Hotels & Accommodation in Zadar

Zadar Hotels

The Zadar Peninsular reaches out into the coral-blue Adriatic Sea, providing a safe haven for the city's beautiful Old Town - where Roman squares, crooked church towers, and soaring city gates mingle. A tumultuous, 3,000 year history has seen Zadar conquered by everyone from the Romans to the Venetians, and - after being heavily damaged in both World War II and the Yugoslav War - it's a testament to the spirit of this city that it comes back stronger each time. Outside the city limits, you can unwind on beaches - where turquoise waves carry tiny fishing boats out to sea - or enjoy days hiking through no fewer than 5 national parks.

Things to see

The sea literally sings in Zadar, as an incredible piece of artwork gives the waves that lap ashore a voice. Organ pipes, below the concrete boardwalk, resonate with haunting tones as the waves roll against them, to create a hypnotic melody that rumbles eternally, and evolves constantly. The organ's ocean-side lament is complimented by The Greeting to the Sun installation, which was created by the same artist, Nikola Basic. A sphere of solar panels soak up the sun's rays during the day, before shimmering atmospherically at night. Walk across the vivid glowing panels, and watch as waves of neon colour swirl mesmerically below your feet. Soak up some sun for yourself by trekking out to Paklenica National Park - where you'll stumble across burbling streams, flowered shrines and colossal gorges. Strap on a harness to scramble up bare rock faces, or get your walking boots on and enjoy long hikes up to peaks that look down over the vineyard-laced Kornati Islands.

Hotels in Zadar

Sit back, as the sun warms your face, and enjoy views across the dark Adriatic Sea to Uglijan Island, from the comfort of your private balcony. Bare stone walls add effortless character to the city's rooms, while piles of pillows, and fine Egyptian cotton sheets, will usher you into a sound sleep each night. Swim relaxing lengths of cool outdoor pools, or get dizzy while making a splash on spiralling water slides. Cheaper hotels in Zadar offer great value, as well as WiFi, flat-screen televisions, tea and coffee making facilities, and spacious ensuite bathrooms.

Where to stay

Staying in the Old Town lets you breakfast at rustic outdoor cafes, before wandering to sites like the Roman Forum - which is neatly strewn with rocks and ruins that bear faint inscriptions from the Roman times. Climb the steps of the beautiful Church of St. Donat's Byzantine bell tower - which rises above the city like a rocket – to see breathtaking views of the beaches that stretch around the city. If those white sands tempt you, a hotel at the beach-blessed Borik will suit you down to the ground – letting you stay surrounded by beautiful seas, dotted with inky patches of coral. Tisno is the place for party animals, and the throb of huge sound systems will rattle your eyeballs if you're there during the annual Garden and Soundwave Festivals.

How to get to Zadar

Zadar's small airport gets busy in the summer months, when seasonal flights from the UK, Germany and France touch down. Airport busses are conveniently timed to coincide with arrivals, so you can reach the city centre – and the Old Town - with ease. Busses also link Zadar with other major Croatian cities, or you can sit back and travel from Venice in 6 hours. If you are in Italy, then sailing in from Ancona's port is one of the most relaxing ways to arrive.