Zadar is a pleasant starting point for exploring Dalmatia and the surrounding area. The Adriatic coast, inland nature parks and archipelago islands offer a variety of day and half-day excursions. We’ve selected for you the best escapades within easy reach of the city, whether by boat, car or quad bike.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
Our 3 favorite excursions from Zadar
Zadar’s strategic location on the Dalmatian coast makes it an ideal base from which to explore the region. Before presenting our detailed reviews, here are our 3 favorites:
- Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Croatia’s natural wonders – See prices, photos and availability
- Kornati National Park, an archipelago of 89 deserted islands with crystal-clear waters, to explore by boat from Zadar – see prices, photos and availability
- Boat trip to Preko, Ošljak and Kali, to discover the Dalmatian villages on the island of Ugljan, just a stone’s throw from Zadar – See prices, photos and availability
Find out more about what to do in Zadar here.
WHERE TO STAY IN Zadar
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
Historic Center –
Hôtel Bastion Heritage – check photos and availability
Borik Marina –
Hyatt Regency Zadar Hotel – check photos and availability
On the coast –
Falkensteiner Hotel & Spa Iadera – check photos and availability
1. Plitvice Lakes National Park
Why do we recommend this tour?
Located around 130km from Zadar, Plitvice Lakes National Park is one of Croatia’s most visited natural sites, and for good reason: its 16 cascading lakes linked by waterfalls form a landscape of striking beauty. We were captivated by the turquoise color of the water, which varies from emerald green to deep blue depending on the light and the season. The park has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, a recognition of its exceptional natural value. Wooden footbridges allow you to walk along the lakes and get up close to the waterfalls, the most spectacular of which, Veliki Slap, reaches a height of 78m. Allow a full day for this visit.
What you will see
- 16 cascading lakes with turquoise waters, linked by waterfalls and cascades
- Veliki Slap, Croatia’s highest waterfall
- Wooden footbridges winding between lakes and over waterfalls
- Preserved flora and fauna
- Electric boat crossings between the upper and lower lakes
How much time should I allow?
Allow a full day for this excursion, including the drive. From Zadar, the journey takes around 1h30 to 2h, depending on the itinerary. On site, allow between 4 and 6 hours, depending on the tour you choose.
Book your excursion to Plitvice Lakes
2. Kornati National Park
Why do we recommend this tour?
The Kornati National Park comprises 89 deserted islands off the coast of Zadar, forming the densest archipelago in the Adriatic Sea. We were won over by the wild beauty of these rocky islets. The park is only accessible by boat, which reinforces its unspoilt character. You’ll sail between secluded coves with crystal-clear waters, ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Day trips from Zadar usually include several swimming stops and a grilled fish lunch in one of the archipelago’s few restaurants. An excursion not to be missed!
What you will see
- Deserted islands
- Secluded coves with crystal-clear waters for swimming and snorkeling
- Varied marine fauna in protected waters
- A grilled fish lunch in an archipelago restaurant
- Preserved island landscapes
How much time should I allow?
Allow for a full day from Zadar. Boat trips generally last between 8 and 10 hours, including departure from and return to the port of Zadar.
Book your excursion to the Kornati Archipelago
A LITTLE MORE patience
All the photos, maps, information and addresses you need to make your stay in Croatia a success will soon be available in a single ebook!
3. Boat trip to Preko, Ošljak and Kali
Why do we recommend this tour?
This boat trip to the island of Ugljan is one of the most authentic getaways from Zadar. You’ll stop at Ošljak, the smallest inhabited island in the entire Adriatic Sea, whose 10 or so inhabitants perpetuate centuries-old traditions of fishing and olive-growing. You can climb to the top of the island for a panoramic view of the Zadar canal. Finally, Kali, a fishing village on the island of Ugljan, and Preko, a charming Dalmatian village, are all great places to explore. Several swimming stops are also planned in turquoise waters!
What you will see
- Ošljak, the smallest inhabited island in the Adriatic, and its panoramic view of the Zadar canal
- Kali, a fishing village with a long maritime tradition, its stone houses and harbour
- Preko, a village on the island of Ugljan, with a seafront promenade
- Several swimming stops in sheltered bays
How much time should I allow?
