Where to sleep in Zadar?

If you have chosen Zadar as your vacation destination where to go in Croatia, then you are likely looking for accommodation for your stay Once your flight tickets are booked, the issue of lodging becomes crucial. Choosing the right accommodation will allow you to organize your exploration days in Zadar effectively and optimize your visit to historical monuments, cultural sites, as well as museums and other must-see spots. If you're unsure where to sleep in Zadar, this article outlines the most popular areas and provides my tips to help you make the best decision. Let's get started!

Before booking your hotel night, taking the time to study a city and its neighborhoods is a vital step. In the case of a stay in Zadar, we're talking about a city that is primarily explored on foot, so the best solution will be to choose accommodation in a central area to save time and gain quick access to monuments

Staying on the Zadar peninsula is among the best options! This is where you will find the most beautiful spots in the city and where you will spend the most time. If you want to enjoy the beach and all seaside pleasures, you have the option to stay either north or south of the peninsula.

For travelers who plan to move around the region or discover Croatian islands, the best place to stay will likely be near the port. In addition to housing parking areas and a bus station, it's a really convenient point that will save you many unnecessary trips.

Don't have time to read the entire article? No worries, here are my favorite addresses!

If you want to sleep in the historic center of Zadar, then you should focus your hotel search on the peninsula. Located in the northeast, this fortified city encompasses all the commercial and tourist activity of the town, with many must-see monuments and cultural sites.

Surrounded by ramparts, the peninsula is, in my opinion, the best place to lay your bags The general atmosphere is really pleasant with cobblestone streets and buildings whose architecture has been inspired by Italian influences due to the former domination of the Republic of Venice.

From a tourist perspective, you will find a plethora of cultural sites and must-see monuments, such as the ruins of the Roman Forum, which can be found in the center of the peninsula. St. Donat's Church, the Sea Organ, and St. Anastasia's Cathedral are also among the most remarkable structures in Zadar. Of course, you will also find Zadar's open-air market and several lovely squares like People's Square and the main square as well as the Square of Five Wells.

Keep in mind that the historical heart of Zadar is a pedestrian area. Motor vehicles are prohibited, unless you bypass the center. If you have rented a car, park on the outskirts; you will find many paid parking options

Although the range of lodging options is varied, I recommend booking your hotel as early as possible. If you are coming to Zadar in the summer, many tourists flock to the city, so secure your room as soon as you know your dates!

The Boutique Hostel Forum offers beautiful modern and comfortable accommodations, ideally located in the historic center just steps away from the monuments. Starting at €45 per night with breakfast included, you will enjoy a pleasant setting, with helpful staff and a bus stop just 50 meters away. If you are traveling alone, you can also find single beds in dorms from €15.

Located in the historic center of Zadar, near monuments and cultural sites, Luxury Rooms Zadar offers stylishly decorated rooms with comfortable bedding. The staff is attentive and always available. Expect at least €40 per night for a double room with a queen-size bed.

The Teatro Verdi Boutique Hotel is ideal if you have a comfortable budget. Available from €123 per night with breakfast included, the rooms are modern and comfortable, and the hotel is really beautiful. Close to beaches, monuments, and museums of Zadar, you will be welcomed by attentive staff and enjoy a terrace, bar, and private parking.

Kolovare is the most popular beach in Zadar and also one of the best places to stay due to its truly ideal location. If you choose this area, you can enjoy the pleasures of the beach and the sun while having quick access on foot to the fortified historic center of the Croatian city ️

Located a bit further south, Kolovare is a beautiful alternative to the old town. This famous area is loved by travelers, but don't be fooled... Unlike the fine sandy beaches I typically mention in my articles, Croatian beaches are made of fine pebbles, lined with trees This does not take away the charm and beauty of this fortified city, but it's important to clarify just in case.

Even if you plan to see the must-visit monuments of Zadar, staying at Kolovare won't be an issue. In just a 10-minute walk, you will reach the historic center. Of course, be sure to enjoy notable sites like Golden Wave Beach to the north of Kolovare, and Beach Karma just for its view!

Here, you will find a few accommodations at interesting and reasonable rates. The options are not as abundant as in the downtown area, but you will still come across something!

The Apartments Fontana is a 27 m2 rental apartment, situated just steps from the beach, the bus station, and some shops. Bright, modern, and fully equipped, this accommodation can host 2 to 5 people. It has a well-exposed terrace and free parking. Accessible from €188 per night.

