Zadar
Zadar is a beautiful historic city on the Adriatic coast in Croatia, located in the Northern Dalmatia region. It is one of the oldest cities in Croatia, with a rich history that dates back to ancient times. Zadar is known for its fascinating mix of ancient architecture, natural beauty, and modern attractions, as well as its accessible beaches and proximity to national parks and other famous Croatian resorts.
Flights from Bratislava
Ryanair will begin operating flights to Zadar during the summer holiday season of 2025. Flights will be available from June to September with a frequency of twice a week.
Transport from the Airport
To get from Zadar Airport (Zadar Airport – ZAD) to the city center, you can comfortably travel by bus:
- Route: Buses run regularly from the airport directly to the Zadar Bus Station, which is located in the city center, near the harbor and pedestrian zone.
- Price: A bus ticket costs approximately €5.
- Travel Time: The journey takes around 20-30 minutes.
- Taxi: A taxi is slightly faster, taking about 15 to 20 minutes to reach the city center. Taxi prices range from €16 to €30, with airport taxis generally being more expensive than taxis booked through mobile apps like Uber or Bolt.
What to See in Zadar
Zadar has a very rich history, dating back to the Roman era and continuing into the medieval period. The city was an important center of the Roman Empire and later came under the rule of various powers, including the Venetian Republic. Some of its landmarks include:
- Forum: The Roman Forum, built in the 1st century AD, is one of the main historical landmarks in the city, with the ruins of ancient buildings and columns.
- Cathedral of St. Anastasia (Sveta Stošija): Built on the foundations of an ancient temple, it features beautiful mosaics and altar works inside.
- City Walls: Zadar is surrounded by well-preserved city walls from the Venetian era. You can walk along the walls and enjoy stunning views of the city and the sea.
- Museum of Ancient Glass: Zadar is also known for its Museum of Ancient Glass, which houses collections of glass objects from various historical periods, ranging from the Roman Empire to the medieval period.
2. Modern Attractions
Zadar is also an interesting destination for lovers of modern architecture and design:
- Sea Organ (Morske Orgulje): This unique art installation on the coast creates musical tones through the movement of the sea. The Sea Organ consists of a series of steps along the coastline, allowing sea waves to create harmonic sounds as they flow through pipes hidden beneath the steps. This project was created by Croatian artist Nikola Bašić.
- Greeting to the Sun (Pozdrav Suncu): Another modern installation in Zadar is the Greeting to the Sun, a large solar panel made up of several glass tiles. The panel collects solar energy during the day and creates a light show at night.
3. Beaches and Nature
Zadar has beautiful beaches, ideal for those seeking relaxation by the sea. Many of these beaches have clean water and offer opportunities for water sports like sailing, windsurfing, or diving. Some of the most popular beaches in Zadar are Kolovare and Borik.
The area around Zadar is also rich in natural beauty. Nearby, you can find national parks such as Kornati National Park, known for its beautiful islands, or Krka National Park, located a bit further from the city and famous for its stunning waterfalls.
4. Culture and Festivals
Zadar is also a city of culture and art. Throughout the year, numerous festivals and events related to music, theater, and dance take place. For example, the Zadar Music Biennale is an international festival of music and experimental art. The city also hosts various theater performances, concerts, and other cultural events.