Zadar is today one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Croatia.
Yacht charter Zadar – the key to your perfect sailing holiday. Find more about this destination: history, sights, climate, how to arrive info etc. Charter a sailingboat, motoryacht, catamaran or gulet and sail away... Zadar awaits you
Location and climate
Zadar is located in the very middle of the Croatian Adriatic, in its most
indented part. It is surrounded, at a shorter or greater distance, by the
national parks Plitvice, Paklenica, Krka and Kornati, the nature parks
Velebit and Telascica as well as by more than 300 islands and islets.
The average temperature during the coldest month, January, amounts to
6,5 °C, and during July 25 °C. There are approximately 200 sunny days
per year.
Due to the climate, the Mediterranean vegetation dominates, and even
exotic subtropical plants thrive in the town parks.
History and sights
For centuries, Zadar was the capital of Dalmatia, ruled by the Romans,
French, Byzantium, Venice as well as Croatian rulers. Nowadays, it is
a town with rich cultural heritage, well-known worldwide, that can be
seen at every step: the Roman Forum from the 1st century, St. Donatus’
Church from the 9th century - the most famous medieval church and
trademark of the city, the reconstructed Romanesque St. Grisigono's
Church from the 12th century and St. Mary's bell tower from the year
1105; St. Anastasia's Cathedral from the 13th century; People's Square
with the City Lodge and Guardhouse from the 16th century, as well as
the mighty fortification walls with the Sea and Land gates
from the 16th century, and furthermore the Three and Five Wells Squares
and many palaces, villas and other historic monuments.
Today
Due to the natural beauties, numerous bays and beaches, cultural and
historical monuments, various gastronomy offer with Croatian specialties,
Zadar is today one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Croatia.
Tourism has a long tradition in Zadar. Its restaurants and taverns offer
homemade as well as international specialties, and among the homemade
drinks the most famous is the liqueur Maraschino.
For sports enthusiasts there are numerous tennis, basketball,
football and handball grounds, but also water sport activities (sailing, surfing, rowing, diving, sport fishing, etc.).
The cultural and artistic life is rich and diverse. Music nights are
traditionally held in St. Donatus, as well as Festival of Modern Theatre,
Zadar Summer Theatre and numerous art performances.
By all means visit the first sea organs located on the waterfront of the old town. While enjoying one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world, the waves will compose for you an unforgettable melody.
How to arrive?
By plane
The Zadar airport is around 8 km away from the town. There are flights from Zagreb to Zadar and vice versa on a daily basis. The Split airport is 150 km away from Zadar, and there are public bus services from Split to Zadar on hourly basis.
By car or bus
If traveling by car in the direction of Zadar, you can travel via Trieste,
Rijeka, and then use the Adriatic highway toward Zadar, if you prefer
to travel along the coast. Or you can use the highway when you reach
Rijeka or the junction Zuta Lokva near the town Senj, about 60 km
south of Rijeka, and continue driving toward Zadar.
If you are arriving from the direction of north, the highway Zagreb - Split
is the fastest way. Or you can use the alternative, i.e. the old route
Zagreb - Karlovac - Plitvice - Gracac - Zadar.
By ship
If traveling by ship, you can use one of the ferries from
Rijeka toward Zadar or international ferry lines from Ancona toward
Zadar. The trip from Ancona to Zadar lasts 7 hours, however, there are
also hydrofoil boats, that will get you to Zadar in 3 hours.