Zadar itinerary – best things to do in Zadar in 1, 2, 3 and 5 days

Whether you have a few days to explore the area or are just passing through for a day, these Zadar itineraries have got you covered. As someone who can’t get enough of this captivating Croatian city, I might be biased, but Zadar really is not a city you’ll want to miss out on!

The old town of Zadar is situated on a small peninsula and offers an irresistible mix of ancient Roman ruins, medieval churches, lively bars, and modern art installations. But arguably the best bits are located in the surrounding area where you’ll find stunning beaches, breathtaking islands and wonderful national parks.

In this itinerary, I’ll guide you through the best places to stay, eat, and explore in and around Zadar, from hidden gems to popular attractions.

Below I’m sharing crafted itineraries and recommendations on the best things to do in Zadar in 1, 2, 3 and 5 days.

These itineraries include unmissable sights like the Roman Forum, some off the beaten path attractions, plenty of nature and national parks, and I also made sure you get plenty of fun (and the best seafood) into your days.

Zadar itinerary overview – the best of Zadar, Croatia

The below Zadar itineraries are designed to help you get a feel for the history and culture, but you’ll also be able to enjoy the beach and the incredible nature around this wonderful town. Zadar is surrounded by several national parks and incredible islands worth exploring.

Refer to this map of Zadar attractions to find the things mentioned below.

How many days in Zadar?

Three days is the perfect amount of time to explore Zadar as you’ll have the opportunity to discover the charming Zadar old town and venture out to explore some of the nearby national parks and islands.

While the old town of Zadar can be combed through in just a few hours, I’d recommend spending at least one night here so you’ll be able to enjoy the sunsets, lively bar scene and maybe even a boat tour or national park.

You’ll also need a couple more days if you’d like to enjoy the beach or visit more of the nearby national parks.

Where to stay in Zadar

The old town of Zadar is tiny and compact, and as with most coastal medieval towns in Croatia, car traffic is limited.

If mobility isn’t an issue and you only have a night then I’d recommend staying 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.

If you have several days at your disposal you might prefer to base yourself outside of the city walls and near a nice beach. Punta Skala is just a 15min drive from town and offers incredible beaches plus Falkensteiner Hotel & Spa Iadera is an experience you will not want to miss out on!

Read next:
Where to stay in Zadar – best accommodation and areas
Best hotels in Zadar
Hotel review – Falkensteiner Hotel & Spa Iadera

Zadar 5 day itinerary

With five days in Zadar you will be able to leaisorly explore the town and do several day trips to the surrounding national parks and island.

Day 1 – Zadar Old Town

Exploring the old town of Zadar is a journey through time with buildings and monuments from different time periods scattered throughout the town. To fully understand the complex history of this city, I highly recommended you join this guided walking tour. It’s also the best way to explore if you’re short on time or want to get a feel for what’s where.

Book this walking tour of Zadar

If you choose to explore on your own I’d recommend you follow the route below so you don’t miss any of the highlights. You might also choose to stop at the National Museum, see an exhibition at the Duke’s palace, or visit the Museum of Ancient glass.

If you’re not interested in the exhibitions you’ll probably have enough time to hit the beach in the afternoon. If that’s the case, once you get to the Land Gate walk left, away from the old town, to get to Kolovare beach and its fun jumping platform.

Roman Forum

The Roman Forum in Zadar is the largest forum on the eastern side of the Adriatic Sea, standing as a testament to the grandeur of the past. Today, only a few remnants remain, but on its foundations, the church of St. Donata and other religious buildings were built adding to the rich history of this magnificent site.

Pillar of Shame

Among the preserved remains of the Roman forum there is also a monumental column, or the Pillar of Shame, which still stands in its original place. People were chained to the column and subjected to public humiliation, with the chains and nails still visible as haunting reminders of this dark past.

St. Donatus’ Church

St. Donatus is a circular church built in the early Middle Ages in the traditional early Byzantine style on the remains of the ancient Roman forum. Its central circular sail is one of the most prominent historical landmarks in Zadar, also known for its remarkable acoustics.

