Things to do during your trip to Zadar

I spoke recently about what things you need to know before visiting Zadar. But now I need to let you know about all the places you need to see when you visit. I didn’t find much online with what to do. But if you have your car, your opportunities are unlimited of what to see. Depending on how long you’re there, there is loads of things to do during your trip to Zadar. It’s now super easy to get there with Ryanair from Newcastle Airport too.

As I mentioned previously, if you are going to rely on public transport it will be a struggle. But if you pre book tours on the likes of Viator, or use a car there is loads to see.

Zadar Old Town

This is either within walking distance depending on where you are staying, or a Bolt ride away. We stayed at the Falkensteiner Borik, so we needed a taxi most of the time. I would really recommend a walking tour if they’re your thing, we found out so many more places through this than we did ourselves. We found out all the history, as well as where the good bars are, and restaurants to try. We did one through the Zadar Tourist Board at their information centre in Old Town. You must go see the Sea Organ whilst you’re here, it’s so unusual!

The town of Pag

Pag is about an hour away from Zadar. We took the public bus, which is cheap but also only twice a day. So 10am to 6pm. The city again really needs a car, especially if you want to see the views from the hills! They do have a great tourist information centre too, which can give you maps and also good trekking routes. Pag is famous for it’s lace making and salt! Our tour guide Bernard was fab, he showed us so many great places within our time there.

The town of Nin

This is a place I hadn’t heard of before, but our hotel guide took us as we missed our boat tour. Nin is a small town with the prettiest streets and restaurants. It isn’t the busiest of places with loads to do. But it is a nice and easy visit with some great views and history to it.

Plitvice Lakes

We didn’t make it here unfortunately, but it’s first on my list if I was ever to go back again. My friend went the week before me and I’m so gutted we didn’t go. To get here again you need a car, or a booked tour. You will be away a few hours as it’s about an hour from Zadar too. Plitvice Lakes is actually a UNESCO park too, which I never knew until I went to Zadar!

Krka Waterfalls

This is one I hadn’t actually heard of. Our waiter at Habour Cookhouse told us about this, as it was his favourite place in Zadar. We only found out about it on our last night, so never got the change. You can swim in the lakes and falls above. There is also a restaurant overlooking the falls to enjoy whilst you’re there.

Sailing tour

We booked our sailing tour through our hotel, but there was loads of places near Old Town to book this too. We went on the nicest sailing boat and visited two islands. Sometimes you can visit more depending on the weather too. There is also some tours which take you snorkelling. The water is so clear around here, so can only imagine how amazing it is.

Oslijak and Preko

This is two little islands from Zadar, literally about 20 minutes from Borik Marina. Oslijak was the most tranquil of islands, I posted about this on Instagram. It’s one you really need to just enjoy a walk and the peace. Preko is a bigger island than Oslijak and has a few restaurants to enjoy whilst you’re there. There is a fortress on the top of the hill which gives you amazing views over Preko and Zadar. There is also an island opposite which you can visit, You have to call the inhabitants of the tiny island, who then come and collect you.

Paklenica National Park

This is also another place we didn’t make it, we didn’t realise you needed a car. There is a bus here but it leaves at 8am and collects you at 7pm. So quite a long visit if you do decide to use the bus. You can also book a tour here, which would be a lot easier. The weather at Paklenica can change the higher you go. So remember your waterproofs and jacket!

I definitely need to book to go back at some point and do all the things I’ve missed. Especially with a car. If you plan on going remember to check out the things you need to know before going to Zadar!