A Perfect Day at the Zadar Cruise Port – How to Make the Most of Your Stop

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re about to set sail on a Mediterranean cruise, and one of your stops is the Zadar cruise port in Croatia.

Congratulations! You’re in for an adventure. Zadar, Croatia, is one of my favorite stops on the Adriatic Sea.

Zadar may not be the first Croatian city that comes to mind (hello, Split), but it’s full of rich history, stunning sights, and fun things to do, like a three-island tour. Plus, it’s all packed into one incredibly walkable place.

So, if you’re wondering what to do in Zadar, you’re in the right place.

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Arriving at the Zadar Cruise Port

While visiting Zadar during my Italian and Adriatic cruise with Holland America, I learned many things about this Croatian city.

First, you will dock at the new Zadar cruise port terminal, the Port of Gazenica Terminal.

The Zadar port is a bit outside the city, but don’t worry—getting to Old Town is a breeze.

Many cruise ships provide shuttles to Old Town; if not, you can take a taxi, which will take about 10 to 15 minutes.

Zadar is one of those places that isn’t overwhelming, making it so charming.

With a population of about 70,000, it’s small enough to explore on foot but big enough to entertain you for a full day.

Plus, it’s bursting with history. It has changed hands between Romans, Venetians, Austrians, and finally, Croatians, with each culture leaving its unique mark.

If you’re spending one day in Zadar, there’s plenty to fill your schedule.

How to Spend Your Time at the Zadar Cruise Port

Zadar is a super walkable port in the Mediterranean, so you won’t need to book an excursion to explore Old Town.

The streets are narrow and charming, with ancient churches, hidden squares, and cozy little cafes that’ll make you want to stop and sit for a while.

The only downside is that English is not widely spoken. However, the people I interacted with were friendly and tried to communicate.

A Walk Through History

Zadar has been around for over 3,000 years, and you can feel that ancient history in the air. It’s like walking through an open-air museum, where every corner has a story.

As you stroll through the Old Town, you’ll probably stumble upon the Five Wells Square. Yes, five actual wells, right in the middle of a square.

These wells used to be the city’s water supply and still symbolize Zadar’s resilience through centuries of change.

Speaking of resilience, you’ll also notice the Captain’s Tower nearby.

It’s one of the remaining pieces of Zadar’s Venetian fortifications when the city was part of the Republic of Venice.

One spot you should visit is the Zadar Land Gate, once one of the main entrances to the fortification. This huge arch, built in 1543 by Michele Sanmicheli, reminds me of Venetian rule in Zadar.

You will find the Land Gate near Foša harbor as you walk up from the waterfront to Old Town.

But it’s not all ancient history here.

Unfortunately, Zadar was severely bombed during World War II, which left its mark on the city’s architecture.

In response, Zadar rebuilt itself, mixing modern architecture and technology with historical elegance.

Must-See Sights at the Zadar Cruise Port

Let’s talk about the things you absolutely can’t miss.

The Sea Organ

The Greeting to the Sun

Right next to the Sea Organ is the Greeting to the Sun, a solar-powered light installation that comes to life at sunset.

Unfortunately, if you are a cruise passenger, you may not get the full effect of this installation since you will probably be long gone by nightfall.

However, if you’re lucky to still be in port in the evening, you can watch the installation light up and reflect the patterns of the solar system while the Sea Organ hums in the background. It’s pure magic.

There’s no better way to wrap up 1 day in Zadar than catching the sunset by the water.

Church of St. Donat

Walking around, you will notice the Church of St. Donat, which stands proudly in the middle of the Old Town.

It’s a round, Romanesque-style church from the 9th century, and if you’re into acoustics, this is your spot. They hold music festivals here because the sound bounces off the walls in ways that’ll give you goosebumps.

Even if you’re not catching a concert, the church itself is worth a visit for the sheer sense of history within its stone walls.

The Forum

Just around the corner is The Forum, an ancient marketplace that dates back to the 3rd century and the largest remains along the Adriatic. This space was once the hub of public life in Zadar.

Now, it’s a picturesque spot where you can walk amongst the ruins, sit on a bench, and just soak up the vibe.

Beaches, Food, and More

Zadar’s Mediterranean climate means summers are hot and dry, with temperatures often reaching the 20s Celsius (the high 70s or low 80s for us Fahrenheit folks).

