Hristina Lozanovska 
Imagine a small ancient city on a tiny peninsula of the Dalmatian coast overlooking the turquoise waters of the Adriatic Sea. Well, welcome to Zadar, Croatia! If this sounds like a great destination for your holidays, you’re probably starting to wonder where to stay in Zadar and how to pick the best hotels.
I wanted to make things easy for you, so I compared the different areas of Zadar and selected the 5 best places to stay in Zadar, as well as 3 other cute villages if you want to stay outside Zadar city.
The ultimate spot for your stay in Zadar is Old Town, with its historic sites, medieval churches, and numerous restaurants serving delicious Mediterranean cuisine.
To make things even easier, I also went through all Zadar hotels and handpicked the best ones for each of the recommended areas. I featured options for all price categories and various amenities, so I’m sure you’ll find something to fit your preference.
All you need to do is pick a hotel and make your reservations as soon as possible! The best hotels tend to sell out quickly, and you don’t want to miss the great deals you get by booking in advance.
Let’s visit Zadar!
Quick Picks for Your Stay
Take a look at this list of the best hotels in Zadar Old Town:
Contents
- Quick Picks for Your Stay
- 1. Old Town – where to stay in Zadar for the first time
- 2. Puntamika – where to stay in Zadar for the best beaches
- 3. Zadar New Town – where to stay in Zadar for luxury
- 4. Kolovare Beach – a great place to stay for nightlife
- 5. Diklo Beach – where to stay in Zadar for families
- Where to stay near Zadar
- FAQs about where to stay in Zadar
- Final words on where to stay in Zadar, Croatia
Here’s a map to help visualize the 5 best areas for your Zadar holiday (+ extra options):
- Old Town: for first-timers
- PUNTAMIKA: for the best beaches
- Zadar New Town: for luxury
- Kolovare Beach : for nightlife
- Diklo Beach: for families
1. Old Town – where to stay in Zadar for the first time
The historic Old Town (called Poluotok by locals) is a charming area of Zadar’s protected peninsula, brimming with Roman ruins, Venetian architecture, Byzantine churches, and beautiful boardwalks on the Dalmatian coast. Thanks to the colorful, narrow streets of this neighborhood, which feature typical Roman architecture, everything is within walking distance, making it perfect for discovering its numerous ancient attractions.
Just wandering through the Old Town, you will find the ruins of the Roman Forum (map), the famous Zadar churches like the Church of St. Donatus (map) and bustling squares like the People’s Square (map), and the 5 Wells Square (map).
A must-add to your Zadar itinerary is the world-famous Sea Organ (map), which combines music and architecture and produces harmonic sounds made by the waves and tides.
Right next to this unique instrument, you’ll come upon The Greeting to the Sun (map) monument, which is actually a collection of solar panels that are tuned to produce an amazing light show in the evenings.
My suggestion? Go watch the incredible sunsets from this spot, where the game of lights by the Greeting to the Sun mixes with the rhythm of the waves and the sounds of the Sea Organ… one of the most magical experiences you can have in your life!
There are also a couple of museums that are definitely worth your attention: the Museum of Ancient Glass showcases various artifacts and offers glass-blowing demonstrations, and the Archaeological Museum Zadar has various exhibits, some dating back to prehistoric times.
Located in the charming Old Town, right next to the Sea Organ, Almayer Art & Heritage Hotel offers luxury private rooms decorated in modern style. Relax in the hotel’s lovely garden and have a romantic dinner on the covered outdoor restaurant terrace. This is the ultimate Zadar accommodation for a stay with all the comforts!
Other accommodation options in Old Town
A lovely Old Town guest house offering rooms with a private bathroom, air conditioning, and free Wi-Fi access
This Old Town apartment complex features both apartments and private rooms and a garden overlooking a quiet street
Spacious and cozy apartment in Old Town Zadar with panoramic sea views, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace
The Old Town is the best place to stay in Zadar, so hotels tend to sell out very quickly, especially the more luxurious ones. And since I don’t want you to miss out on this amazing experience, I picked 3 more luxury hotels in Old Town that are a great option for your stay.