This tour lasts between 2 and 4 hours.
4. Dugi Otok Island, wreck, Golubinka cave and military tunnel
Why do we recommend this tour?
Dugi Otok means “long island” in Croatian. This speedboat excursion from Zadar combines several exceptional sites in a single day: the wreck of the Italian cargo ship Michele, part of which is visible out of the water, the Golubinka sea cave, and a military underwater tunnel dating from the second half of the 20th century. We found the diversity of the sites on offer – natural, historical and underwater – particularly interesting. The excursion also includes Sakarun beach, one of the most beautiful in Croatia, with its white sand and shallow waters. The Telašćica Nature Park and the Kornati Islands are also visible from the boat.
What you will see
- The wreck of the Italian cargo ship Michele, accessible by snorkeling in shallow waters
- The Golubinka sea cave and its natural play of light
- A military underwater tunnel, testimony to the region’s recent history
- Sakarun beach, white sand and shallow turquoise waters
- Telašćica Nature Park and the Kornati archipelago seen from the boat
How much time should I allow?
Allow between 4h30 and a full day from Zadar.
Book your excursion to Dugi Otok Island!
5. Sea kayaking trip
Why do we recommend this tour?
Take a sea kayak to places that neither cruise ships nor ferries can reach: secluded coves, sea caves and limestone cliffs. The Zadar region lends itself particularly well to kayaking, thanks to the density of its islands, which remain close to one another and allow safe sailing even for beginners. Several options are available from Zadar: a half-day trip along the waterfront of the old town, where you can admire theOrgan of the Seas from the water, or a full-day trip to the island of Molat. A former military island with Cold War caves, a snorkeling wreck and fishing villages.
What you will see
- Zadar’s waterfront seen from the sea, including the Organ of the Seas and St. Donatus Church
- The archipelago’s secluded coves and pebble beaches, accessible only by kayak or on foot
- Sea caves and Cold War military caves on the island of Molat
- The wreck of the Michelle, accessible by snorkeling from the kayak in shallow waters.
- Uncrowded fishing villages on the islands of Molat, Ist and Ugljan
How much time should I allow?
Kayak trips come in a variety of formats: 2 to 3 hours for a stroll along Zadar’s waterfront, a full day to reach the island of Molat by ferry and then explore the archipelago by paddle, or several days for multi-island tours. Guided day trips are accessible to beginners, provided they know how to swim.
Book your kayak excursion here!
6. Nin on foot and quad bike
Why do we recommend this tour?
Just 15km north of Zadar, Nin is one of Croatia’s oldest towns. We were impressed by its rich heritage, even though the town is quite small. The small island on which the old town stands is entirely surrounded by water and linked to the mainland by two stone bridges. The Church of the Holy Cross, considered the world’s smallest cathedral, dates back to the 9th century and stands out for its astronomical precision. Its oriented construction enabled the solstices to be measured. The ruins of the Roman temple and the Nin Museum of Antiquities complete the historical discovery. Nin is also famous for its salt marshes, whose salt is renowned, and its therapeutic mud. For a different approach, you can reach Nin by off-road quad bike from Zadar, crossing tracks and natural areas, with a swim break along the way.
What you will see
- The 9th-century Church of the Holy Cross, considered the world’s smallest cathedral
- The ruins of the Roman temple and the Nin Museum of Antiquities
- The surrounding salt marshes and therapeutic mud
- The Queen’s sandy beach, a rarity in Croatia, right next to the old town
- Optional: off-road trails between Zadar and Nin on quad bikes, with swimming break
How much time should I allow?
Nin can be reached in half a day from Zadar. It’s 15km from Zadar, about 20min by car.
Book your off-road quad adventure to Nin with swimming break
7. Krka National Park and Waterfalls
Why do we recommend this tour?
Created in 1985, Krka National Park is one of Croatia’s most visited nature parks, and often presented as a more accessible alternative to Plitvice Lakes. We recommend visiting both if you get the chance. The highlight of the park is the Skradinski Buk waterfall. Its 17 successive stages form a breathtaking landscape. The Skradin entrance, which gives access to the park by boat, is the busiest and most spectacular. The park is also home to the Franciscan monastery on the island of Visovac, accessible by boat, and the Roški Slap waterfalls further north, which we also recommend.
