zadar New Town: a practical area for better value, easier parking, road trips, and staying near the Old Town without being inside the pedestrian center.
• Kolovare: the best area in Zadar for beach access while still being close enough to walk into the Old Town.
• Borik / Puntamika: a good choice for families, beach facilities, resort hotels, pools, and easier holiday logistics.
• Diklo / Kožino: best for quieter beach stays, apartments, families with a car, and better value outside the center.
• Petrčane / Punta Skala: best for luxury resorts, spa hotels, beach escapes, and a quieter base near Zadar rather than a city stay.

Best for	Area	Why
First-time visitors	Zadar Old Town	Historic center, main sights, restaurants, bars, and waterfront walks
Best overall without a car	Zadar Old Town	You can walk to almost everything
With a car	New Town, Kolovare, Borik, Diklo, Kožino, Petrčane	Easier parking and better road access than the pedestrian Old Town
Beach + city	Kolovare	Close to Kolovare Beach and still walkable to the Old Town
Families	Borik / Puntamika	Beach hotels, pools, resorts, space, and easier logistics
Quiet beach stays	Diklo / Kožino	More relaxed, better for apartments, families with a car, and longer stays
Luxury resorts	Petrčane / Punta Skala	Spa hotels, beach resorts, sea views, and a quieter resort feel
Best value	Zadar New Town or Diklo	Usually better prices than the Old Town and more practical with luggage or a car
Nightlife and restaurants	Zadar Old Town	Best for bars, restaurants, evening walks, and atmosphere
Short stays	Zadar Old Town or Kolovare	Less commuting and easy access to the main sights

Are There Any Areas to Avoid in Zadar?

Zadar is generally a safe city, and there are no major areas I would tell tourists to completely avoid. The bigger issue is not safety, but choosing an area that fits the way you travel.

If you want to walk everywhere, don’t book too far outside the center without checking bus, taxi, or parking options. If you are driving, don’t book deep inside Zadar Old Town unless your accommodation clearly explains parking and luggage drop-off. And if you want a beach holiday, don’t assume the Old Town is the best base just because it is the most famous area.

Best Accommodation in Zadar

Zadar accommodation is all about trade-offs. The best area to stay in Zadar for sightseeing is usually the Old Town, but that also means pedestrian streets, trickier parking, higher prices, and more summer crowds.

If you want beach access, pools, family facilities, easier parking, or a quieter base, look outside the historic center. Kolovare, Borik, Diklo, Kožino, Petrčane, and Punta Skala can all make more sense depending on your trip.

Below I’ve included my top hotel and apartment picks by area, so you can quickly compare where to stay in Zadar based on location, budget, beach access, parking, family facilities, and how easy it is to actually arrive with luggage.

Zadar Old Town: Best for First-Time Visitors, Sightseeing and Atmosphere

Known for: Roman Forum, St Donatus Church, Sea Organ, Greeting to the Sun, waterfront, restaurants, bars, historic streets
Best for: first-time visitors, sightseeing, short stays, restaurants, nightlife, walking everywhere without a car
Avoid if: you are driving, have heavy luggage, want a pool, or prefer beach resort accommodation
Best stay type: boutique hotels, heritage hotels, apartments, guesthouses, luxury Old Town accommodation
Booking tip: check parking and luggage drop-off carefully, because Zadar Old Town is mostly pedestrian

SEE DEALS

Zadar Old Town is the best area to stay in Zadar for most first-time visitors. This is the historic center of the city, set on a small peninsula packed with Roman ruins, medieval churches, stone streets, waterfront promenades, restaurants, bars, and Zadar’s most famous sights.

I’d choose Zadar Old Town accommodation if you want to walk everywhere and be right in the middle of the action. You’ll be close to the Roman Forum, St Donatus Church, the Sea Organ, Greeting to the Sun, the Riva, Land Gate, markets, cafes, wine bars, and some of the best restaurants in Zadar.

This is also the best place to stay in Zadar if you only have one or two nights. The Old Town is compact and easy to explore on foot, so you won’t waste time commuting in and out of the center. In the evening, it has that classic Dalmatian old-town energy: sunset walks, busy terraces, seafood dinners, gelato stops, and bars that can keep going later than you planned.

The main downside is access. Zadar Old Town is mostly pedestrian, which is lovely once you’re there, but not always fun when you arrive with a suitcase, a rental car, or kids in July heat. If you are wondering where to stay in Zadar with a car, I’d usually look at Zadar New Town, Kolovare, Borik, or Diklo before booking deep inside the Old Town.

That said, for a short city break, a romantic stay, or your first trip to Zadar, the Old Town is hard to beat. Just don’t book blindly. Check the exact location, parking instructions, stairs, luggage access, and whether your accommodation is above a noisy bar or on a quieter side street.

