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.

Zadar flight prices from the Netherlands by month

Ryanair operates seasonal flights to Zadar: roughly late April through early November. Outside this window there is no direct connection and you will need a connection via Zagreb or Split. The table below gives a realistic guide price for a return flight from Eindhoven to Zadar (ZAD), based on historical prices.

Food and drink in Zadar

Zadar is the birthplace of maraschino liqueur, made from the local marasca cherry, a must-try on your first evening in the city. Dalmatian cuisine is built on simplicity and fresh ingredients: fish and seafood direct from the morning market, lamb roasted on the bradl and the iconic pasticada, a beef stew slow-cooked in red wine and prunes for hours.

• Pasticada with njoki Dalmatian braised beef slow-cooked in red wine, prune juice and herbs, served with homemade njoki (gnocchi). A must in the old town; expect 14 to 18 euros a plate.
• Fresh fish from the Ribarnica The fish market at the end of the Riva sells fresh catch every morning. Restaurants in the old town prepare your fish three ways: grilled, na buzaru (with garlic and tomato) or baked in the oven. Price: 18 to 30 euros per person.
• Maraschino tasting Pick up a bottle of Luxardo or Maraska at a local supermarket or off-licence for 10 to 15 euros. Cocktail bars in the old town serve the famous Zadar Sour made with it.
• Cevapcici and pljeskavica Grilled minced-meat rolls or a Balkan-style burger with ajvar and pita, found at every traditional gostiona for 7 to 11 euros.
• Provarica market The produce market in the old town sells local cheese, olive oil and fig jam direct from regional farmers: great souvenirs for little money.

Islands and beaches from Zadar

Zadar sits opposite an archipelago of more than two hundred islands. The most popular day trips:

• Ugljan Green island twenty minutes by ferry, with quiet beaches and local wineries. Ferry from approx. 2.50 euros single. Perfect for a half-day.
• Dugi Otok, Sakarun beach The finest white-sand beach in Croatia, about 1 hour 30 by boat. Book a boat tour from Zadar (approx. 40 to 55 euros per person including snorkelling).
• Kornati Islands National park with 89 barren islands; entry ticket approx. 40 euros. Guided day tour from Zadar approx. 55 euros per person including lunch on board.
• Pakostane and Biograd Seaside towns 25 to 35 km south of Zadar, reachable by bus or hire car. Quieter and cheaper than the city itself.

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.