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@ TravelTelly
2025-04-03 17:36:08
Zadar is a coastal city in northern Dalmatia, known for its rich Roman and Venetian history, stunning sunsets, and unique modern attractions like the Sea Organ and Sun Salutation. With ancient ruins, beautiful beaches, and a lively Old Town, Zadar offers a less crowded but equally charming alternative** to Split and Dubrovnik.
## **🏛️ Top Things to See & Do in Zadar**
### **1️⃣ Explore Zadar Old Town 🏰**
- Walk through **narrow, stone-paved streets**, surrounded by **Roman and medieval architecture**.
- Visit **People’s Square (Narodni Trg)** – The **heart of Zadar’s Old Town**, filled with lively cafés.
### **2️⃣ Visit the Sea Organ & Sun Salutation 🎶🌞**
- **Sea Organ** – A one-of-a-kind **musical instrument**, where waves create **natural melodies**.
- **Sun Salutation** – A large **solar-powered light display**, best seen at sunset.
- **Alfred Hitchcock once called Zadar’s sunset “the most beautiful in the world.”** 🌅
### **3️⃣ Admire St. Donatus Church & Roman Forum ⛪**
- **St. Donatus (9th century)** – A unique, round **Byzantine-style church** with great acoustics.
- **Roman Forum** – The remains of an ancient Roman marketplace, built in the **1st century BC**.
### **4️⃣ Climb the Bell Tower of St. Anastasia’s Cathedral 🔔**
- Enjoy **spectacular views** over Zadar’s rooftops and the Adriatic.
- One of the **tallest church towers in Croatia**.
### **5️⃣ Relax at Zadar’s Best Beaches 🏖️**
- **Kolovare Beach** – The most popular **city beach**, just a short walk from the Old Town.
- **Borik Beach** – A **sandy beach with shallow waters**, ideal for families.
- **Punta Bajlo** – A more **natural and peaceful spot**, great for a quiet swim.
### **6️⃣ Take a Day Trip to Kornati National Park ⛵**
- A **beautiful archipelago of 89 islands**, perfect for **boating, swimming, and snorkeling**.
- Join a **boat tour from Zadar** to explore the **untouched nature of the Adriatic**.
### **7️⃣ Try Dalmatian Cuisine 🍽️**
- **Black Risotto (Crni Rižot)** – A delicious squid-ink seafood dish. 🦑
- **Pag Cheese (Paški Sir)** – A famous **sheep’s milk cheese from Pag Island**. 🧀
- **Grilled Adriatic Fish** – Freshly caught and served with **olive oil & Dalmatian herbs**. 🐟
## **🚗 How to Get to Zadar**
✈️ **By Air:**
- **Zadar Airport (ZAD)** is **just 15 minutes from the city center**.
🚘 **By Car:**
- **From Split:** ~1.5 hours (160 km)
- **From Zagreb:** ~2.5 hours (285 km)
🚌 **By Bus:** Regular buses from **Split, Zagreb, Dubrovnik, and Plitvice Lakes**.
⛴️ **By Ferry:** Ferries connect Zadar to nearby islands like **Ugljan, Dugi Otok, and Pašman**.
## **💡 Tips for Visiting Zadar**
✅ **Best time to visit?** **May–October** for warm weather & island trips ☀️
✅ **Stay near the Old Town** – Everything is within walking distance 🏡
✅ **Catch the sunset at the Sea Organ** – It’s a must-do experience 🌊🎶
✅ **Take a ferry to Ugljan Island** for a day of beaches & cycling 🚢🚴♂️
✅ **Book Kornati boat tours in advance** – They sell out fast in summer! ⛵
