Where to stay in Zadar: The best areas and 17 accommodations

Zadar is one of those Dalmatian cities that impress without making a fuss. The peninsula with the Roman forum, the famous Sea Organ, and the Greeting to the Sun draw most visitors to the historic centre, but the city has other neighbourhoods worth staying in, especially if you want a beach right next to your room.

Before booking accommodation, consider your priorities. If you want to stroll through stone alleys in the evening and sip coffee in historic squares, the centre is the only way to go. If you prefer a morning swim and peace and quiet at night, then Borik or Diklo will suit you better.

In this guide, you'll find four areas, with their pros, cons, and specific accommodations for each, so you can decide based on your own plans and budget.

What to see and do in Zadar

Zadar was built on a narrow peninsula jutting out into the Adriatic, which explains why the historic centre is so compact and easy to explore on foot. The city has a history that starts with the Liburnians and continues with the Romans, Byzantines, Venice, and Austrians, which is clearly visible in its architecture. The Roman forum, built in the 1st century BC, lies at the heart of the old town, and next to it stands the Byzantine Church of St. Donatus, a circular 9th-century building that has become the city's symbol.

A few steps away is St. Anastasia's Cathedral, with its tall bell tower offering views of the entire old town if you climb its steps. The main pedestrian street, Kalelarga, runs through the entire centre and is full of cafes, shops, and people taking an evening stroll, a habit locals call 'fjaka' and one worth trying yourself, without rush.

However, Zadar's greatest uniqueness isn't a monument but two modern installations at the edge of the peninsula, at a spot called Riva. The Sea Organ is a system of pipes beneath the stone steps that produces musical notes when waves enter them, creating a sound that constantly changes depending on the sea's intensity. Next to it is the Greeting to the Sun, a circular glass disc that charges with solar energy during the day and lights up at night in an impressive light show. Alfred Hitchcock once said that the sunset in Zadar was the most beautiful he had ever seen, and many visitors go there specifically for that moment.

Outside the centre, Borik is the classic tourist district with hotels, guesthouses, and organised beaches, about 3 km from the old town, an easy trip by bike or bus. A little further north, Diklo has a quieter character, with small coves and a more family-friendly profile, while Puntamika combines sandy and pebble beaches in a zone about 4 km from the centre.

For food, Zadar boasts rich Dalmatian cuisine with an emphasis on fish and seafood. Try 'crni rižot', the black risotto with cuttlefish, or 'paški sir', the hard cheese from the nearby island of Pag. In the city's food market, next to the centre, you can see how locals shop and pick up fresh fruit and vegetables. If you're interested in excursions, the Kornati Islands are about an hour away by boat and are ideal for a day cruise, while Lake Vrana and Paklenica National Park are a 15 to 20-minute drive away.

Zadar's fish market operates daily early in the morning and is worth a visit even if you don't plan to cook, just to see the variety of seafood arriving from the Adriatic. In the evening, the area around the harbour fills with tavernas serving grilled fish with olive oil and lemon, one of the simplest yet most delicious dishes in the region.

Zadar's old town still retains parts of its Venetian walls, built in the 16th century to protect the city and now a UNESCO World Heritage site along with other Venetian defensive works in Dalmatia. The main entrance gate, Kopnena vrata, with its relief of the Lion of St. Mark, clearly recalls the era of Venetian rule, which lasted for about four centuries.

Getting around Zadar is easy on foot, as the historic centre is only 1 km long. The airport is approximately 12 km from the centre and serves several direct flights from European cities in summer, making the city an easy choice as a base for exploring northern Dalmatia.

How to get from the airport to the centre

Zadar Airport is located about 9 km southeast of the city. The most economical option is the shuttle bus that connects with flights and drops you off at the main bus station, costing around 4 to 6 euros and taking about 25 minutes. There is no regular public transport route that directly serves the airport, so the shuttle is the primary solution for those without a car.

A taxi is the most comfortable option, especially if you arrive late at night or have a lot of luggage, costing approximately 20 to 25 euros to the centre. Many hotels and rented rooms in Borik or Diklo offer transfers by arrangement, usually at a similar or slightly lower cost.

If you rent a car, the drive to the centre takes about 15 minutes, but keep in mind that the old town is a pedestrian zone and you will need to park in a public car park just outside it. For accommodation in Borik or Puntamika, a car is very helpful, as distances are greater and bus services are less frequent in the mornings and evenings outside of summer.

The best areas to stay in Zadar

Historic Centre

Zadar's historic centre is the first choice for those who want to be close to all the attractions and enjoy the sunset from the Riva every evening without having to travel. Accommodations are mainly small hotels and guesthouses within old stone buildings.

Pros:

• All attractions within walking distance
• Many restaurants and cafes open late
• Easy access to buses for excursions

Cons:

• No parking inside the old town
• Higher prices during the summer months
• Noise from crowds in central areas at night

Recommended accommodations:

1. Teatro Verdi Boutique Hotel
Boutique hotel in the old town, with comfortable rooms and excellent access, within walking distance of the forum.

• Average cost: approximately 140€ per night

2. CentRooms Kovac
Rented rooms in a central location, ideal for couples looking for simple and clean accommodation.

• Average cost: approximately 95€ per night

3. Luxury Rooms Zadar Old Town
Comfortable rooms with modern decor, a few steps from the cathedral.

• Average cost: approximately 120€ per night

4. Zadar Street Apartments and Room
Small guesthouse with simple apartments, a good option for those who want a kitchen in their room.

• Average cost: approximately 85€ per night

5. Consul Apartment Zadar city center
Apartment in a historic building, with ample space for small families.

• Average cost: approximately 110€ per night

Borik

Borik is Zadar's most developed tourist district, with large hotels, sandy and pebble beaches, and a lively nightlife during the summer months. It is located about 3 km from the centre.