What you will see
- Skradinski Buk waterfall, with its 17 travertine levels and natural basins
- Boat trip from Skradin to the park entrance
- Franciscan monastery on the island of Visovac (boat trip from the park)
- The Roški Slap waterfalls, more isolated and less frequented
- A varied fauna: otters, herons, water turtles and many species of fish in the Krka River.
How much time should I allow?
Allow a full day from Zadar. The outward journey takes between 45min and 1h, depending on the itinerary. On site, allow between 3h and 6h depending on the tour and boat options.
Book your guided tour from Zadar with hotel pickup possible!
8. Pag Island
Why do we recommend this tour?
60km from Zadar, the island of Pag stands out in the Dalmatian landscape for its barren, mineral landscapes, which some compare to a lunar surface. The limestone hills, almost devoid of vegetation, are the result of centuries of strong winds and sheep grazing. We drove along coastal roads offering spectacular panoramic views of the Adriatic. The old town of Pag is well worth a visit for its Renaissance architecture and remarkably well-preserved medieval streets. The island is also famous for its Paški sir cheese, made from the milk of sheep fed on salty herbs, giving it a distinctive taste. The Pag saltworks, still in operation, produce a high-quality salt that you can take home with you. Finally, the sandy beaches of Novalja, in the north of the island, attract a young and festive crowd in summer.
What you will see
- The island’s mineral and lunar limestone landscapes, unique in Croatia
- Pag’s old town and its Renaissance architecture
- Cheese dairies producing Paški sir, Pag PDO cheese
- Traditional saltworks still in operation
- The sandy beaches of Novalja in the north of the island
How much time should I allow?
Allow a full day to explore the island at your own pace. Located 60km from Zadar, the journey takes around 1 hour by car via the Pag bridge. We recommend renting a car so you can visit the site at your own pace.
- 60km from Zadar, approx. 1h-1h30 drive
- Access via the Pag bridge from the coastal road or by ferry from Prizna
9. Split
Why do we recommend this tour?
Split is Croatia’s second-largest city and one of the major destinations on the Dalmatian coast. Built around Diocletian’s Palace, a 4th-century Roman edifice in which an entire city developed over the centuries, Split offers a unique urban experience where Antiquity and contemporary daily life constantly rub shoulders. We were struck by this temporal superposition: stores, restaurants and apartments now occupy the galleries and apartments of the former imperial palace. The old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Outside the palace, the Riva waterfront, lively in all seasons, invites you to take a stroll. A day trip from Zadar is perfectly feasible.
What you will see
- Diocletian’s Palace, a living, inhabited 4th-century Roman monument and UNESCO World Heritage Site
- The narrow streets and squares of the old town within the walls of the old palace
- La Riva, Split’s lively waterfront
- The Split Archaeological Museum and its Dalmatian collections
- St. Domnius Cathedral, former mausoleum of Diocletian transformed into a Christian church
How much time should I allow?
Allow a full day to enjoy Split and its main sights. The journey from Zadar takes around 1h45 by car. We recommend renting a car or booking a bus.
10. Dubrovnik
Why do we recommend this tour?
Dubrovnik is undoubtedly Croatia’s best-known international city. Its medieval white limestone ramparts overlooking the Adriatic Sea, its pedestrian-only Old Town and its Baroque architecture make it a destination of remarkable visual coherence. The town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We would point out, however, that it’s a long drive from Zadar, around 4h30, and that the day trip leaves little time to spare. We advise you to plan at least one night in Zadar, if your schedule permits. The town is also home to some fine hotels!
What you will see
- The medieval ramparts of Dubrovnik and their panoramic view of the sea and the old town
- The Stradun, the old town’s main avenue lined with Baroque palaces
- Lovrijenac Fortress, known as the “Gibraltar of Dubrovnik”, overlooking the sea from its cliffs
How much time should I allow?
Allow a full, long day from Zadar, or even an overnight stay. The journey takes around 4h30 by car. If you’re looking for adventure, a rental car is the best way to go.
See all the things to do in Dubrovnik in our article.
