Stunning beaches, hidden coves and picturesque towns are all on offer in this beautiful European seaside city, which is often overlooked by many visitors.

The beautiful city of Zadar is a must-visit hotspot on the Adriatic Sea with plenty to do and experience, minus the heaving crowds often seen in Dubrovnik or Split.

Zadar offers an interesting mix of old and new, including the ancient relics of its centuries-old past combined with its lively present, offering everything you could possibly want for the ultimate getaway.

The underrated city of Zadar is starting to gain recognition from intrepid travellers after recording the largest increase in tourist arrivals in 2024.

Despite the region growing in popularity, it’s still miles behind when it comes to fame compared to its more popular sister regions of Dubrovnik and Split. As a result, Zadar offers a care-free break, surrounded by beauty and far fewer tourists. 

Zadar is a historic destination which combines an abundance of Roman and medieval remains with awe-inspiring cliffs, unexplored coves and innovative modern architectural projects.

In fact, these factors are what make this region worlds apart from Split or Dubrovnik cruise ship crowds.

It’s been described as a unique location where in-the-know travellers come to feast on mouth-watering food, watch the dreamiest of sunsets, and soak up the oceanside vibes with a cheeky drink.

This Croatian gem’s origins began in the 9th century BCE, with a nod to its past found at the ancient Roman Forum in the Old Town – the 2000-year-old brainchild of Roman Emperor Augustus.

Today, Croats are often seen converging in the spot’s inviting cafes, perfectly placed under the bell tower of St Anastasia’s Cathedral. 

When visiting Zadar, a trip to the waterfront is a must for any history buffs as the ancient ruins from the 6th-century earthquake are found here, with sights of Roman columns, pediments and colonnades all on offer.

Other must-see attractions in Zadar include the Venetian constructions of Water and Land Gate, the Square of Five Wells, the Greeting to the Sun and Zadar Sea Organ installations and the Museum of Zadar Gold and Silver, which is home to a massive collection of precious religious art.

After a day of sightseeing, there is nothing more beautiful than the sunsets at Zadar. American filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock, who holidayed in the region in 1964, described the city’s sunsets as the world’s best. 

While it isn’t as famous as Dubrovnik, Zadar still has its fair share of tourism. However, there are a lot of traditional and local shops rather than just tourist-centric businesses. 

“This place has been here for a long time, it was very interesting to see how people lived in this area for many many years,” wrote a review on Tripadvisor.

Another added: “My family and I had a short stop off in Zadar and we all enjoyed the visit to this beautiful spot.”