Pros:

• Organised beaches with sun loungers
• Many hotels with pools and spas
• Good choice for families with children

Cons:

• Requires travel to the old town
• More touristy and less authentic atmosphere
• Crowded in July and August

Recommended accommodations:

6. Falkensteiner Club Funimation Borik
Large all-inclusive hotel with a private beach, ideal for families with children.

• Average cost: approximately 175€ per night

7. Falkensteiner Hotel Adriana Adults Only
Adults-only hotel, with a spa and a quiet atmosphere by the sea.

• Average cost: approximately 190€ per night

8. ZADAR Borik Apartment
Simple apartment near the beach, good value for a small group.

• Average cost: approximately 90€ per night

9. Apartment Borik Beach 86
Apartment with sea view, a few minutes' walk from the coast.

• Average cost: approximately 100€ per night

Puntamika

Puntamika combines sandy and pebble beaches in a quieter neighbourhood, about 4 km from the centre. It is popular with families who want a beach close to their accommodation without the density of Borik.

Pros:

• Quiet atmosphere compared to the centre
• Good beaches for families
• Bus access to the old town

Cons:

• Fewer restaurants and shops
• Requires more travel time
• Fewer accommodation options in winter

Recommended accommodations:

10. Puntamika Laterna
Apartment next to the beach with private sea access.

• Average cost: approximately 115€ per night

11. Holiday Apartments on the Puntamika & Borik Beach
A series of apartments between the two beaches, suitable for families.

• Average cost: approximately 95€ per night

12. Bellevue Hill Apartment
Apartment with sea views from a higher point in the area.

• Average cost: approximately 105€ per night

Diklo

Diklo is located at the northernmost edge of Zadar's tourist zone and has the most relaxed character, with small coves and fewer crowds even in August. It suits those who want peace and quiet and don't mind the distance from the centre.

Pros:

• Quieter and more family-friendly atmosphere
• Clear waters in small coves
• Lower accommodation prices

Cons:

• Greater distance from the centre, about 5 km
• Less nightlife
• Requires a car or bus for transport

Recommended accommodations:

13. Diklo Beach Rooms Adults Only
Adults-only rooms by the beach, with a quiet environment.

• Average cost: approximately 80€ per night

14. Apartments Romanca 1 Diklo
Family apartment near the sea, with good value for the season.

• Average cost: approximately 75€ per night

15. Rooms with WiFi Zadar Diklo
Simple and clean rooms, a good low-cost option.

• Average cost: approximately 65€ per night

How much does it cost to stay in Zadar?

In the historic centre, a room in a boutique hotel or guesthouse costs from 90 to 160 euros per night during the summer months, while a two-bedroom apartment can reach 130 to 200 euros if it's near the forum. In Borik and Diklo, prices are generally lower, around 60 to 110 euros, especially for apartments rented from private owners.

Food in a simple taverna costs about 12 to 20 euros per person for a main course, while in more touristy restaurants in the old town, prices rise to 25 to 35 euros. A coffee on Kalelarga costs around 2 to 3 euros, considerably more expensive than the average Croatian city due to tourist demand.

Getting around the city is relatively cheap, with a bus ticket costing about 1.5 euros. A municipal tourist tax, known as 'boravišna pristojba', is also levied, ranging from about 1 to 1.5 euros per person per night, and is usually paid separately to the accommodation upon arrival or included in the final price.

When to visit Zadar

June and September are the most balanced months, with warm weather suitable for swimming, but without the volume of visitors and higher prices of July and August. Sea temperatures in summer easily reach 24 to 26 degrees, while days are long and sunny.

July and August are peak season, with accommodation occupancy often exceeding 90% and prices 30 to 50% higher than in June. If you plan to go then, book accommodation at least two to three months in advance, especially for stays in the centre or coastal locations.

Spring, from April to mid-May, is ideal for those who want to see the city without crowds, with mild weather suitable for walking, although the sea is still too cold for swimming. In autumn, after mid-September, prices drop significantly and the weather remains pleasant until October. Many tourist accommodations close in winter, so if you go off-season, check availability first.

Practical tips for your stay

• Book early for summer. In July and August, good accommodations in the centre sell out quickly, so book at least two months in advance.
• Bring comfortable shoes. The streets of the old town are paved and can be slippery when wet, so choose non-slip footwear.
• Watch the sunset from the Riva. Go early to find a good spot near the Sea Organ, especially in summer when many people gather.
• Consider a car for excursions. If you want to see Kornati or Lake Vrana without an organised tour, a car gives you more freedom.
• Ask about the municipal tax. Many accommodations do not include it in the price, so ask beforehand how much extra you will pay upon arrival.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which area is best for a first-time visit to Zadar?

The historic centre, as it gives you immediate access to all attractions and the sunset without needing to travel.

Do I need a car in Zadar?

Not necessarily if you are staying in the centre, but it helps a lot if you want to visit Kornati, Pag or Lake Vrana.

How many days are needed for Zadar?

Two to three days are enough for the city, while a fourth day allows for an excursion to the surrounding islands.

Is Zadar expensive compared to other Croatian cities?

It is cheaper than Dubrovnik and Split, but more expensive than smaller inland towns.

When are there fewer crowds in Zadar?

In May, June, and September, when the weather is still good but the crowds are reduced.

Are there good beaches near the centre?

Yes, Borik is just 3 km away and has organised beaches, while Kolovare is even closer to the centre.

Conclusion

Zadar suits both those who want historic walks and evening strolls and those looking for a beach next to their accommodation. The choice of area mainly depends on whether your priority is the sunset view from the Riva or swimming with fewer people around you.

Whichever area you choose, distances in Zadar are short and travel is easy, so there's no wrong choice, only different experiences depending on what you prefer.

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