Located in northern Dalmatia, the city of Zadar is one of Croatia's jewels. Caves, turquoise waters, baroque palaces, Mediterranean and Balkan cuisine - Zadar has a lot to offer its visitors. In this article we will find out which is the best area to sleep in Zadar.
The highlight of Zadar is its incredible fortified old town. The gates of Terraferma and Porta Marina give access to this area of over 3000 years of history.
In addition to the rich heritage of historic buildings, Zadar also has beautiful beaches, and is the starting point for accessing the islands of the Zadar archipelago or the island of Pag, famous for its lively nightlife.
Visiting Zadar is an extraordinary experience that brings together all the good things of the Dalmatian coast: spectacular old town, stone bell towers, large squares, beautiful sunsets, excellent weather and excellent cuisine.
Best areas to sleep in Zadar
On the map showing Zadar you can find the best areas to find accommodation. The offer of hotels in Zadar is less wide than that of apartments which represents a cheaper accommodation option, especially in summer.
Town center
About 20 minutes from the airport, you will find the best place to stay in Zadar: its historic center. This district, located on a protected peninsula, is the center of Zadar and also the beating heart of the city's commercial and tourist activity.
In its streets there is a much more authentic and quiet atmosphere than in the touristy and crowded cities of Dubrovnik e Split.
The city center can be explored on foot. The tour can start from the beautiful Walk, the promenade of Zadar. This is where you will see one of its most beautiful attractions: theMarine organ, where the sea waves produce different sounds by letting air escape from loopholes specially placed in the steps of the pier.
Next is located The Greeting to the Sun, a monument made up of solar panels that at dusk creates a beautiful play with colored lights.
Do not miss the Church of San Donato surrounded by the set of columns and capitals of the Roman Forum, the immense bell tower of the Cathedral of Sant'Anastasia Square of the Five Wells e Piazza Narodni, one of the nerve centers of the Croatian city.
Also close to the historic center you can go shopping in the mall City galleria. A typical place to visit early in the morning is the local farmers market Zadar Market.
The numerous small cafes, bars, terraces and restaurants around the street Varoška street offer a beautiful view of the sea and neighboring islands. The city center is the best place to sleep in Zadar.
Find a hotel in the historic center of ZadarNear the port of Zadar
7 kilometers south of the city is the new one Porto Zadar Gaženica, a major port of call for international and local passenger ship traffic. It is a strategic area to stay in Zadar because international routes depart from here for the port of Ancona and local ferries to the peninsula and the islands of the Zadar archipelago.
The old port, located along the Liburnska Obala, a 5-minute walk from the center, is instead dedicated to catamarans and fast vehicles that do not board vehicles, intended for domestic connections.
The area near the port is the ideal area to sleep in Zadar for those who have to take a ferry to the islands. In addition, it offers numerous hotels and apartments, shops, places of interest and services.
Find a hotel near the port
Near the station
2 km from the port and about 1 km east of the center are the bus station and railway station, which connects Zadar to Zagreb and Split, with day and night trains.
This is also a good area to stay in Zadar because from here you can reach any part of Zadar using the city buses that leave from the station. The center can be reached on foot in just 15 minutes or by bus with lines no. 2 and 4. The ferry port of Gazenica can be reached with line no. 9.
The area is surrounded by numerous pensions and hotels, and it will be much easier to travel to other Croatian destinations.
Find a hotel near Zadar stationWhere to sleep around Zadar
If you are traveling by car in Croatia and want to sleep near Zadar, you can choose between different options, from small and pleasant fishing villages, to places famous for their lively nightlife, such as the island of Pag.
Biograd na moru - 45 km south of Zadar on the road to Split, we find this extraordinary destination for summer holidays. Its port and beaches make it a destination with excellent opportunities for nautical tourism and navigation.
Find a hotel in Biograd na Moru
The island of Pag - 50 km north of Zadar is the island of Pag, known for its clubs and its night party, which aspires to be the Ibiza or Mykonos of Croatia.
Find accommodation on Pag
Petrcane - If you want to stay in a small Croatian fishing village to get to know authentic Croatia, Petrcane is a good option. Located just 15 minutes north of Zadar it is the ideal place to sleep.
Find accommodation in Petrcane
Where to sleep in Zadar with children
Zaton Holiday Resort - It is a resort located 15 km from Zadar. This extraordinary place is very family friendly. It has its own beach and a very nice swimming pool complex with water games for children and many attractions for the older ones too.
Falkensteiner Family Hotel Diadora - Located in Petrčane, this hotel offers many attractions for families with children: a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, Falky-Land, a children's amusement park with indoor pool, a restaurant dedicated to children, free swimming lessons for children. children, and free use of the sauna for adults.
Where to sleep in Zadar near the beaches of Zadar
Kolovare Beach - a beautiful public beach, made of pebbles and stone, with a pine forest behind it. It is a bit crowded but big enough and easy to get to. It features free parking and changing rooms, showers and toilets.
Borik Beach - is located on the outskirts of Zadar and is a beautiful pebble beach, equipped with many services. If you move a few hundred meters, you will arrive at a small free, shaded beach.
Zaton Beach - it is a long sandy beach, ideal for families with children because here they can swim and play in shallow water.
Find a hotel near the beaches of Zadar
The best all-inclusive resorts
Falkensteiner Club Funimation Borik - It is located right next to a sandy beach, boasts indoor and outdoor swimming pools, an award-winning 2.500 m² spa with massages, sauna, hot tub and solarium. There is no shortage of water sports facilities and tennis and beach volleyball courts.
Hotel Donat - is ideally located next to a wonderful beach. It offers various leisure activities, a wide range of sports and all-inclusive, with Croatian and international cuisine.
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