Zadar is one of the most picturesque places on the Croatian coast, attracting tourists with its remarkable historical heritage, fabulous islands and stunning landscapes. The delightful town, known for the hospitality of its people, offers many attractions for both sailing enthusiasts and those who prefer to spend time on land. In this article, we will discuss some of the interesting places located in and near Zadar that are worth seeing while sailing or walking ashore. Check out what is waiting for you in this extraordinary corner of Croatia and plan an unforgettable holiday today!
Discover the beauty of Zadar and its vicinity
Zadar is a historic city located on the Croatian coast. It is known for its rich cultural heritage and monuments from different eras. Below we listed some of the main attractions.
- The Roman Forum – this impressive site, a testament to the power of ancient Rome, was built in the first century BC. It is one of the largest Forums in Croatia and the best preserved on the Adriatic coast.
- Church of St. Donatus – one of the most important monuments of pre-Romanesque architecture in Croatia. Its characteristic cylindrical body stands out among Zadar’s buildings and provides the perfect backdrop for numerous concerts and cultural events.
- Sea Organ – an original attraction of Zadar, attracting many tourists. It was created by Croatian architect Nikolu Bašić. The Sea Organ is a musical instrument that uses the energy of the sea waves to create unique harmonic sounds.
- The Greeting to the Sun – this is another fascinating work by Nikola Bašić, located right next to the Sea Organ. The Greeting to the Sun is a giant circle made of three zones, filled with LED lights. After dark, the light installation creates a spectacular show that surprises and amazes locals and tourists alike.
In addition to these excellent attractions, Zadar is full of picturesque streets, museums, art galleries and wonderful restaurants and cafes where you can sample local delicacies. A stroll through the old town is the perfect way to discover its unique charm and atmosphere.
A sailor’s paradise – the Kornati National Park
Sailing by yacht around Zadar, you can also see the picturesque Kornati National Park. It is located between the Šibenik riviera and Zadar. It is a remarkable archipelago consisting of more than 140 islands, islets and rocks. It is a true paradise for lovers of sailing and nature exploration. Due to its diversity, untouched natural landscapes and unique ecosystem, Kornati was established as a National Park in 1980.
While sailing in the Kornati, you can not only admire the stunning rocky coastline and turquoise waters of the Adriatic Sea, but also immerse yourself in the underwater world, which hides many species of fish, coral and other sea creatures. Kornati is also a great place for diving, snorkelling and other water sports.
Amazing beaches around Zadar
There are many wonderful beaches in the vicinity of Zadar that will delight both families with children and lovers of active holidays. After exploring the centre of Zadar, take a break in the resort of your choice.
- Nin – a charming resort, located about 15 km northwest of Zadar. Several magnificent beaches are located there, including the most famous one – the Queen’s beach. It is a sandy beach that attracts both those seeking relaxation and lovers of water sports such as kitesurfing and windsurfing.
- Paklenica – National Park, located south-east of Zadar. When visiting here, you can not only admire impressive waterfalls and traverse mountain trails, but also go to one of several beautiful beaches. The Rujno beach is very popular. It is suitable for those seeking peace and relaxation surrounded by untouched nature.
Summary
If you want to discover interesting corners of Croatia, you should head to Zadar. In this city, you can visit historical monuments such as the Roman Forum and the Church of St. Donatus, as well as see modern tourist attractions like the Sea Organ and the Greeting to the Sun. It is also worth taking a stroll through the picturesque and narrow streets of the city and enjoying the specialities of the local cuisine. Those who decide to take a cruise on the blue waters of the Adriatic can additionally see the archipelago of islands, located near Zadar. The islands of Pag, Ugljan and Dugi Otok are certainly worth a visit. Besides sightseeing and admiring the surrounding nature, don’t forget to relax! For those craving sun and a suntan, we especially recommend the large beaches located in local resorts such as Nin or the Paklenica National Park. However, don’t forget to tailor your trip to your own preferences, so that your holiday on the Adriatic turns out to be an unforgettable experience.
