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Zadar travel guide

The Sea Organ, famous sunsets and island trips

The Sea Organ in Zadar. Photo: Ben Snooks, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

2h 15mflight from London
ZADnearest main airport
26° in Augwarmest month
9° in Jancoolest month

Zadar is a historic port with Roman ruins, churches and a waterfront famous for its sunsets. The Sea Organ plays music using the waves, and the Greeting to the Sun lights up at dusk.

It's a good base for Plitvice, Krka and the Kornati islands.

Good forSunsetsHistoryIslandsValue

What Zadar is known for

  • The Sea Organ

    Pipes played by the waves.

  • Sunsets

    Hitchcock called them the best in the world.

  • Roman Forum

    Ruins in the old town.

  • Kornati

    A national park of 89 islands.

Top things to do in Zadar

  1. 1

    The Sea Organ

    Listen to the waves make music.

    Find tours and tickets
  2. 2

    Greeting to the Sun

    A solar-powered light show at dusk.

    Find tours and tickets
  3. 3

    Kornati National Park

    Boat trips among bare islands.

    Find tours and tickets
  4. 4

    The old town

    The Roman Forum and St Donatus.

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See all tours and tickets in Zadar

Where to stay in Zadar

Find a hotel in Zadar

Best time to visit Zadar

Best value: Apr–May, Sep–Oct. May, June, September and October: warm and sunny.

  • Best valueGood weather, smaller crowds
  • PeakBusiest, highest prices
  • QuietCheapest, cooler or wetter
8.9 C9°J8.9 C9°F11.1 C11°M14.2 C14°A18.2 C18°M22.7 C23°J25.6 C26°J25.7 C26°A21.6 C22°S17.7 C18°O14.1 C14°N10.4 C10°D
Bar height is the average temperature in Zadar, °C, 2001–2025 (NASA POWER).

Getting there and around

About 2h 15m from London to ZAD, and flights from most UK airports.

Walk the old town. Buses and ferries go to islands and parks.

Find flights to Zadar (ZAD)

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Good to know

  • Get to the Sea Organ for sunset.
  • Zadar is a cheap flight base.
  • Krka and Plitvice are both reachable in a day.
Croatia guidesVisasPlugs & adaptersWhen to go

Zadar FAQ

Is Zadar worth visiting?

Yes, it's relaxed and good value.

How far to Plitvice?

About 2 hours by car.

More places in Croatia

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