11. Ugljan Island
Why do we recommend this tour?
Ugljan is the large island opposite Zadar, separated from the old town by a canal only a few kilometers long. It’s also nicknamed “the garden of Zadar” because of its many olive trees and dense vegetation. We appreciate this excursion for its accessibility and local character. The island is primarily inhabited by year-round residents, far removed from mass tourism. The 20-minute ferry ride from Zadar drops you off at Preko, from where you can explore the coastal villages of Kali and Kukljica, olive groves, or reach the summit of Sveti Mihovil for a panoramic view of the archipelago and the old town of Zadar. The island’s beaches are less crowded than those on the Zadar peninsula.
What you will see
- The villages of Preko, Kali and Kukljica and their Dalmatian stone architecture
- The summit of Sveti Mihovil and its panoramic view of Zadar and the archipelago
- The olive groves and dense Mediterranean vegetation that have earned the island its nickname
- Beaches less frequented than those on the mainland
- The short, panoramic ferry crossing from the port of Zadar
How much time should I allow?
Half a day is enough for an overview of the island. A full day allows you to explore several villages and hike to the summit.
- Ferry from Zadar port to Preko: approx. 30min.
- Several departures a day, all year round
12. Paklenica National Park
Why do we recommend this tour?
Located 45km north of Zadar, Paklenica National Park is a prime destination for hiking and climbing enthusiasts. We enjoyed the diversity of its landscapes: beech and pine forests in the valleys, dizzying rock faces and spectacular gorges carved out of the Velebit limestone massif. The two main gorges, Velika Paklenica and Mala Paklenica, offer trails of different levels, from family routes to technical climbing routes. The park is also renowned for its rich fauna: birds of prey, deer, chamois and brown bears all live in unspoilt surroundings. An ancient military fortification dug into the rock, a network of tunnels dating back to the Yugoslav period, can be visited within the park.
What you will see
- The Velika and Mala Paklenica gorges and their limestone rock faces
- Marked hiking trails of different levels, from family-friendly to sporty
- Climbing routes on the gorge walls, among the most popular in Croatia
- A varied fauna: birds of prey, deer, chamois and brown bears
- Former military tunnels dug into the rock, now open to visitors
How much time should I allow?
Allow a full day to enjoy the park to the full. The journey from Zadar takes around 45min to 1h by car.
Read our article on Paklenika Park here.
Subscribe to our Newsletter
- Get away from it all with Region Lovers’ beautiful destinations!
- Once a month
- Advertising-free
Other excursions from Zadar
Šibenik
South of Zadar, we recommend Šibenik, the oldest Croatian town on the Adriatic coast. Its Cathedral of St. James, built entirely of stone between the 15th and 16th centuries, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The old town also boasts two remarkable fortresses, including the Fortress of San Nicolo. Šibenik is also the closest town to Krka National Park, so you can combine the two in one day.
Zagreb
The Croatian capital is about 3 hours from Zadar by car. Zagreb deserves a full day or weekend to discover its historic center divided between the medieval Upper Town and the 19th-century Lower Town, its many museums and markets. A day trip from Zadar is feasible, but lengthy. We recommend an overnight stay if you can afford it.
Molat Island
Less well known than Dugi Otok or Pag, the island of Molat is part of the Zadar archipelago and retains its authentic, untouristy character. It can be reached by ferry from Zadar. Its small fishing ports, secluded beaches and coves accessible only on foot or by boat make it an ideal destination for those seeking a break from conventional tours.
Family excursions
Zadar offers many options for families with children. Boat trips around the archipelago are a great value if the kids can swim: the calm waters between the islands, the swimming stops in shallow coves and the relaxed atmosphere on board are suitable for all ages. Or why not opt for a trip on a traditional wooden boat that resembles a pirate ship? We also recommend a semi-submarine trip. From a boat with a glass bottom, you can observe the Adriatic seabed without getting wet. Nin is also a good option with children, especially for the Queen’s sandy beach, one of the few natural sandy beaches in the Dalmatian region.
Book your traditional sailboat excursion!
Book your semi-submarine tour!
It’s time to book!
Compare everything: companies, prices, schedules and availability.
