Is Zadar worth visiting?
Yes, Zadar offers many reasons for a visit. It's a town everyone should explore, and our experience here was wonderful. We didn't want to leave.
Whether you're a traveling as a family, a couple, or a backpacker, this town has a lot to offer. Any local will tell you what makes it special is the amazing food and fantastic resorts.
Zadar is a seaside city on the Dalmatian Coast. It has a small, walled old town and an active nightlife. This beautiful town is filled with cafes and historical sights. There are also beaches in the area and some nice snorkeling opportunities that can be reached by boat.
Zadar, Croatia
10 Reasons to Visit Zadar
1. Food
The town is filled with outdoor cafes that serve up a healthy and delicious selection of recipes. The ingredients are fresh and local with olive oil and seafood making frequent appearances on the menus. Prices are also reasonable.
2. Resorts
If you want a beachfront resort, there are a number of nice options outside of town.
3. Beaches
There are some nice beaches outside of town with one of the most famous being Sakarun Beach, which is part of the Zadar archipelago. There are a handful of beaches nearby that are pebbly and popular with the locals. These include Puntamika Beach and Beach Borik.
4. Historical Sights
The small old town is filled with charm and character. It's a walled medieval town that can easily be explored in a few hours.
5. Museums and Attractions
The old town is like a living museum, with city walls and a historic gate. The Church of St. Donatus, Zadar Cathedral, and the Zadar Archaeological Museum are all fascinating places to visit in town, but if you're looking for the most unique sight, make sure you check out The Sea Organ and The Sun Salutation.
6. Nightlife
The town comes to life at night when the bars and restaurants fill with people chatting and socializing. This is an easy place to enjoy the evening as almost all of the nightlife venues are within a five minute walk of each other.
7. Scuba Diving & Snorkeling
This is an easy place to snorkel because the water is so clear. There are also half and full day snorkeling trips that take you to some of the best spots.
8. Shopping
There are small, boutique shops around the old town that sell designer merchandise. There are also shopping malls on the outskirts of town.
9. The Costs
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Zadar might be a very affordable destination for you. Check out the travel costs for Zadar here or see if Zadar is expensive here.
10. Authenticity
Zadar has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.
Is Zadar worth visiting in the Summer?
The warm weather in summer is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 26°C (80°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 31°C (87°F).
The peak season for travel is summer in Zadar, so expect to see more tourists than usual. Even though this destination is not very touristy, in the high season it's busier than usual because this is when most visitors come here.
With the warmer weather this time of year, the beach is the main attraction. Spend time enjoying the waves and sand during your trip. You'll also find it quite easy to get around on foot, because this is a very walkable town, especially in the nice weather. This is a great time of year to relax at the beach, wander through the museums, and enjoy the amenities of a resort. Also, you can admire the historic sights and enjoy an evening out.
Summer Weather in Zadar
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 26°C (80°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| August | 26°C (79°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| September | 22°C (72°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
Is Zadar worth visiting in the Autumn?
Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Zadar. This destination is not very touristy, and in the shoulder season it can become fairly quiet.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during autumn with average temperatures around 18°C (64°F).
Soaking up that old town charm in the autumn is one of the favorite activities of visitors. The quaint scenery combined with the weather this time of year is quite nice. You'll find plenty to do during autumn, as you'll be able to admire the wonderful scenery, browse around the old town, and browse through museums.
Autumn Weather in Zadar
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 18°C (64°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| November | 13°C (56°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| December | 10°C (49°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
Is Zadar worth visiting in the Winter?
This is the low season for travel in Zadar. This destination is not very touristy, so in the low season it can become fairly quiet.
The weather in Zadar can be quite cold during winter, and averages around 8°C (47°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
During this season it's fun to experience the famous sights and museums, the cuisine, and the historic old town. Also, you'll be able to dance the night away.
Winter Weather in Zadar
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | 8°C (47°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| February | 9°C (48°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| March | 11°C (52°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
Is Zadar worth visiting in the Spring?
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during spring with average temperatures around 15°C (59°F).
Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Zadar, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. This destination is not very touristy, and in the shoulder season it can become fairly quiet.
One of the main reasons to come this time of year is because of the gorgeous scenery. Soaking up that old town charm in the spring is one of the favorite activities of visitors. The quaint scenery combined with the weather this time of year is quite nice. This is a great time of year to browse the shops, browse the museums, and admire the wonderful scenery. Also, you can experience the historic old town and the nightlife.
Spring Weather in Zadar
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 15°C (59°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| May | 20°C (67°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| June | 23°C (74°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
Related
What is Zadar most famous for?
Zadar is most famous for its historical sights and waterfront setting. The town is very popular for its food, resorts, beaches, and historical sights. It's also known for museums and attractions, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, and shopping. It is often described as laid back, relaxed, coastal, and vibrant.
What is the most famous sight in Zadar?
The most popular sight in Zadar is the Sea Organ and the Sun Salutation. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Zadar on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for the Sea Organ and the Sun Salutation and other attractions here.
How long should I spend in Zadar?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Zadar is one to two days. Since Zadar has activities such as dining, resorts, beaches, and historical sights, many visit for up to two days.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Zadar?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Zadar?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Zadar?.
For guided and organized tour options, check out The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Croatia and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Croatia.
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