day trip split to zadar

The Perfect One Day in Zadar Itinerary

Last Updated on January 25, 2024

by Maggie Turansky

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Often overshadowed by the Adriatic gems of Split or Dubrovnik , the lovely city of Zadar located in the northern Dalmatia region of Croatia is a wonderful destination to visit in its own right. Compact and filled to the brim with history, you can see so many of the sites of the city by planning just a one day in Zadar itinerary, making it a perfect destination to break up the drive down the coast or as a day trip from Split .

Situated on a picturesque peninsula in the centre of the country’s Adriatic coast, Zadar is the oldest continuously inhabited city in Croatia and has evidence of people living there dating back to the Stone Age.

However, Zadar has more to offer than just its history — its beautiful Old Town, seaside vibes and inviting promenade make it the perfect destination for those looking for a quieter side of Croatia. Though growing in popularity as a tourist destination, its visitor numbers still don’t hold a candle to those of hotspots further south.

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Zadar?

Zadar is quite small and compact and the top sites of the city can be seen in just one day, so if you want to make sure that you have time to visit other places in Croatia , you don’t have to worry about not dedicating enough time to Zadar — it’s definitely worth visiting but you don’t need to carve out a significant portion of your itinerary for it.

That being said, though you can see the highlights of Zadar in one day, the city also makes an excellent base to explore not only several incredible sites along the Dalmatian coast, but it can be a good jumping-off point to explore some islands and even the incredible national parks of Krka or Plitvice Lakes !

Getting To & Around Zadar

Though the historic centre of Zadar is quite small in size, it is actually the fifth-largest city in Croatia and the second-largest in Dalmatia. It’s also quite a sought-after holiday destination for European tourists, even if it’s not necessarily on the radar for those from further afield.

There is a small international airport located a few kilometres out of Zadar that has seasonal connections across Europe.

You can get a taxi or private transfer from the airport to the city centre, or hire a car from the airport – countless companies operate there (browse Rentalcars.com to compare prices!). Regardless, it will take around 15 minutes to reach the city centre.

Otherwise, Zadar is located about a 2-hour drive from Split and a 3-hour drive from Zagreb. You can also easily reach Zadar from most major cities in Croatia via direct bus, meaning that it’s easily accessible.

There is also a ferry terminal in Zadar that can take you to nearby islands. Note that there is a ferry port in the Old Town of Zadar and also a larger one a little bit south of the city centre – about 10 minutes driving or by taxi.

Once in Zadar, it’s very easy to get around the old town on foot. In fact, the majority of the historic centre is completely pedestrianised. If you’re venturing further afield, having your own car to explore nearby attractions (such as Sibenik or Krka National Park) can be helpful.

One-Day Zadar Itinerary

Whether you’re visiting Zadar as a day trip or are using the city as a base to explore the splendours that lie in central Croatia, this itinerary is the perfect route through this historic city.

Everything here is within easy walking distance of each other and allows enough time to be able to chill out and just enjoy the atmosphere of the city, as well.

Tržnica Zadar

A great place to begin your time in Zadar is at the city’s central market. Located in the old town, this is a lovely open-air market that sells plenty of fresh fruit, local produce, cheese and other products. It’s a great way to see what is seasonal, fresh and important in the local cuisine.

There is also a covered fish market area where you can see all of the incredible fresh seafood that comes from the waters surrounding Zadar.

Beginning your day at the market is an excellent way to get a good insight into the local culture.

Cathedral of St Anastasia

The next stop is the incredible and beautiful Cathedral of St Anastasia, also simply just called the Zadar Cathedral. As the largest church in the Dalmatia region, this beautiful Roman Catholic Cathedral is the seat of the Archdiocese of Zadar.

The church itself is worth entering and touring (keep note that it is closed to tourists on Sundays), but one of the real highlights of the Zadar Cathedral is its bell tower.

Construction of the bell tower began in 1452 but it wasn’t fully completed until 1894. Visitors have the opportunity to climb the stairs (which can be a bit windy and rickety!) to the top of the tower and enjoy an incredible view of Zadar and its surroundings. Climbing the tower is definitely one of the best things to do in Zadar.

If you’re visiting in high season during the summer months, it’s best to get here as early as possible so you can avoid crowds at the top of the tower and on the stairs.

Roman Forum

Just about a two-minute walk from the Cathedral of St Anastasia, you will find one of the biggest highlights of visiting Zadar and some of the evidence of just how long this small city has been inhabited — the Roman Forum.

First constructed between the years of 1 BCE and 3 CE, this ancient forum is well preserved and can serve as an excellent insight into ancient Roman life and are filled with fascinating Roman ruins.

Though not everything is completely intact at this forum, there are still remnants to explore of temples to Minerva, Jupiter and Juno and even a well-preserved pillar that was later used as shame post for public humiliation during the Middle Ages.

Set adjacent to the Church of St Donatus, the Roman Forum is a fascinating place to explore and really serves as a testament to just how historic and ancient the settlement of Zadar really is.

Church of St Donatus

Located behind the Cathedral of St Anastasia and to the left of the Roman Forum lies the Church of St Donatus, another major landmark worth exploring. This circular church is the largest pre-Romanesque building in Croatia and is one of the most iconic landmarks in Zadar.

Founded in the 9th century and named for Donatus of Zadar — the bishop who commissioned the church — this unique building is most definitely worth exploring. With views of the Cathedral’s bell tower behind it and the Roman Forum in the front, it is yet another reminder of just how historic Zadar is.

Zadar Archaeological Museum

If you want to learn more about Zadar’s vast history with a bit more context, then a visit to the Zadar Archaeological Museum is a must-do.

Located about a two-minute walk from the Church of St Donatus, this makes for an excellent pre-lunch stop where you can see ancient artefacts and learn a lot about the ancient history of Zadar, dating back to the Neolithic period.

Plan to spend at least an hour going through the museum, and more if you’re particularly interested in archaeology.

Narodni Trg & the Old Town

In the second half of your day, it’s time to take in more of the energy and unbeatable atmosphere of this beautiful city, and there is no better place to begin to do this than in the Narodni Trg, or the People’s Square.

As the main square in the city, this is a historic meeting place in Zadar and it is lined with inviting cafes and ice cream parlours for you to be able to people watch and take the edge off of a hot Croatian day.

After taking in the energy of the lovely square, it’s time to let your feet guide you and to wander along Kalelarga, the main drag in the old town, and get a bit lost in the backstreets. Take the time to admire the lovely architecture, find some hidden gems, and browse some local shops.

If you’re looking for an excellent, affordable place to eat, then consider heading to Bistro Pjat for lunch. They have set menus featuring local seafood and other delicacies for great prices. You can also order a la carte if that suits you more.

Another great option is Trattoria Mediterraneo , a small restaurant serving delicious Adriatic meals.

Land Gate & Queen Jelena Madijevka Park

At the entrance to the Old Town peninsula lies the Land Gate, one of the original city gates attached to the old city walls of Zadar.

Constructed in the 16th century, this gorgeous stone gate once served as the main entrance to the city and can really harken you back to a time when cities were walled and protected by fortifications.

Right behind the gate lies Queen Jelena Madiejevka Park, which is located atop the old fortifications of ancient Zadar and is not a lush green space in the urban centre. Especially if it is in the middle of summer, this park can offer a cooling respite from the hot Croatian sun and a quiet escape from the throngs of tourist crowds further into the Old Town.

If you want to see all of these above sites (and more!) with an experienced guide, consider booking this walking tour of Zadar!

Zadar Riva, Sea Organ & Greeting to the Sun

And finally, end your day by enjoying one of the city’s best attractions, its absolutely lovely seaside promenade.

Known as a Riva in Croatian, this waterfront promenade surrounds the peninsula of Zadar from the Adriatic side to the Foša Harbour and beyond. It is incredibly pleasant to stroll along, especially as the sun begins to sink in the sky and many locals are also out for a pre-dinner walk.

One of the top attractions located on the Zadar Riva is the Sea Organ. What initially may look simply like a series of shallow steps leading into the Adriatic Sea, this art instalment is actually a musical instrument that plays melodic tunes with the water crashing into it.

This is also an ideal spot to settle yourself to watch the sunset, which legendary film director Alfred Hitchcock once described as “the world’s most beautiful.”

After the sun has sunk below the horizon, then you must check out another art instalment just behind the sea organ, and this is the Greeting to the Sun. This may look like a circular patch of solar panels by day but by night the sun powers a lovely light show on this very spot — making it the perfect place to end your one day in Zadar.

Have 2 Days in Zadar?

If you have 2 or even 3 days in Zadar, then you have a lot of options for what to do to spend your time.

As I mentioned earlier, Zadar makes for a fantastic alternative base for exploring a lot of what Croatia has to offer and it’s central location actually makes it more ideal to visit places like Plitvice Lakes National Park as a day trip rather than from Split or Zagreb.

Zadar is also a perfect jumping-off point to visit another fantastic Croatia national park, Krka! Though many visit as a day trip from Split, this park is just a far from Zadar and makes for a perfect day out.

You can visit both Plitvice and Krka independently, but if you want to go on an organised tour, check out this tour to Krka and this guided day tour to Plitvice Lakes .

Alternatively, spend another day in Zadar lounging on the beach – the nearby Kolovare Beach is a popular option.

And though it’s located only a short ferry ride from Zadar, a great day trip option if you want to get a bit off the beaten path, consider visiting the lovely island of Uglijan. You don’t even need a car to enjoy the main town of Preko or the laid-back village of Kali, everything is within easy walking distance.

And if you want to learn more about Croatia culture and cuisine, then consider going on a day trip to nearby Pag Island, famous for its delicious Paski Sir, or Pag cheese.

Or, if you want to get out on the water and explore the archipelagos that lie off the coast of Zadar, then this full-day sailing trip is a great option. Alternatively, if you want to fit in some more activities, consider taking this four-hour sailing trip instead.

Where to Stay in Zadar

Teatro Verdi Boutique Hotel – Located in the heart of Zadar’s historic old town, this luxury hotel is located within easy reach of everything the city has to offer. They have luxe rooms available, a fantastic breakfast included each morning and numerous other amenities to ensure that your stay is a great one.

Rooms Tisa Old Town – This lovely hotel located in the centre of the Old Town is perfect for mid-range travellers. They have a range of comfortable and clean rooms available to suit all kinds of travellers and a location in Zadar that cannot be beaten.

Private Rental – If you’d rather find yourself staying in your own apartment then there are countless properties available — like this superior sea view apartment in the city centre — that can suit all travel styles and budgets.

Downtown Boutique Hostel – If you’re a backpacker, travelling solo or on a budget, or just want a more social atmosphere, then this hostel is a great option for you. They have a range of private rooms and dorm beds available, excellent and clean facilities, and a killer location in the heart of Zadar.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Zadar hotels!

Whether you’re planning a Zadar day trip or want to spend more time here, there is no denying that this historic Croatian city on the Adriatic is worth visiting! There is so much to do in Zadar that it needs to firmly cement itself as a can’t-miss destination on Croatia’s coast!

Are you planning to visit Zadar? Have any questions? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

10 Tips for Planning a Trip to Croatia

Ljubljana or Zagreb: Which City Should You Visit?

Hvar or Korcula: Which Croatian Island to Visit?

About Maggie Turansky

Maggie is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the US, she has lived in five different countries and has travelled to dozens more, both solo and with her partner, Michael. She particularly loves exploring Spain and spending time in the Caucasus and the Baltics. Read more about Maggie

Thank you for your recommendations as we are in Croatia x 7 days

Thanks! Hope you have a great trip 🙂

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

33 Best Stops Between Split and Zadar

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

How long is the drive from Split to Zadar?

The direct drive from Split to Zadar is 96.3 mi (155 km) , and should have a drive time of 1 hr 49 mins in normal traffic.

If you’re going on a road trip from Split to Zadar, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with Trogir , Hvar , and Sibenik , as well as top places to visit like Makarska Harbour and Punta Rata, or the ever-popular Biokovo.

Top cities between Split and Zadar

Best stops along Split to Zadar drive

Makarska Harbour

Zlatni rat beach hotel, starigrad fortress.

Track your travel spending and split costs with friends

Plan your trip. Keep your budget organized. Split the cost between tripmates. Wanderlog does it all.

Zipline Croatia

Villa benedeta dubovica, island hvar.

Path to Spanish Fortress

Pakleni otoci, saint domnius cathedral, diocletian's palace, old town hall.

Don’t forget to pack anything

Stay organized with a to-do list, packing list, shopping list, any kind of list.

Forest Park Marjan

Knin fortress, krka national park, roski waterfall, beach slanica, putnička agencija - riva rafting centar d.o.o., restaurant marina kornati, paklenica national park.

All travel reservations in 1 place

Never dig through your emails again — access all your flights, lodging, and any reservations in 1 place.

Telašćica Nature Park

Church of st. donatus, the greeting to the sun, top searches in zadar, other popular road trips from split, explore nearby places.

• Dobropoljana
• Sveti Petar
• Sveti Filip i Jakov
• Starigrad-Paklenica
• Biograd na Moru

All related maps of Zadar

• Map of Zadar
• Map of Preko
• Map of Bibinje
• Map of Kozino
• Map of Lukoran
• Map of Petrcane
• Map of Kukljica
• Map of Sukosan
• Map of Zaton
• Map of Zdrelac
• Map of Vrsi
• Map of Dobropoljana
• Map of Ljubac
• Map of Sveti Petar
• Map of Savar
• Map of Privlaka
• Map of Razanac
• Map of Sali
• Map of Rtina
• Map of Turanj
• Map of Pasman
• Map of Posedarje
• Map of Sveti Filip i Jakov
• Map of Polaca
• Map of Starigrad-Paklenica
• Map of Novigrad
• Map of Bozava
• Map of Biograd na Moru
• Map of Tkon

Zadar throughout the year

• Zadar in January
• Zadar in February
• Zadar in March
• Zadar in April
• Zadar in May
• Zadar in June
• Zadar in July
• Zadar in August
• Zadar in September
• Zadar in October
• Zadar in November
• Zadar in December

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Zadar?

Get inspired for your trip to Zadar with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

• 1-Day Zadar Itinerary
• 2-Day Zadar Itinerary
• 3-Day Zadar Itinerary
• 4-Day Zadar Itinerary
• 5-Day Zadar Itinerary

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i drive from split to zadar.

Yes! You can drive from Split to Zadar.

How far is Zadar from Split by car?

The drive from Split to Zadar is 96.3 miles (155 km).

How long does it take to drive from Split to Zadar?

Driving from Split to Zadar should take you 1 hr 49 mins in normal traffic.

How much would gas cost from Split to Zadar?

Gas from Split to Zadar would cost around $8 to $20 , depending on your vehicle's fuel efficiency.

Where should I stop on the way from Split to Zadar?

You could check out Makarska Harbour and Punta Rata, or the always popular Biokovo!

What are the best cities to visit between Split and Zadar?

People love visiting Trogir, Hvar, and Sibenik, among others.

What's the weather like in Split?

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Split in January
• Weather in Split in February
• Weather in Split in March
• Weather in Split in April
• Weather in Split in May
• Weather in Split in June
• Weather in Split in July
• Weather in Split in August
• Weather in Split in September
• Weather in Split in October
• Weather in Split in November
• Weather in Split in December

What are some other road trips from Split?

There are plenty! Below you'll find links to all the road trips we've assembled for Split.

• Split to Rome drive
• Split to London drive
• Split to Paris drive
• Split to Dubrovnik drive
• Split to Barcelona drive
• Split to Budapest drive
• Split to Venice drive
• Split to Vienna drive
• Split to Florence drive
• Split to Prague drive
• Split to Milan drive
• Split to Berlin drive
• Split to Amsterdam drive
• Split to Madrid drive
• Split to Istanbul drive
• Split to Munich drive
• Split to Turin drive
• Split to Edinburgh drive
• Split to Naples drive
• Split to Dublin drive
• Split to Krakow drive
• Split to Athens drive
• Split to Brussels drive
• Split to Copenhagen drive
• Split to Verona drive
• Split to Salzburg drive
• Split to Bologna drive
• Split to Zagreb drive
• Split to Zadar drive

• Itinerary + map in one view
• Live collaboration
• Auto-import hotels and reservations
• Optimize your route
• Offline access on mobile
• See time and distance between all your places

Split Croatia Travel Guide

Your guide to Split Croatia

Home » General Info » How to Get From Split to Zadar

How to Get From Split to Zadar

Most people traveling in Croatia will find themselves at some point in the City of Split. It’s the biggest city in Dalmatia, the gateway to Croatia’s beautiful islands, and let’s not forget the incredible Diocletian’s Palace, Split Riva, and the excellent vibe Split is famous for. But once you have experienced Split and you’re headed North, the next city to visit is the charming city of Zadar. This guide will describe the different modes of transport from Zadar to Split.

Getting From Split To Zadar & Zadar to Split

The drive from Split to Zadar will take you anywhere from 1 hour and 40 mins if you travel by car and take the freeway up to 4 hours if you take the all stopping bus along the old coast road in the middle of summer! The distance between Split and Zadar is 158 km.

Split to Zadar Drive

If you decide to drive your own or rental car from Split to Zadar, the good news is this will be the fastest way to get yourself to Zadar if you take the A1 Freeway from Dugopolje. It’s quite easy, and you just follow the signs to the Freeway from the center of Split and then the Zadar 2 exit which takes you into the heart of Zadar.

If you decide to take the coast road, it will take a little longer, depending on the traffic. In summer, the coastal road can get quite busy and slow going in some areas, but if you have time on your side, then it’s a beautiful drive.

Split To Zadar Bus

Budget travelers will be happy to know that there are numerous bus services between Split and Zadar, and it is by far the cheapest way to travel from Zadar to Split.

