Zadar Travelers Recommend

With its interlinked lakes, waterfalls, and dense forests, Plitvice Lakes National Park is a superstar natural attraction and, for many, the high point of a trip to Croatia. Here’s what you need to know about experiencing the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site on day tours from Zadar on the Dalmatian Coast.

Group Tours

Group tours to Plitvice Lakes from Zadar offer a hassle-free, great-value experience. As well as round-trip transportation between Zadar and the park, tours usually include either a guided walk along park trails or free time to explore, as well as a boat ride on Kozjak Lake. Some tours also include a scenic train ride showcasing the natural beauty of the park. 

Private Tours

With private tours of Plitvice Lakes, you can expect a little more flexibility. You can pick a departure time from Zadar to suit your schedule, and you can tour the park’s Lower Lakes (Donja Jezera) and Upper Lakes (Gornja Jezera) with a private guide at a pace tailored to your group. Boat tours and train rides are often included on private tours. You can also begin a private tour with pickup in Zadar, stop off at Plitvice Lakes, and finish with drop-off in the Croatian capital of Zagreb, or vice versa.

Things to Know

• Plitvice Lakes National Park is about 75 miles (120 kilometers) from Zadar. 

• Organized day trips from Zadar to Plitvice Lakes typically last about nine hours, with at least four hours spent in the park itself. 

• Most full-day tours include a stop for lunch at a local restaurant, which is not included in the tour price.

• Some tours include national park entrance fees. 

• Train and boat rides operate from April to October. 

Three days in Zadar give you enough time to discover most of what the city and environs have to offer. Take a Croatian cooking class, sail off on an island adventure, or catch a sunset (or three) while sipping maraschino liqueur. Here are our top tips for making the most of 72 hours in the historic port city.

Day 1: Get to Know Zadar

Spend your first day getting a feel for Zadar, choosing from historical tours or cultural experiences for a personalized overview of the coastal city. Check off top landmarks ahead of the crowds, taking advantage of Segway or bike tours for quick and convenient transport. Or, sign up for a classic Croatian cooking lesson. Round off your day on a dusk cruise for views of the famous Dalmatian sunset, then stroll around the Old Town after dark for a glimpse of Zadar’s vibrant nightlife.

Day 2: Explore the Archipelago

Dedicate a day to exploring the Adriatic. Head out early on a fishing trip, or make your way to nearby islands such as Pag and Dugi Otok in search of secluded bays and dramatic nature. Active travelers can get around by self-propelled vessel, while those looking to relax might opt for a cruise tour that includes onboard food and drinks. After a busy day of aquatic sightseeing, unwind back on land with a seafood dinner and a glass of maraschino liqueur—a Zadar specialty. 

Day 3: Discover Wider Croatia

Spend your last day at one of Croatia’s hinterland highlights, such as the Plitvice Lakes, Krka National Park, or Zrmanja River. Keep costs down with simple transportation, or enjoy the supervision and insights of a guide on an active excursion. Alternatively, wander around another Croatian city, such as Split or Trogir—setting your own pace on a tour that offers a customizable itinerary. If time permits, conclude your visit by watching the sunset from Zadar’s Sea Organ for a memorable multisensory experience.

With two days in Zadar, you can do more than just see the sights. Sail away on a sunset cruise, sample some local wine or cherry liqueur, or discover Croatia’s hinterland highlights. Here are our top tips for optimizing 48 hours in the historic port city, including options for day trips.

Day 1: Explore Zadar

**Morning:**Begin your day early to check off Zadar’s top attractions before the crowds and heat intensify. Whether you’re curious about Croatian cooking or seeking historical insight, you have options. Join a bike or Segway tour, or explore on foot for a more intimate view of the city.

**Afternoon:**Escape the midday heat and set off on an afternoon cruise. Or widen your perspective on a tour into rural Zadar, with lunch or samples of local wine included.

**Night:**Unwind with a fresh seafood dinner in an Old Town restaurant, then ensconce yourself on a nearby bar terrace for a taste of Zadar’s native cherry liqueur. For a multisensory sunset experience, take a stroll down to the Sea Organ and Sun Salutation.

Day 2: Discover Croatia

**Morning:**Zadar is an ideal departure point for wider Adriatic exploration. Take advantage of full-day tours of island attractions such as Telašćica Nature Park, choosing from a range of transport options. Alternatively, head inland to some of mainland Croatia’s hinterland highlights, such as Plitvice Lakes and Krka national parks. Most day tours don’t include lunch, but you can’t go far in Croatia without coming across a tasty dining spot.

**Afternoon:**Day tours typically continue into the afternoon, dropping you back in town around early evening. If you find yourself in Zadar with some time to spare, head to Kolovare pebble beach to catch the last of the day’s rays among locals, or take a walk around Queen Jelena Madijevka Park.

**Night:**Absorb your final views of the city on a sunset cruise, sipping an aperitif or two as you watch amber skies fade to navy. If you’re still in the mood to explore once you’re back on dry land, the Borik and Diklo seafronts offer an after-dark alternative to the Old Town.

From a UNESCO-listed historic center to scenic offshore islands, Zadar has plenty to see and experience. Doing it all in one day is tricky, but possible with a little planning. Here are our top tips for making the most of 24 hours in the Adriatic’s cultural hub.

Morning: Sightsee in the City

Start your day with an overview of Zadar’s history and culture on a city tour. Head out early to visit the city’s Roman remains, medieval churches, and modern installations before the Dalmatian sun gets too intense. Opt for a bike or Segway tour to save time and prevent foot fatigue, or stroll the city streets with a guide for a more immersive sightseeing experience.

Afternoon: Take to the Sea

After a relaxed lunch on the waterfront, cool off from the midday heat on a sea voyage. Choose a hands-on sailing excursion or a skipper-led cruise. Some half-day tours include stops at nearby islands such as Ugljan or Osljak, where you can swim, snorkel, or sunbathe in secluded bays, or explore rural scenery and island villages for insight into Dalmatian life. 

Night: Watch a Dalmatian Sunset

Considered some of the best in the world, Zadar’s sunsets are worth watching from anywhere in the city. Several afternoon tours continue into the evening, offering dusk views as part of the itinerary; otherwise, indulge in a little romance on a sunset tour, or watch from the Sea Organ for a multisensory experience. If you’re not yet ready for bed, head to the Old Town for cocktails or ice cream in one of the late-night cafés or bars.