Emma’s Itinerary: The Perfect 4 Days in Zadar, Croatia

We started off the day bright and early with a 6:30 am flight! Although this was early, it meant we had the whole day in Zadar to explore, as we arrived around 11 am.

We enjoyed drinks near the marina and grabbed a pastry from one of the local stores.

After unpacking and getting settled, we got ready for the evening, during which we wandered into the Old Town and ate at an Italian restaurant called 4 Katuna, which I highly recommend!

After the meal, we ended the night with drinks at Cafe bar Bizarre, located along one of the side streets in Zadar Old Town.

This morning we walked to Kolovare Beach, stopping to book a half-day boat trip for the next day. We spent most of the day relaxing at the beach, enjoying the sea and sun.

For lunch, we grabbed to-go panninis from Cafe Daloro and took them back to the beach!

We then strolled back from the beach and wandered through the old town before getting ready for our evening meal, located in the old town square called 'Terracotta'. This was very enjoyable and well-located.

We ended the night by having drinks at Restaurant TI, in the Old Town. Opposite was a hotel/nightclub that looked really fun if you wanted to dance!

We were up nice and early for the boat trip, which started at 10 am. The boat trip cost €42 per person, which included a private boat tour around the islands. Our Captain was extremely attentive and friendly! His name was Luca, and I would highly recommend him!

During the boat trip, there were stopping points where you could swim and use the paddle board (my favourite)! The waters were some of the clearest blue I have ever seen!

I recommend packing a lunch as food is not included on the boat! However, Luca did serve us an unlimited amount of his special red wine!

After the boat trip, we walked up the steps of the Cathedral (entry: €4 per person) to take in the views of Zadar from the top. I think this is well worth the struggle of the climb, because the views were breathtaking!

In the evening, we walked to the Sea Organ in the Old Town to watch the sunset, which was beautiful! The Sea Organ will be louder when the sea is rougher, and quieter when the sea is calmer!

We enjoyed our meal at Kulf; however, although enjoyable, it wasn't our favourite! We then walked to Deja Brew Pub, a small, lively pub recommended by one of the locals, before ending the night!

Our last day consisted of wandering around the Old Town and revisiting the beach for a relaxing end to the trip. We enjoyed Ice Cream at Bob Rocks (I'd highly recommend the Roche flavour)!

We then had our last evening meal at Brushcetta. This was our favourite restaurant by far. If you need a fantastic restaurant recommendation in Zadar Old Town, this was incredible! We enjoyed our mains, sides, and dessert before walking back over the bridge and having drinks at Branimir, next to the marina.

We headed to bed early in anticipation of our early 6 am flight!

WHO WOULD THIS TYPE OF TRIP BE SUITED TO?

Anyone! Zadar truly blew me away with its beauty and is somewhere I would definitely go again! Since it is quite small, everything is within walking distance.

There are areas to relax, places to explore, and good food to enjoy!

FAVOURITE RESTAURANT VISITED?

Bruschetta was by far the best restaurant! It was reasonably priced and the food was delicious! You can get an enormous plate of muscles for €17!

The service was excellent and the staff were super friendly! The interiors were beautiful, and the location was amazing!

GENERAL COMMENTS AND TIPS:

If you plan to watch the sunset at the Sea Organ, arrive earlier, as it can get busy.

If you plan to take a boat trip, please note that it is a cash-only operation. So make sure you bring enough cash with you!

If you have time, it would be worth visiting the Plitvice Lakes National Park! It is something that we didn't have time to do, but it looks incredible!

BEST EXPERIENCE FROM THE TRIP?

The boat day was the highlight of my trip! Whether you spend a little extra for a private boat tour (there were 7 of us, so it wasn't much more per person) or experience a larger boat, a boat trip is a must-do!

Half a day was a great amount of time; however, a full day would also be extremely enjoyable!