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Vacation in Zadar
Surrounded by sea and culture
Croatia, located at the doors of Europe, is a country of many contrasts with an impressive cultural heritage. Culturally close to Central Europe in the north and to the Mediterranean world on its coastline, it is a popular destination for tourists looking for a varied vacation. The Croatian Riviera, with its 5,800 km of beaches and more than 1,000 islands bathed by the blue waters of the Adriatic, is truly breathtaking. Between Zagreb, the capital and cultural center of the country, Dubrovnik, the pearl of the Adriatic, Split, the commercial and cultural hub of Central Dalmatia, and so much more... its cities with varied scenery and fascinating past await you!
Pristine nature, deep blue sea and vast cultural heritage
The region surrounding the seaside resort of Zadar abounds in color, where the lush green of the pine forests gives way to the intense blue of the sea and the sparkling whiteness of the beaches. In the fascinating coastal city, discover the origins of Croatia's heritage and immerse yourself in its rich, over 3000 years old, historical and cultural patrimony. It is surrounded by a stunning wall system classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and boasts fabulous monuments such as the Sea Organ and the Greeting to the Sun, as well as the Church of St. Donatus. Zadar is also an excellent starting point to discover the region natural beauties, such as the Kornati Islands or the national parks of Paklenica and Sjeverni Velebit.
Hotel areas
44.119371, 15.2313648
Zadar
Zadar is the capital of the region of the same name, located in the northern part of Dalmatia. The church of St. Donatus, the symbol of the city, is unique in Europe and is the prime example of early medieval Croatian architecture. On the seafront, on the maritime promenade and near the new port, discover an unusual curiosity: the Sea Organ. Created in 2005 by the architect Nikola Basic, this unique instrument with pipes built directly into the water produces sounds to the rhythm of the waves and creates a fascinating place for relaxation and contemplation, especially at sunset. Distance from the airport: 12 km.
Šibenik
Šibenik is located in the heart of Dalmatia, on the Croatian coast and about 80 km north of Split. The beautiful harbor with its promenade is protected by a large bay and is an ideal starting point for a sightseeing tour. In the medieval old town with its winding streets, you will find numerous churches, monasteries and palaces. For those interested in culture, Šibenik has many museums, galleries and historical sites such as the St. Anne's Fortress overlooking the city. Distance from the airport: 75 km.
Petrcane
This seaside resort is located about 12 km north-west of Zadar, at the entrance to the Bay of Petrcane on the Zadar channel, and is very popular in the summer season. The ruins of the ancient church of St. Bartholomew, dating from the 12th to 13th-century, can be found to the south-east of the village by the sea. The massive bell tower on the front façade has been well looked after and later became a residential property. It’s still possible to admire the remnants of mural paintings there. Distance from the airport: 23 km.
Vodice
Vodice is one of the most popular seaside resorts in Dalmatia. The beautiful, gently sloping pebble beach and the many restaurants, bars and cafes along the promenade are particularly popular with families with children. But the city is a favorite among all visitors, especially with its charming old town and its little streets, the sports and leisure activities offer, and the lively nightlife. Distance from the airport: 60 km.
Biograd Na Moru
Today, this ancient royal city is a renowned centre for tourism and water sports on the Adriatic Riviera in Croatia. With its clear waters and national parks close by, it offers the best conditions for an unforgettable holiday. The wooded small islands in the Pasman channel will delight travellers looking for peace and solitude. Water sports enthusiasts will be happy to discover two modern marinas with several jetties among the wide range of charter boats and regattas that make Biograd an essential meeting place for the sport. Distance from the airport: 26 km.
Must-do & Must-see - our suggestions
Must-do
- Composé de 150 îlots déserts à la végétation clairsemée, l’archipel des Kornati est le lieu à visiter en Croatie si vous avez l’âme d’un Robinson Crusoé. Les eaux transparentes de son littoral représentent également l’occasion idéale de s’essayer à la plongée.
- Pour les amateurs de sports et de sensations fortes, la rivière Zrmanja est le lieu idéal pour pratiquer des activités nautiques telles que le rafting ou le kayak. Longue de 69 km, elle traverse des paysages variés composés d’impressionnants rapides et cascades. Adrénaline garantie !
