Our Zadar locals share their favourite things to do in Zadar, from hidden beaches to traditional gastronomic delights.
One of the oldest towns on the Adriatic coast with origins stretching back to the 9th century BC, Zadar has both natural beauty and stunning architecture in spades. In the summer months the streets throng with visitors, but with a little insider info it's easy to get off the beaten track and find more local things to do in Zadar.
Ugljan Island is a popular day trip from Zadar, but it's easy to get off the beaten track by hiring bikes.
1. Go Hiking or Cycling on Ugljan Island:
A short ferry ride from Zadar takes you to Ugljan, known for its estimated 200,000 olive trees and charming villages like Preko and Kali. Rent a bike to explore lesser-known western side of the island, climb up to St. Michael's Fortress on the highest point on the island (263m), and indulge in fresh seafood at a seaside konoba. The island is a paradise for hikers and cyclists with over 200km of paths and trails, and except for the main asphalt road crossing the island the rest of the roads are narrow and often unpaved. Pick up a map from the tourist office before you go since the routes can be hard to find on your own.
Do some urban exploring in Zadar's World War II bunkers.
2. Urban Exploring in Zadar's World War II Bunkers
During World War II Zadar was part of the Kingdom of Italy, although the surrounding land belonged to the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. The Italians built numerous bunkers here to protect the encircled city which were used by the Italian army in the early years of the war and then by the German army in 1943-1944. Bunkers 4 and E25 are worth visiting together since they are just a 15-minute drive from the centre of Zadar.
A truly unique thing to do in Zadar is night kayaking in transparent boats on Privlaka
peninsula.
3. Moonlight Kayaking in Transparent Boats: Experience the Adriatic Sea in a unique way by embarking on a moonlight kayaking adventure in transparent kayaks. The sea below you is illuminated by LED lights on the kayak, allowing you to experience the underwater world below. Tours begin from Kuline beach on the Privlaka peninsula which is a 25-minute drive north of the city of Zadar.
Dalmatia's Marasca cherries are used to make the traditional local Maraschino liqueur.
4. Try Maraschino Liqueur:
Made from the small and sour Marasca cherries which grow wild along the Dalmatian coast, Maraschino liqueur has been produced in Zadar since the 16th century. Visit a local bar like Café Brazil close to Zadar's Sea Organ and savor this bitter aromatic liqueur.
Zadar's Outdoor Festival attracts adventure seekers from all over Croatia and beyond.
5. Zadar Outdoor Festival: Held in late September, Zadar Outdoor Festival was created in 2017 to encourage both locals and visitors to get active and enjoy Zadar's natural beauty. Participants can tackle physical challenges like sea kayaking, rock climbing, and scenic trail runs as well as enjoying beachside yoga and live music.
View quirky ancient artifacts at Zadar's Museum of Ancient Glass.
6. Visit the Museum of Ancient Glass: Located in the Old Town, the Museum of Ancient Glass showcases the history of glassblowing in the region. Admire intricate glass artifacts like the quirky fish bottle above, learn about ancient techniques, and watch daily live demonstrations of glass blowing and bead making. It's a fascinating journey through Zadar's artistic and industrial past.
Tiny Duboka Draga beach is well worth the 25-minute drive from Zadar.
7. Relax at Duboka Draga Beach: A 25-minute drive from `Zadar you'll find the gorgeous tiny wild cove of Duboka Draga, which offers stunning views of the Velebit Mountain . Visitors need to park at the end of the asphalt road and walk around 15 minutes to the beach.
Wreck diving in Zadar is a rewarding activity, with sites such as the Szent Izstvan off Premuda Island just waiting to be explored.
8. Shipwreck Diving in Zadar: The Zadar Archipelago has more than 300 islands and islets which range from tiny uninhabited rocks to large islands with several towns and villages. The seas here have witnessed many shipwrecks which have since been taken over by marine life. Keen divers can explore remnants of the British escort destroyer Aldenham, sunk in the vicinity of the island of Škarda, and the Ledenik wreck near the island of Sestrunj. Another option is Szent Izstvan, a Teggethoff class dreadnought battleship which was built for the Austro-Hungarian Navy. Nicknamed the "Adriatic Titanic", she was sunk in 1918 by an Italian torpedo boat and now rests just a few miles off Premuda island.