Split to Zadar bus tickets will cost you around 80 kuna and it’s about a 2-2.5 hour ride if you are taking the A1 freeway. You should also be aware that there are buses that take the coastal road to Zadar, which takes considerably longer as there are many stops along the way. This can take up to 4 hours, so be sure to confirm the route your bus is taking.

Split Bus Station is located by the port and beside the Split center and is easily accessible if you are accommodated in Diocletian’s Palace or coming off a ferry to Split. Upon arrival into Zadar Bus Station, you will need to catch a taxi ride to the Zadar old town as it’s not within walking distance, especially if you have luggage with you.

Split To Zadar Private Transfer

For convenience, comfort, and an efficient, pleasant ride, you can’t beat a transfer from Split to Zadar. A Split to Zadar transfer will take 1 hour, and 40 mins and your driver will pick you up from your accommodation, take care of your luggage, and whisk you away in a new vehicle equipped with complimentary WIFI to your destination in Zadar-

These are not taxis and all vehicles are in excellent condition with professional English speaking drivers who are at your service. The best part is they are very affordable due to the huge amount of competition in the transport market in Croatia, so the average traveler can afford to take a private transfer.

For more information on private transfers from Split to Zadar, contact Octopus Transfers .

Split To Zadar Ferry

Currently, there is no ferry service between Split and Zadar.

Split To Zadar Train

It is possible to catch a train, but it takes a ridiculous amount of time and is completely impractical.

Things to do in Zadar

After your arrival, you’ll need to know what to do while in Zadar . Here is a shortlist of the things to see:

• Zadar Roman Forum
• Fosa Land Gate
• Greeting to The Sun
• St Donat Church
• Museum of Ancient Glass
• Museum of Illusions
• Gold and Silver Museum
• Travel by car
• Traveling around Croatia

If you like this travel guide about How to Get From Split to Zadar and found it useful, consider supporting the author with a coffee or share it with your friends:

Compare deals from multiple websites to find your hotel, hostel, or private apartment for the best price! You can also check for flights and ferries to Croatia, book airport transfers in advance, or find most popular tours and cruises, all thanks to my partners!

• Accommodation

If the form above is not loading you can search directly on DirectFerries .

Below are my recommended sailing trips in Croatia from trusted companies and tour operators. Feel free to check the offers and links to find additional information and more related cruises!

From Split:

• Southern Explorer - explore top places between Split and Dubrovnik!
• Luxury at Sea - relaxing luxury cruise of best destinations near Split
• Southern Pearls - one-way cruise from Split to Dubrovnik
• Split to Dubrovnik One-Way Luxury Cruise - travel in style from Split to Dubrovnik
• Split to Dubrovnik Private Sailing Holiday - your own private yacht and crew

Top rated: Southern Explorer

Starting and ending in Split, this cruise will take you to Makarska, Mljet, Dubrovnik, Trstenik, Korcula, Hvar and Brac!

Dates & pricing »

From Dubrovnik:

• Dubrovnik Discovery - discover top destinations near Dubrovnik
• Southern Pearls - one-way cruise from Dubrovnik to Split
• Luxury at Sea - one-way luxury cruise from Dubrovnik to Split
• Dubrovnik to Trogir - charming 8-day sailing trip from Dubrovnik to Trogir
• Adventure Sailing - kayaking, snorkeling, cycling and more in this active sailing adventure

Top rated: Dubrovnik Discovery

Depart from Dubrovnik on a week long cruise and explore Mljet, Hvar, Korcula, Trstenik, and Sipan.

More departure ports:

One-day sailing trips:.

• From Dubrovnik
• View all Croatia 1-day sailing trips

Organized tours are excellent ways to explore my beautiful country, and I highly recommend taking at least one trip during your visit. There are limitless fascinating places to see, and you can easily book a tour or day trip from my trusted partners below.

Below are five top rated tours from Split!

Discover more trip ideas:

• Top day trips from Split (my article)
• More tours from Split (100+)
• Tours from Dubrovnik (70+)
• See all tours in Croatia »
• Browse more tours on Viator (200+)

Find transfers and compare prices on:

• SoloTransfers (best prices from Split)
• HappyToVisit
• From Split airport
• From Split city
• From Dubrovnik airport
• From Dubrovnik city

From Any Location:

• Select any pickup and dropoff - from and to 200+ destinations in Croatia.
• From Split to Dubrovnik
• From Dubrovnik to Split
• From Split to Dubrovnik (shared transfer, special offer for only €55)
• From Dubrovnik to Split (shared transfer, special offer for only €55)

More options:

• Hire a private chauffeur (from €166/day)
• Rent a car on AutoEurope (from €40/day)
• Rent a car on RentalCars.com (price comparisons)

Cruises are fantastic and inexpensive way to discover multiple destinations in Croatia.

Dubrovnik Discovery Cruise

8 days, 6 destinations

From Dubrovnik to Mljet, Korcula, Hvar, Trstenik, and Sipan

€ 423 - 700

(€ 52 - 87 per day)

Split to Dubrovnik Cruise

8 days, 9 destinations

From Dubrovnik to Sipan or Slano, Mljet, Korcula, Bisevo, Vis, Hvar, Bol (Brac island), Makarska, Pucisca (Brac), Omis, and Split

€ 425 - 890

(€ 53 - 111 per day)

Dalmatian Islands Experience Cruise

From Split to Omis or Pucisca (Brac island), Korcula, Lastovo, Green cave (Ravnik), Komiza, Blue cave (Bisevo), Stari Grad (Hvar), Bol (Brac island)

€ 615 - 890

(€ 76 - 111 per day)

• ← How to Visit Plitvice Lakes in 2021
• Split Tourist Visits in 2019 →

Guest Author

This article was contributed by an outside guest author. Want to publish your own work? See our Advertise or Sponsored Posts pages and get in touch.

You May Also Like

Everything You Need to Know About Gullet Ships

Croatian Language Guide for Travelers

Croatia Ferry Network

Currency Converter

Try my free currency converter:

HRK = Hrvatska Kuna - Croatian Kuna

From: HRK GBP EUR USD CAD AUD SGD EGP ARS BBD BRL CLP CNY CZK DKK XCD EEK HKD HUF ISK INR IDR ILS JMD JPY LVL LBP LTL MYR MXN NAD NPR NZD NOK OMR PKR PAB PHP PLN QAR RON RUB SAR ZAR KRW LKR SEK CHF THB TRY VEF

To: HRK GBP EUR USD CAD AUD SGD EGP ARS BBD BRL CLP CNY CZK DKK XCD EEK HKD HUF ISK INR IDR ILS JMD JPY LVL LBP LTL MYR MXN NAD NPR NZD NOK OMR PKR PAB PHP PLN QAR RON RUB SAR ZAR KRW LKR SEK CHF THB TRY VEF

• Multi Day Tours
• Custom Day Tour
• Custom Multi Day Tour
• Transfers & Tours
• Private Driver Croatia

Private Zadar Tour

Proceed booking, already a member.

Username or E-mail

Forget Password?

Don't have an account? Create one.

Or continue as guest, adding item to wishlist requires an account, why book with us.

• No-hassle best price guarantee
• Customer care available 24/7
• Hand-picked Tours & Activities
• Free Travel Insurance

Have a Question?

Do not hesitate to give us a call. We are an expert team and we are happy to talk to you.

00385915052172

[email protected]

Tour Overview

• Split to Zadar Day Trip offers unique combination of history and culture from Roman Empire
• Enjoy in sounds of Sea Organ, instrument producing music from waves
• Explore Zadar with a private local guide and see amazing Church of St. Donat
• Enjoy in delicious Dalmatian food and wine
• Optionally stop in Sibenik and explore UNESCO heritage

Departure & Return Location

At your place: Villa, Hotel, Apartment

Departure Time

Flexible: Anytime you want

• Private Van - 380€

Price Includes

• Private driver / tour guide
• Private Car/Van
• Fuel, Road tolls and parking

Optional costs (Book in step 4.)

• Private guide in Zadar - 80€

Price Excludes

• Lunch or snack
• Any private expenses

Complementaries

• Good walking shoes

Description

Split to zadar day trip.

Your journey will start in the morning meeting your private driver at your place. Driving to Zadar is comfortable ride with highway through Dalmatian inland where you will be able to see untouched nature and small villages on the way. It will take roughly two hours from Split to Zadar with highway, or two and a half hours driving with coastal road with beautiful views on Dalmatian coastline and Adriatic sea. Upon arrival in Zadar you will have option to explore it on your own or book a private local guide for around 1,5h to learn about Zadar’s rich history dating from Roman times. You will enjoy in a walk through the lively street Kalelarga – the city’s main street since Roman times and the main city’s main symbol – Church of St. Donat and the largest cathedral in Dalmatia – St. Paul’s Cathedral .

Getting to promenade will offer you nice views on Zadar Channel and islands of Ugljan and Pasman with nice restaurants. If you want to experience sunset in Zadar this tour needs to be adjusted and it needs to be requested. Zadar has one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world, even Alfred Hitchcock wrote about it: “ Zadar has the most beautiful sunset in the world, more beautiful than the one in Key West in Florida, applauded at every evening “. The Greeting to the Sun is one more attraction built as a grace to this wonderful sunset in Zadar. 

On this Split to Zadar Private Day Trip you can optionally stop in Sibenik to explore one more beautiful coastal town in Croatia built and developed by Croatians. With its rich history, beautiful promenade and excellent restaurants you will have one more place to enjoy in. Hope you will enjoy in this tour as one of the most popular Private Tours Split .

Flexible itinerary - Custom tour

Our private tours have flexible itinerary to make the most of your time, needs and wishes. Whether you are a family with children or a group of friends ready for an adventure, our professional guides will customize the itinerary to offer you the best possible experience according to your preferences. Since the Greeting to the Sun tour is linked to the sunset time, our suggested itinerary is to go after lunch or about noon.

Suggested itinerary: 09:00 Pick up in Split 09:00 – 11:00 drive to Zadar 11:00 – 12:30 guided tour or free time in Zadar 12:30 – 14:00 lunch in Zadar 14:00 – 16:30 drive to Split with coastal road

Private Van

Private Vehicle (Mercedes, Opel) Private English Speaking Driver / Tour Guide Fuel, road tolls, parking VAT

Private local guide in Zadar – 80€ for 1.5h

Food Any private expenses Gratuity

Related Tours

Southern Croatia Private Tour

Private Tour Slovenia & Croatia

Romantic day with Mario! Our guide Paola was great and we really enjoyed having local lunch (forgot the name), nice car and super interesting stopover in Primosten!

Privacy Overview

11 Wonderful Day Trips from Zadar, Croatia (Lakes, Islands and More!)

Like this article? Share it with your friends!

Looking for the best day trips from Zadar? There are many wonderful day trips you can add to your itinerary for the city.

While Zadar, located on the Dalmatian Coast, is an awesome destination on its own, it also makes a great launch pad for exploring many surrounding places, from national parks to historic towns.

Croatia’s idyllic beauty is best experienced by visiting its small towns, beautiful national parks, lovely islands, and beautiful beaches.

Especially if you visit from late spring to early fall, you have a wealth of exploring opportunities from any of Croatia’s large cities, including Zadar.

Some links on this page may be affiliate links. If you click an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. For more details, refer to our disclosure .

While a car can definitely make it very convenient to do day trips and stop where you please, Croatia has an efficient bus network, and ferry services in season.

Many of the day trips from Zadar we have listed below can be done using public transport. You can also opt for guided excursions.

THE BEST DAY TRIPS FROM ZADAR

Whether you are looking for extraordinary natural beauty, charming coastal towns with hilltops to conquer, or sun-soaked beaches for a spot of relaxation, you’ll find just the right day trip destination from Zadar.

Destinations you can explore on day trips from Zadar include the magical waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes, historic cities like Sibenik, and the idyllic islands of Kornati National Park

Excited? Let’s get started discovering the best day trips from Zadar for your itinerary.

#1 Admire the beauty of Plitvice Lakes National Park

The most iconic day trip from Zadar is to Plitvice Lakes National Park, without doubt the most popular of Croatia’s national parks .

With its 16 jewel-colored lakes and multitude of waterfalls, the UNESCO designated gem is a must on any Croatia itinerary .

Nestled in the midst of emerald forests, the lakes range from gray to emerald to aquamarine, depending on the light. The forests are home to deer, bear, and wolves, and lots of bird life.

And the waterfalls! From Veliki Slap, which tumbles 256 feet to the bottom, to tiny little falls that cascade over little rocks, you will see them everywhere in the park.

You tour the park on boardwalks over the water (very exciting!) or pathways along the water. Your admission includes a boat ride across Kozjak Lake, and rides on the park shuttle.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is gorgeous in the summer, but late spring and early fall are better times to visit, with fewer crowds and lower admission fees. Spring brings lush greenery and lots of wildflowers, and fall foliage creates a stunning backdrop for the water.

You can buy admission tickets online ahead of your visit. You will need to exchange the online vouchers for actual tickets at the park ticket office, so allow for enough time prior to your allotted entrance time.

Getting from Zadar to Plitvice Lakes National Park

The distance from Zadar to Plitvice Lakes National Park is about 84 miles, and in normal traffic, it will take you about 1 hour and 30 minutes to drive to the park.

Looking to book a car rental for your Europe trip? We have found great deals on car rentals on Discover Cars . They partner with a number of car rental agencies, both brand and budget, to offer you a range of choices. Compare car rental rates and find your car here .

If you want to use public transport to get to Plitvice Lakes from Zadar, take the bus! There are several departures in both directions daily, especially between April and October.

The bus journey times vary, but you should be able to choose one of the buses that takes about one hour and 45 minutes one way. If you take the first bus in the morning, you will have plenty of time to do the longest route in the park.

There are bus stops at both Entrance 1 and Entrance 2 to Plitvice Lakes National Park. They look like little log huts.

To book bus (and train) tickets for Europe in advance, consider Omio . I found the booking experience easy and hassle-free. They do charge a small service fee but I thought it was well worth the convenience! Buy tickets for bus travel in Croatia now!

By guided tour

Prefer the structure of a guided tour? Check out this highly rated full day tour that offers the opportunity to tour both the Upper Lakes and the Lower Lakes, along with the boat tour.

Book a guided tour to Plitvice from Zadar now!

Or, if you’d like to wander the park on your own but don’t want to drive or take the public bus, consider this two-way transfer to Plitvice from Zadar and back! It gives you about 6 hours to explore Plitvice Lakes, which is plenty of time.

Book this transfer to and from Plitvice Lakes now !

#2 Enjoy more beautiful waterfalls at Krka National Park

For another beautiful national park day trip with acclaimed waterfalls, but a very different experience from Plitvice Lakes, head to Krka National Park .

Krka National Park is one of the top travel destinations in Croatia , and for good reason.

The big attraction in Krka National Park is the Skradinski Buk waterfall. A series of 17 cascades, distributed in an eye-pleasing design, the wall of water is literally jaw dropping.

You cannot swim in the plunge pool at Skradinski Buk, but you can swim in other designated areas in the park, so remember your swimsuit if you wish to take a dip. People were swimming in the water when we visited in the later part of May!

To get to Skradinski Buk from the park entrance at Lozovac, take the tourist train in season, or walk down the hill to the start of the trail. From here, beautiful boardwalks lead you to the main attraction.

If you are visiting on your own, you can tour other parts of the park, such as Roški slap, Visovac Island, or Manojlovac slap, the tallest waterfall in the park. Inquire at the ticket office about your options on the day you visit.

Although summer is the best time to visit Krka National Park , Skradinski Buk gets super crowded during the day in high season.

Pick the shoulder seasons of late spring and early fall for a less crowded and more enjoyable experience.

And even then, plan to visit Skradinski buk early or late in the day to avoid crowds.

You can buy your tickets for Krka National Park online in advance. Admission fees are highest between June and September.

Getting from Zadar to Krka National Park

The distance from Zadar to Krka National Park is about 48 miles, and in normal traffic, it will take you just under one hour to drive to the Lozovac entrance to Krka National Park from Zadar.

If you want to use public transport to get to Krka National Park from Zadar, take the bus! Direct routes between Zadar and the Skradin entrance to Krka National Park operate for much of the year, with more frequent departures in high season.

The direct bus journey from Zadar to Krka National Park takes about one hour. The bus stop at the Skradin entrance to Krka National Park is very close to the park entrance: less than 500 feet.

If you visit in the winter and can’t find a direct bus to the park from Zadar, you can travel to Sibenik, and then take a local bus to the park.

If you prefer the convenience of a guided tour, consider this full day tour to Krka National Park that will allow you to experience the magic of the Skradinski buk trail and waterfall. You’ll arrive at the Skradin entrance, and enjoy a 30-minute boat ride within the park.

#3 Enjoy the history at Šibenik

Šibenik is a coastal Croatian gem that boasts not one but two UNESCO World Heritage sites. If you enjoy history, you must definitely add a day trip from Zadar to Šibenik to your itinerary for Dalmatia.

Right at the entrance to the old town is the Cathedral of Saint James, one of the UNESCO designated sites, and a gorgeous Renaissance structure. The Fortress of Saint Nicholas, shaped like a triangle, was recently added to the UNESCO list.

There are actually four fortresses in Šibenik. St. Michael’s Fortress is the most easily accessed. From here you can get great views of the city and the water.

Strolling through the old town, called the Civitas Sacra, is a joy, because there are so many beautiful buildings to admire and squares to wander. You’ll be climbing up and down a lot of steps though, so be warned!

If you prefer your wanderings to be structured, and you arrived on your own, join a 2-hour walking tour that includes all the major sights in the old town.

