Zadar is located in the center of the most indented part of the Croatian Adriatic. It is a city of exceptional history and rich cultural heritage.
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Location and climate
Zadar is surrounded by three national parks – Paklenica, Krka and Kornati, nature park Telašćica and more than 300 islands and islets. The average temperature during the warmest month July amounts to 25 °C. Zadar has approximately 200 sunny days per year. The coldest month, January, has the average temperature to 6,5 °C.
History and sights
Zadar was the capital of Dalmatia for centuries, ruled by the French, Romans, Byzantium, Venice and Croatian rulers. It is a town with rich cultural heritage that can be seen at every step: St. Mary's bell tower from the 1105, the Roman Forum from the 1st century, St. Anastasia's Cathedral from the 13th century, People's Square with the City Lodge and Guardhouse from the 16th century and other historic monuments. St. Donatus' Church from the 9th century is the most famous medieval church and trademark of the city.
Today
Zadar is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Croatia with long tradition in tourism due to the natural beauties, numerous bays and beaches, cultural and historical monuments and various gastronomy offer with Croatian specialties. Among the homemade drinks, the most famous is Maraschino. For sport lovers, there are numerous football, basketball and tennis grounds. Zadar also has ideal conditions for water sports, like surfing, rowing, sailing, diving, fishing etc. The cultural life is also rich and diverse. During the summertime are held Festival of Modern Theatre and Zadar Summer Theatre. Music nights are traditionally held in St. Donatus. The first sea organs located on the waterfront of the old town are definitely must see in Zadar. The waves will compose an unforgettable melody for you, while you enjoy one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world.
How to arrive?
By plane
The Zadar's airport Zemunik is around 8 km away from the town. There are flights on a daily basis from Zagreb to Zadar and vice versa. The Split airport is 150 km away from Zadar. There are public bus services from Split to Zadar on hourly basis.
By car or bus
If you are arriving from the direction of north, the fastest way is the highway Zagreb – Split, or the alternative old route Zagreb – Karlovac – Plitvice – Gračac – Zadar. If arriving from the direction of Italy, the fastest way is highway from Rijeka or the junction Žuta Lokva, 60 km south from Rijeka. Or if you prefer traveling along the coast, you can go via Trieste, Rijeka and then use the Adriatic highway toward Zadar.
By ship
There are regular ferry lines from Rijeka to Zadar, and also international ferry lines from Ancona toward Zadar. The trip from Ancona lasts 7 hours, but there are also hydrofoil boats, which will get you to Zadar in 3 hours.