Sponsored content
Walking boots at the ready – Zadar on Croatia’s Dalmatian coast might just be the perfect base for hikers. A storied seaside city framed by the dramatic Velebit mountains and with hundreds of islands to explore, there’s something for every kind of trekker here, from tough but rewarding hikes in the hills to chilled-out strolls by the sea and island adventures were you can stop for a swim on a pine-fringed trail or to refuel with local specialities (and a glass or two of Zadar’s amazing wine) at a tavern on the water’s edge.
Whether you’re an experienced trekker chasing limestone cliffs or a casual walker keen to stretch your legs, Zadar’s hiking trails offer something unexpected at every turn. Lace up your boots—you’re in for a spectacular journey on these ten walking routes.
Ten Unmissable Walking and Hiking Routes in Zadar
Paklenica National Park - Velika Paklenica Gorge
No keen hiker can come to Zadar and miss Paklenica National Park. Only 30 minutes from Zadar city, this is a sprawling rocky playground for hikers. Part of the Velebit mountain massive, the largest mountain chain in Croatia, there’s something for every hiker here, from easy to demanding trails, but they all offer vistas of limestone gorges and deep canyons as well as mountain huts to stop off at. Try a 10km round trip through the stunning Velika Paklenica Gorge, leading to the Manita Peć Cave and offering breathtaking views of towering cliffs.
Zrmanja Canyon - Kuda’s Bridge
This 13km trek is a bit of a secret gem. Starting from the village of Muškovci, it crosses Kuda’s Bridge, so named, legend has it, for the young man who built it to be closer to his loved one at the other bank of the river. These storied stones cross the emerald Krupa River and you’ll be further rewarded with hidden waterfalls and amazing views of the Velebit mountain range as you explore the river’s banks.
Dugi Otok - Saharun to Veli Rat Lighthouse
If you only visit one island in Zafar, delightful Dugi Otok should probably be at the top of your list. This 12 km coastal hike from the sands of Saharun Beach, which look more like something from the Caribbean than Croatia, leads to Veli Rat Lighthouse, passing stunning sea secluded coves.
Pag Island
Another Zadar archipelago gem to add to your bucket list, the rocky island of Pag looks like a lunar landscape that’s fascinating to walk through, and it also boasts beautiful beaches and great local wine and cheese to celebrate with after a day of walking. Trails to choose from range from the Pag triangle, a great introduction to the island at 3.6km, to the 19k St Anthony Loop, an all-day adventure.
Ravni Kotari Wine Country
Zadar’s wine scene deserves to be better known - grapes have grown in the region for thousands of years, and today boutique wineries dot across the countryside The best way to discover them on foot is with a guide – try this 8km stroll through the rolling hills of Ravni Kotari, starting in Nadin and passing through two local vineyards.
Ugljan & Pašman Islands
Connected by a bridge, the islands of Ugljan & Pašman are an adventurer's dream destination and are only 15 minutes from Zadar by boat. You can hike or cycle miles of paths or even join the Archipelago Trail, a one or two-day trail running event linking the islands together. Walk through olive groves, stroll along the coast and check out the incredible views from St Michael fortress.
Vransko Nature Park
Wildlife lover? Head to Vransko Lake Nature Park. This haven for birdlife is home to the largest natural lake in the whole of Croatia and is also a well-known ornithological reserve for 251 bird species. You’ll need to book ahead to follow trails and boardwalks in search of their winged inhabitants, but the views of the wetlands are worth it.
Kolovare Beach
You don’t have to stroll far in Zadar for a great walk – if you’ve explored the city centre of a morning, wander south from the old town along the seaside promenade to reach Kolovare beach, a stretch of nearly a mile of sand framed by the blue sea and popular with local bathers. Who says you can’t have a buzzy city and a beach hangout all in one day?
Velebit Nature Park - Premužić Trail
Fancy a multi-day adventure on foot? Covering a 50 km section from the Zavižan mountain refuge to the village of Baške Oštarije, the Premužić trail offers spectacular vistas of the Adriatic over two to three days of mountain trekking and passes huts and shelters along the way where you can refuel. Keep an eye out for wolves, bears and lynxes!
Jadera Secrets interactive tour of Zadar
For something a little different, try a treasure-hunting walking adventure through Zadar’s historical streets. Sign up to a Jadera Secrets tour and you’ll be given a mysterious wooden suitcase containing riddles to solve before you can move onto your next stop along the Peninsula. Stops on your 75-minute walk will include the Museum of Ancient Glass, St. Dominic Church, The Roman Forum and art installations the Greeting to the Sun and the Sea Organ. Great for keeping older kids entertained while you explore Zadar’s historical gems.
For more information about the outstanding hiking routes in Zadar, go to zadar.hr