Getting from Zadar to Sibenik

The distance from Zadar to Šibenik is about 55 miles, and in normal traffic, it will take you about one hour to drive to Sibenik from Zadar.

If you want to use public transport to get to Šibenik from Zadar, take the bus! There are frequent departures in both directions everyday. The journey takes about one hour and 30 minutes.

In Sibenik, the bus station is just a 5-minute walk from the old town, so the bus is a really convenient way to travel to Sibenik independently.

Prefer a guided tour? Check out this full day tour that combines a visit to Krka National Park with a visit to Sibenik! You’ll have the opportunity to view the waterfalls at Krka and visit Visovac island before heading to Sibenik, where you can walk the old town and visit the Saint James Cathedral.

#4 Explore the charms of Split

Split is a large city, but you’d never know that once you enter the Diocletian Palace and Split’s Old Town. Walk along the Riva, the waterfront promenade, and enter the Palace through one of its four gates.

Split’s Diocletian Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s not just one building, it’s pretty much the entire old town. With many squares, a labyrinth of streets, and a cathedral complex, Diocletian’s Palace is both unique and gawkworthy.

If you are planning to visit Split on your own, you might want to invest in a guided tour of the palace , for an efficient walk through the must-not-miss parts of the complex and some interesting context for what you are viewing.

After you’ve had your fill of the old town, you can head up Marjan Hill for viewpoints that provide panoramic vistas over the city and the water. If you’re feeling energetic, there are walking trails at the top.

The green market in Split is fun to browse, with its many stalls showcasing loads of colorful produce and fresh flowers. Visit early in the day and buy some fresh in-season fruit! We picked up some delectable berries when we visited.

Getting from Zadar to Split

The distance from Zadar to Split is about 98 miles, and in normal traffic, it will take you about one hour and 30 minutes to drive to Split from Zadar.

Take the bus if you wish to get to Split from Zadar using public transport! Journey times between Zadar and Split vary, but the faster buses take about 2 hours and 30 minutes. Opt for a direct bus that uses the freeway.

There are frequent departures in both directions everyday. In Split, the bus station is just a 10-minute walk from the old town, and the walk is mainly along the beautiful waterfront promenade.

Prefer a guided tour? Check out this private full day tour that combines a stop at Klis Fortress, with a visit to Split.

#5 Visit the spectacular Kornati National Park

Zadar is the ideal base from which to explore Kornati National Park. An archipelago made up of 89 islands and reefs, Kornati National Park is an offshore paradise you must definitely put on your day trip list!

The Kornati archipelago is the densest group of islands you’ll find in the Mediterranean Sea. It is made up of 140+ islands, small and large. The largest island in the group is Kornat.

There are no permanent settlements on the Kornati islands. Residents from nearby Murter Island own much of the land, where they tend olive groves, vineyards, and orchards.

The National Park offers a variety of activities, including sailing, snorkeling, and swimming. The park is home to a variety of flora and fauna as well. The beautiful coves, tall cliffs, and deep blue waters are breathtakingly beautiful on good weather days.

Getting from Zadar to Kornati National Park

The only way to access Kornati National Park is by boat, your own or rented. But by far the most popular and convenient way to visit Kornati National Park is to join a guided excursion.

Consider this full day boat tour to the Natural Park Telašćica and Kornati National Park! The excursion from Zadar includes free time for swimming or snorkeling and is a fabulous way to see the gorgeous landscapes of the islands.

#6 Discover Trogir + Primosten

If you love history and atmospheric towns, you will love this day trip that takes you to two beautiful Croatian coastal charmers. The historical center of Trogir is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and Primosten is super picturesque.

Start your day in Trogir, where you must wander the streets to admire the beautiful architecture, or take a walking tour . You’ll see numerous churches and palaces dating back to medieval times.

Trogir is actually located on an islet. Climb to the top of the bell tower at the St. Lawrence Cathedral or climb the walls at the Kamerlengo Fortress for panoramic views. Walk the lovely waterfront promenade.

In Primosten, enter the town through the beautiful gate near the water and climb the main street to the hilltop Church of Saint George. Walking the sleepy town with its beautiful stone houses is like stepping back in time.

The view of Primosten from the viewpoint on the coastal road is fabulous, so make sure you stop for photos! The beaches of Primosten are pebble beaches but they are fun to walk if you have proper shoes.

Getting from Zadar to Trogir and Primosten

The distance from Zadar to Trogir is about 81 miles, and in normal traffic, it will take you about one hour and 30 minutes to drive to Trogir from Zadar.

From Trogir to Primosten, the distance is about 21 miles, and in normal traffic, the drive will take you about 35 minutes. From Primosten to Zadar, the distance is about 70 miles, and the drive will take you about 1 hour and 30 minutes in normal traffic.

Take the bus if you wish to get to Trogir from Zadar using public transport! The journey time is about 2 hours and 45 minutes. There are frequent departures everyday. In Trogir, the bus station is just a 2-minute walk from the old town.

You can take the bus from Trogir to Primosten. The journey takes about 30 minutes, and there are several departures through the day. The old town is just a 3-minute walk from the bus stop in Primosten.

From Primosten, you can take the bus back to Zadar. There are evening departures that will get you to Zadar in about 2 hours.

#7 Enjoy beach time in Nin

Nin is a beautiful old town not too far north of Zadar, with some of the best beaches in the area. So if you are looking to spend some quality time relaxing on a beach, Nin is the perfect day trip for you!

Nin is home to a tiny cathedral, one of the smallest in the world. In Nin, you’ll also find a Roman Forum, with the remains of a huge Roman Temple, the largest one on the east coast of the Adriatic Sea.

Croatia is known for its pebbly beaches, but in Nin you have a choice of several sandy beaches. Queen’s Beach is an almost 2-mile stretch of beautiful sand and shallow waters ideal for families. It is also called Kraljičina plaža.

Getting from Zadar to Nin

The distance from Zadar to Nin is about 10.5 miles, and in normal traffic, it will take you about 20 minutes to drive to Nin from Zadar.

If you wish to get to Nin from Zadar using public transport, take the bus! The journey time is about 30 minutes. There are frequent departures in both directions everyday. In Trogir, the bus station is just a 2-minute walk from the old town.

#8 Go boating on the Zrmanja River

The Zrmanja River is considered one of the most beautiful rivers in Europe, and from Zadar, you can do a day trip to the river via the town of Obrovac.

On the way from Zadar to Obrovac, you can access a dirt road from where you get a fabulous aerial view of the river. The viewpoint is called Pariževićeva Glavica.

In the town of Obrovac, you can join a boat tour that follows the Zrmanja River all the way to the Novigrad Sea. You get beautiful views of the karstic landscape and pass by old monasteries and churches.

For a more active visit, you can join a full day canoe or kayak trip from Kaštel Žegarski , near Obrovac. The river is quite calm, and the rapids and waterfalls small. The scenery is gorgeous!

Getting from Zadar to Obrovac

The distance from Zadar to Obrovac is about 28 miles, and in normal traffic, it will take you about 45 minutes to drive to Obrovac from Zadar.

Sadly, there are no convenient public transport options that work for a day trip to Obrovac.

By Guided tour

Consider this 5-hour canoe safari on the Zrmanja River , with transport from the main bus station in Zadar. You will get the opportunity to experience both the Zrmanja and the Krupa on a fun-filled adventure.

#9 Explore the island of Ugljan

Ugljan is the island closest to mainland Zadar: it is the island you can see from the waterfront in Zadar. With pretty towns and beautiful bays, Ugljan makes for a wonderful day trip from Zadar.

With biking paths and hiking trails, Ugljan is the perfect day trip destination if you are looking for an active day of exploration. On the other hand, you can just relax in Preko or at one of the beautiful beaches.

In Preko, you can wander the little town, or relax with a drink at the harbor. If you are feeling energetic, you can climb to the St. Michael’s Church for panoramic views of the island and the water.

You can walk from Preko to Kali along the coastal trail or rent a bike in Preko and bike to Kukljica or Ugljan. There are beautiful coves along the way where you can take a break to swim if you like!

Getting from Zadar to Ugljan Island

You can get to Preko on Ugljan Island from Zadar by ferry. Jadrolinija operates several ferry runs to and from Preko everyday. The journey time is about 25 minutes.

GETTING AROUND ON UGLJAN

You can do a self-guided bike exploration of Ugljan or rent a scooter and zip all over the island!

#10 Sail the Zadar Archipelago

Want to just enjoy the beautiful waters and islands around Zadar? This all-day sailing tour is for you!

On this relaxed small group all-day sailing tour, you will sail past picturesque bays, and stop to swim, snorkel, or fish in the pristine waters, right from the boat.

The tour is limited to six passengers, so you will have a non-touristy, idyllic sailing experience.

You can customize stops by chatting with your skipper before the tour: Ošljak is an oft-requested stop, and you’ll call in at Preko on Ugljan for lunch.

Book this tour of the Zadar archipelago now !

#11 Visit the Nature Park Telašćica

Located in the southeast of the island of Dugi Otok, Nature Park Telašćica makes for a fun day trips from Zadar if you enjoy the outdoors. The nature park consists of the beautiful Telašćica Bay and a number of islands and islets in the vicinity.

Nature Park Telašćica offers tranquil beaches on one side and dramatic cliffs on the other. The park features a variety of flora and fauna, including the endangered red coral. Parts are covered with vineyards and olive groves.

There are hiking trails in the park, beaches to enjoy, old ruins to explore, and a variety of water activities. Fort Grpascak offers panoramic views over the water and the island of Dugi Otok.

Salt lake Mir is another must-visit: the aqua lake is located in the southwest portion of the park. You can swim in the lake, and the muds here and considered therapeutic.

Getting from Zadar to Nature Park Telašćica

If you wish to visit independently, take the ferry to Sali. It runs every four hours, and the journey takes about 45 minutes. In Sali, you can rent bikes, scooters, or a boat, to explore on your own.

By Guided Tour

A guided tour is the most popular way to visit Nature Park Telašćica. This highly rated full day tour is a sailing trip to Telascica Nature Park. You’ll get time to swim and snorkel, and visit the salt lake Mir. Book this tour now !

So there you have it: my suggestions for the best day trips from Zadar, Croatia. Have you visited any of these spectacular day trip destinations? Comment below to respond!

If you have yet to visit, I hope I have inspired you to consider adding a few of these amazing places to your plans for things to do in Zadar .

And if you are planning a visit to Croatia, check out my suggestions for fun things to do in Zagreb , the Croatian capital and our 2-day itinerary for Dubrovnik , the Pearl of the Adriatic.

There are loads of day trips from Zagreb to consider as well, including the beautiful Baroque town of Varazdin ! Or visit the beautiful coastal towns of Rovinj and Trogir ! You can do many exciting day trips from Split as well.

Finally, if you are nailing down accommodations for your visit to Zadar, we stayed at Art Hotel Kalelarga . Located just a short walk from the gate to Old Town Zadar on the main street, the hotel offers elegantly furnished rooms.

Our room on the top floor was super spacious and supremely comfortable. The bathroom was huge and well appointed, with a skylight. And the breakfast was delicious. We would not hesitate to stay here again! Check prices and availability

MORE FUN DESTINATIONS TO EXPLORE

Slovenia : 25 Exciting Things to Do in Slovenia Montenegro : What to Do in Kotor Italy : See the Ravenna UNESCO Mosaics in One Day Spain : The Best Day Trips from Seville Norway : One Perfect Day in Bergen Canada : What to Do on Your First Visit to Vancouver USA : How to Have a Fun San Diego Weekend

Did you find this article informative? Pin it for later reference!

Dhara's travel interests are eclectic, spanning everything from natural wonders to history, culture, art and architecture. She has visited 22 countries, many more than once, plus almost all 50 states of the USA, and has amassed a hoard of cherished travel moments.

You May Also Like:

2 Days in Dubrovnik: The Ultimate Itinerary for Your First Visit!

10 Days in Croatia Itinerary (Ultimate Guide for First-Timers!)

13 Best Day Trips from Split, Croatia (Islands, Waterfalls, Historic Towns, More!)

6 thoughts on “11 wonderful day trips from zadar, croatia (lakes, islands and more)”.

How wonderful is this post? Such a great guide of possibilities for future travelers, like me! I am headed there in a couple of months. I will use your suggestions. Thank you.

Thank you! You will love Zagreb!

I think Zagreb is the most underrated European city and tell everyone! I can’t wait to see it blow up in the next few years (although selfishly I hope it doesn’t :p)

I agree it is underrated: there are so many wonderful things to do in the city plus nearby!

Fantastic post! Great step-by-step info for visiting these amazing places. We know two other couples who visited Croatia last year, and this makes us even more eager to go there.

You will love Croatia!

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

One Day in Zadar Itinerary – How to Spend a Perfect Day in Zadar, Croatia  

Croatia is indeed one of the most beautiful Mediterranean countries. And while you may have already heard of Dubrovnik or Split , there are hundreds (yes, hundreds) of beautiful coastal places to explore. Zadar still has an atmosphere of a smaller town, but boasts attractions and rich heritage. It also has the most magical sunset in the world, at least that’s what Alfred Hitchcock once stated. One day may not be enough to see everything this charming Mediterranean city has to offer, but you’ll be able to see quite a bit. Definitely a city that shouldn’t be missed on your trip to Croatia!

What’s the best time to visit Zadar?

Just like anywhere else on Croatia ‘s coast, you should come here in spring or summer . July and August are the peak season and maybe a bit crowded with tourists. However, this is the time of the year when there are loads of activities all along the country’s coast, including Zadar. Not to mention it’s when you absolutely must hit the beach – the weather is ideal for that. Early June and early September would be perfect for people who don’t want huge crowds and still but still want to experience fine weather and summer atmosphere. If possible, skip visiting during winter.

a Few facts about Zadar

Zadar stands for the oldest continuously inhabited city in Croatia. In the 4th century BC, it was founded as an  Illyrain settlement named Iader. Three centuries later, it became a Roman municipium and, later, Roman colonia. The Old Town of Zadar still holds the characteristics of an a ncient Roman city . During history, it used to be under the rule of Byzanth, Franks, Venice Republic, Austria, France, Italy and was finally brought back to Croatia after World War II. During that war, the whole city suffered a lot due to bombing, and more than 60% of the buildings suffered a lot of damage.

Today, 70 years later, Zadar has fully recovered. During the past few decades, it has established itself as one of the greatest Croatian student cities, so it’s quite easy to spot many young people living there. Rich heritage, newly opened museums and attractions like Sea Organ and the Greeting to the Sun attract more and more visitors every year.

One Day in Zadar Itinerary

All of the sights from the list are located on the Zadar Peninsula and are therefore within a walking distance from each other. Follow this guide and make the most of your trip even if you’re short on time. These are the top sights and things to do during your one day in Zadar.

Check out the Forum and drink coffee on this ancient square

Start your day on Zadar’s ancient square – Forum . One can describe it as an open air museum due to the number of artifacts that can be found on the site. When you look closely, it’s pretty easy to spot where the Roman streets and the square once used to be. There are also some very important buildings around the square – Cathedral of St. Anastasia, the iconic Saint Donatus church and the Archaeological Museum. The Forum is a perfect place to capture some amazing photos and do some people watching. Since there are many cafe bars around the square, it’s surely the best spot for your morning coffee.

Visit the church of St. Donatus

While still at the Forum, make sure to visit the St. Donatus church , one of the city’s landmarks. Constructed in the 9th century and dedicated to St. Donatus in the 15th century, the St. Donatus church is the largest pre-Romanesque building in Croatia.

The materials from the Roman forum were used in its construction. It’s built in a circular shape, with three radially situated apses and a circular gallery. Climb that gallery and explore the pretty unique interior and enjoy the peaceful and serene atmosphere of the church.

Visit the museums

Zadar may not be that big, but it still has a variety of amazing museums. Since you only have one day in Zadar, you’ll only have time to properly visit one museum. Archaeological Museum really is an excellent museum for those who enjoy history and arts. It holds a huge (three floors) collection of historical artifacts, especially those from the Roman time.

Another great museum is the Museum of Ancient Glass . It features some very unusual glass pieces and traces the history of the region through the prism of the glass treasures. On the top floor, you can learn about the glass blowing technique by watching a blower’s demonstration.

The last but not least is the Museum of illusions . It’s an interactive museum, full of optical illusions that will be extremely interesting to kids, but even adults can enjoy it. Bring the camera inside, since many illusions get more exciting with the use of a camera.

Stroll Kalelarga street and visit the People’s Square

After you’re done with the Forum, walk the Kalelarga street, also known as Široka street (Wide street). It’s the most famous street among locals and definitely the liveliest one. There are numerous shops, bars, bakeries, ice-cream shops, so it’s pretty easy to get distracted. At the end of the street you’ll reach  Narodni trg (People’s Square), another picturesque Mediterranean square. There are many important historical buildings here. You’ll easily spot City Guard, City Lodge, city hall and the pre-Romanesque church of St. Lawrence.

Check out the Five Wells Square and the park above it

Not far from the People’s square there is another one, but slightly different – the Five Wells Square known as Trg 5 Bunara. The cistern and these five wells, lined up in a row, were built by the Venetians during the 16th century to help the citizens withstand a Turkish siege. It’s definitely a great place to capture some amazing photos. Afterwards, climb the lush p ark above the square for a nice view and some refreshments during the warm months.

Walk the Promenade

Exit throughout the charming City Gate , built in 1543 in the Renaissance style. It has the shape of a triumphal arch with three entrances and was, at the time, the main entrance to the city.

Walk the promenade that goes all the way from that point to the top point of the peninsula. The promenade is the best spot to enjoy the most magical sunset in the world, which is how Alfred Hitchcock described it.