- Bastion Heritage Hotel – a 4-star hotel at the heart of the Old City Center featuring one of the most well-known restaurants, Kaštel, a spa and wellness center, and individually decorated rooms furnished with Art Deco pieces.
- Teatro Verdi Boutique Hotel – situated within walking distance of many Old Town monuments and museums, Teatro Verdi Boutique Hotel, is one of the best boutique hotels in Zadar; it provides concierge services, a tour desk, and continental or à la carte breakfast is served daily.
- Art Hotel Kalelarga – this upscale hotel is situated within the Venetian walls of the Old Town and boasts an on-site restaurant. All rooms at the Art Hotel Kalelarga are individually decorated with stone details and modern furnishings.
Things to do in Old Town
- Check out the Greeting to the Sun monument on the waterfront
- Listen to the famous Sea Organ
- Admire the ruins of the Roman Forum and the Zadar City Walls (map)
- Visit the Church of St. Donatus and the Cathedral of St. Anastasia (map)
- Watch a glass-blowing showcase at the Museum of Ancient Glass
- Explore the collections at the Archaeological Museum Zadar
- Have a coffee in the People’s Square or the 5 Wells Square
- Spend a fun day at the Museum of Illusions
2. Puntamika – where to stay in Zadar for the best beaches
Puntamika is situated just across the bay from Old Town, an 8-min drive North of the city center. Nestled on its own peninsula, this part of Zadar hosts some of the most beautiful beaches in the area. So, if you want to enjoy lazy beach days and spend your evenings in bustling beach bars, this lively area is the ideal choice for you.
The eponymous Puntamika Beach (map) is one of the most popular beaches in Zadar due to its small pebbles and shallow, crystal-clear waters. The beach is perfect for swimming and lounging in the sun; the buzzing bars serve cocktails all day long, and if you’re traveling with kids, you’ll be happy to know there’s a playground nearby.
Further down the coast of the peninsula lies Borik Beach (map), another very popular Zadar beach. The sandy shore and the sparkling water attract plenty of tourists, so expect to find a crowded beach if you visit Zadar during the high season.
I’ve already mentioned beach bars and your stay here would be incomplete without an afternoon spent with a drink in hand, watching the sun go down over the horizon. My top recommendations for this are Beach Bar Bamboo (map) and Yachting Bar & Club (map) – if you can, I highly recommend you check out both.
Besides beautiful beaches and amazing bars, the Puntamika area is home to many great hotels – everything you need for a comfortable stay. Check out my selection of the best hotels in Puntamika below!
This adults-only hotel is one of the most luxurious hotels in Zadar, boasting an outdoor pool surrounded by a sun terrace full of sun loungers – perfect for enjoying a cocktail. One of the guests’ favorite features is the free use of the nearby spa center and the fact that the beach is just a short walking distance from the hotel.
Other accommodation options in Puntamika
In a great location near the beach, this villa has en suite rooms, a shared garden, and barbecue facilities
Even though a little lower-rated, this is one of the best cheap hotels in Zadar, with free parking and breakfast
A cozy room with a private entrance and an en suite bathroom, providing easy access to the beach
Things to do in Puntamika
- Spend a day swimming at Puntamika Beach
- Grab a drink at Beach Bar Bamboo or the Yachting Bar & Club
- Enjoy the sandy beach at Borik
- Have a delicious dinner at Congo Pizza/Pasta Zadar (map)
- Drive to Old Town and join an island-hopping tour of the nearby islands
- Head to the Wild Beach Puntamika (map) to escape the crowds
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3. Zadar New Town – where to stay in Zadar for luxury
New Town is the Zadar city center, located to the East of the Old Town, exactly between the ancient neighborhood and Zadar’s most popular beaches, giving you easy access to everything you need in an even quieter atmosphere than the more well-known Old Town.
New Town stretches over a much larger surface than the Old Town and encompasses several smaller neighborhoods, most notably Voštarnica and Višnjik, which make up the central part of the city and hosts a variety of restaurants, trendy bars, and high-end shops.
