A Day In Zadar, Croatia

Blink and you may miss it! The historic and interesting city of Zadar is often used as a quick stop by when driving from Split to Zagreb. But to miss this beautiful coastal spot would be a crime.

A little history: With settlers first said to have arrived here as far back as 8000BC, Zadar has a rich history. Fast forward to the 11^th– 14^th century, the city had to combat with a number of attacks. In a bid to prevent destruction of their buildings, the people of Zadar built walls around the city. Fast forward to today, modern tourists can now appreciate the ancient churches and monuments.

The Old Town is a great place to start your adventure. The white stone Roman streets are home to ornate churches and ancient ruins. The restaurants here are mainly fish and seafood, all fresh from the local sea.

If you follow the city walls from the old town, you will arrive at the idyllic waterfront. Here you can enjoy the Sun Salutation; a large circle of glass that collects the sunrays throughout the day, providing a fantastic light show from sunset to sunrise.

Another treat for the visiting tourists there is also the Sea Organ. Stone steps built up from the sea waves have been designed in such a way that the sea breeze hitting them creates a whistling sound. The design won the European Prize in 2006 for Urban Public Space.

Zadar is classified as ‘off the beaten path’, which means tourist overcrowding isn’t a problem and you can enjoy the unique attractions at your own pace. The best way to explore is by booking an affordable car hire in Croatia and tailor making the trip your own.