The water is usually around 25°C (77°F), making it ideal for a dip. And the best part? You are literally surrounded by some of the clearest water you will ever see.

Kolovare Beach Near Old Town

If you are looking for a beach area and want to stick close to Old Town, head to Kolovare Beach. The beach isn’t far from where you’ve been exploring, so it’s easy to sneak in some sun and sand before heading back to your ship.

At Kolovare Beach, you will find restaurants, restrooms, showers, and changing areas.

To get to Kolovare Beach from Old Town, you can take the #2 bus for around $1, take a five-minute taxi ride, or walk for about twenty minutes.

The Riva, or waterfront paved walkway near the Sea Organ, also has ladders leading into the water. On my visit, people were swimming right there. Just bring a towel, since no chairs or facilities exist.

Excursions From the Zadar Cruise Port

Three Island Boat Tour

I encourage you to book this three-island boat tour to visit some of the most spectacular beaches in Zadar, Croatia.

I still can’t believe this four-hour tour is less than $50!

My time on this tour is still one of the best highlights of my Mediterranean cruise because it allowed me to escape the crowds, see an authentic part of Zadar, and enjoy beautiful, crystal-clear water.

To board your boat, you will need to walk to Fosa, Zadar’s oldest harbor. The harbor is easy to find and takes about a ten- to fifteen-minute walk from the Sea Organ.

As your boat departs for Ošljak Island, you will have a spectacular view looking back toward Zadar.

Once at Ošljak Island, you will have time to swim, relax, and enjoy this slice of heaven with Croatian locals. The island is the smallest inhabited island in the Adriatic Sea, with only ten permanent residents.

There is a local bar, Cupolo, where you can purchase water and Croatian beer before finding your secluded spot for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing.

You can also explore the island, where you will find walking trails, a quaint church, and ruins. The peacefulness of having this paradise to yourself will feel absolutely magical.

After an hour or so on Ošljak Island, you will board your boat to head to Ugljan, another Croatian island. Ugljan is more populated than Ošljak, but you will still find space to enjoy the water.

Enjoy spending time with Croatian locals while enjoying the amenities such as lounging chairs, a restaurant, restrooms, showers, and changing areas.

Zadar Food Tour

When you are in the Mediterranean, you will have many options for beach time, but if you prefer to experience these Mediterranean cities through food, this three-hour food tour may be perfect for you.

I love a great food tour, which you will get when you book this Zadar food tour.

You will meet your tour at The Forum and go through town, sampling and tasting the best local dishes, including a stop at a local market.

National Parks Near Zadar

Looking for a bit of adventure? Zadar is the perfect jumping-off point for some incredible day trips.

Nature lovers will want to check out Plitvice Lakes National Park. Croatia’s oldest national park is about a two-hour drive from Zadar. Waterfalls, lakes, and lush green landscapes will make it feel like you’re walking through a postcard.

Another popular spot is Krka National Park, which also has stunning waterfalls and is a little closer if you’re short on time.

The Kornati National Park offers a unique chance to sail through an archipelago of 89 islands. The views are absolutely stunning, and it’s one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

For families, Dalmaland Biograd is a fun theme park nearby with water rides, perfect for a mix of relaxation and excitement.

Booking an excursion through your ship might be better if you want to visit these national parks, which are a bit further and require more time. If you book independently, make sure to check the times of your tour.

Zadar Local Traditions

The local currency in Zadar is the Euro, which is convenient for travelers from many European countries.

For something different, hop on a Barkajoli—a traditional rowboat that takes you from the mainland to the Old Town peninsula. You will find them when you depart your shuttle bus, which drops you off at the City Wall. Visitors can be rowed across this narrow piece of water for around fifty cents.

And if you’re looking for a fun, quirky souvenir in Zadar, why not bring home a bottle of maraschino? This cherry liqueur is a Zadar specialty and makes for a great gift—or just something to sip on back at home while reminiscing about your day in this unforgettable city.

Finally, definitely stop at one of the many bakeries in Zadar. After our boat tour, I visited Pekarnica Pletenica for delicious meat pastries called burek. Honestly, I could have chosen anything on the display—it all looked delicious.