Things to do in Zadar when traveling with yacht
Zadar is a city of romance and love, as well as a place of passion and spirit. And because of its great location, it is a great starting point for reaching the party island Pag and the national park Kornati.
The city is most famous for its Sea Organ, Greeting to the Sun, and many music festivals.
Being a charming place without many tourist crowds, this ancient Mediterranean place is ideal for a yacht charter peaceful getaway.
And after the Goolets team chooses the optimal yacht for your group, our concierge team will recommend you the best attractions, restaurants, and things to do in Zadar area.
Interesting facts about Zadar
- TripAdvisor rated Zadar as the no.1 city in 2016
- The Red Bull Wings for Life Race is organized in Zadar
- Alfred Hitchcock stated that Zadar sunset is the most beautiful in the world
- Zadar has the first Sea Organ in the world that produces sounds using only the power of wind and sea waves
Must-see attractions
Here are some of the attractions you can not afford to miss.
Morske Orgulje (Sea Organ)
Zadar’s incredible Sea Organ, designed by local architect Nikola Bašić, is unique. Set within the perforated stone stairs that descend into the sea is a system of pipes and whistles that exude wistful sighs when the movement of the sea pushes air through it. The effect is hypnotic, the mellifluous tones increasing in volume when a boat or ferry passes by.
You can swim from the steps off the promenade while listening to the sounds. This is a superb spot to peacefully watch the sun go down to the mesmerizing tones of Zadar’s most popular attraction.
Zadar City Gate and walls
Once the largest city-fortress in the entire Republic of Venice, Zadar’s walls allowed it to retain more of its independence than most of its neighboring cities. When you pass the walls you will see famous Five Wells Square.On top of the bastion above the Harbour Gate is a promenade called the Muraj – a peaceful vantage point over the mainland opposite and the people crossing the bridge. Best thing is just to wander in streets of Zadar and be surprised by walls of Zadar.
The Greeting to the Sun
Another wacky and wonderful creation by Nikola Bašić (along with the nearby Sea Organ), this 22m-wide circle set into the pavement is filled with 300 multi layered glass plates that collect the sun’s energy during the day. Together with the wave energy that makes the Sea Organ’ssound, it produces a trippy light show from sunset to sunrise that’s meant to simulate the solar system.
It also collects enough energy to power the entire harbour-front lighting system. The place is packed with tourists, excited children and locals every night, especially at sunset, when the gorgeous sea views and the illuminated pavement make for a spectacular sight.
Church of St. Donat
This is the symbol of Zadar. Church of St. Donat is a round pre-Romanesque church that was called the Church of the Holy Trinity until the 15th c., and from that time on carries the name of Saint Donat, by the bishop who had it built. The church was mentioned for the first time around the 10th c. in the documents of the Byzantine Emperor Constantine VII Porphyrogennetos. Today its space is used, due to its extraordinary acoustic features, for musical performances.
Zadar Cathedral
The Cathedral of St. Anastasia (Croatian: Katedrala sv. Stošije) is the Roman Catholic cathedral of Zadar, Croatia, the seat of the Archdiocese of Zadar, and the largest church in all of Dalmatia. The church’s origins date back to a Christian basilica built in the 4th and 5th centuries, while much of the currently standing three-nave building was constructed in the Romanesque style during the 12th and 13th centuries. The site has been submitted to UNESCO’s Tentative List of World Heritage Sites.
Archeological Museum
This museum is like driving a time machine. Archeological remains from 7th till 12th century are exposed on the ground floor. On the first floor are exposed numerous objects illustrating life in northern Dalmatia in the Roman times. On the second floor is exposed pre historic archeological material from the Stone Age and the Metal Age (about 10.000 BC up to the arrival of the Romans). Great option for an hour or two to escape from hot summer days.
Monastery of St. Francis of Assisi
Built in early 13 century. This monastery was very important as a center of Catholic influence in Zadar. It is the oldest gothic monastery in region Dalmatia. Furthermore, this was a place where the Venice Republic and Austro-Hungarian Empire signed “Peace of Zadar” where the Venice Republic didn’t claim any more rights on Zadar.
