With the cities of Dubrovnik and Split fast filling up with tourists looking for cost-effective alternatives to the Greek Islands and Western Mediterranean, where can people go for a reasonably-priced, uncrowded, warm-weather escape?

Well, there’s a city in northern Croatia that serves as the gateway to the islands, with a range of national parks on its doorstep. The best part? Budget airlines fly there from all over the UK for a fraction of the cost of flights to Dubrovnik.

Zadar is the Croatian city that needs to be on your radar

Located on the northern coast of Croatia, Zadar is a city with serious historic and relaxation credentials. Not only does it have an incredible walled Old Town, filled with Roman and Venetian ruins, but it’s also a haven for people looking to island hop.

The Old Town is the hub of activity in Zadar. You’ll find incredible seafood restaurants, a labyrinth of side streets and alleyways, emerging to discover Roman pillars or sweeping views of the Adriatic Sea.

For the history lovers, head to the Church of St. Donatus, the Roman Forum, and the Five Wells Square. In these three sites alone, you can trace the history of Zadar from ancient times to the 9th century, all the way through to the 16th century.

On the far side of the Old Town, there’s an incredible attraction called the Sea Organ. At first glance, it simply looks like a set of steps heading towards the water, looking out across the islands. However, when the wind whips up, as it often does, the steps make music. Sit here a while and relax with a picturesque view, the sun on your face, listening to the sound of the water and wind through this unique installation.

Island hopping from Zadar

One of the best things about visiting Zadar is the fact that it’s the gateway to some of the most underrated islands in Croatia. While Hvar might have elite status and Pag is a foodie haven, the islands off the coast of Zadar have few crowds and plenty of natural beauty to explore.

Zadar has a range of local ferries connecting the mainland with islands like Ugljan, Pašman, and Dugi Otok, which are filled with stunning beaches, bright blue waters, cycling and hiking routes, and exciting landscapes. On the far side of Dugi Otok, you’ll find Telašćica Nature Park, a beautiful state park that brings together forests, beaches, and even vineyards in one idyllic package.

However, one of the most jaw-dropping places to visit from Zadar is the Kornati Islands National Park. Take an organised boat tour to reach this incredible collection of 89 islands and reefs, known for their stunning beauty. Here, you can kayak, dive, camp, and sail with ease. It’s a must-visit for any blue zone lovers.

Food and drink in Zadar

Being a coastal destination, the star of the Zadar food scene is the seafood. You’ll find incredible seafood dishes around every corner, from bowls of mussels to scallops to fish tacos to hearty pots of mixed seafood stews. I’ve had some of the best seafood of my life in Zadar, and in some of the most unsuspecting small konobas down small side streets.

When it comes to drinking, Zadar is situated just to the south of the Royal Vineyards of Petrčane. These incredible vines have been growing since the 11th century and have passed through families to Benedictine Monasteries, and have now been revitalised by the new owners who took over in 2009.

However, if you love boutique vineyards, head to Degarra Winery. It was around a 10-minute Uber from Zadar, with spectacular mountain views in the background, and you’ll be treated to an incredible wine tasting with local cheese and a charcuterie platter. This is a relatively new vineyard, but they have some of the most incredible wines, perfect for a warm evening in Zadar.

Getting There

You can get to Zadar directly from UK airports, predominantly flying with Ryanair. Ryanair flies seasonally to Zadar from Stansted, Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Leeds Bradford, and Bournemouth, and easyJet also flies there from London Gatwick.

From the airport, you can get a local bus or Uber to the main city of Zadar. This takes around 15-20 minutes. Ubers are very affordable here, and an easy way to get around outside of the city centre, which is otherwise extremely walkable.