5 things I love about Zadar, Croatia

Zadar is a Dalmatian city situated in the middle of the Croatian Adriatic coast. In addition to its rich history, it is notable for the Morske orgulje, a sea installation that produces harmonious sounds played by the sea.

There are a lot of things that you can admire in Zadar, and the most priceless are the ones that are free of charge. This article reveals only a few of Zadar’s peculiarities.

In this post, we cover:

• Zadar sunsets
• Pag cheese
• Outdoor fun
• Zadar’s size
• Zadar’s popularity

Let’s visit Zadar…

5 things I love about Zadar, Croatian city

#1 Sunsets in Zadar

You can’t deny the fabulous sunsets of Zadar. After all, it was Alfred Hitchcock who exclaimed back in 1964 that “The sunset of Zadar is the world’s most beautiful and incomparably better than in Key West, Florida”.

With dazzling red and yellow tones, the sunsets in Zadar are a true sight. The best vantage point to see it for yourself is to take a short walk up to the Bell Tower of St Anastasia. Once on top, you’ll see exactly what he meant.

#2 Paški sir (Pag cheese)

Zadar has a bustling farmers market, which runs every day of the week, and is full of locally grown produce. Head to the end stalls located closest to the fishmongers and look for the sign that reads paški sir, which means cheese from the Island of Pag.

This tangy cheese is produced from sheep’s milk, just over an hour away. The sheep graze on nothing more than grass, various herbs, and aromatic plants, and the flavor is unique and great paired with Croatian white wine.

[Read: A local’s guide to buying food at Croatia’s farmer’s market]

#3 Zadar’s free outdoor entertainment

I still flip-flop about which is better, the old-world charm of Zadar or the Sea Organ and Greetings to the Sun. These two art installations make both day and night come alive on the promenade.

The Sea Organ called Morske orgulje is just that, an organ played by the sea. Waves push air through 35 underwater pipes, and the music pop-ups all along the promenade.

The Greeting to the Sun called Pozdrav suncu creates a light show each evening, which makes for a great family activity – especially with ice cream.

#4 Zadar’s size

Size matters, and in this case the fact that Zadar is a small city is what makes it so great. You don’t need more than a day to walk from one end to the other and back again, stopping at all the main sights or one of many cafes.

Zadar really has a relaxed vibe. Head straight to the 2.000-year-old Roman Forum, and you’ll see just what I mean.

#5 Zadar is not as popular as Split and Dubrovnik

Even in peak season, the ancient city of Zadar is not as crowded as some of the other Dalmatian coastal towns, like Split or Dubrovnik. Although, given its charm and proximity to great day trips like Dugi Otok and Plitvička jezera (Plitvice Lakes), it is approaching to their popularity.

[Read: Plitvice Lakes National Park]

I suggest you hurry and come see for yourself.

View our other Zadar articles

• Biggest Croatian language schools in Croatia
• Coworking spaces in Croatia perfect for remote workers and digital nomads
• Ferry and boat travel in Croatia
• How to get to and from the Zadar-Zemunik Airport
• Liburnija – Zadar’s Public Bus System
• Visiting Kornati National Park
• Visiting Paklenica National Park