Michelle Cacija

Finally it happend: My best friend and I went on a trip! We talked about this trip for ages, especially since the last time we traveled together was in 2016 when we went on a school trip to Barcelona, so it was definetly due!

Servus and welcome to my Zadar blog! Today I want to share our four-day trip to beautiful Zadar. Why did we go to Zadar? To be honest, we just searched for the cheapest flights and most interesting places, and Zadar was one of them. We both have been to other parts of Croatia before and we love the country. That’s basically why we chose Zadar. Obviously, it’s not a perfect itinerary because everyone travels differently, and all trips always involve changes of plans. I want to let you know that everything on this website has been experienced, photographed, and written by myself. Since I finance all of my travel expenses on my own, the stories and opinions given are truly my own. If you’re interested in seeing more travel pictures or videos, feel free to check out my Instagram @michellecacija or my Tik Tok @michellecacija for more.

Index

1. The Basics about Zadar
2. Things you need to be aware of
3. Medical insurance
4. Itinerary
5. Summary of activities
6. Where to eat

The Basics about Zadar

When to visit

The best time to visit Zadar is probably in late spring or early autumn when the weather is sunny, warm, and the tourist crowds are manageable. During this period, daytime temperatures typically range from 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), making it perfect for exploring the city and enjoying outdoor activities. By contrast, summer can see much hotter temperatures, often reaching 30°C to 35°C (86°F to 95°F). Early autumn also brings cooler evenings, with temperatures dropping to around 15°C to 18°C (59°F to 64°F), providing comfortable nights.

Time period

Three days is the perfect amount of time to explore Zadar as you’ll have the opportunity to discover the old town and explore some of the nearby national parks and islands. While the old town of Zadar can be walked through in just a few hours, I’d recommend spending at least one night here so you’ll be able to enjoy the sunsets, a boat tour, an island or a nationalpark. You’ll also need a couple more days if you’d like to enjoy the beach or visit more of the nearby national parks or islands.

Getting There

You can reach the peninsula by car, cruise, bus or plane depending on where you’re coming from. Since we don’t have our own car and only had a short time off from work, we flew from Vienna to Zadar, which only took about 50 minutes.

Where to stay

The old town of Zadar is very small and compact, and similar to many coastal medieval towns in Croatia, car traffic is restricted. I would recommend staying in the center of the old town. Just remember that some areas are only for pedestrians, so if you’re traveling by car, ensure your accommodation provides parking.

Getting around

Zadar is a very small and walkable city, you can easily walk to all the major sights in just a short time. To see more of the surrounding area you can book tours or hire a car.

What to pack

Obvisiouly it depends on when you go, but if you go in May like us, I recommend packing lightweight and breathable clothing suitable for warm weather, including shorts, t-shirts and dresses. If you are planning on doing a lot of walking through the city or nature, I recommend brining a few comfortable enclosed shoes. Sun protection essentials like sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen are fundamental. I also suggest bringing a hoodie or jumper for cooler nights, an umbrella for rainy weather and a reusable water bottle since you can drink the tap water in Croatia. Additionaly, consider bringing your own little medication bag, including Band-Aids, pain relief tablets, sleeping tablets or spray, bug spray, aftersun, etc. You never know what you might need it for, and you might feel more comfortable using medication from home rather than in a country where you don’t know the ingredients and languages. If you’re coming from outside Europe, don’t forget to bring a Type C power adapter.

Cost of Traveling

As for the expenses, the amount you’re going to spend depends on several factors, including your choice of accommodation, your travel style, and the activities you’ll be doing. In general, Croatia got more expensive during the last few years but it’s still very affordable for a holiday.

Things you need to be aware of

Water in Croatia. You can safely drink tap water in Croatia, especially in major cities and tourist areas. It’s of good quality and meets the required standards for drinking water.

Toilet situation. Regarding public toilets, Croatia has public facilities, and in most cases, they don’t charge a fee for use.

Tipping. When it comes to tipping, it’s a common practice in Croatia. It’s customary to leave a tip around 5-10% in restaurants and cafes.

Currency. The currency in Croatia is Kuna and Euro. While a few years ago, Croatia was still very cash-oriented, they now mostly accept cards in touristy areas. However, it’s still advisable to bring some cash with you.

Things you should try. As for the must-try dishes, my favorite croatian dishs are Ćevapčići and Pljeskavica. You should also try a traditional fish soup and sarma.

