Zadar County Essentials

Zadar County features a unique dialogue between ancient history and modern art. The city of Zadar is home to the Sea Organ’s wave-powered melodies and the solar-powered Greeting to the Sun. Significant historical sites include the 16th-century Land Gate and the Romanesque Cathedral of Saint Anastasia. Beyond the city, the region encompasses the white sands of Sakarun Beach on Dugi Otok, the 9th-century Church of the Holy Cross in Nin—the world’s smallest cathedral—and the dramatic karst cliffs of the Zrmanja River canyon.

Zadar County Essentials — Map

Andrej Šalov / CC BY-SA 3.0

A

Sea organ

The Sea organ is an architectural sound art object located in Zadar, Croatia and an experimental musical instrument, which plays music by…

LetećiVale / CC0

B

Greeting to the Sun

Monument to the Sun or The Greeting to the Sun is a monument in Zadar, Croatia dedicated to the Sun.

Silverije / CC BY-SA 3.0

C

Cathedral of Saint Anastasia

The Cathedral of St. Anastasia is the Roman Catholic cathedral of Zadar, Croatia, seat of the Archdiocese of Zadar, and the largest church…

Jenő Torday / CC BY-SA 4.0

D

Kopnena vrata

Built in 1543 by Venetian architect Michele Sanmicheli, this Renaissance gate served as the main entrance to Zadar. It features a triumphal arch decorated with the Lion of Saint Mark and the city's patron saint, Chrysogonus.

Isabelle Delval / CC-BY-SA

E

Five Wells Square

Constructed in 1574 above a large cistern to ensure a water supply during Ottoman sieges. The square features five stone wellheads lined up between the medieval city walls and the 16th-century Captain's Tower.

F

Long Island

Dugi Otok is part of Croatia and the seventh largest island in the Adriatic Sea. It is located off the Dalmatian coast, west of Zadar.

Greta Ceresini / CC BY 2.0

G

Saharun Beach

One of Croatia's best nightlife beaches where the party doesn't stop until the morning. Well-equipped with bars and other facilities.

Andrej Šalov / CC-BY-SA-3.0

H

Church of the Holy Cross

A 9th-century Pre-Romanesque church in Nin, often called the smallest cathedral in the world. Its specific window placement and orientation allow the building to function as a sundial and seasonal calendar.

I

Panorama Canyon

A viewpoint overlooking the Zrmanja River canyon, where emerald waters flow through deep karst cliffs. This dramatic landscape gained fame as a primary filming location for the 1960s Winnetou movie series.

Isabelle Delval / CC-BY-SA

J

Nin's Lagoon

The warm water in the secluded lagoon is simply fabulous. If you get bored by the sea, try a spa treatment with the local healing mud.

Croq / CC BY-SA 3.0

K

Church of St. Nicholas

The Church of St. Nicholas is a late 11th or early 12th century Pre-Romanesque style Roman Catholic church located in the field of Prahulje,…

Dragan Zeba / CC BY 3.0

L

Cerovačke Cave

A system of three different caves, well-known for the various animal and human remains found inside.

Other Lists

Hidden Gems of Zadar Historic Sites Historic Churches & Monasteries Beaches and Nature Caves and Pits Coastal Gems & Diving