Best Accommodation in Zadar Old Town

Zadar New Town: Best for Parking, Value and Practical Stays

Known for: easier parking, better value, local city feel, mainland location, practical access to Old Town
Best for: road trips, travelers with a car, better-value accommodation, short stays, day trips, easier arrivals
Avoid if: you want historic Old Town atmosphere right outside your door or a beach resort stay
Best stay type: modern hotels, apartments, practical city stays, budget-friendly accommodation
Booking tip: check walking distance to the Old Town and whether parking is private, public, free, or paid

SEE DEALS

Zadar New Town is one of the best areas to stay in Zadar if you want easier parking, better value, and quick access to the Old Town without sleeping inside the pedestrian historic center. It is not the prettiest or most atmospheric part of the city, but it is extremely practical.

I would choose Zadar New Town accommodation if you are arriving with a car, doing a Croatia road trip, planning day trips, or want to avoid dragging luggage through the Old Town. You can still walk or take a short taxi into the historic center for the Roman Forum, Sea Organ, Greeting to the Sun, restaurants, bars, and waterfront sunsets.

This area works especially well if you are wondering where to stay in Zadar with a car. The Old Town is mostly pedestrian, which is lovely once you are inside it, but less fun when you are trying to park, drop bags, or leave early for Plitvice, Krka, Nin, Pag, or the airport.

The main trade-off is atmosphere. Zadar New Town does not have the same old stone streets, Roman ruins, or waterfront magic as the historic center. If this is your first trip and you want the classic Zadar feeling from the second you step outside, Old Town is better.

But if you care more about parking, price, easy logistics, and still being close enough to the sights, Zadar New Town can be the smarter base. Not glamorous. Very useful. Sometimes that wins.

Best Accommodation in Zadar New Town

Kolovare: Best for Beach + City

Known for: Kolovare Beach, seaside promenade, easy Old Town access, beach hotels, parking
Best for: beach plus city stays, summer trips, short stays, road trips, travelers who want Old Town nearby without staying inside it
Avoid if: you want the full historic Old Town atmosphere right outside your door or a quiet resort escape
Best stay type: beach hotels, modern hotels, apartments, hotels with pools and parking
Booking tip: check the exact walking distance to both Kolovare Beach and Zadar Old Town

SEE DEALS

Kolovare is one of the best areas to stay in Zadar if you want beach access and still want to be close to the Old Town. It sits just southeast of the historic center, near Kolovare Beach, the seafront promenade, the bus station, and several practical hotels with easier parking than you’ll usually find inside the pedestrian Old Town.

I’d choose Kolovare accommodation if you want a more balanced Zadar base. You can spend part of the day at the beach, walk or take a short taxi into Zadar Old Town for the Roman Forum, Sea Organ, Greeting to the Sun, restaurants, and bars, then come back to somewhere a little easier and less cramped.

This is also a strong option if you are wondering where to stay in Zadar with a car, but still want to be close to the center. Kolovare usually makes arrival, parking, luggage, and day trips easier than staying deep inside the Old Town, especially if you’re planning to visit Krka, Plitvice, Nin, Pag, or nearby beaches.

The main trade-off is atmosphere. Kolovare is useful and close to the sea, but it does not have the same old-stone charm as Zadar Old Town or the same resort feel as Borik, Diklo, Petrčane, or Punta Skala.

But if you want one of the most practical places to stay in Zadar for beach, sightseeing, parking, and short walks into town, Kolovare is probably the easiest compromise.

Best Accommodation in Kolovare

Borik / Puntamika: Best for Families, Resorts and Beach Facilities

Known for: Borik beach area, family resorts, pools, beach facilities, marina, quieter evenings
Best for: families, beach holidays, resort hotels, travelers with kids, easier parking, relaxed stays outside the Old Town
Avoid if: you want to walk everywhere in Zadar Old Town or stay in the historic center
Best stay type: family resorts, adults-only beach hotels, apartments, beachside accommodation
Booking tip: check whether you are closer to Borik beach, Puntamika, Diklo, or the marina, as walking times vary

SEE DEALS

Borik and Puntamika are among the best areas to stay in Zadar for families, beach hotels, pools, and easier holiday logistics. This part of Zadar sits northwest of the Old Town and feels much more relaxed than the historic center, with more space, beach access, resort-style accommodation, and easier parking.

I’d choose Borik accommodation if you want a beach base rather than a pure city stay. You can still visit Zadar Old Town for the Roman Forum, Sea Organ, Greeting to the Sun, restaurants, and sunset walks, but you are not sleeping in the busiest part of town.

