Zadar

Begin your holiday in Zadar with discounted car hire provided by Online-Car-Hire. We offer simple online booking providing cheap car rental at Zadar airport. All of our car rental suppliers offer dedicated telephone staff on hand for any further questions that may come up before or after completing your rental car reservation. For your information the airport at Zadar will be found 8 km from the centre of Zadar.

 

Stunning Zadar, an amazing city with a long and colourful history, Zadar is one of Dalmatia’s oldest residents. With a picturesque harbour and a plentiful supply of magnificent old churches, Zadar offers impressive architectural treasure at every turn.

The tourism belt of Zadar is found within the heart of Croatia’s Adriatic. A region packed with hundreds of islets and islands, within which are the national parklands of Kornati, Krka, Paklenica and Plitvice. Zadar has plenty to offer its sight seeing visitor with its historical and cultural features as well as natural beauty spots, it is no wonder the city and its surrounds have become one of Croatia’s principle tourism highlights.

During the seventh century, Zadar became the capital city of the Byzantine’s province of Dalmatia.

A few hundred years later on, possessing substantial fortification, World War Two brought some new residents to Zadar, that of German occupation. Allied bombing occurred seventy two times in all to flush them out. Since that, the Croatian War of Independence happened resulting in the utter chaos and destruction of Zadar and beyond. Despite all that gets thrown at Zadar (and its Croatian cousins), this courageous city dusts itself down and picks itself up. Today, the recovering city enjoys a flourishing tourism market.

This is an excellent destination for city breakers with a craving for cities with colourful histories. Historical Zadra consists of a wealth of attractions, including the ninth century church of Saint Donatus and a number of impressive museums and galleries.

A popular spot in Zadar, especially for both sailors and enthusiasts of yachts, is that of Borik Marina. Situated in the resort area of Borik Bay, this is a great place to enjoy a peaceful respite from all the sights.

Built and organised in the first place by the Roman Empire, Zadar was initially constructed within a very well fortified periphery. These roman walls continued over the years to encompass the buildings of a medieval city complete with cathedral, a temple and a forum amongst other things. The city’s forum is today held in high regard for its sheer size and claims to be the largest on the eastern edge of the Adriatic. Thanks to the remains of these ancient roman remains, it is easy to come here and envisage the appearance of the city from the remains found and celebrated about the city.

Architecturally speaking, Zadar offers a wide range of diverse styles. On offer are Romanesque structures as well as medieval, Renaissance and many more. This is a city that has seen more than its fair share of devastation, but yet has managed to preserve much of the city’s character albeit in a variety of building styles.

There are one or two brilliant architectural gems around the Old City. One such treasure is that of the rotund pre Romanesque church of Saint Donatus. Zadar is famed for its ample array of religious architecture and none will impress you more than this one. Dating back to the ninth century, the well preserved Church of Saint Donatus was built upon the ancient site of the Temple of Juno.

Next to its older cousin, the second most popular church in the city is that of St Mary’s. Dating back to the early twelfth century, this equally well preserved structure holds the permanent ecclesiastical art exhibition, ‘The Gold and Silver of Zadar’.

Should by chance, one more for luck is required, there is the imposing Basilica of St Anastacia to be going on with. Built in the style of High Romanesque, the cathedral dates back to the twelfth century.

Other popular sights around the city include the Maritime Museum, the Archaeological Museum, the occasional musical events at the Church of Saint Donatus and the Exhibition of Sacred Art at St Mary’s Church.

Zadar Airport

Zadar Airport is situated 8 kilometres from the city centre.

If you require a bus upon arrival in Zadar, there is a regular service to and from the airport to Zadar Bus Station..

Taxis are available from outside the terminal adjacent to the bus stop.