The Croatian region of Zadar lies between the imposing peaks of the Velebit Mountains and the crystal blue Dalmatian coast. Within the 3000-year-old city spans an area where natural and cultural heritage combine in perfect harmony. The three nature parks Telašćica, Lake Vrana and Velebit, the Paklenica National Park as well as numerous islands, reserves, bays and beaches provide an ideal backdrop for outdoor sports - on foot, bike or water!
Activities in Zadar
Attractions in Zadar
Highlights
Impressive canyon of the river Zrmanja
Tulove Grede is a striking peak near the Mali Alan pass in Croatia. Located north of Zadar, it is a ...
An impressive mountain range next to the Adriatic coast
UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Croatian Adriatic Coast
National park within the Velebit mountains with an impressive landscape and extremely diverse flora ...
Small nature park in Dalmatia, known for its high cliffs and the salt lake Mir
Small nature park around the largest lake in Croatia
The biggest archipelago of the Mediterranean Sea is unique for its scenic diversity
The Pag Bridge (in Croatian Paški most) connects the island of Pag to the Croatian mainland. The ...
Discover the region
Video: Zadar Region Tourist Board
Zadar - City and Region
Zadar is the former capital of Dalmatia and still the economic and cultural centre for the region of the same name. Walking through the winding alleys, follow the footsteps of 3000 years of rich history. Traces of the past can be seen in the ancient Roman forum and the medieval city walls with their towers and gates, which are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The extraordinary park of Queen Jelena Madijevka, which provides a wonderful view of the Fosa harbour, is a wonderful place to relax and take in the surrounding beauty. On the shores, listen to the 'sea organ' - a modern landmark comprised of hollowed stone slabs, the crashing waves create some impressive sounds!
Protected natural landscapes
The Velebit Mountains are a mixture of peaks, ridges, karst valleys and gorges, all linked together to form a unique natural setting. Known for its amazing biodiversity, ghostly caves and wild landscape, it still holds many undiscovered places. No matter how many times you come, you will never have the same experience twice.
In the middle of the Velebit Mountains lies the Paklenica National Park. It is a popular destination for mountaineers and climbers because of its wild, rugged rocky landscape.
A popular day trip leads to the Telašćica Nature Park, where you can see dolphins swim. The park is located on the island of Dugi Otok and can be reached by ferry from Zadar.
Avid birdwatchers should definitely visit the Vrana Lake Nature Park. Around 250 different species of bird nest in the ornithological reserve around Croatia's largest lake.
Explore Zadar on foot
The Velebit mountains, the Adriatic coast with its many islands, and the numerous nature and national parks: Zadar is an extremely popular region for hikers.
One of the most famous destinations is without question the Paklenica National Park, where you can marvel at the spectacular gorges and waterfalls formed by the rivers Krupa and Zrmanja. Hikers will get their money's worth in the Lake Vrana Nature Park or while island hopping.
Explore Zadar by bike
The cycling routes in the Croatian coastal region of Zadar are suitable for everyone. Casual cyclists can explore coastal villages and beaches or take the ferry across the Zadar Channel and discover the islands of Ugljan and Pašman.
There's plenty of wildlife to see around Lake Vrana. Croatia's largest lake is home to around 250 bird species. Ambitious mountain bikers are drawn to the hinterland, for example to the impressive Zrmanja Gorge in the Velebit Mountains.
Explore Zadar from lofty heights
The heart of Croatian climbing lies in the Paklenica National Park. From short routes (single pitch) to 350 m high rocks, there is a perfect route for absolute beginners as well as for professionals, there are also numerous via ferratas.
The magnificent canyons of Velika Paklenica and Mala Paklenica are probably the most impressive parts of the park. Those who prefer to look at the steep walls from a safe distance will find plenty of mountaineering routes in Paklenica - for example on Vaganski vrh and Sveto brdo.
Explore Zadar on the water
The best way to enjoy the scent of pine trees, salt and the sea is with water sports. In Zadar, there are many opportunities to be active in the sea or on a river: for example, with a canoe or kayak, windsurfing, kitesurfing or wakeboarding.
Rafting through the Zrmanja Canyon
A rafting trip on the Zrmanja River is an essential part of your holiday in the Zadar region. You can explore this spectacular gorge, through which the river flows for more than 69 km until it reaches the sea.
Guided tours can be booked at the Riva Rafting Centar agency. Tours are daily and can easily be arranged without booking in advance. Every rafter gets a wetsuit, a helmet and a life jacket- then the 14 km long adventure begins! You have to plan up to 4 hours for it, depending on the ability of your team.
Diving on the Adriatic Coast
The underwater areas around the islands of Pag, Premuda, Ist, Molat, Silba, Dugi Otok, Ugljan and Pašman are perfect for diving. The crystal clear waters, the varied seabed, the rich marine life and the beautiful bays of the area offer an unforgettable experience.
Explore underwater reefs abundant with different species of fish or characteristic underwater caves. Dense forests of purple, red and yellow coral make for a magical sight.
Windsurfing and Kiteboarding in Nin
The small town of Nin is only 20 minutes away from Zadar. Here, nature creates perfect conditions for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
If you have never tried these sports before, the training courses with experienced coaches are perfect for you. The Nin lagoon with its waist-deep water is ideal for beginners. The shallow water makes for safe learning and the soft sandy beach gives you a comfortable cushion for your first attempts.
Sailing in Dalmatia
The Zadar region is also ideal for a sailing trip. The crystal clear sea, the bluey-green bays with their pretty beaches, the more than 300 islands, islets and reefs as well as one of the most rugged coasts in Europe are a trademark of this region.
Since most of the islands are uninhabited, there are countless opportunities to enjoy solitude. All you have to do is find a suitable spot, drop anchor and enjoy the swim!
The starting points for your sailing trips are the marinas Marina Kornati Biograd, D-Marin Dalmacija Sukošan and Marina Zadar. They offer sailing boats, motor boats, catamarans, monohulls and even small rowing boats. Popular destinations include the beautiful sandy beach of Sakarun, the Telašćica Nature Park and the heart-shaped island of Galešnjak.
Croatia's 'Wild West'
Some of the landscapes look familiar even though you've never been to Zadar? No wonder - Dalmatia's nature is so impressive that it has served as a backdrop for several film productions. The most famous of these was the German Winnetou film series from the 1960s. Between the barren plateaus and deep canyons, the filmmakers of their day created a tiny Wild West in Europe.
In German-speaking countries, Winnetou is an absolute classic among adventure stories – no matter whether novel or film. The mentioning of the name ...