St. Anastasia’s Cathedral Bell Tower

The magnificent Zadar Cathedral is the largest church in Dalmatia, with its construction dating back to the 4th or 5th century. However, the highlight of the cathedral is its bell tower, which is an impressive fifty-four meters tall and offers stunning panoramic views of Zadar and its surroundings.

St. Mary’s Church and Monastery

St. Mary’s Church and Monastery, built by women for women, was founded in 1066. Severely damaged during World War II, the church and monastery were restored during the post-war reconstruction of Zadar. Today, it is a beautiful building made of white marble and home to the Gold and Silver exhibition of church art.

Narodni Trg

Narodni trg, or People’s Square, has been the heart of city life since the Middle Ages and was declared Croatia’s most beautiful square.

Sit down at a cafe and take in the historic buildings that surround you, such as the majestic Town Hall, the City Guard, the City Loggia, and one of the oldest preserved buildings in the area, the 11th-century Church of St. Lovre.

Land Gate

Zadar has been protected by fortified city walls punctuated by only two gates – the Land Gate and the Sea Gate. From Narodni Trg walk towards The Land Gate. You’ll climb up the walls here.

This gate was built in 1543, features an image of Saint Krševan and the lion of Saint Mark, representing the Republic of Venice.

City walls

Zadar’s ancient city walls, a UNESCO World Heritage site, were built in the 12th and 13th centuries and fortified in the 16th century to protect against invaders. Recently restored, the walls offer beautiful views of the town and sea, and the walking path on top of the walls is breathtaking.

St. Simeon’s Church & Chest

St. Simeon’s Church may appear unremarkable, but it holds the stunning Chest of St. Simon, an intricate masterpiece made of 250 kilograms of silver, and the most precious example of goldsmithing in Croatia. The chest contains the mummified remains of St. Simon, one of Zadar’s patrons, and sits on the church’s main altar.

Lunch at Proto Food&More

Behind the church you’ll find Proto Food&More, a fabulous restaurant with a friendly and unpretentious atmosphere. The menu is diverse and includes traditional Croatian/Dalmatian dishes, seafood, meat, and burgers.

Five Wells Square

The Five Wells Square was named after the five wells built here in the 16th century. They provided water to the city during the Ottoman attacks. The wells were supplied from Lake Vrana, and remnants of the aqueduct remain preserved in the area.

Queen Jelena Madijevka Park

Queen Jelena Madijevka Park was Zadar’s first public park built during the fortress city era, and it has hosted social events for over 40 years. Today it provides a peaceful escape from the city, and beautiful views of the sea and city walls. Grab a coffee and chill at Bar Ledena in the park.

Sea Gate

The Sea Gate, built in 1573 to commemorate a significant victory, is located near a small port where the Zadar peninsula connects tot he mainland. You can get incredible views of it from the park above.

Stroll down the Riva

This waterfront promenade, features the famous Sea Organ and Sun Salutation, and stunning views of the islands and open sea. It is especially beautiful during sunset when the sky turns into hues of pink, orange, and purple. It’s no wonder that the sunset from the Riva was declared by Alfred Hitchcock as the “most beautiful in the world.”

San Francis Monastery

The Gothic complex in Zadar includes a church, St. Anthony’s chapel, cloister, sacristy, and monastery treasury. However, the true highlight is the peaceful and serene atrium, which is a must-visit.

Sea Organ

The Sea Organ in Zadar uses the power of the sea to produce a series of random yet melodious sounds through pipes that run underneath a set of marble steps along the waterfront. This creates a captivating and relaxing music.

Sun Salutation

The Sun Salutation is an urban installation by architect Nikola Bašic. It consists of 300 multi-layered glass panels that absorb sunlight during the day and light up at night. The best time to take in this breathtaking display of light is in the evenings, with the soothing sounds of the Sea Organ in the background.

