Say yes to Zadar

Everything you need for the perfect vacation

Are you dreaming of a beach vacation or are you more drawn to the mountains? Are you looking for the hustle and bustle of a big city or peace and quiet in a small, picturesque town? The Croatian Mediterranean metropolis of Zadar and its surroundings have everything you need for the perfect vacation - whether you are a history and culture lover, mountaineer, cyclist, sailor or foodie. Say yes! To a vacation in the Zadar region.

Between the mountains and the sea, close yet far enough to be exotic, in the middle of the Croatian Adriatic lies Zadar, a modern city with a rich history. Known for its ancient sites, authentic Dalmatian taverns and top restaurants, cobbled streets and modern art installations such as the Sea Organ and the "Greeting to the Sun", Zadar offers everything a traveler needs for an enjoyable vacation. Locals and vacationers alike are also certain that Zadar has the most beautiful sunset in the world. With a large number of boutique hotels, family and luxury resorts, Zadar is definitely the tourist hotspot of the region.

With natural beauty and unforgettable experiences in mind, the region around the city of Zadar is one of the most interesting in Croatia, and we recommend 4 other places besides the city of Zadar for a guaranteed unforgettable summer in the Adriatic region.

Biograd Riviera - the gateway to nature parks and the Zadar archipelago
Biograd na Moru, also known as the white town by the sea, is a beautiful Mediterranean town on the coast south of the city of Zadar. The water sports center of Biograd is surrounded by exceptional nature and is an ideal starting point for many adventures. With a rich hotel offer and beaches full of activities for children, Biograd is also a popular destination for the whole family.

Adrenaline junkies will get their money's worth on land at one of the adrenaline parks in Biograd and Vrana Lake, while the younger ones will enjoy a day at Croatia's largest theme and amusement park, Fun Park Biograd. Take a bike ride to the nearby Vrana Lake Nature Park and get to know the largest natural lake in Croatia, which is home to up to 251 bird species. Climb the highest peak in the area, Kamenjak, and enjoy the view of the lake and the sea.

Biograd is also an ideal starting point for all sailing enthusiasts: discover the deepest coastline on the Adriatic and dive into the crystal clear sea. Biograd has the widest range of marinas and charter companies where you can easily hire a sailing boat with or without a skipper. Or you can visit the nearby islands with numerous excursion boats. One of the most popular destinations is the Telašćica Nature Park on Dugi otok, where you can take in the calm and peaceful beaches and dramatic cliffs.

And if you're lucky, you might spot dolphins playing in the sea in the waters of Biograd.

ProTip: Near Biograd there is an island with the most perfect heart shape in the world, Galešnjak. Rent a boat and visit the island, but note that there is no infrastructure or facilities on Galešnjak. But that makes it even more romantic, doesn't it?

Feel the salt and the wind on the Nin Riviera
Welcome to Nin, the oldest Croatian royal town, and discover why Nin is the best romantic destination in Europe. The Nin R iviera is known for its beautiful sandy beaches - Kraljičina, Ždrijac and Bilotinjak beaches are among the best beaches in Croatia and are especially popular with families with children because of the shallow and warm sea. Whichever place you choose on the Riviera, you will not be short of beautiful beaches.

Camping enthusiasts should not miss the largest camp in the area, which connects the town of Zaton and the town of Nin with a beautiful sandy beach with plenty of activities for the whole family. In Privlaka, which still lives its fishing tradition, you should definitely try the catering offer, and in the town of Vrsi, known for its hidden beaches, fun is guaranteed when you visit the attraction for the youngest, Buffalo Bill City.

You can also discover the Ninska Riviera through active adventures - choose a kayak tour from Privlaka to Vir or Zaton or cycle from the historic island of Nin with the church of St. Nicholas on the green hill to Vir, an island connected by a bridge, or to the hidden beaches in Vrsi. Adventure lovers should visit the kite and surf school in the bay of Nin.

ProTip: Visit the salt museum and the salt works and try the salt flower, which many consider to be "salt caviar".

On two wheels to the island - discover the island of Pag
Out of over 300 islands in the Zadar archipelago, it is really difficult to choose just one. The island of Pag is a special island that is ideal for cycling. If you ride along the Pag Bridge from Zadar on two wheels, you will descend to "the island of the lunar landscape" full of hidden bays. Be sure to visit the center, the town of Pag, where you can stock up on souvenirs in the form of UNESCO-protected Pag lace. If you get hungry, pay a visit to the local cheese dairies and try the original specialty of this island, the world-famous "Pag cheese".

If you like more than two wheels, we recommend activities on foot, which offer you the various hiking trails and show you the lunar landscape of Pag in a completely different way. Pag Outdoor offers four activities: cycling, hiking trails, kayaking and climbing all over the island. The great thing is that you don't need to be in top shape to run through most of these trails. The trails are divided into three categories: easy, medium, difficult, and the description of the trail corresponds to the terrain. For the more experienced, there is also a trail to the highest peak on the island, Sveti Vid, from where you have a view of the mighty Velebit mountain.

ProTip: "Bura" has also left its mark on the island of Pag. The two most famous specialties of the island are due to this wind - the aforementioned and award-winning Pag cheese and the second prized delicacy, Pag lamb. Be sure to try them!

Where the mountain meets the sea - discover the Paklenica Riviera
No matter which way and by which means of transportation you arrive in the Zadar region, be prepared for the impressive view of Velebit. Just below the mountain lies the Paklenica Riviera. Crystal clear sea, natural pebble beaches, mountain peaks, magnificent canyons and rapids are a guarantee for an adventure, no matter how old you are or how physically fit you are.

The center of the Riviera is Starigrad, known as the starting point for visiting the Paklenica National Park, but also for its miles of beaches that you will surely enjoy. After all, what's better than the crystal clear sea to rest your feet after a day of hiking in a national park or after climbing lessons in the best climbing area in this part of Europe - the Velika Paklenica canyon?

Take a look into the underground world of the Modrič Cave in Jasenice or enjoy spectacular views of the mountains. Nearby is the famous Pueblo Plato from the "Winnetou" film series. From there, you have a phenomenal view of the emerald green beauty that is the Zrmanja River. This river, on which the town of Obrovac lies, has two faces - the beauty and the beast. But it is absolutely safe to go down the river in a kayak and a raft. Discover history in Novigrad and climb the Fortica fortress, which was once a dungeon. And for lunch, we recommend the famous Novigrad mussels.

ProTip: Be sure to try prosciutto in Ražanac or Posedarje. Find out what "bura" has to do with the appearance of these places, but also with the taste of prosciutto.