Zadar Yacht Charter Guide

An ancient city with an exceptional amount of history and culture to discover, Zadar is a coastal Croatian destination in the heart of the Adriatic. As picturesque as its cousins Dubrovnik, Split and Zagreb, Zadar's popularity has increased in recent years but still remains quieter than the southern stretch of the Dalmatian coast. A charter here can include mornings strolling the city streets, day trips to local islands and beaches and adventures to nearby national parks. A true gem in the crown of Croatia, a vacation in Zadar will create memories that last a lifetime.

Best time to visit: July and August are the most popular months to visit the region. To avoid the crowds, May and September offer beautiful weather and a more tranquil atmosphere. 

Key cruising areas: Zadar is a destination in itself, but also is an ideal place to start island-hopping throughout Croatia. The island of Dugi Otok is just a 30 minutes sail away so can be explored for a day or two if you wish to escape the city. From Zadar, you can also visit the Kornati Islands, a beautiful archipelago that offers lovely sailing and a variety of anchorages.

Don't miss: Stroll along the Riva Waterfront and take in the views of the crystal blue sea. If you're feeling brave, take a dip in the water with the locals. On the promenade you will find the Sea Organ, a permanent installation that plays music as the waves push into its pipes.

Best spots for wining and dining: Foša is a trendy spot for dinner with a modern take on traditional Dalmatian cooking – it has been ranked in Croatia’s top 20 restaurants so is well worth a visit. For lunch, try Pet Bunara to experience local, seasonal and organic food such as Dalmatian stews, homemade pizzas and risottos. After dinner, La Bodega is a tunnel-like wine bar that offers a wide selection of Slovakian and Croatian wines and a buzzing nighttime atmosphere.

Best local dish: As with many other destinations in Croatia, fresh fish is a staple ingredient in most dishes. For those wishing to try local delicacies, choose from grilled seafood caught by fishermen and delivered to the restaurant the same day. For an alcoholic tipple, Maraschino is a sweet liqueur that originates in Zadar and is made from the indigenous variety of cherry.

Local culture: There are over 3,000 years of history to explore in the city. The Church of St. Donatus was built in the 9th century and offers a unique insight into Zadar's past. Today, it hosts musical evenings throughout the summer with local artists and orchestras playing in the warm evenings. For history buffs, the Roman Forum is one of the top attractions in Zadar and dates back to the first century AD.

Best beach: Saharun beach on Dugi Otok is one of the country’s best. Unlike many other shores in Croatia, it has beautiful white sand and long stretches of turquoise shallow water – visitors may be reminded of their favorite spot in the Caribbean. Kolovare beach is another great option and is just a 20-minute walk from the city center. 

IYC recommends: There are three national parks to enjoy near Zadar: Paklenica, Plitvice Lakes and Krka where you can hike, walk, rock-climb and swim in waterfalls. Krka is particularly spectacular as you enter the park via the beautiful Krka river to Skradinski Buk. Jump into the designated swimming area and spend an afternoon below the waterfalls.