Finally, check out the Sea Organ and the Greeting to the Sun

The most popular Croatian audio-visual attractions are definitely the  Sea Organ and the Greeting to the Sun. The best thing is – they’re located just next to each other, at the final point of the promenade. Sunset time is the best time to enjoy these artistic installations, especially the Greeting to the Sun, as the light that was absorbed during the day transforms into a light show at night. The Sea Organ, on the other side, will make the waves sound more melodic than ever. Overall, it’s an extraordinary experience and a great place to relax during a long day!

Dinner at restaurant Kornat

While there are many great Croatian dishes that include meat, while in Zadar you need to try some amazing seafood. The best restaurant, Kornat , is quite close to the sea promenade and really offers a wide selection of fish and seafood. Try the stuffed calamari, octopus salad, fish soup, but even just a grilled fished with some vegetables on the side would be a great pick.

If you crave some burgers or pizza, check out the restaurant  4 Kantuna . They offer super crispy pizza, but also some great risottos or pastas, tasty steaks and delicious seafood. Save some space for their delicious desserts.

Where to stay in Zadar?

Almayer Art & Heritage Hotel

Ulica Brace Bersa 2, 23000 Zadar

Almayer Art & Heritage Hotel is a modern and stylish hotel in the centre of the city, located only a block away from the Sean Organ and the Greeting to the Sun. Fine design, passion for detail and modern rooms full of light make it one of the best hotels in Zadar.

BOOK A ROOM HERE

Hotel Mediteran

Matije Gupca 19, 23000 Zadar

Hotel Mediteran is a small family run hotel perfect for those who plan to spend a day at the beach , since it’s located only 10 minutes’ walk from the beach. For those who prefer it, the hotel features a beautiful outdoor pool.

Boutique Hostel Forum

Široka ulica 20, 23000 Zadar

Boutique Hostel Forum can’t be more central – it’s actually located right next to the Forum square. The hostel is designed by a famous Croatian architect and is one of the most unique hostels in Croatia . The design and the colors in the interior fully reflect Zadar – blue color as the blue sky above and crystal clear sea below and the orange colour of the most beautiful sunset in the world.

Extra tips for visiting Zadar:

– Zadar is the perfect base if you want to make a day trip to Plitvice Lakes or Krka Falls,  since it’s located less than an hour from both of the National Parks.

– Croatia recently introduced the euro as their currency, so most European guest don’t have to worry anymore about exchanging money when they come here.

– You won’t find tips included in the price here, but tipping is customary although not obligatory. 10% will be fine.

PIN FOR LATER!

If you have any other propositions for this One Day in Zadar Itinerary feel free to share it in the comments below! Save Save

Make sure you have everything you need

What to pack for your next trip.

Make your next trip as simple and as enjoyable as possible by packing smart. It’s amazing how much stress top travel items can save you, so choose carefully. Things like lightweight travel backpacks, for example, are ideal for short trips and allow you to move around with ease, and a passport holder will make sure you keep your documents safe at all times. Check our travel checklist guide for 2021 to make sure you haven’t missed anything, and travel to your next destination in style and with maximum comfort.

Related posts:

Anca is a travel writer and the founder of One Day Itinerary - the biggest collection of travel itineraries for those who are time-limited or just want to maximize their time while traveling. Although she easily becomes homesick for Croatia, she thinks travel is essential to her happiness. She has traveled to more countries than she is years old and doesn’t plan on changing that fact. In her travel guides she aims to inspire people to travel whenever they have a spare day (or two).

One comment

I plan to go to Zadar in May and explore the city and also go to Krka National Park. This will be in early May– will the weather be decent? Is it worth visiting during this time of the year?

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

• Living In Croatia
• Croatian Recipes
• Balkan Recipes

Home > Zadar Vs Split: How To Choose Between Zadar Or Split

Zadar Vs Split: How To Choose Between Zadar Or Split

Written by our local expert Bram

Bram was born and raised in Belgium and has traveled the Balkans & beyond. He is a professional freelance travel writer and photographer specializing in outdoor travel with an emphasis on national parks, nature, and wildlife.

Should you visit Zadar or Split? In this post, we talk about both Zadar and Split, their top attractions and best day trip destinations.

In a rush and just want to know how to choose between Split or Zadar? Here is what we think you should know:

Should I go to Split or Zadar? Oh, that is a ubiquitous question among first-time visitors to Croatia . And it’s an understandable one, too.

The country is jam-packed with superb destinations, from national parks and wine regions to photogenic coastal towns and world-class beaches . It’s not unlikely that you don’t have enough time to visit all of them, so you’ll have to choose.

There are plenty of fantastic old cities on the Dalmatian Coast alone, from Dubrovnik and Šibenik to Zadar and Split.

It’s impossible to say which one of those beautiful places is the best, though, so we won’t even try.

Instead, in this post, we’ll make a comparison between Zadar and Split, two of the cities that are most up for debate. This way, you can decide whether you should visit Split or Zadar based on your interests, preferences, and priorities.

First of all, however, let me say that you really should do yourself a favor and try your hardest to find enough time to visit both cities . Neither is “greater” or “better” than the other. They are two of the largest cities in Dalmatia; both are phenomenal destinations with myriad tourist attractions. They also make for excellent bases for beach and day trips in Croatia.

Keep reading below for our in-depth analysis on weighing up Split vs. Zadar

Skip Ahead To My Advice Here!

Comparison Between Zadar & Split

Split is probably more famous than Zadar—at least among regular travelers—being bigger and having more transportation connections and arguably more attractions. It’s the second-largest city in Croatia after Zagreb  and belongs on your itinerary.

On the other hand, Zadar definitely deserves a chunk of your travel time . Although perhaps less well-known, this ancient city is absolutely gorgeous. Chances are pretty solid; you will fall in love with it if you do visit it. Combining centuries-old architecture and modern tourist attractions, offering access to great beaches and fun island hopping , Zadar is a top-notch destination.

Choosing between Zadar and Split is very, very difficult. See, we said you should go to both of them! Hopefully, this post will help you at least a little bit.

On your way down the Adriatic Coast, will it be Split or Zadar ? Let’s take a closer look at each city, its points of interest, day trip options, and a few reasons not to visit .

Founded as an Illyrian settlement in the 9 th century BC, Zadar is Croatia’s oldest continuously inhabited city. Its Old Town is located on a rectangular peninsula, the northernmost coastal city in Dalmatia, situated in the middle of the Croatian coast. In the first century BC, Zadar became a Roman colony and remained under Roman rule until the fall of the Western Roman Empire in the 5 th century AD.

Nowadays, there are plenty of visible traces of Zadar’s Roman period, most notably the Roman Forum, which is the largest in the eastern Adriatic. The city also has its fair share of medieval architecture, including a cathedral and various churches. Architecture from the Venetian period abounds as well. A great example of those is the massive city walls, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

In addition to its numerous urban features, Zadar offers easy access to the Zadar Archipelago’s gorgeous islands. These islands are easily reached via ferry or catamaran, providing visitors ample opportunities to hike, bike, swim, fish, eat, drink, and scuba dive . Some stunning beaches are waiting to be visited as well.

Top Attractions In Zadar

There’s certainly no lack of interesting places to visit in Zadar, whether you’re a history buff, beach bum, foodie, or party-goer. Some Zadar attractions you really should visit include, but aren’t limited to, the following:

• The Sea Organ – Musical art installation along the waterfront promenade plays music as waves push air through dozens of underwater pipes. 
• Greeting to the Sun – Located near the Sea Organ and created by the same artist, the Greeting to the Sun is a magical display of brightly colored lights that change patterns and hues after sunset
• Anastasia’s Cathedral – Arguably the most significant architectural masterpiece in Zadar, this massive cathedral dates from the 12 th and 13 th centuries and has a bell tower you can climb
• Donat’s Church – One of the most iconic attractions in Zadar, St. Donat’s Church is a monumental round building dating from the 9 th century
• Roman Forum – Main Roman site in Zadar, located near St. Donat’s Church and founded by Roman Emperor Augustus in the 3 rd century AD.
• Narodni Trg (People’s Square) – The heart of public life in Zadar, this gorgeous square is a popular meeting point for locals. At the same time, tourists enjoy people-watching from its numerous cafés and restaurants
• Museum of Ancient Glass – There are numerous displays of glassworks from Roman times through modern times and glass-blowing and bead-making demonstrations
• Museum of Illusions – An eclectic museum that pushes your senses to their absolute limits and gives your brain a serious workout – you can book your admission ticket here

The most popular tours in Zadar:

• 🛵 Swap predictable bus tours for this private off-the-beaten-path eco tuk-tuk adventure in Zadar
• 🏞️ This half-day boat tour takes you on an adventure to tick off two islands of Zadar — Preko and Osljak
• 🏕️ Explore Zadar Old Town and Krka Waterfalls on this tour with Food & Wine Tasting
• 🚢 Settle in your own private boat and spend several hours exploring the Croatian islands off Zadar
• 🌳 Visit central Croatia’s UNESCO-listed Plitvice Lakes National Park on this 9-hour tour from Zadar , including round-trip transport

Day Trips From Zadar

Located in the middle of the Croatian coast, Zadar is an ideal starting point for day trips along the coast, the inland countryside, or some off-shore islands. These are some of the best day trips from Zadar (you’ll notice how varied they are):

• Paklenica National Park – On the border of Zadar County and Lika-Senj County, just northeast of Zadar, lies Paklenica National Park with its canyons, towering mountain summits, and black pine and beech forests. A fantastic hiking destination !
• Kornati National Park – The Kornati Islands are unquestionably among the best Zadar day trips, an archipelago characterized by crystal-clear water, superb snorkeling, scuba diving, barren hills, and rock-strewn coasts
• Krka National Park – One of the top national parks in Croatia , Krka is just a quick drive from Zadar, famous for its spectacular waterfalls, swimming opportunities, and ethnographic villages. Go on a day trip to Krka National Park with food and wine tasting and a boat ride with this guided tour
• Telašćica Nature Park – A bay in the southeastern part of Dugi Otok , this glorious nature park consists of rocky shores, sheer coastal cliffs, wooded hills, and an inland salt lake
• Pag Island – Connected to the Croatian mainland by a bridge, Pag Island is super-easy to reach from Zadar. It’s famous for its summer dance festivals and 24-hour parties in Zrce, and delicious Pag cheese and wonderful Pag lace
• Nin – The first capital of Croatia, tiny Nin , is only 15 kilometers from Zadar, a town filled with ruins and ancient bridges famous for its sea salt and beaches
• Šibenik – Best combined with a visit to Krka National Park, Šibenik is another centuries-old coastal city in Dalmatia. It’s famous for its stone buildings, stairways, streets, and fortresses. Šibenik is also where you’ll find the St. James Cathedral, an impressive stone church that is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Reasons Not To Visit Zadar

Honestly, it’s tough to come up with reasons not to visit Zadar. This is all I could think of:

• Game of Thrones filming locations – Dubrovnik might be the most famous Game of Thrones location in Croatia , but Split comes pretty close. Several scenes of the world’s biggest TV show were shot at Diocletian’s Palace. If you’re a GoT fan, you’ll definitely want to join this tour
• You’ve run out of time after visiting Dubrovnik and the rest of Dalmatia
• You’re allergic to seafood
• You don’t like sunshine and/or seascapes

How To Get To Zadar

• How To Get From Pula To Zadar
• How To Get From Split To Zadar
• Croatia Transfers: Zadar Airport Transfers

Brands We Use And Trust

Home to around 200,000 people, Split is the largest city in Dalmatia. In Croatia, only Zagreb is larger. The city lies in the middle of the Dalmatian coast, about equidistant from Dubrovnik and Zadar. It’s a major cultural and transportation hub, a popular tourist destination in the region, and one you can spend many days exploring .

Although it was the site of a small Greek colony in the 3 rd or 2 nd century BC, Split’s history truly begins in 305 AD when Roman Emperor Diocletian chose it as his retirement location. Diocletian’s Palace was constructed, a massive building around which the town—and later city—expanded. The medieval Old Town of Split lies adjacent to Diocletian’s Palace, both making up the very heart of the city to this day.

You can walk among Roman ruins in Split—people actually literally still live in these nearly-2,000-year-old buildings. There’s also a phenomenal waterfront, some excellent museums, and several fine beaches. Additionally, you have a plethora of day trip destinations to choose from.

Top Attractions In Split

Few Croatian cities have such an abundance of historical sites as Split. It’s a city filled with them, built upon and around them. Of all those Split tourist attractions , these are the ones that you definitely mustn’t skip:

• Diocletian’s Palace – The number one tourist attraction in Split, Diocletian’s Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and contains several individual points of interest, such as its network of cellars, four massive gates, ruined Roman pillars, and ancient churches. 
• Medieval Old Town – Next to Diocletian’s Palace, the Old Town is an extension of the Roman complex, even though much younger. It features a maze of alleyways, cozy squares, numerous restaurants, bars, shops, and beautiful all-around architecture. 
• Game of Thrones filming locations – Dubrovnik might be the most famous Game of Thrones location in Croatia , but Split comes pretty close. Several scenes of the world’s biggest TV show were shot at Diocletian’s Palace. If you’re a GoT fan, you’ll definitely want to join one of the many available tours. 
• The Riva – Tall palm trees line Split’s waterfront, known as the Riva, while myriad patios offer evening walkers the chance to enjoy the sunset, get something to eat, or grab a drink or two. It’s the prime location for people-watching in Split. 
• Ivan Mestrovic Gallery – Dedicated to Croatia’s most famous sculptor, the Ivan Mestrovic Gallery houses many of his works and displays about his life. It’s a must-visit attraction for serious art lovers.
• Archaeological Museum of Split – People who like to learn about local history might want to check out Split’s Archaeological Museum. This is the oldest museum in Croatia , filled with archaeological artifacts and objects from Greek, Roman, early Christian, and medieval times.
• Roman Ruins of Solin – Just northeast of Split, you’ll find the Roman ruins of Solin, the birthplace of Diocletian and the first capital of the Roman province of Dalmatia. Anyone interested in Roman history should put this site on their itinerary . 

The most popular tours in Split:

• 🚶 Explore nearly 1,700 years of history and discover top attractions with ease on this Split walking tour
• 🍲 Discover Split’s highlight landmarks and go on a tasting tour of the city’s in-demand restaurants and eateries on this tour
• 📽️ On this tour , follow in the footsteps of Daenerys, Mother of Dragons, and discover memorable filming locations from the HBO’s hit TV series Game of Thrones
• 🌇 See the highlights of both Split and Trogir with a private guide with this combo tour
• 🚢 See the sunset over Split and enjoy a relaxing time on the water on this fun boat tour

Day Trips From Split

Its location in the middle of the Dalmatian coast makes Split a fantastic starting point for various excursions. The next Split day trips include destinations that range from national parks to historic towns:

• Trogir – Located a stone’s throw from Split, Trogir is a super-photogenic coastal town with fortified walls and a fantastic outdoor market. It is protected as World Heritage by UNESCO and is one of Croatia’s most beautiful towns. 
• Plitvice Lakes National Park – Arguably the most famous natural attraction in Croatia, Plitvice Lakes National Park consists of sixteen travertine lakes that flow into one another via countless cascades and waterfalls. If you love waterfalls, this is one of the best places in Europe to visit. Oh, and this is yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site in Croatia, too! Here’s how to get to the park from Split!  
• Šibenik – Best combined with a visit to Krka National Park, Sibenik is another centuries-old coastal city in Dalmatia. It’s famous for its stone buildings, stairways, streets, and fortresses. Šibenik is also where you’ll find the imposing St. James Cathedral, a UNESCO-protected stone church. 
• Dalmatian Islands – Split is one of the main gateways to the world-famous Dalmatian Islands. If you want to visit or island-hop around places like Hvar , Brač , or Korcula , Split, with its large ferry port, is the perfect starting point. 
• Klis Fortress – The iconic Fortress of Klis sits atop a hill just outside Split. Established as a small stronghold by the Illyrians, it became a royal castle in the Middle Ages, serving as the setting of many battles over the centuries. It’s without question one of the best day trip destinations around Split. Additionally, Game of Thrones fans might recognize it as Meereen. 
• Blue Cave – Another enjoyable day trip from Split is the Blue Cave , also known as the Blue Grotto, on Bisevo Island. You can read all about 

Reasons Not To Visit Split

On the Zadar vs . Split debate, it’s still not easy to list reasons not to visit Split. This is an amazing city with plenty to offer to tourists. (That took me a while, though!) yet, if you’re really looking for downsides, here are a few I could come up with.

• You don’t like large cities and crowds and prefer a smaller, Dalmatia coastal town.
• The stone-filled Old Town gets scorching hot in summer
• You are more into a laid-back vibe

How To Get To Split

• How To Get From Zagreb To Split
• How To Get From Zadar To Split
• How To Get From Plitvice Lakes To Split
• How To Get From Dubrovnik To Split
• How To Get From Krka National Park To Split
• Croatia Transfers: Split Airport Transfers

Which city is easier to reach, Zadar or Split?

Split is easier to reach, boasting the country’s busiest airport with direct flights from major European hubs. Zadar, while smaller, offers mostly seasonal air connections only within Europe.

How do the beaches in Zadar and Split compare?

Split is known for its popular and iconic beaches , while Zadar has stunning inlets and relatively unexplored coastlines.

Which city has better nightlife, Zadar or Split?

Split is the hub of mainland Croatian nightlife due to summer festivals like Ultra. Zadar has a quieter night scene but offers a variety of venues.

Which city has better natural attractions, Zadar or Split?

Zadar offers access to more remote natural attractions, such as the National Park Kornati and Paklenica National Park. Split’s accessible nature spots include the Krka waterfalls and Biokovo Nature Park.

Which city is more cost-effective for travelers, Zadar or Split?