- La riche faune marine de la côte de Zadar vous permettra à coup sûr de croiser des dauphins ou baleines si vous prenez un bateau pour faire une excursion dans les eaux calmes de l’Adriatique.
Must-see
- Pleine de charme, la vieille ville de Zadar est à visiter à tout prix. Située sur une presqu’île et entourée de fortifications, elle arbore une architecture splendide qui puise ses origines dans son riche passé.
- La Salutation au Soleil est une œuvre d’art constituée d’un ensemble de panneaux de verres posés au sol qui représente le système solaire. Avec le monument l’Orgue de la Mer, il constitue un époustouflant spectacle de son et lumière une fois la nuit tombée.
- Le parc national des Lacs de Plitvice ravira les amoureux de la nature. Considéré comme l’un des plus beaux parcs naturels d’Europe, il est couvert d’une luxuriante végétation forestière et de 16 grands lacs reliés entre eux par de superbes chutes d’eau. C’est le lieu idéal pour partir à la découverte des paysages incroyables de la Croatie !
Excursions
Excursions will allow you to discover your destination from all perspectives. LuxairTours offers a range of selected tours that will allow you to discover unmissable places, paradisiacal beaches, typical dishes... LuxairTours organises a range of quality excursions for you.
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Zadar has been inhabited for over 3000 years. Once named Iader, it was founded by the Romans in the 1st century B.C. as a colony, but archaeological findings reveal that the first settlement of the area originated in the Paleolithic era. Then for several centuries, Zadar was the capital of Dalmatia. Its strategic location on the Adriatic Sea made Zadar a popular city for foreign conquerors. It was ruled by the Venetians, Austrians and Napoleon, who left their footprints in the history of the city. You can also find evidence of this multi-culturality in its gastronomy, language and traditions.
The guided tour begins with the Greeting to the Sun, a modern art installation located in the western part of the Old Town peninsula created by Nikola Bašić. It continues on the waterfront promenade, where you can hear the sounds of another work by the same artist, the Sea Organ. Finally, the tour ends at the Old Forum Square.
The price includes: transfer to and from the old town, guided tour of the city, entrance to the church of St. Donatus and a maraschino tasting.
Duration of the tour: about 4 hours.
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The river Zrmanja, 69 km long, is a hidden gem of Northern Dalmatia. It springs from the foot of the Pljesevica mountain and flows into the Adriatic Sea in the bay of Novigradsko more. The Zrmanja is a karst river with many waterfalls and strong rapids upstream. After the Jankovica Buk waterfall, the water is brackish and populated by many unique aquatic species. The lower course of the river flows through the picturesque town of Obrovac, where ruins from the Roman and medieval eras are evidence of of its rich history.
Length of the route: 14.5 km
Duration of the canoe trip: about 2.5 hours for experienced canoeists, 3-4 hours for less experienced participants
Total duration of the trip: 5 to 8 hours
The price of the tour includes: transfer to and from the river, guide, canoe equipment rental -
The 16 lakes formed over centuries, the flora and fauna, the forests and mountains make this truly unique region worthy of its listing as a world natural heritage site. The blues and greens of the lake are enchanting and will make each visit an unforgettable experience!
This full-day tour is not suitable for people with reduced mobility or small children in buggies.
We recommend comfortable footwear and clothing.
The transfer, lunch package, guide, and entrance ticket to the national park are included in the price. -
The national park is a vast and primarily unaltered area of exceptional natural value, including one or more preserved or insignificantly altered ecosystems. The purpose of the park is primarily to serve science, culture, education, and recreation, while tourism activities have also been introduced for its visitors.
We recommend comfortable footwear and clothing.
The transfer, guide, lunch package, and entrance ticket to the national park are included in the price. -
The Kornati archipelago, composed of 150 deserted islands, is one of the most beautiful archipelago in the Mediterranean. The islands were declared a National Park because of the extraordinary beauty of the landscapes, interesting geomorphology and distinctive ecosystem. After this island-hopping excursion, you will leave the boat in a bay of paradise with a crystal-clear sea.
Transfer to/from the port, boat tour, guide, entry to the national park and lunch on board are included in the price.
For more information and bookings, please contact your LuxairTours guide on site.