One of the most important attractions in the city center is the Zadar Sphinx (map), modeled after the famous Egyptian monument and a great photo op! If you like spending time outdoors, Park Vruljica (map) is a great spot to enjoy an afternoon in nature; there’s a lovely stream and a kids’ playground, so very family-friendly, too.
And if you find yourself looking for things to do, you can always visit Old Town; just cross the Town Bridge / Gradski Most (map), and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported back in time!
The hotels in Zadar’s city center are a little more exclusive and expensive, perfect for those who want to enjoy luxury and the comfort of being close to everything!
This is one of the best 5-star hotels in Zadar, where each luxury apartment features a fully equipped kitchen, a private bathroom, and comfortable beds. Guests get access to an outdoor swimming pool and a hot tub, and the property also offers many other amenities like free parking and airport transfers for an added charge.
Other accommodation options in Zadar New Town
Rooms at this hotel have air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, and a private bathroom with free toiletries
Offering both private rooms and beds in shared dormitories, this hostel also has free parking and organizes airport transfers
A nicely decorated apartment with 2 bedrooms that can accommodate up to 6 people and provides a parking space
Things to do in Zadar New Town
- Snap a photo with the Zadar Sphinx
- Spend a relaxing afternoon at Park Vruljica
- Have fun shopping at the City Galleria mall (map)
- Cross the Town Bridge and explore the Old Town
- Go for a hike at Musapstan Forest Park (map)
- Embark on a guided day trip to Plitvice Lakes
4. Kolovare Beach – a great place to stay for nightlife
Kolovare is a traditional public town beach and the main beach in Zadar, located just a 20-min walk South of the Old Town. The area is bustling with life and teeming with tourists during the summer months, so I can assure you there won’t be a dull moment if you decide to stay here.
Kolovare Beach (map) starts in the so-called pool (an aqua park in the Mediterranean Sea) and goes all the way up to Punta Bajlo / Bajlo Cape. The beach is surrounded by shops, hotels, beachfront restaurants, live music venues, and buzzing bars, perfect for those looking for fun nightlife and entertainment.
In fact, even though it is a wonderful place to relax, sunbathe, and swim during the day when the sun goes down, Kolovare Beach takes life, and the vibey beach bars become crowded with young people enjoying drinks while watching incredible sunsets!
With the main bus station close by and affordable taxis available, in the blink of an eye, you’ll be close to the city center and Old Town, in case you want to visit Zadar’s major attractions and you want to party in a different area! In fact, Old Town also hosts nice bars and cool clubs for you to enjoy Zadar nightlife and dance until the morning.
If you want to stay on the beach and bask in luxury, there’s no better choice than Hotel Kolovare! A short walking distance from the hotel, you’ll reach a small pebbly beach where you can swim and sunbathe, or you can choose to stay by the swimming pool. Guests also praise the friendly staff and the delicious breakfast.
Other accommodation options in Kolovare Beach
Providing easy access to the beach, this apartment complex offers accommodations with air conditioning and Wi-Fi
The hostel offers beds in shared dormitories, access to a shared kitchen, luggage storage, and a 24/7 front desk
Modern apartment within walking distance of the beach that can host up to 4 people and offers bike rentals
Miramare Hotel – guests at the Miramare Hotel can dine at the on-site restaurant, go for a swim at the pool, and benefit from room service, airport transfers, and complimentary breakfast.
Things to do in Kolovare Beach
- Relax on Kolovare Beach
- Pay a visit to the historic Imperial Fountain (map)
- Spend a day at Karma Beach (map)
- Enjoy a drink at Caffe Bar Popeye (map)
- Bring your kids to the aquapark (map) right in the sea waters!
- Venture out to Podbrig Beach (map)
5. Diklo Beach – where to stay in Zadar for families
Diklo Beach is Kolovare Beach’s quieter sister, located 3 km (2.5 miles) North of the city center. The area has far fewer crowds and a more relaxed atmosphere, making it the perfect option for a beach holiday with your family.
Spend relaxing days under the sun at Diklo Beach (map) while your kids enjoy water activities – they can choose between a jet ski and a banana boat ride! And if you feel like switching things up a bit, I suggest you explore the nearby Kozino Beach (map) with its rocky shores and trees that provide much-needed shade.
