In which quarter house in Zadar?

Are you leaving for the Croatian coast for the holiday? Here is our guide to find out where to stay in Zadar!

Located north of Dalmatia, the city of Zadar is one of the jewels of Croatia, the feet in the Adriatic Sea. It is also a crossing point on the Balkan road, between Italy and Dubrovnik Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Montenegro. With 72,718 inhabitants, Zadar breathes like a quiet little city enjoying an ideal Mediterranean climate with sun all year round.

Crickets, turquoise waters, baroque palaces, Mediterranean and Balkan cuisine: Zadar has a lot to offer to its visitors. The cost of Croatian life will delight more than one: it is much less than in France, although renting a room to stay in Zadar can be expensive.

The city was many times taken, occupied, dominated or besieged by the empires since its founding in 900 before our era: the Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire, the Venetian Empire, the Ottoman Empire, the Croatian kingdom, Austria and Italy, the Yugoslav Republic. The result is a large number of historic buildings with multiple influences. Here's where to stay in Zadar.

Downtown

The historic quarter of the city located on a protected peninsula, the city centre is also the heart of commercial and tourist activity. Zadar is much less frequented than Dubrovnik and Split. Indeed, a much more authentic and peaceful atmosphere reigns in the streets of downtown. To visit the city centre, everything is on foot: you will cross the church of Saint-Donat – the most famous of Zadar – the ruins of the Roman forum, the church of Sainte-Marie, the cathedral of Sainte-Anastasie, the People’s Square, the Place des Cinq Puits, the organ of the sea.

The colourful alleys of the old center leave an impression of being in Italy, and for cause: Zadar was once administered by the republic of Venice, which influenced its architecture. Around Varoška ulica Street, a large number of small cafes, bars, terraces and restaurants are on the street and often offer a nice view of the sea, sunset and surrounding islands. Do not hesitate to jump into the water of the pier to refresh yourself. The city centre is the best place to stay in Zadar.

Outside the city centre

South of the peninsula is a strategic area where you can stay in Zadar: the port, ideal for taking a ferry the next day and radiating in the Zadar archipelago. For example, Osljak Island. You will also find the Zadar bus and train station, surrounded by guesthouses and hotels. Staying in Zadar will leave in your memory an intractable memory!

Main photo credit: Flickr – Julien