Croatia is now such a popular holiday destination that it has become oversaturated with tourists. The short flight time of just over a couple of hours from the UK makes it a convenient option and well-known preference. That said, there are still parts of the country that though not necessarily a secret, are less tourist trodden than the hotspots of Split, Dubrovnik and Hvar.

If you’re looking for fewer crowds but an equal amount of charm and culture, Zadar, a city on Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, is a good alternative. Like much of the country, Zadar is not short of churches, religious artefacts, museums and Roman and Venetian architecture, but as well as that, let’s look at eight best things to do there.

8 Best things to do in Zadar

1. Old Town

Zadar’s historic Old Town lies on a small peninsula and though not as famous and scenic as the Old Towns of Dubrovnik and Split (featured in Game of Thrones), is very much an ancient medieval and Renaissance trove but not as hectic.

Zadar is one of the biggest centres built by ancient Rome on this side of the Adriatic coast, and their influence is still very present by way of the straight white stone streets running through the old town, first laid by the Romans.

Climbing the 180 steps in the narrow staircase of The Bell Tower situated behind St. Anastasia Cathedral rewards you with unrivalled panoramic views across the city and out to sea. Do though, try and time it so as not to be deafened by the bells which chime every half hour.

Like most Old Towns, there is a healthy selection of the city’s best restaurants, bars and some independent clothing stores if you fancy shopping. As well as that, Zadar Market, found while getting lost in the streets of the Old Town, provides local produce such as fruit and vegetables, olive oil, cheese, dried figs, honey and even some clothing imports.

2. Sakarun Beach

Croatia is not known for sandy beaches, which is why Sarakrun beach is unique as it is one of the few sandy beaches in the country. The beach is located on Dugi Otok Island, about an hour by boat from Zadar. As well as being a scenic boat ride, it can also provide a historic snorkelling stop at the sunken ship – a shipwreck of an Italian merchant ship that wrecked in 1984 north of Dugi Otok.

Sakarun beach is sometimes called the Caribbean of the Adriatic for its whiteness of the sand and turquoise sea and is known to be one of the most beautiful beaches in Croatia. That said, there is not a huge amount of sand there, so squint, and you might miss it. It is though, relaxing, eye-catching and has a bar that provides decent cocktails, so definitely worth a visit to pass some time here.  

3. Sea Organ

The Sea Organ is an architectural sound art object and musical instrument powered by the ocean’s waves. Zadar’s promenade suffered significant damage due to World War II. Consequently, left behind was a collection of concrete and metal ruins that were recycled and transformed into a seventy-metre-long slab of concrete.

Though not much to look at, the thirty-five organ pipes built underneath it bang out a decent tune. The movement of the waves pushes air in and out of the organ pipes creating musically haunting notes.

The Sea Organ is a popular hangout where you can listen to the harmony of the ocean while jumping in the sea and taking in the views and atmosphere. If you’re looking for it, you will no doubt hear it before you see it – just follow the spooky sound.

4. Monument to the Sun/Greeting to the Sun

Both the Monument to the Sun and the Sea Organ symbolize communication with nature. The Sea Organ communicates with sound, while the Monument to the Sun communicates with light.

The Monument to the Sun consists of 300 solar plates in the shape of a circle, symbolizing the sun and measures 22 metres in diameter. The solar plates absorb the sun’s energy during the day and transforms it into an unusual light effect during the night, reminiscent of a disco floor from the 70s. The Monument to the Sun is very popular at sunset.

The Sea Organ and the Monument to the Sun were designed by the same Croatian architect, Nikola Bašić and are a short distance from each other.

5. Rowing Boatmen of Zadar

The boatmen of Zadar, known locally as barkajoli, have been rowing passengers across the bay connecting the two shores of the city’s port since the 14th century.

The distance between the two ends of the port is only 71 metres and can be crossed in a couple of minutes. However, it’s a much more interesting and authentic way of crossing the city than the footbridge, which connects the Zadar peninsula to the mainland and only costs 7 Kuna.

This tradition, passed down through generations, is less fancy than gliding along in a gondolier in Venice but is one of Zadar’s most authentic modes of travel. By taking part in this mode of transport, you’ll be supporting a proud tradition while getting a feel for Zadar and its people.

6. Sunset Boat Tour

Zadar is famous for its beautiful sunsets, and you have no doubt heard that English filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock famously proclaimed it the most beautiful sunset in the world. Well, that’s quite a statement, so I’ll let you decide.

You can glean from the above statement that Zadar’s sunset is highly acclaimed, and you will find droves of sun-worshipers celebrating the brightest star’s evening departure at the Monument to the Sun. Alternatively, should you fancy a more calming way to witness Zadar’s burnt orange sunset, a sunset boat tour should be on your list of things to do in Zadar.

7. Visit national Parks

Zadar is the gateway to some of Croatia’s many national parks, the most famous and largest of which is Plitvice Lakes. Two others nearby are Krka and Kornati Islands, and numerous tours are available to all three from Zadar.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is Croatia’s most popular tourist attraction and the country’s oldest national park. Each year, more than 1 million visitors attend this 300-sq.-km forest reserve consisting of a chain of 16 terraced lakes and waterfalls, walkways and hiking trails. An electric boat links the 12 upper and four lower lakes.

Krka National Park is located in the area of Šibenik and is one of the country’s most beautiful natural hotspots. It is known for a series of seven waterfalls. The water is clear, and you used to be able to swim in there, but I’m not sure if this is still the case.

Kornati Islands is an archipelago of 150 islands, islets, and cliffs spread over the central part of the Adriatic Sea. The Kornati Islands National Park is between Šibenik and Zadar, and a day trip consists of a sightseeing tour around the Kornati Islands and a visit to Telascica Nature Park.

Note that in the summer months, the national parks are ridiculously crowded. Get there as early as possible, or your visit could be far from a calming experience at one with nature.

8. Visit one of Croatia’s many Festivals

As well as being known for it’s historic cities, unspoilt nature and pebbled beaches, Croatia is also well known for housing numerous festivals yearly.

If you like to party you will be happy to hear that a few of them take place no more than an hour away from Zadar in the small fishing town of Tisno. Therefore, if after sightseeing, you fancy partying on the beach, boat parties and dancing until the sun comes up, then check out boutique festivals Defected, Love International and SuncéBeat, held at The Garden.