With Ryanair flying directly from Cork Airport to Zadar in Croatia, my husband and I decided to take advantage of yet another Mediterranean destination on our doorstep. But is Zadar just a landing point, or the perfect place to stay and explore – that was our main issue and so I did a little research and here are our findings. Now, we’re not going to solely rely on Google or AI, my husband knows one of the staff in James Whelan Butchers in Douglas who’s originally from Zadar, so we’ll be getting a local’s perspective too and combining that with the research.
Why Zadar
The truth is, it was the direct flight from Cork Airport that first put Zadar on our radar. Croatia had always been of interest, especially for my husband, who’s been talking about going there for years. I’d been to Mali Lošinj and Veli Lošinj as a teenager, before Croatia became its own country (it became independent in 1991), and I haven’t been back since. Neither of us has ever heard a bad word from anyone returning from Croatia, so we thought now is as good a time as any.
Is Zadar Itself Worth Staying In, or Just a Gateway?
Zadar is not just a stopover, it’s a destination in its own right. This 3,000-year-old coastal city blends Roman ruins with modern charm, artistic flair, and a laid-back vibe. The old town, situated on a peninsula, has charming cobbled streets, Venetian architecture, seafront promenades, and two world-famous art installations. The Sea Organ, powered by the sea, plays hauntingly beautiful tunes using the motion of the waves. Its hidden chambers beneath broad stone steps create a constantly changing melody that captivates visitors along Zadar’s Riva. The Sun Salutation is a solar powered monument that fuses art and nature, dazzling visitors with a sunset light show from 300 glass plates.
While many use Zadar as a base to explore Croatia’s Adriatic coast, it’s absolutely worth staying a few nights in the city itself to soak up the atmosphere, eat well, and enjoy the sunsets Alfred Hitchcock once described as the best in the world.
Zadar is less party-focused than Split or Hvar and appeals to a wide mix such as people looking for history, sea views, and romantic strolls or families looking for quiet beaches, nature, and value for money. It’s also popular with solo travellers and digital nomads drawn by the relaxed pace and good Wi-Fi as well as adventurers and hikers heading to national parks like Plitvice and Krka.
It’s also a quieter, more affordable alternative to busier tourist hubs and is in a good location for day trips. Split is two hours by car. Plitvice Lakes National Park and Krka National Park are both 90 minutes by car and Dubrovnik is five hours by car. If you do want to wander beyond Zadar it is advisable to rent a car as public transport to rural beaches and national parks is limited. Road signage is said to be clear and the roads well-maintained. Croatian drivers are reported to be generally safe and predictable. You can expect to pay from €30 to €50 per day for a small rental car in the high season. Tolls exist on major roads (especially to Split).
Beaches
There are lots of beaches, both within Zadar and just a short drive away:
- Kolovare Beach – Just a 5-minute drive or 15-minute walk from the Old Town. Pebbly and convenient.
- Puntamika Beach – 10 minutes by car from the city centre. Family-friendly and scenic.
- Borik Beach – Around 10 minutes’ drive, located in a resort area, with facilities like loungers and water sports.
- Nin’s Queen’s Beach – 25 minutes by car. Sandy and shallow, ideal for children and safe swimming.
- Sakarun Beach (Dugi Otok Island) – Requires a ferry and ~1 hour of travel, but one of Croatia’s most beautiful, with turquoise water and white sand.
Kolovare Beach, Zadar – Photo: Stipe Surać
Puntamika Borik beaches, Zadar – Photo: Fabio Šimićev- Kolovare Beach, Zadar – Photo: Stipe Surać
- Puntamika Borik beaches, Zadar – Photo: Fabio Šimićev
Suggested Week-Long Itinerary.
This itinerary sounds idyllic and I am looking forward to trying each of them. My only issue now is wondering if one week will be long enough!
Day 1
Fly from Cork to Zadar, twenty five minutes from the town and served by public transport. Settle into a local hotel or Airbnb in the Old Town. Stroll the waterfront, listen to the Sea Organ, and enjoy seafood along the Riva. Check out the Zadar Market – located in Old Town, selling fresh produce, seafood, meats, cheeses, figs and olive oil.
Zadar Market- Photo: Fabio Šimićev
Zadar Market- Photo: Fabio Šimićev- Zadar Market- Photo: Fabio Šimićev
- Zadar Market- Photo: Fabio Šimićev
Day 2 – Explore Zadar
Tour St. Donatus Church, the Roman Forum, and climb the bell tower for views. Grab dinner and local wine in a konoba (Croatian tavern).
Day 3 – Nin & Queen’s Beach
Drive 25 minutes to Nin. Relax on sandy Queen’s Beach, visit the Salt Museum, and stroll the medieval town.
Day 4 – Krka National Park & Šibenik
A day trip (1.5 hrs). Swim beneath waterfalls, walk the wooden trails, and visit the UNESCO-listed old town of Šibenik.
Day 5 – Island Day: Ugljan or Dugi Otok
Catch a morning ferry. Rent bikes or scooters, find your own cove, and enjoy a slow lunch by the water.
Day 6 – Pag Island or Plitvice Lakes
Option 1: Visit Pag (1.5 hours) for cheese, lamb, and lunar landscapes.
Option 2: Explore Plitvice (1.5 hours), a national park of turquoise lakes and waterfalls.
Day 7 – Chill & Departure
Take it easy—swim at Kolovare Beach, grab souvenirs, and head to the airport.
Cost of Living: AI generated comparison!
| Item | Zadar Price | Cork Price Equivalent |
| Local beer (0.5L) | €2.50–€3.00 | €6–€7 |
| Glass of local wine | €3.00–€4.00 | €7–€10 |
| Coffee (espresso) | €1.50 | €3–€3.50 |
| Dinner for two (mid-range) | €35–€50 incl. wine | €70–€100+ |
| Street food / fast food | €5–€8 | €10–€15 |
| Ice cream / gelato | €1.50–€2.00 | €3+ |
Overall I’m told you can expect to spend 30–50% less than in Ireland on meals, drinks, and basic travel expenses. I will be reporting back on how accurate this is when I return in September.
Foods to Try
- Peka – Meat or octopus slow-cooked under a bell-shaped dome.
- Black Risotto – Rich with squid ink.
- Pag Cheese – A salty sheep cheese, perfect with wine.
- Dalmatian prosciutto – Often better than its Italian cousin.
- Fritule – Mini doughnut balls with rum and sugar.
For more information see Zadar tourist board – zadar.travel
By Paula Lenihan
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