Cruising through Zadar: what to see and do in a day
With more and more ships passing through the Upper Adriatic, Zadar is a beautiful port of call along the Croatian coast. What to see and do recommended by Cruising Journal.
The recently built cruise terminal in Zadar is welcoming and equipped with all the necessary services, including an efficient tourist reception that will give you all the information you need.
The first option to fully enjoy a day in Zadar during your cruise is to decide to stay in the city and explore the beauty of the old town and its immediate surroundings. The cruise port is about 4 km away and can easily be reached by taxi.
Zadar Cruise Terminal
Zadar City Walls
Zadar City Walls
The centre of Zadar stretches along a small peninsula, with two very pleasant waterfront promenades running along it to the north and south. To the north and south are two very pleasant promenades, the northern one offering a panorama of prestigious boats and yachts, while the southern one offers a view of the coastline of the island of Ugliano in front. The two streets meet to the west at Istrarska Obala, whose southern corner is home to the famous Sea Organ (Morske Orgulje), the piano on the sea. This is a magical place to listen to the music produced by the crashing of the waves on a shoreline made of piano keys.
Zadar
Zadar Sea Organ
Zadar Sea Organ
The central street of the old town is Siroka Ulica, also known as Kalelarga. Here you will find all kinds of shops, restaurants and services. The promenade is dotted with side streets where it is very pleasant to stroll.
One of the symbols of the city is certainly the ancient Roman Forum, today the centre of city life, with the Church of St Donatus next to it and the Church of St Mary opposite. The Church of St Mary houses a permanent exhibition of Gold and Silver of Zadar, with one of the most important collections of precious objects in Croatia from various parts of Europe. On the same square, the Archaeological Museum takes you on a tour of this magical place with over 2000 years of history.
Zadar Forum
Zadar Forum
Zadar Forum
The city walls of Zadar were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017 and are definitely worth a visit. The Land Gate dates back to the mid-1500s and effectively marks the entrance to the city. Also worth a visit is the Cathedral of St. Anastasia, with its beautiful façade and the possibility of climbing the bell tower to admire the view from above.
The Rector’s & Providur’s Palace is a recently renovated historical and cultural complex where congresses, temporary exhibitions and concerts are held. Also of interest is the Museum of Ancient Glass, with over 5000 pieces from the first century BC to the fifth century AD.
Zadar Center
Zadar Kalelarga
Zadar is also a starting point for excursions into the interior of Croatia or along the Dalmatian coast. Some of the easily accessible islands will immediately transport you back in time. The island of Rava, for example is an explosion of fruits and produce. The island of Iz has a prehistoric past and is famous for its ceramics. The island of Ist, which is a fishermen’s paradise is unspoilt, with only one small town offering tranquillity and nature.
An unforgettable excursion destination is the Vrana Lake Nature Park in the interior of the region. Croatia’s largest natural lake offers an oasis of serenity and beauty. Walking, cycling and birdwatching are just some of the activities on offer. The Zrmanja River, which can be visited in the Velebit Nature Park is also particularly fascinating.
Vrana Lake
Vrana Lake
Whether it’s for a few hours or a whole day, Zadar will prove to be a cruise port of call full of charm, history and natural beauty. A stroll through the small streets of the city centre will provide a magical atmosphere of small restaurants and corners suspended in time. But even the fashionable area with its shops and popular places is a pleasant and lively time ashore.
The surrounding area, which is also well catered for by local tour operators, offers the possibility of visiting the interior and the natural beauty of the island, before returning comfortably to the ship.
Find more information and advice on all ports of call on Cruising Journal, with photos, videos and reviews.