Zadar is slightly more cost-effective than Split, primarily due to the lower cost of accommodation.

Which city has a richer historical heritage, Zadar or Split?

Split’s historical heritage, exemplified by Diocletian’s Palace, surpasses that of Zadar. Zadar also has significant Roman and medieval ruins.

Which city is better for onward travel, Zadar or Split?

Split is more convenient for onward travel due to its proximity to the renowned Dalmatian Islands, including Hvar. Zadar provides access to less-known but equally beautiful islands, such as Dugi Otok and Ugljan.

How are Zadar and Split different?

Both Zadar and Split are diverse, dynamic, and historic Croatian cities with various attractions. However, Zadar is recommended for those seeking a quieter place and an off-the-beaten-path experience. In contrast, Split is ideal for visitors who prefer a lively city with more coastal highlight attractions.

Are Zadar and Split affordable for tourists?

Price differences exist between Zadar and Split, but they are not significantly high. Accommodation and meal costs may be slightly higher in Split due to its popularity among tourists.

What unique attractions do both cities offer?

Each city has unique attractions – Split is home to the Palace of Roman Emperor Diocletian, while Zadar hosts attractions like the Roman Forum and the Sea Organ.

What are the methods of transportation to these cities?

Both cities can be reached via multiple transportation methods, including public transit, and budget airlines.

What types of accommodations are available?

Both cities offer wide-ranging accommodation options for varying budgets, from luxury hotels to private rentals and hostels.

So, after reading all this, will you choose Zadar or Split?

• Ultimate Guide To Accommodation In Croatia
• Croatian Food You’ve Gotta Try
• Car Rental & Driving Tips In Croatia
• Ferry Options In Croatia
• Island Hop Croatia – Best Croatian Islands To See
• Best Snorkeling And Diving In Croatia
• Absolute Best Things To Do In Croatia

Greetings from Bali….

I really like the information on your site… and your writing style.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Move This Adventure To Your Inbox & Get An Instant Freebie

Subscribe To Unlock Your FREE Customizable Travel Packing List & All Our Best Tips!

Unlock Your FREE Customizable Travel Packing List!

Subscribe Now For Instant Access To Stress-Free Packing

The Amazing Traveler

14 Incredible Day Trips From Zadar (2024 Guide!)

Looking for the very best day trips from Zadar, Croatia? 

My husband was born in Zadar, and we have a house just outside the city where we spend several months a year. So, I know a lot about this beautiful area – including some amazing spots that even some locals don’t know about.

We’ve explored all around Zadar and found some fantastic places that are perfect for a day out. In this guide, I’ll share these hidden gems with you. Whether you’re into quiet beaches, old villages, or tasty local food, there’s something for everyone. 

Most of these places are just a short drive away, so you don’t have to spend all day traveling.

How to organize a day trip from Zadar

You’ve got six main ways to get around: renting a car, public buses, guided tours, boats and ferries, or private transfer. Let’s look at the pros and cons of each option.

This gives you the freedom to go wherever you want, whenever you want. But heads up, I only recommend renting a car if you’re pretty experienced behind the wheel. Driving around Zadar, especially in the summer, can be a bit of a headache. 

If you’re not in the know about those little parking spots where locals park for free, you might end up paying a hefty 20 euros just for parking, and that’s no fun. 

Btw, last summer I parked in one of those ‘local’ spots, thinking I was all set as police usually ignore it if they see local plates. Not my luck, though – I ended up with a 35-euro parking ticket, and you can’t pay these on the spot. You have to go to a bank or post office.

Trying to find a parking spot in Zadar during summer is like trying to find a needle in a haystack, no matter what time it is. So, if you’re thinking about hiring a car, just be ready for these kinds of things.

Public Buses

There are a variety of day trips you can do from Zadar using ‘public transport’. 

Buses are the most affordable way to travel to places like Šibenik, Split, or Nin, but the schedules can be a bit limited and the trip will take longer than other options.

So, if you’re planning a day out and want to save some cash, just be prepared for a slower pace.

Guided Tours 

These are great for when you want everything planned out for you. You’ll learn heaps, especially on trips focused on culture or history, since you’ll have a local guide to show you the ropes. These tours, whether private or in small groups, are an efficient way to explore.

The beauty of guided day trips is that they often include multiple stops, letting you see and do more in one go. 

There are some places around Zadar that you just can’t get to without a car and for those spots, day tours are your go-to option if you’re not driving yourself.

Boats and Ferries 

For island destinations like Ugljan Island, Dugi Otok, or the Kornati Islands, taking a ferry or a boat is necessary. Check with local ferry services like Jadrolinija for schedules and tickets. Some guided tours to islands also include boat transportation.

Private Transfers 

For a more comfortable and personalized experience, you can book a private transfer. This is a more expensive option but offers convenience, especially for less accessible locations or if you’re traveling in a group.

As a final option, for those nearby destinations or if you’re feeling adventurous, you can rent a bike. Zadar and its surrounding areas are laced with some scenic bike routes, perfect for day trips. 

14 Best Day Trips From Zadar

Zrmanja canyon & rafting.

If you’re in Zadar you can’t miss the Zrmanja Canyon rafting experience.

The trip begins in Kastel Zegarski, a quaint village about an hour from Zadar. Here, the Zrmanja River, with its crystal-clear waters and untouched surroundings, awaits to take you on a thrilling ride. Known for its contrasting scenery of white rocks and lush greenery, the river flows through the heart of the canyon, creating a spectacular setting for your adventure.

The great thing about Zrmanja rafting is that it’s suitable for everyone. Whether you’re a seasoned rafter or a complete newbie, the river caters to all levels. Even kids as young as six can safely enjoy the rafting experience, making it a fantastic option for a family day out.

The rafting trip covers about 14.5 kilometers and usually lasts between 2.5 to 3 hours. You’ll navigate through Grade 2 rapids, which might occasionally reach Grade 3. Don’t worry if that friendly even for beginners. Along the way, you’ll encounter moments of serene calmness and sudden rushes of excitement as you hit the rapids. It’s an exhilarating balance that keeps the journey interesting.

Before you set off, you’ll be kitted out with all the necessary gear – helmets, life jackets, and neoprene suits. The guides, who are registered with the Croatian mountain rescue service, ensure you’re well-informed with a safety briefing. Their top priority is to make your adventure both fun and safe.

To make the most of your day, pack a swimsuit, an extra T-shirt, suitable water shoes, and a towel. It’s also a good idea to bring along some snacks, water, sun protection, and a bit of cash. And don’t stress about your phone or camera; they’ll be safe in waterproof boxes provided at the start.

The adventure is reasonably priced, usually around 50 EUR for adults, with discounts available for kids. This includes all your equipment and insurance, but remember, transport to the starting point and meals are extra.

Dugi Otok (Long Island)

Reaching Dugi Otok is easy, with regular ferries from Zadar. In Sali, the largest town, you’ll find everything you need, from amenities to delicious local food.

The island is packed in summer as each village celebrates its heritage. Traditional festivities like the donkey race in Sali highlight the island’s history, where donkeys were essential in daily life.

Visit Saharun Beach, known for its clear waters and pine-fringed shoreline, perfect for a relaxing day. Telascica Nature Park is a highlight with its inviting coves, impressive cliffs, and the warm Lake Mir. This park also serves as a home to a variety of wildlife, including a group of donkeys.

Don’t miss the Veli Rat Lighthouse, the tallest in the Adriatic. Climb up for amazing views or enjoy the nearby beaches. It’s a spot that combines history with natural beauty.

For those who love the outdoors, Dugi Otok is a playground. Enjoy hiking, biking, kayaking, or simply swimming in the clear waters. The less crowded roads make for perfect cycling adventures with views of the sea.

Kornati National Park

My first visit to Kornati National Park in the late ’80s is something I’ll always remember. 

On the ferry ride there, an Italian family taught me how to play rummy, which was fun. What stood out to me the most, though, was how salty the lake was on one of the islands. It was so different from the sea around it.

Kornati National Park is an archipelago in the Adriatic Sea, remarkable for its raw and rugged landscapes. 

With over 140 islands and islets, it’s a haven for those who love the sea, nature, and exploring. The islands, with their cliffs diving into the deep blue, create a stunning visual.

The park is rich in biodiversity, both underwater and on land. It’s a dream spot for snorkelers and divers. On the islands, you’ll find a variety of birds and unique plant species.

It’s the largest natural lake in Croatia and a protected nature park, ideal for bird watching and fishing, especially for carp.

What makes Lake Vrana unique is the contrast in flora.

On one side of the road, you’ll see Mediterranean vegetation typical of the Adriatic coast, and on the other, a freshwater ecosystem.

This creates a remarkable visual and ecological divide. The area also has hiking and cycling paths.

Krka National Park 

I don’t have to describe the waterfalls of Krka National Park.

You’re probably already familiar with them, or someone you know has been there. What I can share, though, are tips on how to see these wonders without spending too much. 

The cheapest option is the ferry from Skradin. Last summer, the fare was just 10 euros, but this year it might be higher. If you’re thinking about other entry points, like near the Krka Monastery, prices are, well,  tourist prices. 

My sister paid 40 euros there. And I’ve heard that some routes to the waterfall can even ask for up to 100 euros. I’ll make sure to update this article with the new season’s prices as soon as they’re available.

Nin is just a short trip from Zadar and is the oldest Croatian royal town.

Here, you’ll find the Church of the Holy Cross from the 9th century and the statue of Bishop Gregory of Nin. 

The town has museums like the Museum of Nin Antiquities and the Museum of Salt. When in Nin, try the “cvet soli” or flower of salt. It might be a bit pricey, but it’s probably the saltiest thing you’ll ever taste, at least it was for me.

Ugljan Island

Ugljan Island is a 25-minute boat ride from Zadar. This lush, hilly island is covered with olive groves. It’s a favorite escape for those in Zadar, especially over the weekends.

In Preko, the island’s main hub, life revolves around the harbor. For a bit of adventure, a hike up to St Michael’s church offers breathtaking views of the island and the surrounding archipelago.

Then there’s Kali, a traditional fishing village southeast of Preko. It’s a place where narrow streets twist up hills, leading you through a living history of seafaring and fishing. The harbor, crowded with fishing boats, speaks of the village’s enduring connection to the sea.

Not far from Kali, Kukljica greets visitors with its sparkling bay. This area is particularly known for its beautiful beaches.

Pag Island is worth visiting on a day trip . The island is connected to the mainland by a bridge.

The Town of Pag is this medieval settlement is a window into the past, with narrow streets lined with stone houses. The town is also famous for its intricate lacework, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. 

The Pag Lace Gallery in town is the perfect place to learn more about this traditional craft. Pag is also celebrated for its carnival, featuring traditional folk dances like the Pasko kolo.

The island is known for its delicious Pag cheese, made from sheep’s milk and often served with local white wine Žutica. The cheese’s distinct flavor is attributed to the sheep’s diet of sea-salted herbs and grass. Pag’s lamb is also a culinary highlight, considered some of the best in Croatia.

For young folks looking for nightlife, Novalja town is the go-to destination, especially the famous Zrće Beach. Known as the Croatian Ibiza, Zrće is packed with beach clubs and music festivals. During the day, the beach is a peaceful spot to relax and enjoy water sports.

The island’s rocky, barren landscape is often compared to the lunar surface, and provides a stunning backdrop for outdoor activities. Hiking, cycling, and exploring the rugged terrain are popular, as is swimming and enjoying the beaches. Pag’s beaches are known for their clear waters and are ideal for family outings.

Pag has a long history of salt production, dating back to Roman times. The traditional methods of salt harvesting contribute to the island’s unique economy and culture.

Velebit Mountain

On the way from Zadar to Plitvice Lakes, you can stop by the impressive Velebit Mountains and Paklenica National Park. 

The Velebit Mountains feature striking peaks and lush forests while Paklenica National Park is known for its dramatic cliffs and canyons. It’s a favored spot for hikers and nature lovers.

Besides its scenic beauty, here you will see various plant and animal species.

Plitvice Lakes

Plitvice Lakes National Park is one of the most expensive national parks to visit, and there’s a good reason for it. The main attraction here is a series of cascading lakes and waterfalls that seem almost otherworldly.

The ticket prices vary. Outside the peak season, the adult ticket costs 15 euros, but during the summer season, it’s 60 euros. The ticket price includes rides on the panoramic train and electric boat, as well as visitor accident insurance.

The price also depends on the time of entry to Plitvice Lakes National Park.

For example, if a visitor enters at 10 AM, they will pay a different price compared to someone who enters at 6 PM. The lower price applies from 4 PM onwards in June, July, and August, and from 3 PM onwards in September.

Parking is charged from April to October for cars, campers, and buses. Motorcycle parking is free. The price for cars is 1.5 euros per hour.

Šibenik is known for its stunning medieval architecture, including the famous Cathedral of St. James, a UNESCO World Heritage site. 

The city also has beautiful fortresses like St. Michael’s and St. Nicholas’, offering great views. Šibenik is not as crowded as some other Croatian coastal cities. 

Side note: Dražen Petrović was born in Šibenik, so if you are interested in the NBA, this is an interesting fact for you.

Just before reaching Split, you’ll come across the charming town of Trogir.

The town’s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s easy to see why. As you wander through the narrow cobblestone streets, you’ll encounter stunning architecture, including a beautiful cathedral and a fortress with panoramic views of the town and the Adriatic Sea.

One of the highlights of Trogir is its waterfront promenade, where you can enjoy a meal at a waterfront restaurant. And if you’re a fan of boats as I am, the marina is filled with yachts of all sizes.

While you can reach Dubrovnik from Zadar in a day, I would not recommend going further than Split.

The roads can get pretty jammed, especially during the summer heat.

The largest Dalmatian city, Split, is famous for one thing in particular: Diocletian’s Palace, a 4th-century Roman structure and UNESCO World Heritage site. 

In Split, you will see cultural experiences in its cafes, restaurants, and shops within historic walls, the scenic Riva waterfront, Mountain Marjan, Bacvice beach, and views of the islands across it.

Located just half an hour outside of Zadar, this place is different from others on the list. There are many things to do in Benkovac that are not connected to a summer vacation.

This is a place where East meets West. It once had the most cafes per capita in the former Yugoslavia, but nowadays it looks like a ghost town.

The famous landmarks of Benkovac are Kastel Benkovic, Asseria, and Benkovac Wells, but I would say the best attraction is the abandoned houses. You will see dozens of ruined houses, with trees growing from them. These are not some poor homes; most of them are mansions from the 18th and 19th centuries.

most recent

THE 12 BEST Things to Do in Cacak

23 Best Day Trips From Novi Sad, Serbia

14 Day Hikes Near Belgarde: Mountains, Fortresses, Canyons & More

22 Things to Do in Sremski Karlovci, Serbia: The Best Day Trip From Novi Sad

20 Communist-Era Brutalist Buildings in Belgrade

9 Things to Do in Benkovac, the Abandoned Town In Dalmatia

PH +1 000 000 0000

24 M Drive East Hampton, NY 11937

© info 2024

Places to visit on a road trip from Zadar to Split in Croatia

by Kirsty | August 12, 2020 | Croatia | 0 comments

Croatia has a drop-dead gorgeous coastline – the sea is that classic shade of azure, and the coves are pierced with rugged rocky outcrops. What Croatia doesn’t have though is sandy beaches – expect stony beaches and concrete sunbathing platforms. This post will highlight some of the best towns to visit on a drive from Zadar to Split (or Split to Zadar).

Where to break the journey between Zadar and Split (or vice versa)

Many travellers to Croatia focus their trip around Dubrovnik and Split or the Istrian Peninsula, but there are several places worth visiting on the journey between Zadar and Split.

Zadar and Split are both popular places to visit on the Croatian coast, although they can get overwhelmingly busy during the peak summer months. And while you can travel from Zadar to Split in less than two hours, it is well worth breaking the journey at some of the smaller places along the route. This stretch of coast receives a lot of visitors so while you are unlikely to get many sites all to yourself, it is a good feeling to have strayed a little from the beaten path.

The quickest way to get from Split to Zadar (or vice versa) is on the motorway where the 150-kilometre journey shouldn’t take much more than an hour and a half. There is a toll fee of approximately 8 Euros for a car. Driving along the more picturesque coastal road won’t put many more miles on the clock and will take a minimum of 2½ hours, depending on traffic and how often you stop.

Although the distances aren’t huge, this post highlights seven places to visit between Zadar and Split if you want to see more of Croatia other than the main cities. We haven’t included any islands, as it’s geared towards a coastal road trip rather than an islands and beaches itinerary.

To make the post as comprehensive as possible, we have included two places we haven’t yet visited: Biograd na Moru and Krka National Park. Although we usually avoid writing about places we haven’t been to, it’s more helpful to you if we include them.

CONTENTS Transport between Zadar and Split Accommodation between Zadar and Split Parking The Journey South: Biograd na Moru Vodice Sibenik Krka National Park Primosten Rogoznica Trogir

MAP OF PLACES TO VISIT ON A ROAD TRIP FROM ZADAR TO SPLIT

Transport between Zadar and Split

The main options for travelling along the Dalmatian Coast are private car or public bus. Cycling would also be a fantastic way to travel but that’s another blog post (or another website!). Croatia’s limited train system means travelling by rail isn’t an option.

During our most recent trips to Croatia, we discovered the beauty of renting a car . We are advocates of getting to the most inaccessible places using public transport and/or hitching but in a country like Croatia where car hire can be very affordable, and where the roads are in good condition and easy to drive, I don’t think we’ll ever go back to buses for a Croatian road trip. And while Croatia’s public transport is more developed than in some of the other (non-EU) Balkan countries, factors like fixed (but not regular) schedules and rules about only stopping at designated bus stops, make it harder for independent travellers to reach more off-the-beaten-track places.