Personality quiz
Take this short quiz and receive a detailed description of the best holiday type for your personality.
The best restaurants to consider in Zadar
Several places where you can expect only the superb food and drinks experience. Goolets has personal contacts with the owners of these places. They take special care of our guests.
Restaurant Kaštel
Ul. Bedemi zadarskih pobuna 13A, 23000, Zadar
Hotel Bastion’s fine-dining restaurant offers contemporary takes on classic Croatian cuisine (octopus stew, stuffed squid, Pag cheese). France and Italy also make their presence felt, particularly in the delectable dessert list. Opt for the white-linen experience inside or dine on the battlements overlooking the harbor for a memorable evening’s dining.
Restaurant Pet Bunara
Stratico ul. 1, 23000, Zadar
Pet Bunara with exposed stone walls inside and a pretty terrace lined with olive trees, this is an atmospheric place to tuck into Dalmatian soups and stews, homemade pasta and local faves such as octopus and turkey. Save room for a traditional Zadar fig cake or cherry torte.
Kornat Restaurant
Liburnska obala 6, 23000, Zadar
Sitting pretty in a prime harbour-front spot with lots of polished wood and a slim covered terrace, this elegant Kornat is one of Zadar’s best restaurants. The cooking marries fresh Croatian produce, rich French-style sauces and plenty of Italian touches. The seafood, however, is a touch on the pricey side for what you get.
Gourmet Kalelarga
Široka ul. 2A, 23000, Zadar
Beneath the Art Hotel Kalelarga, this chic little beige cafe is your best option for a cooked breakfast or a decadent cake. As the day progresses, the focus shifts towards more substantial Dalmatian fare. Service is very good here.
Foša Restaurant
Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 2, 23420, Zadar
With a gorgeous terrace that juts out into the harbor and a sleek interior that combines ancient stone walls with 21st-century style, Foša is a very classy place. The main focus of chef Damir Tomljanović is fresh fish, plucked from the Adriatic and served grilled or salt-baked.
Restaurant Niko
Obala kneza Domagoja 9, 23000, Zadar
This wildly popular hotel restaurant Niko is great for grilled fish and other seafood, though the menu has red meat and vegetarian dishes too. It’s your best bet down the Borik end of the city.
Things to do
There's plenty of exciting ideas to do in Zadar.
Plitvice National Park Full-Day Tour from Zadar
Yes! This is the place your friends were showing you about. The most famous Croatian nature gem. The stunning National Park Plitvice Lakes. Enlisted in UNESCO heritage list, always on a bucket list for travelers.
Every season has its own unique charm and the Plitvice Lakes with their alternating colors and every new awakening, both trapped in ice or in the shade of the trees, will leave you with a very distinct, unique and invaluable impression. Takes you only 1,5-hour driving from Zadar to Plitvice. This is a must.
Zadar Explore Bike Tour
The easiest way to get to know Zadar is by Bike Tour, so do not hesitate to let yourself be in the hands of our guide and get started. In this tour, you will have the opportunity to see the most beautiful city beaches and most interesting parts of the city. We will introduce you to the rich history of the city, which is over 3000 years old.
National park Krka
This is the second National Park that your friend told you about this but you maybe had problems with remembering its name. How do we pronounce it, right? No worries, you will learn that when you get there. The national park Krka is a vast and primarily unaltered area of exceptional natural value, including one or more preserved or insignificantly altered ecosystems.
Krka River is 72.5 km long, making it the 22nd longest river in Croatia. It springs in the foothills of the Dinara mountain range, 2.5 km northeast of Knin. With its seven waterfalls and a total drop in altitude of 242 m, the Krka is a natural phenomenon. The travertine waterfalls of the Krka River are the fundamental phenomenon of this river. Takes you less than an hour to get there. Amazing, right?
Museum of Illusions
The Museum of Illusion in Zadar brings you into the entertaining world of illusions which has delighted all generations. It’s a perfect place for new experiences and fun with friends and family and it’s unique in this part of Europe. Not only is it a place for children who adore coming, but also a place for parents, couples, grandmothers, and grandfathers.
The best way to explore Zadar is by a yacht
Select your search criteria and yachts will be listed accordingly
