Explore Zadar's Historic Charm, Zadar

Explore the often-overlooked star of Dalmatia, the historic seaside city of Zadar. As the largest city on Dalmatia's northern coast, there's a lot to see and do. You can stroll the marble streets of Zadar's famous Old Town—once the mightiest fortress city in the Venetian Republic—or wander beyond its Venetian gates and stone walls. You'll find Roman and Byzantine architecture examples in the 1st-century Roman Forum, the Cathedral of St. Anastasia, and the 9th-century Church of St. Donatus.

Another noteworthy site to check out is the baroque St. Simeon Church to view the Queen Elizabeth-commissioned sarcophagus. Be sure to stop for lunch and a glass of wine in the center of town at a konoba restaurant like Stomorica. 

After touring the city by day, walk to the waterfront just before dusk to witness another of Dalmatia's most beautiful sunsets. During this time, you can marvel at Croatian artist Nikola Bašić's 72-foot Monument to the Sun art feature while you listen to the nearby Sea Organ play its unending melody, fueled by the ebb and flow of the Adriatic Sea's current. And in the evening, partake of Zadar's to-die-for seafood. There are plenty of great restaurants in the historic center.

Discover more unique experiences in and around Zadar.