Diklo is the ideal place for a lovely evening walk. Breathe in the pleasant scent of pine trees and the gentle sea breeze while listening to the sound of waves hitting the rocks. When the night comes, there are several beach bars and restaurants where you can enjoy a delicious dinner with a great view.
If all this wasn’t enough, Diklo Beach is also surrounded by beautiful apartments and family-friendly hotels at much more affordable prices. You don’t have any excuse not to spend your vacation here!
And if you were wondering about where to stay in Zadar with a car, Diklo is a great choice, seeing as it’s a bit further away from Old Town, but more importantly, many of the hotels here offer parking spots to its guests completely free of charge!
Situated just a few steps away from the beach, this property has luxurious apartments overlooking the beach, each with a private terrace, a kitchenette, comfortable queen beds, and an en suite bathroom. Guests can also use the garden and the barbecue facilities and also enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants located nearby.
Other accommodation options in Diklo Beach
A Mediterranean-style hotel boasting panoramic sea views, an outdoor restaurant terrace, family rooms, and private parking
These beachfront Zadar apartments provide accommodation with a balcony offering amazing sunset views, free parking, and air conditioning
Fully furnished apartment with 2 large bedrooms, very close to the beach, and access to a private parking space
Things to do in Diklo Beach
- Pack some snacks and drinks to watch the sunset at Diklo Beach
- Pay a visit to the Church of St. Peter (map)
- Explore the nearby Kozino Beach
- Check out the Diklo Village Beach (map)
- Try the delicious seafood at Restaurant Taverna (map)
- Join a guided tour of Krka Waterfalls with food and wine-tasting
| 👑 Luxury price: | €200 |
| 💵 Mid-range: | €140 |
| 🛏️ Budget: | €70 |
| 📍 Best area: | Old Town |
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | Almayer Art & Heritage |
| 🧳 Best mid-range hotel: | CentRooms Kovac |
| 👛 Best budget hotel: | Apartments & Rooms No.1 |
Where to stay near Zadar
Zadar is a smaller town, and although it has plenty of accommodations, it can sometimes feel a bit overcrowded. So, if you want to avoid the crowds but still be close to this charming town, it’s a good idea to stay in one of the nearby towns and villages.
In the following sections, I recommend 3 amazing places for staying near Zadar, plus a great hotel for each price category!
Bibinje – where to stay on a budget
Located 8 km (5 miles) Southeast of Zadar Old Town, Bibinje is a lively and charming seaside village offering the typical peaceful and casual atmosphere of a small town. Once a fishing village, Bibinje experienced economic development and tourist renovation, and today, it has a lot to offer its guests!
With far fewer tourists and affordable beach hotels, Bibinje is definitely an excellent and cheaper alternative to Zadar. Here, you will even find a few campgrounds close to the shore… for the ultimate budget-friendly vacation!
- Apartments Vila Moli ($$$) – this family-run villa has a very relaxed ambiance and is in an ideal location near the beach. The property features a seasonal pool and barbecue facilities, and the hosts are super friendly and helpful.
- Boutique Cosmopolis ($$) – all rooms at this boutique hotel feature a private bathroom, a seating area with a flat-screen TV, and a balcony. Other amenities include air conditioning and complimentary Wi-Fi access.
- Apartments Mira ($) – these budget apartments are situated just a short walk from the beach and have either a private balcony or a terrace, satellite TV, and Wi-Fi access. Guests say the accommodation provides excellent value for money.
Sukosan – where to stay for a relaxing atmosphere
On a coastal Adriatic road, just 3 km (2 miles) Southeast of Bibinje and 6.5 km (4 miles) from Zadar, there is Sukošan, a small town situated in a wide bay called Golden Harbour (Zlatna Luka in Croatian) with dramatic views of the sea. And when I say small, I mean it! With 3,000 residents, this is the perfect spot for a quiet getaway with your partner, family, or friends!
Here, you can enjoy a range of water activities such as water tube and banana rides or just relax on the beach. With luxurious apartments, hotels, and numerous campsites situated near the sea, Sukošan is waiting for you – my top choices are featured in the list below!