The Hotel Kolovare offers pretty air-conditioned rooms starting from €133 per night with breakfast included. You will stay in a quiet area of Kolovare Beach, and the hotel features 2 swimming pools, a restaurant, a terrace, a bar, and free parking.

The Sky Hostel will be perfect for tight budgets as it offers dormitory beds for just €15 per night. Clean, comfortable, and secure, the rooms are pleasant and well-furnished. You will stay near the historic center in a warm and caring environment with attentive staff

If you're coming to Zadar with family or if you have your own car, then staying in Puntamika has many advantages Located a few kilometers north of the historic center, Puntamika is popular for its pebble beach, seaside location, and breathtaking views of the old town.

This area is easily accessible via public transportation, and you can enjoy a relaxing vacation, especially at the Marina Borik marina. Don't hesitate to rent a boat to explore Zadar from a different perspective, or relax in the evening at one of the available bars

To the north, you have Plaža Borik, a pretty pebble beach less frequented by tourists and very pleasant for swimming. To the south, Borik Sandy Beach is quite charming, but it is private.

During the summer season, hotels in Puntamika quickly fill up. If this is the ideal spot for you, I recommend booking as soon as possible! Lastly, there aren't many restaurants in this area, just a few bars along the coast, so it's better to favor the historic center for dining.

Overall, Puntamika is an excellent base if you're coming to Zadar to enjoy the sun and swimming It will certainly be the best place to stay if you have a rental car and if commuting by public transport doesn't bother you.

The Hotel Marinko boasts a good location just steps from the beach and the marina. The rooms are quite spacious and comfortable, the staff is welcoming, and the establishment has a really pleasant villa style! For a night, €83 with breakfast included.

The Apartments Puntamika will be ideal for a more intimate stay in Zadar. This apartment, located 50 meters from the beach, is fully equipped and comfortable. It features a double bedroom, a sofa bed, a functional kitchen, and even a barbecue provided by the establishment. Expect around €46 per night for 4 people, with access to the terrace, garden, and parking.

Let's be honest, the port area of Zadar is not the most charming from a tourist perspective. There are no interesting sites to see, but it's an excellent place to stay for a few nights!

To give you an idea, the port of Zadar is located further south from Kolovare Beach. This is where you can take the ferry to visit the Croatian islands and explore the entire Dalmatian coast. So if you are passing through Zadar or plan to move around the region, sleeping near the port will be a smart choice ⛴️

Otherwise, I think the port suits travelers with vehicles well. This is often where tourists come due to its practicality and hassle-free nature. There are many parking areas, with the option to reach the center either on foot or by bus, or explore Croatia by train.

If you're on a tight budget, there are many offers that are cheaper compared to the old town. There are quite a few rentals available, so why not explore this area for some savings?

Three Pearls offers beautiful, spacious, and elegant rooms and suites located near the Zadar marina. This lovely establishment provides free parking, a bar, and a terrace to enjoy your stay. For a night, expect at least €185 per night.

The Apartments Marina will be perfect if you want to sleep on the port of Zadar. The establishment offers comfortable and pleasant rooms and apartments close to the center and just 50 meters from the marina. Near shops, you'll also enjoy a shared balcony, a restaurant, and free parking. For a night, plan for a minimum of €70 for 2 people.

To fully enjoy the beach and the sun, summer is certainly the best season to discover Zadar and spend time on the waterfront Nonetheless, the summer season represents a high tourist peak, with many people, rising prices, and probably a less enjoyable atmosphere for some.

Alternatively, I suggest visiting Zadar in the spring. Ideally, aim to depart between mid-April and mid-June before the massive influx of tourists. This way, you'll benefit from warm and pleasant temperatures, more availability in accommodations, and far fewer tourists on the streets.

As a last resort, autumn, especially between the end of September and mid-October, sees summer temperatures drop and a spring-like climate return. The tourists have already returned home, tourist traffic decreases, and prices drop.

To get to Zadar, I recommend flying, the fastest means of transport! Zadar Airport (Zračna Luka Zadar) is located about 12 kilometers from the city center and has only one terminal.

From major European airports, it takes between 2 to 3 hours of direct flight, with numerous airlines such as Ryanair, Croatia Airlines, EasyJet, and Luxair. If you're looking for cheaper flight tickets to Zadar, you can directly compare prices on Ulysse!

You now know everything about the best places to sleep in Zadar! If you have the opportunity to go elsewhere in Croatia, I recommend reading my dedicated articles to find out where to sleep in Dubrovnik and where to sleep in Split