Dinner at Bistro Kalelarga or Foša restaurant

Pick between two of the best Zadar restaurantsfor dinner. Bistro Gourmet Kalelarga in the heart of the old town offers authentic local cuisine with a well-curated wine list, a charming outdoor terrace, and a bakery serving fresh pastries and bread. Meanwhile, Foša restaurant is known for its seafood menu, served in a lovely outdoor area near the Land Gate and accompanied by an incredible wine list.

Maraschino at Stomorica bars

Initially created as a medicine by the pharmacists of the Dominican monastery in response to devastating epidemics, Maraschino quickly became a beloved drink enjoyed by refined palates all over Europe. Made from the local arasca cherry this liquor has a history of over five hundred years. Join in the centuries-old tradition of enjoying maraschino at cafes along Stomorica street, the liveliest part of town once the sun sets down.

Day 2 – Krka NP or Plitvice Lakes

Krka and Plitvice Lakes National Parks are both stunning and worth a visit. The stunning Krka river runs through both of them creating breathtaking landscapes filled with lakes and waterfalls.

It might be a tough choice, but one you have to make if you’re limited with time as I don’t believe visiting both is necessary. I’m slightly more in favor of Krka NP as it is closer, cheaper, and less crowded.

Krka National Park

Krka National Park is a true paradise of cascading waterfalls and pools that will take your breath away. While Skradinski Buk is the most renowned attraction, there’s so much more to discover!

For an unforgettable experience, I recommend exploring further into the park to visit Roski Slap, see The Necklaces, and climb the 500+ steps up to Ozidana pecina cave for sweeping views.

Book your Krka NP adventure:

Krka NP entrance tickets

Krka NP with tasting group tour

Plitvice National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is Croatia’s oldest and largest national park, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is divided into the Upper and Lower Lakes and as you walk along the wooden boardwalks, you’ll be surrounded by the turquoise waters of the lakes and the lush greenery of the forest.

Since this park attracts over 1 million visitors annually, it is essential to book in advance to secure your spot.

Book your trip:

Private Tour of Plitvice Lakes

Group Tour of Plitvice Lakes

Day 3 – Beach day or Dugi Otok

Dugi Otok

Dugi Otok (Long Island) is the seventh largest Croatian island and with its beautiful beaches and underwater world, this island provides breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences. Take in the stunning caves of Golubinka and Dragon’s Eye, snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic, and relax at Sakarun Beach.

To visit you can choose to join a group tour and discover hidden gems on a boat trip, or paddle along the coast on a day-long kayaking adventure. You can even combine a boat trip with some additional exploring on a paddleboard.

Book your Dugi Otok adventure:

Boat trip
Kayaking tour
Boat and SUP

Beach day

When it comes to beaches in Zadar, the options are endless. Below I list just a few of my favorites, but the list goes on.

Kolovare beach is the closest and a popular destination among Zadar locals and visitors alike. It boasts an open swimming pool, beach volleyball court, basketball court, and bowling alley. The highlight, however, is the diving board with platforms at heights of 3, 5, and 10 meters, providing an unforgettable experience.

Borik Beach offers an ideal location for swimming and lounging on its picturesque pebble-filled shoreline. If you’re seeking a more secluded experience, venture to Puntamika Beach, where you’ll find quiet coves, a charming café, and even a scenic lighthouse.

And my favorite, the Punta Skala Beach, nestled within the serene pine forest is perfect for unwinding after a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters.

If you’re looking for a stylish beach experience head to Baia beach bar. Nestled in the charming marina in Sukosan, you can relax in style in the luxurious cabanas, sip on incredible cocktails that will tantalize your taste buds, and let the rhythm of the live music take you away.

Day 4 – Nin and Queens beach

Nin Old Town

Nin is a small, historic town in Croatia known for its charming old town and long sandy beaches. Home to historic churches, museums, and the ruins of a Roman temple, Nin old town is located on a small island connected to the mainland by two bridges.

One of the top attractions in Nin is the 4-meter-high statue of Gregory of Nin, an important Croatian bishop. Legend has it that rubbing the statue’s toe brings good luck. Nearby is the church of St. Anselmus, which has an interesting treasury and a freestanding 12th-century church tower that dominates the town.

