Cheap city break Zadar

When is the best time to go?

May, June and September are ideal: 24 to 29 degrees, warm sea water and long days without the crowds of July and August, when the town is busier and pricier. In spring and autumn you can easily combine Zadar with day trips to the Krka waterfalls or the Kornati islands, without the summer prices. Note: the direct flight from Eindhoven only operates in the summer season, roughly May to October.

The best areas in Zadar

• Old town (Stari grad) The car-free peninsula with all the highlights, marble lanes and the most atmosphere in the evening.
• Kolovare The closest beach, a ten minute walk from the old town, with beach bars.
• Borik Family-friendly area a little to the north, with resorts, beaches and a water park.
• Diklo A quiet coastal area with sea views, nice if you want comfort and calm close to the city.
• Vostarnica and Relja A local neighbourhood just outside the old town with the market and affordable apartments.

Top 5 things to do in Zadar

• Sea Organ (Morske orgulje) An organ beneath the steps of the Riva that makes music from the waves; free and at its best at sunset.
• Greeting to the Sun (Pozdrav suncu) A solar-panel disc next to the Sea Organ that puts on a free light show in the evening.
• Church of St Donatus and the Roman forum A round Byzantine church from the 9th century above a Roman square; the church costs about 4 euro, the forum is free.
• Sunset from the Riva Alfred Hitchcock called Zadar's sunset the most beautiful in the world; take a seat by the Sea Organ.
• Day trip to Krka or the islands Zadar is the base for the Krka waterfalls, the Kornati islands and the sandy Sakarun beach on Dugi Otok.

Flights + transport from the Netherlands

Ryanair flies direct from Eindhoven to Zadar (ZAD) in the summer season (roughly May to October) in about 2 hours, from 25 euro one way. From the airport the shuttle bus takes you to the old town in 20 minutes for 5 euro; you buy tickets on the bus, cash or card. The old town is car-free and entirely walkable; for the beaches and outer areas city buses run from about 1.30 euro.

What does a trip to Zadar cost?

Hostels from 20 euro, mid-range hotels 60 to 110 euro, apartments around 80 euro per night. Food is affordable: a plate of cevapcici 8 to 10 euro, fresh fish by the kilo, a glass of local wine 3 euro. The cherry on top is maraschino liqueur, which was invented here. Budget from 290 euro per person for 3 days including a flight.