Although having your own wheels provides more flexibility, it is possible to explore many of the towns along the northern part of the Dalmatian Coast between Zadar and Spilt by bus. Schedules for long-distance buses can be checked online but, sometimes local buses operate on the shorter distances so it is always worth checking the times at the bus station.

You can also travel much of this coastline by ferry and the Ferry Croatia website has a lot of information about routes and ports.

Accommodation between Zadar and Split

Private apartments and studios are the dominate style of accommodation along Croatia’s coast – something that suits us perfectly as it means we can cook for ourselves most of the time. Compared with other countries in the Balkans, budget travellers tend to find Croatia expensive to travel, but we have a couple of tips for keeping the costs down on your Zadar to Split road trip. The first is to travel outside of the peak July-August summer season – in May, June or late September into October. And the second, assuming you have your own transport or a hire car, would be to stay on the outskirts of towns, rather than in the centre. If you follow both of these tips you could save about 50%, compared with the cost of travel and accommodation during the peak season.

Parking is a bit of a nuisance in Croatia. In busy places, finding a spot can be difficult and when you do, it can be costly to park for any length of time. Streets mainly have metered parking and paid car parks are found in all towns. In popular areas, you’ll also find pop-up parking lots where an attendant armed with a handheld machine will sell you parking by the hour.

On the subject of parking, always check if the hotel or apartment you’re intending to book provides free parking and whether it is private or street parking. If not, you might want to factor the additional cost into your accommodation budget. I always tick the ‘parking’ filter when searching on Booking.com and then carefully check the information relating to each property before making a reservation.

The Journey South: from Zadar to Split

Biograd na moru.

The first place of interest as you journey south from Zadar is Biograd na Moru. Once the capital of the medieval kingdom of Croatia but, despite its historical heritage, most of Biograd na Moru’s medieval splendour was destroyed when the Venetians ravaged the city in the early 12th century. The name is commonly shortened, and today Biograd is a popular resort, sprawling away from the old town peninsula which is surrounded by inlets and marinas (it is a popular sailing area). One of Croatia’s Blue Flag beaches, Dražica, is nearby, as is Lake Vrana, the largest natural lake in Croatia and a national park.

Biograd na Moru is the first of two places in this post which we have yet to visit. However, it’s been recommended to us, so we’ve included it in case you want to check it out before we do! Located about 30km south of Zadar and 50km north of Sibenik, Biograd na Moru is easy to visit en route.

How to get to Biograd by bus from Zadar

Various companies operate regular (although not that frequent) buses between Zadar and Biograd and the journey takes around half an hour. A ticket costs around 3 Euros. To get an idea of the schedules, visit Get by Bus but also double-check at the bus station so you don’t get caught out (there are more buses in the morning than in the afternoon).

Where to stay in Biograd na Moru

The majority of accommodation in Biograd is private apartments. For centrally-located budget accommodation, take a look at Studio Sobe K & L , Apartments Maya and Guest House Dia . For something more mid-range, with sea views, Room Novakovic looks good. Search for accommodation in Biograd na Moru here .

A small town on the Dalmatian Coast just 12 kilometres north of Sibenik, Vodice was on our radar for one reason – a spomenik . Namely the Monument to the Fallen Soldiers of WWII from Vodice, a 10-metre tall white obelisk which can be found on the town’s pleasant waterfront.

At the height of Yugoslavia’s popularity, Vodice was one of the most popular beach resorts on the Northern Dalmatian coastline and developments built in the 1960s somewhat overshadowed any charm the town had. Today, there’s not much evidence left of its history save the 16th century Coric Tower. Quite possibly, the only other historical sight in Vodice is the Church of St. Cross which was built in 1746 and is considered to be one of the most important baroque buildings in the region.

Had we done our research properly (I hate finding something new on Google maps when writing a post), we would have also made the 3-kilometre detour north to see the rather magnificent brutalist-looking Church of our lady of Carmel on Okit Hill , above Vodice. Three short kilometres! We’re still kicking ourselves. The church has been destroyed and rebuilt several times including following World War II and the Balkan Wars of the 1990s. The current construction is by the same architect who designed the Sea Organ in Zadar.

In our opinion, Vodice isn’t a must-see on your Croatia itinerary but it serves as a convenient base for exploring the surrounding area if you find accommodation there that suits your style and budget.

How to get to Vodice by bus from Zadar or Biograd na Moru

A handful of bus companies, including Autotrans by Arriva and Autotransport d.d Šibenik, run between Zadar and Vodice (making a stop in Biograd na Moru). The journey time should be around an hour/hour and fifteen minutes, and a ticket costs around 5 Euros. To get an idea of the schedule, visit Get by Bus , but again double-check at the bus station because most of the buses depart in the morning.

Where to stay in Vodice

There’s not much choice of budget accommodation in Vodice and Hostel Cool is one of the cheapest options in the town. Other budget guesthouses (for this part of Europe) to consider are Apartments & Rooms Samohod , Apartment house Riva , Sobe Mateša , and Apartment and Room Ivica where a double room will set you back around 40 Euros a night.

Private apartments are the most common accommodation option in Vodice , far outnumbering hotels, with plenty to choose from in the 40 to 50 Euros a night price bracket.

Sibenik is one of the prettiest (and most popular) places along this section of the Dalmatian Coast. It is approximately halfway between Zadar and Split so if you wanted to break the journey in just one place, this would be the town to do it in. Sibenik’s architecture provides clues to its past – it spent time under Venetian rule, fought off assaults by the Turks, and was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Sibenik is considered to be the oldest Slavic-founded town in Croatia but, unlike many Croatian towns and cities, the Romans never made it to Sibenik giving the narrow cobbled streets a slightly different feel.

For us, Sibenik’s charm lays in wandering around its medieval cobbled streets, exploring its maze of alleyways, but there are a few sights to ‘tick off’. The UNESCO World Heritage Site listed 15th-century Cathedral of St James is an impressive stone church which took over a hundred years to complete. St. Michael’s Fortress sits on a hill dominating the skyline but is a tad over-restored in our opinion, as is Barone Fortress which seems to be primarily used for concerts and theatrical events. Game of Thrones fans will want to note that some scenes in Season 5 were filmed in Sibenik. The filming locations are the Cathedral of St. James, St. John’s Fortress, and general overview shots of the city were also used.

Sibenik is the only city in Croatia with two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Its second inscription is for St. Nicholas Fortress , an island fort just off the coast. The only way to get to the fortress is to take the boat tour. There are four or five departures a day between May and October and tickets cost about 18 Euros per person. Check the schedule and ticket prices .

The view across to Sibenik, and a typical street scene

TIP : If you want to feel like you’ve got the place to yourself, visit Sibenik early in the morning before groups tours and out-of-town visitors have got going.

If, like us, you are interested in Yugoslavian World War II monuments (spomeniks), you’ll also want to include a visit to the Memorial Park Subicevac. Location: 43°44′33″N 15°53′49.22″E .

How to get to Šibenik by bus from Vodice

Sibenik is just 20 minutes by bus from Vodice BUT (and this is a classic example why travelling independently in Croatia and stopping off at lots of places isn’t as easy as in some other countries), there are only a handful of buses daily (the same ones that are running along the coast between Zadar and Sibenik stopping at the significant towns). Check here or here .

It is also possible to travel between Vodice and Sibenik by ferry, a fantastic opportunity to fully appreciate Croatia’s gorgeous coastline, and quite frankly running almost as frequently as the bus! At a little over an hour, the journey time is longer but at 2.20 Euros per person, the foot passenger fare is a bargain! Check the ferry schedule here .

Where to stay in Šibenik

You’ll pay a premium for being in the Old Town but check the location carefully as many properties are some distance from it. A good compromise for travellers on a budget is to stay in the area between the bus station and the Old Town. This is also the most convenient place if you’re relying on public transport. From here, it’s less than a ten-minute walk to the Old Town.

Good options to consider close to Sibenik bus station are Hostel Splendido and Hostel Globo . Both have double rooms as well as dorm beds (the Splendido also has rooms with a private bathroom). If you usually avoid hostels, take a look at these places before dismissing them because the private rooms are more like hotel rooms.

In the Old Town itself, some options to consider include the Hostel Sv. Lovre , Mirco Rooms , The Palace Mattiazzi Room , If, like us, you prefer to stay in apartments when you travel, we’ve curated these possibilities: Central Sibenik Apartments , Sibenik City Center Apartment Sonia , and Apartments Kokolo .

Krka National Park

Sibenik would be a good base for a day trip to Krka National Park . Krka is one of Croatia’s best-known national parks and although it is inland from the coast it’s only about 10 kilometres from Sibenik. The lush park covers an area of just over 142 square kilometres and is famous for its lakes, gorges and seven waterfalls. This is the second of the two places in this Zadar to Split guide we haven’t yet visited but friends that have enjoyed their trip very much.

There are a lot of options for visiting the park – walking trails, boat trips, cycle tracks etc., and the park’s website has a huge amount of information to help plan a visit. It also lists entrance fees and opening times.

How to get to Krka National Park

The easiest way to visit Krka National Park is, of course, to join a tour, but you can also visit the park independently by taking a bus from Sibenik to Skradin, where one of the park entrances is located.

According to the current schedule , buses leave Šibenik for Skradin daily at 9am, 11.15am, 1pm, 3.30pm and 8.15pm. Return buses are at 10.45am, 12.45pm, 2pm and 5pm. A ticket costs about 3 Euros and the journey should take half an hour. There are a couple of very early departures from Skradin but those aren’t very helpful for a day trip from Sibenik.

Krka National Park has five official entrances , but if you’re driving, Lozovac will probably be the most convenient.

Where to stay in Krka National Park

Whilst Šibenik is a sensible base for visiting Krka, it’s also worth considering Skradin which is a pretty riverside town on the edge of the park. You can take a boat tour to the waterfall from the town’s harbour and it is also possible to hike or cycle into the park from Skradin. This detailed guide to Skradin has inspired us to add the town to our ‘next time’ list.

Skradin has a good choice of accommodation  although you might have to look hard for budget options. A couple of places to consider are Apartments & Rooms Formenti and Rooms Mara .

Approximately halfway between Sibenik and Trogir, Primosten is another historical town which evokes an “Ooh, that’s pretty” exclamation from tourists. The town looks especially photogenic at a distance from where the town has a tiered appearance and it’s easy to see that Primosten started out as an island. In the 16th century, Primosten was a fortified city with a drawbridge connecting it to the mainland. After the threat of the Ottoman Empire was over, the wooden drawbridge was replaced by a stone causeway. The 15th-century hilltop Church of St. George is a good place to aim for during a meander through the cobbled streets and there are lovely views over the bay from the church.

It may not be a surprise to regular readers, to learn that one of our Primosten highlights was an abandoned hotel just outside of the town.

Primosten Old Town and the harbour

How to get to Primosten by bus from Sibenik or Split

Primosten is easy to get to by bus from both Sibenik and Split. There are several buses a day from both towns, and the journey should take around an hour. Timetables for buses from Split can be found on the Split Bus Terminal website .

If you are driving, note that Primosten is closed to non-residential traffic so you will have to park your vehicle in one of the paid car parks just outside the town’s entrance barriers.

Where to stay in Primosten

There is a wide choice of accommodation on Primosten peninsula if you want to stay in an apartment. But if you are looking for a cheap place to crash, you’ll need to stay elsewhere and be content with seeing Primosten as a day trip. Furthermore, many places have minimum stay requirements which aren’t always compatible with a fast-moving road trip.

One of the cheapest places to stay in Primosten is Apartman Kristina which has double rooms (from 40 Euros a night) and studio apartments. Makol is a cute apartment with sea views and is good value (for the area). Others to look at include Apartment Bura and Apartments and Rooms Jakov .

We chose to stay in Rogoznica because of its proximity to Split Airport. We wanted somewhere to spend the night after picking up our hire car off a late afternoon flight. Trogir is closer to Split airport, but Rogoznica was more convenient before starting our road trip north the following day.

With a population of approximately 2,500, Rogoznica is much smaller than the other places listed here with parts of it feeling more like a village. It has a few beaches and coves with swimming platforms but is generally a sleepy place (although it can get busy in the height of the summer). Rogoznica has a strong fishing heritage and is known for its seafood dishes including its own version of the traditional fish stew, brudet . Rogoznica is not somewhere we would list as a must-visit place – these days it is a resort with a rather functional atmosphere, even though, like much of the coast, it has been settled since the 1300s.

How to get to Rogoznica by bus from Primosten

If you are driving, it will take around ten minutes to drive from Primosten to Rogoznica. There isn’t a bus station in Rogoznica, so buses stop on the main road a kilometre or two from the town centre. Combined with the infrequent buses, this might urge you to opt for a taxi if you aren’t driving yourself.

Where to stay in Rogoznica

We stayed at Apartment Jakoubek which is close to the main road, a little out of town. It was cheap for a short stay, and as mentioned, we chose it for practical reasons. Also on the edge of town, but worth considering is Apartments Villa Zrinka . Other budget options to contemplate are Apartment Skorin and Apartments Marin.

Not in Rogoznica but instead facing it from across the bay, Apartments Horizont is an example of the type of accommodation you can get if you have your own transport and are prepared to stay away from the better-known resorts in a slightly middle-of-nowhere location. A studio with a balcony or terrace, overlooking the sea will set you back less than 25 Euro a night in October.

On our most recent trip to Croatia, we used Trogir as a base instead of Split. It worked well and made a nice change to Split which just seems to get busier and busier. The historic part of Trogir is a tiny island a mere 500 by 250 metres, sandwiched between the mainland and Čiovo island and reached by bridges. The picturesque and historic town earned a place on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1997. The petite old town has a lot packed in; narrow lanes, Renaissance palaces and Venetian Gothic mansions and a wide waterside boulevard overlooking a marina.

Trogir gets its fair share of visitors although most of them are day-trippers. We recommend doing your exploring in the morning before they arrive and spending the rest of the day wandering the backstreets of Čiovo or relaxing on the beach.

Trogir’s UNESCO-listed Old Town

How to get to Trogir by bus from Rogoznica or Split

There are hourly buses between Trogir and Split, the journey taking around 45 minutes. From Split to Trogir, buses depart on the hour, but timings are more irregular in the opposite direction. You can check the schedule here , but we would also recommend double-checking at Trogir bus station.

The bus from Split airport to Split centre stops at Trogir bus station making Trogir a convenient alternative to Split for travellers relying on public transport. Or for those with their own transport looking to avoid the higher parking charges in Split town centre.

Where to stay in Trogir

There is plenty of accommodation both within the old town and on Čiovo island . We stayed at Apartments Josip , a small but pleasant apartment up the hill from the historic centre, on Čiovo island. Options in the old town that made our shortlist include Apartments Ivica and Dimora Picco Bello .

Onwards from Split

Split is a three-hour drive from Dubrovnik, but why not break this journey too? Our guide on where to visit between Split and Dubrovnik has all the details.

IF YOU FOUND OUR GUIDE TO PLACES TO VISIT IN CROATIA BETWEEN ZADAR AND SPLIT, PLEASE SHARE IT…

READ MORE BLOG POSTS ABOUT CROATIA

Join our mailing list to receive regular (but not too regular) updates from the road less travelled..

We aim to send a monthly newsletter which includes a round-up of our newest posts featuring off-the-beaten-path destinations, unusual things to do, abandoned places, street art, and more. All designed to help you discover quirky and unusual things to do and see, and explore off-beat destinations.

Thank you for subscribing! Please confirm via the link in your inbox, in order to complete the subscription process.

We hate SPAM too and promise to keep your email address safe. You can unsubscribe at any time...

Trackbacks/Pingbacks

• Abandoned Croatia: Hotel Marina Lučica near Primošten - […] days, Hotel Marina Lučica near Primošten is a shell of its former self. Anything of value was stripped out…

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

The Balkans and Beyond

Balkan travel inspiration and practical travel tips

The Ultimate Day Trips from Zadar, Croatia

The Most Awesome Day Trips from Zadar

Historic Zadar sits on the shores of the Adriatic Sea, in northern Croatia. The town is packed full of Roman ruins, great places to eat and incredible sea views. However, Zadar is also perfectly placed to explore the gems of Northern Dalmatia. Close to Zadar are five of Croatia’s eight National Parks as well as loads of historical sites and outdoor activities. We will introduce you to the most awesome day trips from Zadar, including how to get there, what to bring with you and loads more useful tips.

Visit Krka National Park from Zadar

Krka National Park is a fantastic day trip from Zadar. One of the many phenomenal National Parks in this part of Croatia, Krka is a natural beauty not to be missed! We followed the 3km elevated wooden path around the park admiring the brilliant greens and icy blues of the waterfalls and flora. After walking for a while, and taking hundreds of photos, we found the star of the show, Skradinski Buk waterfall.

The park is located towards the southern portion of Croatia on the Krka River. It is 77km from  Zadar , 87km from  Split  and only 10km from beautiful  Šibenik .

There is a bus from Zadar to Krka National Park. This leaves from Zadar bus station, takes about an hour and costs €10 each way. There are 5 buses per day so plan your times carefully. It is cheaper to book in advance online and we used  GETBYBUS . There is then a ferry at Skradin to take you to the National Park entrance.

Day Trips from Zadar – Discover Beautiful Pag Island

Pag Island has a rather unusual landscape for an Adriatic Island. While parts look like the surface if the moon, there are also beautiful beaches. Pag town is traditional and relatively unchanged for several hundred years. It is know for making beautiful lace and pungent cheese! However, there is also a decent party scene at Zrće beach during the summer.

It is possible to reach Pag town by bus from Zadar. A ticket costs €7 and the journey is under an hour.