This area is especially good if you are looking for family hotels in Zadar, Zadar beach hotels, or hotels in Zadar with pool. The Falkensteiner resort complex is the obvious anchor here, with family-friendly facilities, spa access, beach areas, pools, sports, entertainment, and easier access than most Old Town accommodation.

The main trade-off is distance. Borik and Puntamika are not places I’d choose if you want to walk out of your room and immediately be in the Old Town. You’ll likely use a bus, taxi, bike, or car to get into the historic center, so factor that into your evenings.

But if you want beaches, pools, space, and a more relaxed base, Borik is a much easier choice than trying to turn Zadar Old Town into a family beach resort. It is not. Let it be old and pretty; let Borik handle the pool chaos.

Best Accommodation in Borik / Puntamika

Petrčane / Punta Skala: Best for Luxury Resorts and Beach Escapes

Known for: luxury resorts, Punta Skala, spa hotels, sea views, quiet beaches, family resorts
Best for: couples, families, luxury beach holidays, wellness breaks, resort stays, travelers with a car
Avoid if: you want to walk into Zadar Old Town every day or be surrounded by city restaurants and nightlife
Best stay type: 5-star resort hotels, spa hotels, family resorts, residences, villas, serviced apartments
Booking tip: check whether you are booking in Petrčane village, Punta Skala resort, or somewhere further from the sea

SEE DEALS

Petrčane and Punta Skala are the best places to stay near Zadar if you want a luxury resort escape rather than a city break. This area sits north of Zadar and feels completely different from the Old Town: quieter, more spacious, more resort-focused, and much better suited to spa days, beach time, pools, family facilities, and doing very little.

I’d choose Petrčane accommodation or Punta Skala accommodation if you want sea views, parking, resort facilities, and a slower beach holiday near Zadar. You can still visit Zadar Old Town for the Sea Organ, Roman Forum, Greeting to the Sun, restaurants, and sunset walks, but you will not be popping in and out on foot.

This area is especially strong if you are looking for luxury hotels near Zadar, family hotels near Zadar, spa hotels in Zadar Croatia, or beach resorts near Zadar. Punta Skala is home to several Falkensteiner properties, including the adults-focused Falkensteiner Hotel & Spa Iadera and the family-focused Falkensteiner Family Hotel Diadora.

The main trade-off is location. Petrčane and Punta Skala are not the best areas to stay in Zadar if your trip is mostly about sightseeing, nightlife, or walking to restaurants every evening. You’ll want a car, taxi, or transfer if you plan to visit Zadar Old Town often.

But if your priority is a polished beach resort, spa time, pools, space, sea views, and easier parking, this is where I’d look first. For me, Punta Skala makes the most sense at the end of a Croatia itinerary, when you’ve done enough sightseeing and want your biggest decision to be pool or sea. Tragic burden.

Best Accommodation in Petrčane and Punta Skala

Diklo / Kožino: Best for Quiet Beach Stays and Apartments

Known for: quieter beaches, sea views, sunsets, apartments, family stays, easier parking
Best for: families with a car, quieter beach holidays, longer stays, better value, self-catering accommodation
Avoid if: you want to walk to Zadar Old Town every day or be surrounded by restaurants and nightlife
Best stay type: apartments, aparthotels, small beach hotels, family-friendly stays, hotels with parking
Booking tip: check whether you are staying in Diklo, Kožino, or closer to Borik, because transport and walking distances vary

SEE DEALS

Diklo and Kožino are some of the best places to stay near Zadar if you want a quieter beach base outside the Old Town. This stretch north of the city is better for sea views, sunsets, apartments, parking, and slower family-friendly stays than full-on sightseeing.

I’d choose Diklo accommodation or Kožino accommodation if you want more space and a calmer stay than Zadar Old Town. These areas work especially well for families, couples who want a quieter beach stay, and anyone traveling with a rental car.

This is also a good option if you are looking for Zadar accommodation with parking, beach access, and better value than the most central hotels. You can still visit the Roman Forum, Sea Organ, Greeting to the Sun, restaurants, and bars in Zadar Old Town, but you’ll probably use a car, bus, bike, or taxi rather than walking everywhere.

The main trade-off is convenience. Diklo and Kožino are not the best areas to stay in Zadar if you only have one night or want to pop in and out of the Old Town several times a day. They are better for a slower beach-first trip.

But if you want sea views, quieter evenings, apartment-style accommodation, sunsets, and easier parking, this area can make much more sense than forcing yourself into the busy historic center.

Best Accommodation in Diklo and Kožino

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. And for an easy plug & play solution make sure to check out my Croatia itinerary (coming soon).