Meet Zadar | The Ultimate Adventure Base

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This region on Croatia’s southwestern Dalmatian coastline has it all - miles of unspoilt seashore, the country’s largest mountain range, 2,566 hours of annual sunshine and a namesake city sparkling with culture, history and a vibrant local food scene. Still need convincing? Here are 20 reasons why Zadar is the ultimate adventure base for active types.  

20 Reasons Why Zadar in Croatia is the Perfect Adventure Base

Gateway to National Parks

Beach in the morning, mountains in the afternoon? The city of Zadar is a short hop away from stunning national parks such as Paklenica, the Plitvice Lakes and Krka, between them home to amazing hiking, canyoning and climbing as well as waterfalls and wildlife.  

Unspoiled Dalmatian Coast

Zadar’s glorious coastline is dotted with hidden beaches, sea caves, rugged cliffs and islands, making it a paradise for swimming, kayaking, snorkelling, sailing and stand-up paddleboarding. Even just outside the the city of Zadar itself, the sea water is so clean you can join the locals and swim with a spectacular view of the city. 

Year-round mild climate

Zadar enjoys a wonderfully Mediterranean climate with warm summers and mild winters, with over 2,500 of sunshine hours per year making it an ideal adventure base all year round. Spring and autumn are perfect for hiking, climbing and cycling.  

Short flights to Zadar

You can fly direct to Zadar from the United Kingdom. Direct flights usually depart from London Stansted Airport, Birmingham Airport and Manchester Airport and will take just 2.30 hours to land you amongst tall mountains and paradisiacal beaches. 

Crowd-free beauty spots

Zadar really is a secret gem – well, for now. While you’ll encounter other visitors enjoying the Old Town, there are never crowds on its islands and at beauty spots and you may even get mountain hikes, panoramic views and swathes of the coast to yourself out of peak season. Just don’t tell anyone else. 

Great places to stay

From seafront hotels to sporty resorts, comfy AirBnBs and island campsites, there are great places to stay to suit every budget dotted around the region. 

Zadar is perfect for families

Zadar has something for every kind of traveller but it’s great for kids – most active adventures, including climbing, kayaking and trekking, can be tailored to children of all ages and the sunshine, sea shore and great food will please the pickiest little ones. 

Island-hopper’s paradise

Did we say islands? The Zadar Archipelago is dotted with over 200 of them, including Dugi Otok, Ugljan, and Kornati, all peaceful havens for nature and perfect for adventures. Catch boats to explore the islands right from Zadar’s harbourside. 

Scenic cycling routes

Cycling routes criss-cross the region, ranging from scenic coastal roads to rugged mountain trails. Whether you prefer leisurely rides along the sea, challenging off-road adventures on an island or a bike tour outside the old city, there's something for every cyclist in Zadar. 

Historic Old Town

Zadar’s ancient streets are a labyrinth of history, featuring Roman ruins, medieval churches, and Venetian fortifications. Exploring this UNESCO-listed treasure on foot or bike feels like an adventure through time.

Unique art installations

Meet Zadar’s most intriguing attractions - the Sea Organ produces haunting melodies using ocean waves, while the nearby ‘Greeting to the Sun’ creates a mesmerising light show at dusk. Join the locals at sunset to marvel at both. 

Stunning sunsets

Ah yes, the sunsets! Alfred Hitchcock said Zadar had the most beautiful sunset in the world when he visited in 1964, and we’d have to agree – don’t forget to bring your camera for the daily spectacle.

The peaks of Paklenica

Paklenica National Park, just an hour from Zadar, is well known as one of Europe’s best rock-climbing and hiking destinations. Its dramatic limestone cliffs attract climbers from around the world keen to tackle routes suitable for all skill levels, while 150km of mountain trails are perfect for trekkers. 

White-knuckle white-water rafting

Just outside Zadar, the Zrmanja River offers thrilling white-water rafting through stunning canyons and gorges and over rushing waterfalls. Perfect for adrenaline seekers.

World-class diving spots

The crystal-clear waters of Zadar offer incredible dive and snorkelling sites to suit all levels of experience, including shipwrecks, underwater caves, and vibrant coral reefs. 

Sailing adventures in Zadar

Charter a sailboat and explore the Adriatic’s turquoise waters, discovering hidden bays, remote islands and untouched beaches. Zadar’s wind conditions and easy breezy Mediterranean climate make it a top destination for sailors of all levels.

Kayaking Zadar's coastline

Those clear, calm waters surrounding Zadar are perfect for exploring by kayak. Or venture further afield – on the island of Dugi Otok you can kayak to beaches that look straight out of the Caribbean or head into spooky sea caves to explore on a day-long kayaking expedition. 

Seaside stand-up paddleboarding

Stand-up paddleboarding is having a bit of a moment – and Zadar’s calm waters are the perfect place to try it. Seek out hidden beaches, go for a dip in the sea, see the city’s walls from the water or take a SUP-and-sail tour on a yacht. 

Fabulous foodie scene

After a day of adventure, indulge in Zadar’s incredible culinary scene. Sample fresh seafood, Pag cheese and Croatia’s famed prosciutto, which is dried in the winds. If you see peka, on the menu, make sure you order it – this delicious meat and potato or seafood stew is smoked under a bell-shaped pot. 

And don’t forget the wine!

What goes perfectly with Zadar’s gastronomy scene? The delicious Dalmatian wines made locally. Tour vineyards with views of the sea that produce award-winning Zinfandel, Merlot, and Cabernet grapes – you can even cycle to reach them for a day of hopping between winemakers. 

For more information about finding adventure in Zadar, go to zadar.hr