A Weekend in Zadar, Croatia

After leaving Plitviče Lakes National Park, we headed south towards Zadar. Not wanting to go as far as Split and Dubrovnik, Zadar County was the perfect destination to experience the natural beauty and rich history of the Dalmatian Coast.

TRAVEL

Zadar is located in the northern part of the Dalmatia region of Croatia. I recommend driving to Zadar, if possible, because you will want a car to visit other towns in the area. You can also fly or take a bus into Zadar and rent a car there. We drove down from Plitviče Lakes National Park, which took less than 2 hours. From Zagreb it is approximately a 3 hour drive, and from Split it is just under 2 hours.

SLEEP

Falkensteiner Apartments Petrčane  |  Since we wanted to explore the whole region, we chose to stay centrally located in Petrčane. This apartment was spacious and had a great pool and beach area. This was perfect as we liked to spend the mornings at the beach or the pool. Then in the late afternoon once it cooled off a bit, we would head out to explore nearby destinations, such as Zadar, Nin, and Pag Island.

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SEE & DO

Keep reading for recommendations on things to see and do in Zadar, Petrčane, Nin and Pag.

Zadar, Croatia

Zadar is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe, and this area has been populated since prehistoric times. Today, it is a popular tourist destination, packed with history, culture and tons of things to see and do. It was even voted the Best European Destination of 2016.

SEE & DO IN ZADAR:

Listen to the Sea Organ  |  Created by Croatian architect and artist Nikola Bašić, the Sea Organ (or Morske Orgulje) is my favorite thing in Zadar. Sit along the marble steps and listen to the haunting music that is made by waves pushing air through the 35 underwater pipes. This is especially enchanting at sunset, and one night we sat for hours as my kids danced and moved to the music.

Experience the Greeting to the Sun  |  This solar powered, circular work of art was designed by the same artist who designed the Sea Organ. It comes alive after the sun sets, lighting up in an array of colors and patterns. Kids will love dancing across the glass surface, chasing the lights, and it makes for a wonderful photo with the sunset in the background.

Climb the St. Anastasia Bell Tower  |  Right in the center of Zadar, this is the largest church in all of Dalmatia. Climb to the top of the bell tower for an amazing view of Zadar, the Adriatic Sea, and the Islands in the distance.

EAT IN ZADAR:

Kornat  |  Fine dining and kid-friendly usually don’t really go together. But at Kornat, they do somehow. This is a beautiful, upscale restaurant right on the water, with delicious Croatian food. And they couldn’t have been nicer or more accommodating to my kids.

Slasticarna Donat  |  There are plenty of ice cream shops in Zadar, but our favorite is Slasticarna Donat. With tons of flavors, everyone will be happy. Take a break from the heat and get yourself a cone.

Petrčane, Croatia

Petrčane is located just 10 km north of Zadar, and is one of the best beaches in Zadar County. It also has a very cute little downtown area, filled with cafes, restaurants, and gorgeous views of the water. Petrčane is a very popular summer destination, and there are plenty of apartments and villas for rent in the area. If you are looking to explore the entire region during your stay, this makes a wonderful home base for your trip.

SEE & DO IN PETRČANE:

Enjoy the Beaches  |  Petrčane is a great home base for seeing all of Zadar county. But you are going to want to allow time to enjoy the gorgeous beaches first. The beaches in Petrčane are rocky, but once you get in the water, the bottom is mostly sand. The water is calm and clear, and perfect for little kids.

Walk along the Promenade  |  Stroll along the promenade that follows the coastline through Petrčane. You will pass beautiful homes, marinas, beaches, parks, and the charming downtown area. You may also want to stop for a drink or an ice cream along the way.

EAT IN PETRČANE:

Bistro Punta  |  A small, friendly, family-run restaurant that serves traditional Croatia food, right next to the apartment that we stayed in. In the mornings, they serve coffee and croissants.

Nin, Croatia

Nin is a small town located on an islet in a shallow lagoon in Zadar County, founded over 3,000 years ago. It is connected to the mainland by two bridges dating back to the 16th century, one for pedestrians, and one for cars. Nin’s rich history (it was the first capital of Croatia!) and beautiful surroundings make it a great place to spend an afternoon or evening.

SEE & DO IN NIN:

Check out the Roman Ruins  |  While in Nin, you can’t miss the remains of the largest Roman Temple on the Adriatic Sea, dating back to the 1st Century AD. The sheer size of the last remaining pillar is impressive.

Visit The Church of the Holy Cross  |  This Croatian Pre-Romanesque Catholic church was built in the 9th century, and is known as the smallest cathedral in the world. It’s elliptical shape was designed to act as a type of sundial and calendar. Ahe area around the church is a perfect place for kids to run and play.

EAT IN NIN:

Aenona  |  Set back off of the main street with a beautiful patio under a canopy of trees, we happened upon Aenona after walking around Nin. It was such a peaceful atmosphere, and the food (especially the Pag Cheese) was great.

Pag Island, Croatia

Pag is a long, narrow island north of Zadar, connected to the mainland by a bridge. It is known for having amazing cheese, a moon-like landscape and olive groves for days. And it is becoming quite popular for the great nightlife at Zrće beach, but we didn’t check that out with the kids.

SEE & DO ON PAG ISLAND:

Experience the unique landscape of Pag  |  Driving across the bridge to Pag feels like you are entering a different world. The landscape becomes barren and rocky, and you feel as if you are driving onto the moon. As you drive north, the landscape begins to change again, and you see groves of olive trees, and pastures full of sheep divided by ancient stacked stone walls. These walls are stacked like a puzzle so that they can stay put without mortar, and are used to divide property and corral the sheep. They are also used to protect the sheep from the strong winds that sweep over the island.

Visit the Olive Gardens of Lun  |  If you keep driving to the northernmost tip of the island, you will find the Olive Gardens of Lun. The tiny town of Lun was founded in 1653, and the oldest olive trees here are approximately 1600 years old. Come at sunset, after all of the daily visitors have left, and walk through the olive trees down to the sea. As the sun sets and the air becomes still, you will be awarded with the most gorgeous light, untouched nature, and a serenity that will delight you.

EAT ON PAG ISLAND:

Pag Cheese  |  Pag cheese (Paški sir) gets its distinctive and wonderful flavor from the unique environment of Pag Island. The strong Bora winds (the same ones that we experiences while sailing in northern Croatia) whips the surface of the sea, spraying sea water all over the land. The sea salt residue allows wild herbs such as lavender, sage, rockrose and mint to thrive. The sheep graze on these wild herbs, which makes a unique, fatty milk. All of this helps make Paški sir the most delicious cheese you will ever taste.

Gostionica Jadran  |  Just past the Olive Gardens of Lun, where the road ends, is the little restaurant Gastionica Jadran. Sit outside on the terrace and enjoy freshly caught fish with a gorgeous view.

MORE

Read more about our road trip through Croatia.

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