Nin Saline and Saltworks

Salt was as valuable as gold during that era, and the Romans even paid their soldiers with salt from Nin, which is where the word “salary” is believed to have originated. The Saline are located in the shallow lagoon of Nin and cover an area of 55 hectares with a history dating back to Roman times.

Nin Saltworks still produces salt using traditional methods, harvested by locals who have been doing so for generations. The salt has an authentic taste and high nutritional value due to the biodiversity of more than 200 species in the area.

You can tour the Nin Saltworks and its sea salt pans to learn about traditional sea salt production.

Queen’s beach

Queen’s Beach is the longest sandy beach in Croatia, stretching about 3 kilometers, providing ample space for sunbathing and relaxation. It is regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in Croatia.

In addition to the beautiful sandy beach, here you’ll find medicinal mud, also known as peloid. It has been used for centuries for therapy, which involves covering the body with the mud, sunbathing on the sandy beach, and rinsing off the mud with warm sea water.

Day 5 – Kornati National Park

The Kornati National Park is a collection of 89 beautiful islands and islets and its waters, where a unique underwater micro-climate hosts rare algae and mollusks. The islands’ sparse trees and extraterrestrial looks with high vertical cliffs create an otherworldly and surreal landscape worth exploring.

The Kornati are a popular sailing and snorkeling destination with clear calm water and beautiful bays to explore. I highly recommend you book this Kornati boat trip that takes you to all the highlights and gives you plenty of time to chill and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

Book your Kornati National Park tour

Zadar 3 day itinerary

With three days in Zadar you’ll be able to take in the stunning Zadar old town and explore some of the surrounding national parks and island. However yo will have to make some choices and prioritize the day trips you want to take.

Day 1 – Zadar Old Town

Join this guided walking tour of the old town or follow the same route as outlined above in the 5-day itinerary.

If you really want to visit both, Kornati and Dugi Otok, you can pick up the tempo in the old town in the morning and use the afternoon for this Kornati half-day tour.

Day 2 – Krka or Plitvice

Krka National Park | Entrance tickets | Group tour with tasting

Plitvice Lakes | Private Tour | Group Tour of Plitvice Lakes

Day 3 – Kornati or Dugi Otok

Kornati National Park | Kornati National Park tour

Dugi Otok | Boat trip | Kayaking tour | Boat and SUP

Zadar 2 day itinerary

Day 1 – Zadar Old Town

Join this guided walking tour of the old town or follow the same route as outlined above in the 5-day itinerary.

You can also choose to pick up the tempo in the old town in the morning and use the afternoon for this Kornati half-day tour, This way you’ll be able to experience more of the surrounding national parks.

Day 2 – National Park of choice

Krka National Park | Entrance tickets | Group tour with tasting

Plitvice Lakes | Private Tour | Group Tour of Plitvice Lakes

Kornati National Park | Kornati National Park tour

1 day in Zadar itinerary

With only one day in Zadar you’ll want to make the most of it. Join this guided walking tour of the old town or follow the same route as outlined above in the 5-day itinerary.

I highly reccommend you start earlu and pick up the tempo in the old town in the morning so you’ll be able to join this Kornati half-day tour in the afternoon. Trust me, it’s worth it!

What to pack for Zadar, Croatia

Pack lightweight and breathable clothing suitable for warm Mediterranean weather, including shorts, t-shirts, and my favorite, flowy dresses. I highly recommend packing a linen shirt that you can use as a bikini coverup or as a long-sleeve layer if you get chilly at night.

Sun protection essentials like sunglasses, a hat, and high-quality sunscreen are crucial. Don’t forget a beach bag (ideally one you can use as an everyday tote), a beach mat, a reusable water bottle (you can drink tap water in Croatia), and obviously, your favorite bikinis.

The beaches in Croatia often have sharp rocks or pebbles so water shoes are recommended and don’t forget to pack comfortable walking shoes or sandals for exploring the cities and national parks.

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 reccommend 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 ot 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 manageble.

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).