Cheap Flights To Zadar

The captivating city of Zadar may be smaller than the more well-known Croatian destinations of Zagreb or Spilt, but it offers everything the holidaymaker wants. Whether you enjoy history, culture, nightlife or eating out, this city possesses everything in bounds. Located on a peninsula of Croatia's stunning Dalmatian coast, its excellent access to the Adriatic islands makes it a great base. Despite being the oldest continuously inhabited city in the country, it's possibly most progressive, with a vibrant music and arts scene. Having said that, the city's rich history can be experienced everywhere with a blend of Roman and Medieval features. Named the 2016 Best European Destination, it's time to head to Zadar before everyone else does -- maybe for the Hideout dance music festival or at Christmas time to experience the cosy markets.

Things To Do

Zadar is a truly special destination -- one which appeals to all manners of holidaymakers who want to party, learn about the city's heritage or explore the natural wonders of the region.

• Eclectic Architecture in the Old Town
  With a history that spans thousands of years, it's little wonder that there is so much amazing, and eclectic, architecture. This includes the columns from a Roman forum, the city walls and gate from Venetian rule and a 9th-century Byzantine-style church St Donat's. All of these are found in the hotchpotch Old Town, which is both quieter and more surprising than those of Zagreb or Dubrovnik.

• Monument to the Sun and the Sea Organ
  These two unique features of Zadar's waterfront are both fairly new additions to the city's list of attractions but have become two of the reasons holidaymakers are returning. The Monument to the Sun is a 22-metre solar powered disc which lights up underneath you as you dance upon it. The adjacent Sea Organ is even more inventive: underneath this lit-up floor is a series of underwater pipes which play enchanting music as the sea waves ebb in and out of them.

• Island Hopping
  The location of this city makes it perfect for exploring the stunning islands dotted up and down the coastline. From Zadar, ferries come and go to a large number of Croatian islands including the pine-forested (and part-National Park) Dugi Otak, an island which is also home to the whitest beach in the country, Saharun.

Calendar Of Events

Zadar is well known for being the gateway to a number of music events including classical and dance. However, the traditional Christmas Market adds something a bit different to the city's annual calendar of festivities.

• Hideout Festival: This is one of Croatia's biggest and most well-known dance festival and is held in late June. The trendy Hideout Festival takes place on the island of Pag, which is an hours' boat ride from the city port.

• Musical Evenings in St Donat's. Running from mid-July to mid-August, this musical event takes place in the 9th-century St Donat's church as well as the Roman Forum and St Anastasia's Cathedral -- it has done for over fifty years. The event consists of a series of classical concerts during the summer evenings.

• Christmas Market: It's not just the German's who can put on a fabulous Christmas Market; the one at Zadar is hugely popular. Running for the whole of Advent from early December to the first week of January, this atmospheric event is a great chance to sample many local foods and drinks.