- Suites Kod Guste ($$$) – this upscale B&B features a bar and a restaurant serving traditional cuisines, a sauna, and a large balcony overlooking the sea. The property offers in-room amenities like wine, champagne, and chocolate.
- Luxury Apartments Garden ($$) – this apartment complex boasts a garden and barbecue facilities, free parking, Wi-Fi, rooms with air conditioning, a full kitchen, and a bathroom.
- Apartments Danijela ($) – a short distance away from the beach in Sukošan, these apartments are a great choice for budget travelers, providing access to a shared patio and free private parking.
Petrcane – where to stay with a car
The village of Petrčane is situated 12 km (7.5 miles) North of Zadar, and it’s ideally situated for exploring many other attractive spots on the Dalmatian Coast, which is why I recommend it as an excellent choice for people traveling by car.
During your stay in Petrčane, you’ll enjoy the popular beaches and choose many amazing accommodations – my top picks are listed below!
- Falkensteiner Family Hotel Diadora ($$$) – situated on the Punta Skala peninsula, the Falkensteiner Family Hotel Diadora is one of the best luxury hotels near Zadar, with 4 pools, a golf course, several tennis courts, and a kids’ amusement park.
- Apartment Vila Nina ($$) – guests at these apartments will enjoy the stunning sea views, relax in the comfortable rooms, and even rent cars if they want to drive out to Zadar city.
- Apartments Petrčane Welcome ($) – each of the units at this property is decorated with bright colors and traditional furniture and has either a balcony or a terrace, as well as a full kitchen.
FAQs about where to stay in Zadar
🌇 What’s the best area to stay in Zadar?
Old Town is the best area to stay in Zadar, hosting the town’s most important landmarks and the best Zadar accommodation, such as the Almayer Art & Heritage Hotel and the CentRooms Kovac guest house.
👪 Where to stay in Zadar with family?
Diklo Beach is a quiet area with easy access to both the beach and Old Town: the perfect spot to stay in Zadar with the family. Stay in the many family-friendly hotels: the cozy beachfront Apartments Basioli or the incredible Hotel Delfin.
💸 Where to stay in Zadar on a budget?
The best place for budget stays is situated near Zadar. The village of Bibinje is located on the Dalmatian Coast, Southeast of Zadar Old Town, and offers more affordable accommodations like Apartments Vila Moli and Boutique Cosmopolis
📅 How many days should I spend in Zadar?
The ideal amount of time for exploring Zadar is 3 to 4 days. During this window, you’ll have enough time to visit all the main Old Town attractions, check out some museums, and enjoy a couple of days at the most popular beaches.
💯 Is Zadar worth going to?
Yes, Zadar is definitely worth visiting! It has plenty to offer in terms of historical attractions, it boasts stunning beaches, and has an active nightlife scene.
🤔 Is Zadar nicer than Split?
Zadar is quieter and has a more relaxed atmosphere, while Split is livelier and attracts more tourist crowds. Both are amazing spots, and I suggest you visit both if you have the chance!
🏊 Can you swim in the sea in Zadar?
Yes! The Adriatic Sea off the coast of Zadar is crystal-clear and completely safe for swimming. Even though some of the beaches are pebbly, that’s no reason to stop you from swimming – just bring some swimming shoes!
Final words on where to stay in Zadar, Croatia
Here we are at the end of my guide on where to stay in Zadar! I hope the post was helpful and you’ve decided on an area and picked one of the recommended Zadar hotels.
If you still haven’t chosen your Zadar accommodation, here are the 2 best hotels in Old Town:
- Almayer Art & Heritage Hotel – a luxurious hotel located in the historic Old Town Zadar offering modern-style rooms with all the comforts
- CentRooms Kovac – a lovely guest house in a perfect location with free Wi-Fi and air conditioning
If you are already imagining yourself breathing the sea breeze of the Dalmatian Coast, I strongly suggest you book your hotel at least 2 months before your trip, as this is one of the best places to stay in Croatia!
Have you been to Zadar and have any suggestions or comments for this blog? Then leave a comment below; I’m looking forward to getting back to you!
Have a great trip!
Hristina
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