Day Trips from Zadar – Plitvice Lakes

One of the most popular day trips from Zadar is a visit to the spectacular Plitvice Lakes. It’s easy to see why! Plitvice is Croatia’s largest national park and has been on the UNESCO World Heritage list  since 1979. During the peak seasons it can be busy and the ticket prices increase. However, plan your trip well and it will be a phenomenal day trip from Zadar!

There are regular buses from Zadar to Plitvice. The journey is around 3 hours and tickets cost about €12 each way.

Explore Paklenica National Park

To the North of Zadar is the phenomenal Paklenica with its rocky canyons, rugged mountains and beautiful wildlife. Hiking in Paklenica National Park is one of the best things you can do in this part of Croatia. And it’s so easy to take a day trip from Zadar!

The National Park is also home to the biggest climbing site in southern Europe as well as being home to extraordinary wildlife and some amazing places to eat.

The bus departs from Zadar bus station and drops you at Starigrad Paklenica. Check it out  HERE.  The early bus leaves at 8am and arrives at 8:50. Our return ticket € 17 each and was bought online with  GETBYBUS . After getting off the bus, there is a 20 minute walk to the park entrance. From this point, there is a further 2km to walk to the canyon where the fun really starts!

Take a Day Trip from Zadar to Split

Split is one of the most popular destinations in Croatia! There is plenty of history to explore in the city’s ancient centre. Make sure you check out the Diocletian Palace and take a stroll along the beautiful promenades.

A day trip from Zadar to Split is super easy by bus as there are several companies running services between the two towns. Typically, it will take a little under 3 hours and cost between €10-15 each way.

Day Trips from Zadar – Relax on the Island of Dugi Otok

Beautiful Dugi Otok is one of the largest islands in the Adriatic Sea. At 45km long, the name translates as “Long Island”. It is also home to part of the spectacular Kornati National Park, stunning Telašćica Bay and many dramatic cliffs and sandy beaches. Dugi Otok is definitely a bit of a hidden gem making it one of the best day trips from Zadar!

Getting to Dugi Otok from Zadar is pretty easy – with enough planning. There are 4 ports on the island but the most popular is Sali. There is a ferry from Zadar to Sali quite regularly throughout the day. Tickets can be bought online  HERE  and cost about €3 each way.

Currently, the Port at Sali is under restoration . This is due to be complete thus year – 2024. The ferry will take you to Zaglav where you will find a bus to Sali. If you miss the bus, like we did, you can walk. However, a portion of the route is on quite a busy road. The bus will also take you back again and runs in time with the ferry departures.

Try a Day of Cycling from Zadar

To the south of Zadar, in the town of Biograd na moru, there is a 50km circular bike route. Along the way you will discover the charms of rural Croatia. It is also possible to take your bike on the ferry to some of the larger island such as Pag and Dugi Otok. Cycling is a great way to explore the islands.

There are many places in Zadar where you can hire bikes for the day and enjoy a bit of exercise as well as the stunning scenery.

Visit the Historic Town of Šibenik

Historic Šibenik is the oldest native Croatian town on the shores of the Adriatic and makes an excellent day trip from Zadar. Don’t miss the Cathedral of St James while exploring the old town. Šibenik is not too far from Krka National Park. If you plan well, you can fit both into one day.

To ride the bus from Zadar to Šibenik will take you around 1h 20min. The ticket prices vary but start from €5 each way.

Day Trips from Zadar – Kornati National Park

One of the ultimate day trips from Zadar is a visit to Kornati National Park. Made up of 109 islands, the scenery around Kornati National Park is breath-taking.

The only way to get to Kornati is with a guide. In the peak season, many companies offer guided tours and most things are included in the price.

Work up an Appetite by Kayaking for the Day

Kayaking is a really cool way of exploring the Zadarian islands. There are plenty of places to hire a kayak for the day. Or you might consider a guided tour by kayak that will take you to all the hotspots!

Discover Nin City from Zadar

Nin is little city in Zadar county. It is very important in the history of this area and a real treat for history fans, as it is the oldest royal city in Croatia. The city is on a small island connected to the mainland by two beautiful bridges. Don’t miss the old town which includes Sveti Kriz Cathedral – the world’s smallest cathedral – and be sure to visit the incredible beaches.

There are regular buses from Zadar to Nin and you can be there in under 30 minutes. Another option, if you’re feeling energetic, is to cycle from Zadar.

After a busy day of exploring the amazing sites around Zadar, you will be welcomed back to the town by the most phenomenal sunset – if you time it right. The famous Zadar sunset was once highly praised by Alfred Hitchcock. He proclaimed, “ Zadar has the most beautiful sunset in the world, more beautiful than the one in Key West, in Florida, applauded at every evening. “ What a way to end the day!

What to Pack for your Day Trips from Zadar

We have put together a convenient packing list for your awesome day trips from Zadar.

• Hiking boots or shoes
• Snacks for travel
• Mini handheld fan (buses get incredibly hot in the summer!)
• Book/audiobook/music
• Water bottle
• Weather appropriate clothing, such as windbreaker and fleece for hiking OR swimsuit and towel for hitting the beach
• Insect repellent
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• Map or downloaded GPS or map application on your phone
• Charging pack if needed
• Decent camera (phone) with plenty of space for pictures of the spectacular scenery
• Cash (Croatian Kuna)
• Driving licence and passport – if hiring a car

Should I Rent a Car for my Day Trips from Zadar?

This is a tricky one, and definitely down to personal preference. North Croatia’s public transport is actually pretty decent and most places are accessible by bus. However, there are very few railways in Croatia. The buses are great for travelling between towns and cities and are fairly priced. However, the timetable can be a bit restrictive, especially out of the busy tourist months. If you are short on time, hiring a car might help you make the most of your day trips from Zadar.

If you decide to rent a car in Zadar, please make sure you take out the full insurance. Drivers in the Balkans have their own unique style…

Plan your journey in advance as there are many small roads and these places can get super busy in peak season.

If you take the plunge and decide that driving is best for you, try  Avax Rent a Car . They are really handy if you are based in Zadar old town and provide a great service.

The Croatian Language

Many Croatians in the cities speak a little English but it is useful to learn a few phrases in Croatian. It is certainly not an easy language for English speakers, but any attempt is greatly appreciated by the locals. Here are a few words to try out:

More information

• For Zadar tourist info click  HERE

Where to go next

Ready for more day trip ideas? Check out our Awesome Day Trips from Tirana, Albania . There is plenty of history and nature to discover in beautiful Albania.

Final note: Things change in the Balkans all the time and there is not much information online in English. We would definitely advise checking with a local where possible. We found people to be really friendly and super helpful.

Have you visited Zadar or anywhere else in Croatia? Are you planning a trip and need more information? Drop a comment in the box, we’d love to hear from you!

Short on Time? Save “The Ultimate Day Trips from Zadar, Croatia” for later by pinning the image below.

Share this:

We love to travel and share our Balkan experiences to assist and inspire

This is such a helpful post. I am planning a trip to Croatia very soon (hopefully), and I am saving this for future reference.

I hopefully get to return to Croatia next year on a business trip. I can’t wait. I love this country. I definitely will save this post. I only saw the airport when I traveled through Zadar.

Great ideas to explore beyond Zadar which everyone should do.

What fantastic options there are I love Plitvice Lakes, Pag Island and Split, will be adding these to the Plan…thank you

This is so helpful! I am hopefully planning a trip to Croatia next year so I am saving this for when I go!

This is helpful for my next trip in the Balkans. Thank you 🙏

We would love to hear what you think! Cancel reply

Jetsetting Fools

Travel Far. Discover More. Spend Less.

8 Fantastic Day Trips From Zadar, Croatia

Welcome to JetSetting Fools, here you will find our best travel tips for destinations worldwide. Some of the links on this site are Affiliate Links and if you use them to make a purchase, we may earn a commission. For more information, read our Disclosure Policy .

The historic town of Zadar, Croatia sits proudly on a peninsula on the Adriatic Sea. The city’s once-necessary defensive walls still encircle most of the old town Zadar. Inside the fortifications is a blend of old and new – from well-preserved Roman ruins to modern convivences.

Why Take Day Trips From Zadar?

Zadar old town is comfortable, with enough sights to entertain, but plenty of opportunities to relax over a coffee at an outdoor café. However, it isn’t just the city itself that makes Zadar such an appealing vacation spot.

Zadar’s location, on the northern Dalmatian Coast, makes it an ideal base for exploring more of Croatia. Stunning islands, national parks and some of the region’s most picturesque places can be reached on day trips from Zadar, Croatia.

8 Best Day Trips From Zadar, Croatia

Our list of day trips from Zadar include the area’s top destinations. For each of the Zadar excursions, we include details regarding transportation and links to book the Zadar day trips via a tour. Even with only one day in Zadar, there may be enough time to take a quick trip from Zadar!

Pin, Save or Bookmark our Zadar Day Trips for your visit to Croatia!

#1 Zadar to Krka Waterfalls

The Zadar to Krka Waterfalls trip was our favorite jaunt while staying in Zadar. Krka National Park is an aqueous wonderland – and an easy excursion from Zadar.

The Krka River, which tumbles in a succession of waterfalls, is surrounded by 42-square miles of protected parkland. Within the boundaries of the Krka National Park are ruins, churches, islands and caves, which are all reachable by organized tours or a DIY day trip.

However, the main attraction is Skradinski buk, the longest waterfall on the Krka River. The single sight alone is worth making the day trip from Zadar to Krka! 

Note : In the past, visitors have been able to swim at the base of the falls, but that is no longer permitted!

How to get from Zadar to Krka : We took a bus from Zadar to Krka, which conveniently stopped near the Krka National Park ticket office in Skradin (admission includes the boat ride from Skradin to Krka).

The Zadar-Krka bus online timetable was not correct during our visit. We bought our tickets directly from the bus station and we suggest others do the same. Be sure to confirm the times on getting to Krka National Park from Zadar by bus (and return) during your trip!

Zadar to Krka National Park Tours : Booking an organized Zadar to Krka National Park Tour can save you the trouble of figuring out how to get from Zadar to Krka Waterfalls – and can increase your time enjoying the wonderful scenery!

Book a top-rated, full day tour from Zadar to Krka National Park on Viator .

Other guided tour options include: a Krka from Zadar Private Tour and a Zadar to Krka Tour of Waterfalls and Wine Tasting . 

{Read all about our Krka NP Trip }

#2 Kornati National Park from Zadar

The Kornati Islands are a Zadar must-see natural attraction! Kornati National Park encompasses 89 islands, islets and reefs – and is best reached by Zadar boat tours; however, the park can also be viewed from the sky with a panoramic flight!

The Kornati Islands beckon adventures with plenty of opportunity for swimming (snorkeling and scuba diving, too!), hiking and wildlife watching.

How to get from Zadar to Kornati : Visitors can get to the park via boat trips from Zadar or personal watercraft (permit required). There is no Zadar to Kornati Islands Ferry. That said, it is one of the best places to visit from Zadar, so it’s worth joining a tour!

Zadar to Kornati Islands Tours : Book Zadar tours to Kornati NP from the docks or in advance. In the busy summer season, we highly recommend booking early so you ensure you get a spot on the tour! 

This  highly-rated 8-hour KNP tour is a fantastic boat trip from Zadar! The full day tour includes breakfast on the way to the Zadar national park, incredible scenic vistas along the route, sights at the Telascica Nature park and time for swimming, too!

#3 Zadar Boat Trips

Spending a day on the water is one of the best things to do in Zadar – and a Zadar boat trip is an excellent way to do it! There are a multitude of options – from ferry rides to Zadar sailing trips to boat excursions to sea kayaking Zadar.

Ferry Trips from Zadar 

Using the ferry is fabulous for visiting the islands off Zadar. Ugljan on the island of Preko is directly across from Zadar and ranks one of the best islands near Zadar for a boat ride and island exploration. A day trip to Dugi Otok from Zadar is also possible with the ferry. 

How to get from Zadar to Ugljan and Dugi Otok : The ferries make these Zadar trips both easy and inexpensive. Find schedules online at the Jadrolinija Ferry official site . 

{Read about our Boat Trips from Zadar to Ugljan and Dugi Otok }

More Islands To Visit from Zadar

There are 140 islands in the Zadar archipelago (including the 89 of Kornati NP). The best way to visit many of these islands is on a boat tour. 

Booking Zadar Boat Tours : Book other Zadar boat excursions in advance, like the half-day sailing tour , a romantic sunset sail or a day trip to Sakarun Beach, Croatia .

Another option is to set sail for the Zadar archipelago aboard a yacht. The small group Sailing Trip  is a full day adventure!

#4 Zadar to Plitvice Lakes National Park

A trip to Plitvice Lakes is one of the best day trips from Zadar! Plitvice Lakes National Park is one of the most popular Croatia tours. Sixteen lakes of intense blue water are connected by a series of tumbling waterfalls. The water flow has carved a deep canyon into the limestone rocks and natural tufa barriers pool the water before it streams over the edge into the next pool.

Wooden boardwalks built just above the water enable visitors to have an up-close experience (although, swimming is not allowed at Plitvice NP).A trip to Plitvice Lakes is one of the best day trips from Zadar!

How to get from Zadar to Plitvice NP : The distance from Zadar to Plitvice Lakes is about 120km; the Zadar-Plitvice bus takes 1 hour 45 minutes each way. It is possible to take the public bus from Zadar to Plitvice, visit the park and take the Plitvice to Zadar bus back in one day.

Zadar to Plitvice Lakes National Park Tour : Alternately, travel with an organized group on a Zadar to Plitvice Lakes tour. Book this highly-rated PLNP tour in advance!

{Read about our trip to Plitvice Lakes in the Winter and Visiting Plitvice Lakes NP in the Autumn }

#5 Sibenik, Croatia Tours

A day trip to Sibenik is one of the popular Zadar tours because of the close proximity of the two cities. The hillside coastal Old Town of Sibenik boasts a fortress, several churches and the remains of it’s defensive walls.

The compact Sibenik Old Town center is a pleasant day trip for anyone looking for things to do near Zadar.

How to get from Zadar to Sibenik : Zadar-Sibenik buses run multiple times a day, making this an easy Zadar DIY Day Trip. Inquire at the Zadar bus station for current timetables. 

{Be sure to read our guide on Things To Do in Sibenik on day trips from Zadar}

#6 Zadar to Split and Trogir (UNESCO Heritage Sites)

South of Zadar, in Central Dalmatia, is Split – one of our favorite cities in Croatia! In the Old Town that fronts the harbor are the remains of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Diocletian’s Palace . Split is also known for its many beaches , nature trails , historic neighborhoods and the long string of cafes that line the buzzing Riva.

Just 29km from Split is the UNESCO Heritage city of Trogir. The historic town occupies a small island, which is connected to the mainland via a short bridge. The best way to explore Trogir is to wander aimlessly through the narrow alleyways of the Old Town.

How to get from Zadar to Split : The bus from Zadar to Split (and Split to Zadar) takes 2.5 hours each way, but there are several buses that make the trip daily. Some buses stop in Trogir, but many do not. Again, we recommend checking schedules at the Zadar bus station for times and stops prior to setting off for the day.

Tours from Zadar to Split : Guides do offer private tours from Zadar to Split and Trogir, which eliminates the hassle of trying to figure out bus schedules! Book Zadar, Croatia tours to Split and Trogir in advance on Viator .

{Read our guide on Split Sightseeing and more on our 3 Day Split Itinerary }

#7 Game of Thrones Locations Tours from Zadar

Game of Thrones fans will be thrilled to visit Croatia, as many of the television show’s scenes have been filmed in the country. With the popularity of the show, there are GOT Tours, including GOT day trips from Zadar, Croatia.

Zadar to Game of Thrones Film Locations : Walking in the footsteps of the show’s characters is best done on private day tours from Zadar, as there are multiple stops in some hard-to-get-to locations. Book a GOT Tour here!

#8 Mostar Day Tours from Zadar

Want to explore beyond Croatia? Take a day trip from Zadar to the fascinating town of Mostar, Bosnia-Herzegovina. Not a short day trip (it takes 3 hours to drive each way), the beautiful Mostar Old Town is definitely worth it!

The iconic Mostar Old Bridge is draped over the emerald green Neretva River and minarets pierce the blue sky. Cafes and restaurants cling to the riverside cliffs and line the cobblestone lanes of Mostar, enticing you in for a coffee or meal.

Tours from Zadar to Mostar : Zadar excursions to Mostar are best done via car or hired guide – and you can search here for a Mostar Tour . There are no bus routes between the two cities that would allow for Zadar day trips.

{Read our guide to Visiting Mostar: 27 Things To Do } 

More Things To Do in Zadar, Croatia

Zadar is one of the best places to visit in Croatia ! An entire week vacation could be filled with day trips from Zadar, but there are things to see in Zadar, too!

Zadar Walking Tour

Zadar sights can easily be discovered by strolling the lanes of the Old Town. However, for more information about Zadar sightseeing, use our free Zadar Self-Guided Walking Tour (which includes a Zadar tourist map of the route) to the top Zadar tourist attractions.

If you would rather a guide lead you on a tip-based free walking tour Zadar, you can join the tour by Free Tours  – or book a guide for a walking tour in advance. 

Looking for more things to do around Zadar, Croatia? Get on two wheels and go on the Zadar Bike Tour. Book it in advance !

Find a Zadar Beach

Kolovare is the Zadar, Croatia beach closest to the center and one of the Zadar top attractions in the summertime. However, there are many beaches along the coastline and on the islands near Zadar. 

Planning A Trip to Zadar, Croatia

There is a lot more to planning a trip to Zadar than deciding which day trips to take! 