Medical insurance

I highly recommend getting travel medical insurance while you’re traveling. Hopefully, you’ll never need it, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry. SafetyWing offers two flexible plans tailored to your travel needs — whether you’re a short-term adventurer or a long-term expat, you’ll have reliable coverage anywhere in the world.

SafetyWing is especially great for remote workers and digital nomads, offering continuous global coverage even if you’re hopping between countries. Of course, it’s also a solid option for frequent travelers or those constantly on the go. But if you’re only traveling occasionally or just for a short holiday now and then, there might be better-suited alternatives.

Itinerary

Day 1

Since we arrived in the late morning, we had pretty much the whole day to explore the city. After we arrived at our accommodation, the first thing we did was go get groceries. Later, we explored the city and enjoyed a traditional Croatian lunch of Ćevapčići and Calamari. The old town of Zadar is located on a small peninsula and is filled with ancient ruins, medieval churches, modern art venues, and delicious restaurants.

Walking through the Old Town felt like stepping back in time. The Bell Tower of St. Anastasia Cathedral stood tall and proud, offering stunning views of the city. Around every corner, there was something to marvel at: the remains of the Roman Forum, the playful sounds of the Sea Organ, and the tranquil greenery of Queen Jelena Madijevka Park. The iconic Church of St. Donatus, with its circular design, seemed to carry centuries of stories in its ancient walls.

One day is just enough to explore Zadar’s Old Town and soak in its magic, but it leaves you yearning for more. Beyond the city, a world of natural beauty awaited us—the nearby islands, pristine beaches, and breathtaking national parks like Plitvice Lakes and Krka, which were on our itinerary for the days to come.

Day 2

The next day, we embarked on a half-day tour to Krka National Park, a paradise of cascading waterfalls and serene pools that defy words. Just a 50-minute drive from Zadar, the park begins at the quaint town of Skradin. From there, a gentle 20-minute ferry ride brought us to the park’s entrance — a journey that set the tone for the natural wonders ahead.

Krka’s hiking trails wound through lush greenery, offering mesmerizing views of waterfalls from all angles. The sound of rushing water accompanied us as we explored the circular route, which took about two and a half hours to complete. At the end, we had the option of returning by ferry or walking along the riverbank back to Skradin.

After the hike, we strolled through the picturesque streets of Skradin. This charming town, steeped in Roman history, was a delightful surprise. Its narrow streets, ancient churches, and cozy cafes made it feel like a hidden gem. With its colorful facades and relaxed atmosphere, Skradin left an impression that lingered even after we returned to Zadar.

Back in the city, we ended the day at the promenade, joining the crowd to witness one of Zadar’s famous sunsets. As the sky turned shades of gold and crimson, it felt like time had paused — definitely a moment of pure magic.

Day 3

For our third day, we had planned a visit to the Plitvice Lakes, Croatia’s largest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage site. A two-hour drive from Zadar, the park greeted us with its iconic turquoise waters and verdant forests. Having visited before in 2014, I was thrilled to see this natural wonder once more.

We chose Trail H, which took us on a journey through both the Upper and Lower Lakes. Wooden boardwalks meandered through the park, allowing us to immerse ourselves in its surreal beauty. The lakes shimmered in every shade of blue and green, while waterfalls cascaded around us, their mist cooling the air. Along the way, we paused for short breaks and even took a boat ride from one lake to another, adding to the adventure. Completing the trail in just over four hours, we left with memories that felt almost dreamlike.

If you’re considering a visit to the Lakes, it’s crucial to carefully select the route to follow, as there are four choices: C, E, H, and K. On our tour, we chose trail H, which usually requires four to six hours to finish. We paused for a few short breaks along the path and completed it in a little over four hours. You can also take a boat on one of the lakes during your hike. We boarded a boat from P2 to P3.

Day 4

After checking out of our apartment, we decided to soak up the sun at the promenade one last time. Before heading to the airport, we treated ourselves to an early lunch at “Buža” ^{(unpaid ad)}, a small restaurant tucked into a quiet street near our accommodation. It was absolutely delicious and we can highly recommend coming here!

Summary of activities

• Walk through old town
• Forum Zadar
• Krka Nationalpark
• Plitvice Nationalpark
• Walk along the promenade
• Kornati Nationalpark
• Park Jelene Madijevke
• Beach day

Where to eat

• Buža – authentic croatian lunch & dinner ^{(unpaid ad)}
• Kanoba Misterija – mixed cuisine, all day ^{(unpaid ad)}
• Kompas – mixed cuisine, all day ^{(unpaid aid)}