Get started with our tips for Planning a Croatian Vacation – where we highlight need-to-know travel info. 

As you research your trip, you will need to stay organized. With our printable Travel Planner , you can download the 26 pages and get started right away!

Deciding between Zadar or Split as a base in Croatia?

We like both Zadar and Split as bases for discovering more of Croatia – and think both cities offer a lot to see on their own! For tips on activities and day trips in Split , read our 3-Day Split Itinerary .

Top Tip: For the Best 2 Weeks in Croatia, read our Ultimate Guide To Croatia !

Where To Stay in Zadar, Croatia

The best place to stay in Zadar is in the historic Old Town. We stayed in an Airbnb Apartment , but there are many Zadar Old Town hotels to choose from, too!

Check out these top-rated hotels (based on guest reviews!) for the upcoming trip: Art Hotel Kalelarga , Hotel Niko and Bastion Heritage Hotel . 

Budget travelers can search for Zadar Hostels – like Boutique Hostel Forum and The Hostel . 

Before making your reservation, read our tips for Booking Hotels at the Best Rate .

Getting To Zadar, Croatia

Visitors can travel to Zadar by plane, boat, bus or car.

Our preferred method of getting anywhere is by flying (we are JetSetting Fools, after all!) and when we need to purchase cheap plane tickets , we start our search for the best deals on airline tickets on Skyscanner .

Flights to the Zadar Airport are seasonal, and are offered from Frankfurt , Amsterdam , Dublin and London (amongst others).

Although there are no trains to Zadar (at least not ones that are efficient for travelers), buses are a good option for reliable transport. Our preferred bus company is FlixBus – as it is economical, clean and comfortable with on-board Wi-Fi,

If arriving by bus, the bus station is not very convenient to the Old Town ( map ), but within reasonable walking distance. Although not 100% reliable, bus schedules can be searched on Bus Croatia and Get By Bus .

How To Get Around Zadar: Transportation

It’s best to get around Zadar on your own two feet – as most of the Old Town is a car-free zone. 

However, travelers may want to consider renting a car for some of the day trips from Zadar. Having a rental can often save time and money (especially when traveling with more than two people) – and allows for greater discovery.  

Pro Tip: Read our Top Tips for the Best Car Rental Rates before you make your reservation.

What To Pack for Travel To Zadar

Now that you know the top Zadar things to do and have planned your Zadar itinerary, it’s time to pack your bags! Whether you travel with a backpack or a suitcase , you can use our pro packing tips! Find all of our advice on our Packing Tips page – and be sure to grab your FREE Packing Checklist !

Durable Shoes

Be sure to  pack a pair of lightweight and comfortable travel shoes for your trip! I am most comfortable walking in historic Croatia cities in my versatile sneakers – but bring flip flops for the beach, too. Kris prefers wearing these shoes by Merrell .

Travel Camera

Croatia is gorgeous – and the stunning scenery can be seen on many of the day trips from Zadar. Rather than relying on your mobile phone to capture the sights, upgrade to an actual camera for higher quality photos. We travel with a Canon Rebel (which takes amazing photos and is a great budget camera for travelers ). 

Croatia Guidebook and Map

Good research often equals a great vacation! It can be helpful to have a guidebook for Croatia prior to arriving – as well as a map !

Croatia Travel Insurance

If you haven’t already obtained travel insurance for your trip, consider traveling protected with World Nomads.

Start planning your trip to Croatia ! Search for the lowest airfares , the best accommodations and fun things to do …then start packing !   Want more travel advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page !

More Croatia Travel Resources

Visiting other Top Destinations in Croatia ? Fantastic! Get ready with all the best tips with our complete guides!

• Best Things To Do in Dubrovnik
• Explore Split on a Free Self Guided Tour
• Top Things To Do in Zagreb
• What To Do in Romantic Rovinj
• Sightseeing in Historic Pula

Looking to go on an Croatia Island Hoping Adventure ? Super! Get set with our detailed guides to Hvar , Korcula , Brac and Vis !

Pin it! See all of our travel pins on our JetSetting Fools Pinterest Board .

Share This Story!

• Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)

2 thoughts on “ 8 Fantastic Day Trips From Zadar, Croatia ”

Comments are closed.

Day Trips from Zadar

Zadar’s location at the northern part of Dalmatia make it very suitable for visiting other towns and cities in this region, as well as some of the local islands and National Parks…and those slightly further afield. Here, we’ll take a look at the options for day trips from Zadar.

Day Trips from Zadar – Plitvice Lakes

Visiting the Plitvice Lakes National Park  is probably one of the most popular day trips for those staying in Zadar! Luckily, it’s very possible to visit the park in a day as there’s an early morning bus out to the National Park, and a return that gets you back to Zadar in the early evening. This means you’ll enjoy a good six hours or so in the Park. (See our guide to Exploring the Plitvice Lakes National Park  to find out what to see and do.)

Journey time is around 2 hours each way; check bus times on the Zadar Bus Terminal website. When buying your tickets at Zadar’s Bus Terminal, ask to purchase a return ticket to make the return journey easier for you.

For those that would prefer not to travel by public transport, it’s possible to join an organised excursion. Viator have a Plitvice National Park Full-Day Tour which includes a guided tour in the park.

Day Trips from Zadar – Kornati Islands

Zadar is ideally situated for visiting another of Croatia’s national parks, the Kornati Islands  (pictured below). However, due to the protected and isolated nature of the islands, they do need to be visited with an organised excursion as there’s no ferries to the islands.

Because they are relatively close to the mainland, it’s easy to simply enquire at a local agency for details; alternatively, you can pre-book a tour with Viator – their Kornati National Park Full-Day Trip from Zadar gives you an opportunity to visit the islands, including visiting a traditional village and time for swimming. You’ll also visit Telascica Nature Park, on Dugi Otok , and its salt lake.

Day Trips from Zadar – Pag island

The island of Pag  – famous for its lace making, cheese, salt production and nightclubs (what a combination!) is situated just north of Zadar, connected to the mainland by bridge. There are several buses per day to Pag, again making it an easy place to visit on a day trip.

There’s an mid-morning bus from Zadar to both Pag and Novalja (journey time to Pag – 1 hour 20 minutes; to Novalja it’s 1 hour 55 minutes); see the  Zadar Bus Terminal  website for times. Ask the bus to stop at Kolan (see below) if you want to visit Sirana Gligora .

Pag Town has more sights than Novalja, whilst the latter is of course home to some of Croatia’s most famous beach clubs (which operate during the day and at night) on Zrce Beach – which, technically, could be visited by day to relax by the pools with a few drinks.

Kolan, just north of Pag Town, is home to Sirana Gligora which produces some of Croatia’s best known sheep cheese and has won numerous awards for its many products. The dairy runs tours of its premises where you can see production of their cheeses and taste samples of it as well; this would be well worth a trip to the island.

Day Trips from Zadar – Krka National Park

Rounding off the trio of national parks easily reachable from Zadar is Krka National Park . There are direct buses to Skradin, where the entrance of Krka is, which take about an hour. If you find that these bus times aren’t suitable, we would advise travelling to Sibenik first (many buses per day; journey time 1 hour 35 minutes) and then change here for a bus to Skradin.

If you want to head directly to Krka National Park, an organised excursion may be best. Ask locally, or check out Viator’s Krka National Park Full-Day Tour  which includes a guided tour inside the Park.

Day Trips from Zadar – Sibenik

As indicated above, Sibenik is more than suitable as a day trip from Zadar. There are numerous daily buses that run between the two towns, and it’s roughly a 3 hour round trip. Amongst Sibenik’s sights are the Cathedral of St James, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Day Trips from Zadar – Dugi Otok

Of the islands facing Zadar, Dugi Otok ( Long Island in English) is perhaps one of the nicest – its tranquil nature means its one of the most relaxing to visit, and it is home to Saharun Beach, one of Croatia’s nicest (and off-the-beaten-track) sandy beaches, and Telascica Nature Park.

However, it’s a little hard both to get to the island and to travel around on it. Although there are Jadrolinija car ferries to Brbinj at times that would get you there and back in a day, transport from Brbinj to the rest of the island is limited. If you’re very keen to visit Dugi Otok, perhaps enquire locally in Zadar with regards to renting a car for a day to take onto Dugi Otok. Jadrolinija do also operate catamarans to Rava and Bozava on the island, but these aren’t possible to be utilised for a day trip.

Again, ask locally for organised day trips to Dugi Otok. Or, if you fancy splashing out, how about this  Private Saharun Beach Boat Trip which offers swimming, snorkelling and sunbathing!

Other Trips from Zadar

If you fancy taking to the ‘seas’, check out this 3-hour  Sea Kayak Tour which is a great opportunity to see the sights of Zadar from a difference perspective. Or for something less energetic, what about this Croatia Islands Speedboat Experience where you can choose which local islands to visit?

More on Visit Croatia

About Visit Croatia

Contact Visit Croatia

Buy us a coffee!

Cookie Policy

Privacy Policy

Updated daily

New & Updated on Visit Croatia

Bol Porec Two Days in Zagreb Slano Museums in Dubrovnik How to do Croatia on a Budget Two Days in Split Nin Campsites in Croatia Shopping in Zagreb City Break in Croatia Two Days in Pula Family Holidays in Croatia 15 Things You May Not Know About Croatia Two Days in Zadar Koprivnica

Useful information on Croatia

Money in Croatia Visa Requirements for Croatia Buses in Croatia Ferries in Croatia Top Ten Destinations in Croatia Map of Croatia About Croatia

• Select currency
• U.S. Dollar US$
• British Pound £
• Australian Dollar A$
• Canadian Dollar C$
• Swiss Franc CHF

Tours, Activities and Things to do

• Reset All Filters

2 Excursions start from

Our picks for Zadar

• 1 Take a boat tour to Kornati National Park
• 2 Enjoy the waterfalls and nature at National Park Krka
• 3 Take a tour to Plitvice Lakes - the most visited National Park of Croatia
• 4 Explore the beautifull Telašćica Nature Park
• 5 Explore Zadar on a Guided Walking Tour
• 6 Relax on the famous Saharun beach on Dugi Island
• 7 Explore the Island of Pag
• 8 Treat yourself with fine local Wine and authentic food tastings
• 9 Feel the adrenaline on Canoe and Kayak Tours
• 10 Take a hike on the Paklenica mountain National Park

Things to do in Zadar

• Day Tours & Trips (2)
• Culture & History Tours (2)
• UNESCO Tours (2)

Trip duration

Tour destination.

• Sea Organ (7)
• Greeting to the Sun (7)
• Kalelarga street (6)
• Cathedral of Saint Anastasia (6)
• Ugljan Island (5)
• Arsenal (5)
• Five wells square (5)
• Sakarun Beach (Dugi otok) (4)
• National Park Kornati (11)
• National Park Krka (9)
• Plitvice Lakes National Park (8)
• Šibenik (6)
• Telašćica (Island Dugi Otok) (6)
• Pag (Island Pag) (3)
• Klis Fortress (2)
• Paklenica National Park (2)
• Skradin (1)

Tours to Split from Zadar

• Full Day Tour to Klis Fortress, Split and Trogir from Zadar

This trip allows you to experience real Croatia. Visit the historic cities of Split and T?... Read more

• Private Tour to Klis Fortress Split and Trogir from Zadar

Spend your day witnessing some of the best preserved pieces of medieval, Roman and Greek !... Read more

FAQs about - Tours to Split from Zadar

What is the price of tours to split from zadar, how can i pay for booking a tour to split from zadar.

• Pay by credit card - you make the payment online when you make the booking through our secure payment gateway.
• Pay in cash on the day of the tour - you can just make a reservation on our website and pay in cash on the day of the tour directly to the guide or driver. Not all tours have this option - you can view here all tours to Split from Zadar that accept payments in cash .

How much time do tours to Split from Zadar last?

What is the departure time of tours to split from zadar, apart from split, what other attractions can i visit when joining a tour to split from zadar.

• Klis Fortress

What are the bestselling tours to Split from Zadar?

• Game of Thrones - Private Tour from Zadar

How much in advance should I reserve a tour to Split from Zadar?

What are the top 7 recommended tours and activities from zadar.

• Relax on a boat tour
• Visit the National Parks
• Explore Zadar on a Guided Walking Tour
• Have fun on Fishing Trips
• Treat yourself with a fine Wine and authentic food tasting
• Feel the adrenaline on Canoe and Kayak Tours
• Dare yourself and go Skydiving

Will I get a refund if a tour gets canceled, for example because of bad weather?

What is the cancellation policy for tours to split from zadar, how to book tours to split from zadar, zadar travel guides and recommendations.

• 1 Top 7 Things to do in Zadar
• 2 Most popular boat tour destinations from Zadar
• 3 Guide to visiting the National Parks from Zadar
• 4 Guide to National Park Plitvice Lakes Tours from Zadar
• 5 Guide to tours to Kornati Islands from Zadar
• 6 Guide to National Park Krka Tour from Zadar
• 7 Guide to visiting Sakarun Beach from Zadar
• 8 Tips for visiting the Nature Park Telašćica from Zadar

Why should you visit Split?

• Tickets, cards and tours to: Split >>

• Best price guarantee
• Privacy and security
• Terms of Service
• Payment conditions
• Suppliers program
• Affiliate program
• Blogger cooperation
• Free Newsletter
• Reward Points Program
• Tailor made tours and trips
• Hire a guide
• Hire vehicle & driver
• Attractions
• All destinations

Save your wishlist by logging in!

Connect with your favorite social network, or log in with your email.

Register now for FREE

• access your wishlist from anywhere
• see all your orders
• add reviews and share them with other travelers
• get info about special promotions and discounts
• get all the news about the new and exciting offers

Yes please, register now!

• Zadar Tourism
• Zadar Hotels
• Zadar Bed and Breakfast
• Zadar Vacation Rentals
• Flights to Zadar
• Zadar Restaurants
• Things to Do in Zadar
• Zadar Travel Forum
• Zadar Photos
• All Zadar Hotels
• Zadar Hotel Deals
• Last Minute Hotels in Zadar
• Things to Do
• Restaurants
• Vacation Rentals
• Travel Stories
• Rental Cars
• Add a Place
• Travel Forum
• Travelers' Choice
• Help Center

Zadar area - Trip to Simuni and Sibenik, things to do - Zadar Forum

• Europe    
• Croatia    
• Dalmatia    
• Zadar County    
• Zadar    

Zadar area - Trip to Simuni and Sibenik, things to do

• United States Forums
• Europe Forums
• Canada Forums
• Asia Forums
• Central America Forums
• Africa Forums
• Caribbean Forums
• Mexico Forums
• South Pacific Forums
• South America Forums
• Middle East Forums
• Honeymoons and Romance
• Business Travel
• Train Travel
• Traveling With Disabilities
• Tripadvisor Support
• Solo Travel
• Bargain Travel
• Timeshares / Vacation Rentals
• Zadar County forums
• Zadar forum

3 replies to this topic

How much time do you have in each destination and how much walking are you prepared to do?

Thank you we have 4 days in each area, prepared to do a bit of walking but with a 3 year old it is tricky! Ideally want to go to places we could park and have a short walk to sightsee (if that’s possible!!)

Yeah, kids have a way of making it hard without even trying, lol.

Pag is famous for its sheep milk cheese. There are 2 cheese places in Kolan where you can taste and buy cheese and other local produce. They are Gligora and MIH.

A visit to Pag town and Novalja is a must IMO.

A visit to Zadar is also a must IMO. You should time it to be there before sunset. Watch the sunset from the Sea Organ. Stay to see Sun Solutation, which is right next to Sea Organ. Walk around the old town and maybe even have a bite to eat or just coffee/drink.

I suggest a boat tour to Kornati Islands that includes Telascica nature park.

Visit charming Nin if you can fit it in.

Visit to Muskovci would be good if you can fit it in. A short stop in Obrovac would be interesting.

On the way to Sibenik, you could detour to Vransko Jezero nature reserve. One spot that would be a must IMO, is Kamenjak/Vidokovac. It is small detour but well worth it. If you need directions to it, I am happy to provide it.

You would be driving through Vrana and Maskovica Han in Vrana. A short stop in Han would be good. You could just look around or have a coffee or a bite to eat.

From Sibenik, I highly recommend visit to Krka NP. Drive to Skradin, catch the boat to the park and spend half a day there. Do 2 hour optional boat tour to Visovac island.

I love Sibenik.

Any more questions, just ask. I know the area well.

• Zadar area - Trip to Simuni and Sibenik, things to do 3:15 am
• Is Zadar suitable for myself and a 16 year old girl? yesterday
• Tours May 04, 2024
• Day trip May 02, 2024
• Rent a car at airport May 01, 2024
• Arriving late - can we eat or shop anywhere? Apr 30, 2024
• First timer in Zadar Apr 30, 2024
• first time in croatia Apr 30, 2024
• Beach to spend a day in the region Apr 25, 2024
• Peka Apr 23, 2024
• First time Apr 21, 2024
• Sunday shopping for groceries Apr 19, 2024
• Sea swimming / beach easily accessible from Old Town Apr 19, 2024
• Parking for multiple day in zadar Apr 19, 2024
• Private accommodation in Zadar old town 3 replies
• Trains vs buses from Zadar to Split 11 replies
• Transports prices 6 replies
• Zadar to Pula 3 replies
• Zadar to Hvar 8 replies
• ZADAR - Old City Centre Apartment 5 replies
• rent kayak and bike in zadar 2 replies
• Hotel Near the Airport 5 replies
• Rog Dogg rooms 10 replies
• Transport from Zadar to Petrcane 12 replies

Zadar Hotels and Places to Stay

• From Zadar to Pag
• Transport from Zadar airport
• Collection of Trip Reports